Best Shoes for Kids with Extra Wide Feet – Extra Depth and Round Toe Boxes
Last updated: June 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
If your child has extra wide feet, you already know how frustrating shoe shopping can be. Most mainstream shoe brands design their children’s shoes for medium-width feet — which means children with extra wide feet are often forced into shoes that compress their toes, leave red marks on the sides of their feet, and are nearly impossible to get on and off.
As a certified children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I have helped hundreds of families with children with extra wide feet find shoes that actually fit. In this guide I will explain exactly what to look for, which brands work best, and give you my top recommendations for extra wide kids’ shoes that I personally recommend.
Real Images of Kids with Extra Wide Feet (I Helped Them Find Shoes)
Below are real images shared by parents of children with extra wide feet who reached out to me for help finding just one pair of shoes that truly fit. I’m sharing these examples to reassure you—no matter how wide your child’s feet are, there’s a pair out there that will provide comfort, support, and the perfect fit.
One of the most common questions I get from parents is: “Will my child’s feet always be extra wide?” The honest answer is: it depends on the child. Many children’s feet gradually slim down as they grow and their baby fat dissipates. However, for some children, extra wide feet are simply part of their natural foot structure and may continue into adulthood.
What matters most at every stage is making sure their shoes fit correctly right now — not waiting to see if the feet slim down.
The Most Common Mistake Parents Make
The most common mistake I see is parents buying longer shoes to compensate for width — thinking a bigger size will be easier to get on. This creates new problems: oversized shoes cause tripping and falls, wear out faster due to excessive creasing at the front, and still do not accommodate the width correctly.
The solution is not going up in size. It is finding shoes that are specifically wider and deeper in your child’s correct size.
3 Key Features to Look for in Extra Wide Kids’ Shoes
Not all wide shoes are created equal. Here are the three features I look for in every extra wide shoe I recommend:
How to Tell If Your Child’s Shoes Are Too Narrow
Not sure if your current shoes are too narrow? Here are the signs to watch for:
- Red marks or indentations on the sides or tops of the feet after removing shoes
- The pinky toe pressing visibly against the side of the shoe — sometimes creating a bump you can see from outside
- Significant effort to get the shoe on even in the correct length size
- Blisters or calluses developing on the sides of the toes
- Toes overlapping inside the shoe
Any of these signs means the shoe is too narrow for your child’s foot — regardless of the size label.
What Happens If You Keep Your Child in Shoes That Are Too Narrow?
Consistently wearing shoes that are too narrow can cause:
- Blisters and calluses on the pinky toe and sides of the forefoot
- Ingrown toenails
- Hammertoe deformity over time
- Corns — which start as red, irritated skin that thickens into a hard, painful bump on the side of the little toe
- Aching feet and reluctance to walk or stay active
This is why getting the right width is not just about comfort — it is about protecting your child’s long-term foot health.
Does Your Child Have a High Instep?
High insteps can restrict the type of shoes suitable due to their need for additional space above the foot.
The Best Shoe Brand for Kids with Extra Wide Feet
New Balance is my top overall recommendation for children with extra wide feet — and it is not close. New Balance offers true extra wide (XW) widths across toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, has the deepest construction of any mainstream children’s shoe brand, and tends to have the most consistent sizing between styles. If your child has extra wide feet and a high instep, New Balance is almost always my first recommendation.
Other brands worth knowing:
- Stride Rite — offers extra wide widths in many toddler and little kid styles, APMA-approved
- See Kai Run — does not label shoes as extra wide but fits naturally wide due to generous construction
- IKIKI — affordable option that fits naturally wide with oversized openings
- Billy Footwear — unique zipper closure makes them one of the easiest extra wide shoes to get on and off
Brands to avoid for extra wide feet: Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and most mainstream athletic brands. These are designed for medium-width feet and will not accommodate extra wide feet comfortably.
