Kids’ Shoes for Extra Wide Feet – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes

Do you have a child with very wide feet (extra wide) and can’t seem to find a single pair of shoes that are wide enough? Is the top part of your kids’ feet really high and you are always struggling to get your kids’ shoes on and off? The struggle is real: you want something stylish and comfortable, but many options simply don’t cut it. The best kids’ shoes for extra wide feet provide rounded toe-boxes and extra depth for easy on and off, and they should also be available in extra wide widths.

Help! – My Kids’ Feet Look Like Frying Pans!

When parents find out that their children have extra wide feet they tend to ask me this question: Are my child’s feet always going to stay extra wide? My answer is: It depends on each child. In most cases, the child’s feet tend to narrow down as they get older, but in certain cases, children keep their extra wide feet for the rest of their lives.

Most Frequent Mistakes and Misconceptions

One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make when trying to find shoes for their children with extra wide feet is assuming that once they find a shoe style that is labeled as extra wide (XW), that shoe will automatically fit the shape of their child’s extra wide feet. In addition to finding a shoe style that is available in extra wide, your kids’ shoes must provide two other features which are rounded toe-boxes and extra depth.

Best Shoes for Kids with Extra Wide Feet – 3 Key Features

1️⃣ Extra Depth: Shoes that provide extra depth allow your child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes and prevent the top part of the feet and toes from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature also makes it easier to get the shoes on and off. Let’s visualize how a deeper shoe style looks like compared to a shoe with regular depth. Do you notice how much deeper the shoe on the right is compared to the shoe on the left?

2️⃣ Roomy Toe Box: This feature prevents the child’s toes from overlapping against one another or rubbing against the side of the shoes. Let’s visualize the difference in toe-boxes between two shoes that are the same size in length.

3️⃣ Oversized Openings: This feature is going to make it a lot easier to get your kids’ shoes on and off. Shoes with oversized openings are ideal for children who have high insteps.

Toddler shoes with double velcro straps and oversized openings for easy on and off.

Does Your Child Have a High Instep?

Do you happen to have a child that has extra wide feet and a high instep? The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high then it makes it so much harder to find shoes that fit. Take a look at the picture below that shows an example of the foot of a child with a high instep:

Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Extra Wide Feet

Specifically for toddlers and older children. I have found that New Balance makes some of the deepest shoes with the roundest toe-boxes, in addition to being labeled as extra wide. Their sizing is also pretty consistent between styles. Saucony and Stride Rite extra wide shoes are also good, but not as wide as New Balances. There is another shoe brand called See Kai Run and even though the shoes don’t come labeled as extra wide, they fit naturally wide.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best kids’ shoes for extra wide feet. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Top Sneakers for Extra Wide Feet – Extra Deep and Roomy Toe-Boxes

Below you can find a selection of the best kids’ sneakers that come with a round toe-box, provide extra depth, oversized openings, and are also available in extra wide widths (XW).

Understanding the Importance of Fit

When it comes to kids’ shoes, a proper fit is crucial. Shoes that are too tight can cause discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot issues. For children with extra wide feet, it’s important to find shoes that provide ample room in the toe box and throughout the width of the shoe. This allows their feet to move naturally and grow without restriction. I created a virtual fitting service where I describe the simplest and most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.

By the way, it’s important to get socks that don’t cramp or constrict toe movement. I have found certain socks that are seamless and breathable which will help allow your child to freely move their toes and prevent them from overlapping against one another.

How to Tell If Your Child’s Shoes Are Too Narrow?

There is a simple method you can follow to figure out if your child is wearing shoes that are too narrow. Put your child’s shoes on and check whether you notice a small bump on the side of the shoes. Take a look at the image below for visualization purposes:

That bump is the child’s little toe (pinky toe) being pressed against the side of the shoes.

Are Any Other Extra Wide Shoe Choices Available?

Whether you need an everyday pair of sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, hiking/snow boots, Mary Janes or sport shoes, I will help you find them. Please contact me directly if you are having trouble finding a particular shoe style for your child with extra wide feet:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Additional Resources for Children with Extra Wide Feet

In the meantime, I have created several resources for children with extra wide feet, and some of the most popular ones describe a list of sandals, boots, and dress shoes.

Stop Fitting Your Child in Shoes That Are Too Narrow – Here’s Why!

If your child is wearing shoes that are too small or too narrow, you are putting your child at risk of developing serious foot deformities such as bunions, corns, or blisters.

Child developed a blister on his small toe from wearing narrow shoes.

The most common problem I have seen is the development of corns. The hard corn usually starts as red skin, followed by a coating of callus, which develops into a hard corn. Most hard corns form on the side of the little toe —thus the importance of shoes coming with a round toe-box— but are also found in other places where there is steady pressure and abrasion.

The goal is to prevent the corn since they are hard to get rid of. The other main problems of providing your child with shoes that are too narrow are:

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Hammertoe
  • Aching feet

Do you happen to need a pair of extra wide shoes for yourself? I have also fitted several moms who came to the store with extra wide feet in deep shoes with round toe-boxes. I am familiar with which are the best shoe styles for women with extra wide feet, and you can learn which ones they are on a different website.