Top Sneakers for Kids with Extra Wide Feet
All of the styles below are available in true extra wide (XW) widths or fit naturally extra wide. Each listing includes sizing tips. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces
The deepest and widest shoe in New Balance’s children’s lineup — and my number one recommendation for children with extra wide feet and high insteps. If you have tried everything else and nothing has worked, this is the shoe to try. The 990v6 has the roundest toe box and deepest construction of any mainstream children’s shoe I have tested.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run
Despite not being labeled as extra wide, the Dean Adapt II fits naturally wide due to its generous construction. The extra-long straps and extra depth allow the child’s foot to sit deeply inside the shoe, and the lightweight design makes it a great everyday option for active toddlers.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Extra-long straps for easy on and off
- Lightweight construction
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
A stylish Mary Jane style available in extra wide widths — one of the very few dress-casual options on this list. Parents love this style because it works for both everyday wear and dressier occasions while still accommodating extra wide feet. Available in extra wide widths with the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Ikiki Shoes
IKIKI shoes are an affordable favorite among parents of children with extra wide feet. Despite not being labeled as extra wide, their generous construction and oversized opening make them one of the easiest shoes to get on children with wide, thick feet. The squeaking feature that can be switched on or off is a bonus that toddlers love.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Wide opening for easy on and off
- Synthetic vegan leather upper
- Squeaks can be turned on or off with a switch
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
Part of Stride Rite’s adaptable line, the Journey 3.0 Adapt features extra-long Velcro straps designed specifically for wider feet and higher insteps. Available in extra wide widths and APMA-approved.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order on or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Extra-long Velcro straps for wider feet and higher insteps
- APMA-approved
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
My Top Standout Recommendation: Billy Shoe in Extra Wide Width
My standout recommendation for families who need an extra wide shoe that is extremely easy to get on and off. Billy Footwear’s unique zipper closure allows the shoe to open completely flat — making it one of the most practical options for children with extra wide feet, high insteps, or children who wear AFOs and SMOs. Available in extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order on or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Unique zipper closure opens shoe completely flat for easiest possible on and off
- Leather upper
- Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
What About Socks?
The right shoes will not work as well as they should if your child is wearing the wrong socks. Socks with thick seams across the toe area can cause the toes to overlap or rub against each other — especially problematic for children with extra wide feet. I recommend seamless socks specifically designed for children. Here are my top sock recommendations for kids with wide feet.
Watch My YouTube Guide on Extra Wide Shoes for Kids
Finding the right shoes for extra wide feet can feel overwhelming — but seeing the key features in action makes it much easier. In this video I break down exactly what to look for so you can shop with confidence.
Additional Resources for Extra Wide Feet
Looking for extra wide options beyond sneakers? Here are my dedicated guides for other shoe styles:
Best Sneakers for Toddlers with Extra Wide Feet
Extra Wide Sandals for Toddlers
Extra Wide Dress Shoes for Kids
What Parents Are Saying
Parents who have used these recommendations consistently report that these are the first shoes their children have ever worn without daily struggles getting them on — and the first shoes that have not left red marks at the end of the day.
How to Find the Right Shoe Size Online
Getting the correct shoe size is just as important as choosing the correct width. A shoe in the right width but wrong length will still cause problems. I offer a free virtual shoe fitting service that helps you determine your child’s exact foot length and width from home.
Learn How to Measure Your Child’s Foot Here
Need a Personalized Recommendation?
Every child’s foot is different. If you are unsure which shoe is right for your child’s specific foot shape, condition, or orthotic needs, reach out to me directly at customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com and I will provide a personalized recommendation at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Balance is my top recommendation by a significant margin. They offer true extra wide (XW) widths across toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, have the deepest construction of any mainstream brand, and have the most consistent sizing. The 990v6 is the deepest and widest style in their lineup.
Wide (W) shoes are one width increment wider than medium (M). Extra wide (XW) shoes are two width increments wider than medium — they are significantly wider and deeper than standard wide shoes. Children with truly extra wide feet typically need XW, not just W.
Look for shoes labeled XW or 4E in the product listing. If a shoe is not labeled as extra wide, check reviews specifically from parents of children with wide or extra wide feet. The styles I recommend above have all been personally verified by me to accommodate extra wide feet.
Yes — and extra wide shoes are actually ideal for orthotic use because they have the depth needed to accommodate the device without needing to size up. Make sure the shoe has a removable insole.
Have a question about extra wide shoes or your child’s foot shape? Leave a comment below — I read and respond to every one.
Thank you! I moved to a very cold arwa and I’m looking for snow boots or hiking shoes for my daughter. She will be size 1 or 2 big kids (she is 6). I can’t even find wide regular boots for her… please help
Hello Mayana,
Take a look at the options below:
Option 1
Option 2: This See Kai Run boot is not labeled as wide or extra wide but fits really wide.
Option 3
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello,
I live in England, United Kingdom and shockingly extra wide shoes especially trainers for girls are pretty much impossible to come by. New Balance have lots of extra wide shoes but they simply do not stock them out side of the USA store. The only way we have found to order them is via mail forwarding companies such as myus.com. If your aware of a shoe company who is able to allow such international orders that would be much appreciated. Amazon.com on occasion have suppliers who dispatch internationally but that’s hit and miss. The extra wide shoes for adults 6E etc are also very much only available if you live in the USA. It seems to me a very underserved market, feet come in all shape and sizes i’m surprised no one appears to be serving this market.
Hello David,
I agree with you that children’s feet come in all different shapes and sizes, and there should be a larger number of companies that cater to children with wide or extra wide feet. I am not aware of other companies other than Amazon that might have New Balance or Saucony shoes in extra wide widths in stock.
Sometimes when I send specific shoe recommendations to parents of children with extra wide feet in the UK I find New Balance shoes on Amazon, but as you mentioned in your comment, it’s really a hit and miss.
I will let you know if I find new information on this subject.
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My 15 month old son needs a shoe with a very deep/tall/high, as well as wide toe box. I’m having lots of trouble finding high toe box, closed toe shoes. Please help.
Hi Tamar-
Please find below my recommendations:
Option 1
Option 2
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello! I was wondering if you have any reccomendations for extra wide super warm winter snow boots as well as fall booties? We live in Canada and our winters lately have gone as cold as -35. Need a pair for outdoor snow boots but also something for the car. We cirrently have xw stride rite in 7.5 and tsukihoshi, just for reference. Thank you in advance! Also just wondering what uou think about ecco – are they wide?
Hello Hannah,
What type of snow boot brands have you tried so far?
There is a particular snow boot made by Kamik that is available in wide widths. You should get your child the size 8 since snow boots don’t come in half sizes (both options are insulated and waterproof).
Snow Boots For Wide Feet – Option 1
Bogs tend to run pretty wide, have you tried Bogs for your child before?
Snow Boots For Wide Feet – Option 2
I am not familiar with Ecco since I have not been able to try that brand of shoes before.
I hope this helps!
What is the widest shoe style that you have fitted before? I need to fit a child that is a big boy size 3 and has an extra wide foot with a high instep. Please help!
Hello Claudia,
Does the child know how to tie his shoes, or does he prefer velcro sneakers?
Hi There,
Thank you for the article. I have a son that has XXW feet. The XW shoes that we have bought still hurt his toes and squish his feet. I have tried contacting a custom shoe store but have not heard back. do you know of any companies that make XXW for kids?? Thanks
Hello Ashley,
Which shoe style did you provide for your child that the “XW” wasn’t wide enough?
What shoe size does your child wear?
Please get back at me with those answers and I will be able to provide you with some recommendations that will fit the shape of your son’s feet.
We are in a rural area with little to no shopping options. I’m trying to find some summer shoes for my daughter (a water shoe for exploring the creek and going to the splash pad), and some sort of semi-open, lightweight, sandal or sporty summer sneaker. That’s probably confusing, but my daughter is autistic and thus can’t handle many styles of shoes (typical girls’ sandals with hard soles and strappy styles are a no go). I would love recommendations. She is a 7 wide.
Hello Rachel,
I have fitted several children with special needs before and like you mentioned in your comment, not all shoe styles will work for their feet. Have you tried the shoe brand Jambu before? They are very soft and they will fit a child with wide feet, my only concern is that the sole is not totally flat and some children don’t like how it feels. However, I will give those a try. You can learn more about them and see which styles I recommend in an article called:
Wide Sandals for Kids – The Must Have Summer Sandal for Kids with Wide Feet!
If those don’t work, I will recommend a pair of Keen sandals. You can find the best Keen sandals styles here:
Keen Sandals for Girls – The Most Supportive and Durable Summer Sandal for Your Girl!
Those are my two top shoe brand/styles recommendations. If I were you I will try both so you can compare which one fits her the best.
I hope this helps and follow up with me, I want to know if they work for your daughter or not. If they don’t work, I can definitely find something else but I would start there.
Hello,
I live in Baltimore, MD and have a 5 year old beautiful daughter. We struggle to find shoes that fit. All the shoes she wants is not her size and never wide enough. We went shopping for new dress shoes today and came home empty handed. She wants the flat ballet shoes. I’ve bought her a pair or two previously as a quick fix, but her feet lead outward so it looks almost as if she doesn’t have on a shoe. I need a shoe that it deep and wide so her foot does “spill” over the side of the shoe. PLEASE HELP!!!
Hello Calandra,
We have customers that come to the shoe store I used to work from Baltimore. The shoe store is located in Potomac, Maryland and it’s called Shoe Train. If you can take your daughter there it will be ideal since ballet flats are really hard to fit. I am sure you will walk out with a pair of shows that FIT the shape of her feet. If you can’t come let me know and I will email you couple of options that you can find online.
Hello,
My daughter has wide feet as well. She’s one and have already out grown her size 4(just bought too haha). I’ve been looking everywhere for size 5w, but seems to be none in existence, or even a size up with how she’s growing. One thing I have noticed when I take her shoes off, are imprints of her shoes on the top of her foot. Her feet also get really sweaty. I feel like wide shoes are still too small and her feet get so hot. Do you have any suggestions as to how to combat these problems?
Thank you for your time and help.
Hello Holly,
I think the shoes are either not wide enough for her feet or she has a high instep and you need deeper shoes. There should never be imprints of the shoes in her feet. My suggestion is to try an extra wide shoe instead of a wide one and a style that is deeper.
Here is my first recommendation: Shoes for Girls with Extra Wide Feet
Here is my second recommendation (in this style the “wide” fits like an “extra wide”): Shoes for Girls with Extra Wide Feet
I hope this helps!
My daughter is 2 and the only shoes we have found that fit her are New Balance Extra Wide and BOGS. The following shoes we have purchased and had to return in the last 2 months: stride Rite, Saucony, Plae. I’ve tried Crocs, TOMS and Skechers in store with no luck as well. SeeKaiRun told us my daughters feet will most likely not fit their shoes.
For the sake of it here are my daughters foot measurements: 6.5 inches long, 3.5 inches at the widest point. Her foot is thick from bottom to top as well.
Right now she is growing out of her New Balance 8xw.
Please help me find some more shoe options for my daughter!!
Katie,
Sometimes when children have really wide feet there are only certain shoe brands/shoe styles that will fit the shape of their feet.Have you tried the shoe brand Tsukihoshi for your daughter? I have found that some of their styles will fit a child with extra wide feet.
Hi, My child has wide feet. size 4w. but making her way pretty quickly to a 5.
I’m trying to find her boots that will fit.
Any suggestions on brands to try? Thanks.
Hello Meg,
What type of boot are you looking for her? I have a couple of suggestions but I would like to know if you are looking for a fashion, winter, or hiking boot? Please be more specific so I can help you better!
I would suggest BOGS! My daughter wears an 8XW
I really wish that parents would take their children’s feet more seriously. Thank you for this article and I hope that people find this useful. As for myself, because my mom wouldn’t listen to me when I told her my feet hurt or ached, or that the shoes were too tight, I developed bunions. It has made it even more frustrating to find shoes that fit as an adult and one of the things that frightens me to even have children is not wanting them to grow up with foot problems like myself. Especially since majority of insurance companies won’t cover the costs of repair for damaged feet (even something simple like an ingrown nail).
Mori,
My goal is to inform parents in the importance of providing their children with the correct pair of shoes. The right pair of shoes and the correct shoe size will not only keep your kids feet comfortable, but it will also prevent foot issues such as blsiters, calluses and corns. Also, if the shoes are not fitted properly they can be a direct cause for foot injuries. I know you are aware of all this, so now you can help me spread the word!
My daughter who is just 4 years old has not just wide ot extra wide feet. She is in a size 1 EEE!! Yes that is a size 1 Triple E! Please I welcome anyone to help me find a shoe that will fit her. I don’t care if they are purple with a paper sack glued on. So I am yes one of those moms who is saying there are no shoes to fit my child. Not even ugly ones.
Hello Elicta,
Have you tried the New Balance brand for your child? Here in the US shoes for kids are labeled as wide or extra wide. There is definitely a pair of shoes that will fit your child’s foot. For example, take a look at the New Balance shoe below:
New Balance Extra Wide Shoes for Girls
That particular color might not be available in a size 1 extra wide but the other two are. You should definitely try that shoe and I hope it works out! You should also check a post I wrote about how shoe stretchers might help a child that has a really wide foot. You can find that post here:
Do Shoe Stretchers Work? – The Solution To Kids With Wide And Extra Wide Feet
We have tried everything. She was measured at the shoe store, they are using the Brannock Device. Both her feet are not only hanging over the device, but are on the floor…both sides of her feet. I never seen anything like it before in my life. And apparently neither did the shoe salesmans. I am definitely aware about the wide and extra wide shoes. But she is a 1EEE here in America. New Balance was the shoe that used to work but not anymore. She is just a huge 4 year old. She just turned 4 and she is already 3′ 11″ inches tall. Just measured this past Friday. The only pair of shoes that I found that fits her well.. are Bear Paw boots and Uggs. Other than that no such luck. Her occupational therapist has been helping us with the search also.
It’s great that those boot styles work for her feet, but what do you do for when she needs a shoe for gym class or activities that require high intense running and jumping? Children are not supposed to run around and play in boots all day. I know you told me you can’t seem to find everyday sneakers for her, but we must keep looking. Have you tried a shoe stretcher to stretch the shoes? This works well and it does help, and might be worth trying. I wrote a post where I talk about shoe stretchers and how they can help children with wide and extra wide feet. You can find that post here:
Do Shoe Stretchers Work? – The Solution To Kids With Wide And Extra Wide Feet
Elicta,
Also take a look at this post I wrote where I describe the widest shoes for girls!
Extra Wide Shoes for Girls – The Best Shoe Style for Girls with Extra Wide Feet!
Hi. My son has down syndrome. He is 16 weighs about 135 lbs. He wears a lids size 12 and his foot is 7″heel to toe and 3 1/2 “wide. With no arch. Please,help
Hello Marcy,
Thank you for stopping by. Please correct me if I am wrong but you are saying that your child needs a shoe size 12 in men sizes correct? I also would like to know if he has pronated feet.
Below you can find two of the most supportive styles that come in the right width (I will recommend ordering him the extra wide width).
The Most Supportive Shoes for Kids in Men’s Shoe Sizes: 1st Choice
The Most Supportive Shoes for Kids in Men’s Shoe Sizes 2nd Choice
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Being an achondroplasia dwarf is tuff. But being a achon with extra wide, short, kids sized feet with birth deformity feet problems is un-real. Recently the company where I had been purchasing my shoes from stopped making the one and only shoe I could wear without warning. I live in the south and for me sandals are out of the question because of the foot abnormalities. Walking in a sandal is like walking on a tight rope. You never know when you’re going to fall and hurt yourself or worse, hurt someone else. My shoe size is Little Kid 1 – EEEE or EEEEE…or even wider if they have it. I have searched the world over. To find a shoe the size, width, and with the comfort and support needed to hold both feet in place is the worse possible nightmare ever. If some of you know something, someone, or can share some knowledge beyond what I have searched, it sure would be appreciated.
Hello Sandra,
It must be frustrating to not being able to find a particular shoe such as a summer sandal because it doesn’t come in the right width. I wrote a post where I describe the best sandals for wide feet. Have you heard of Jambu sandals? Here is a link to the post:
Wide Sandals for Kids – The Must Have Summer Sandals for Kids with Extra Wide Feet!
I too have search the world over and over just for a size 1EEE.. can’t find them. I am convinced they don’t make them.
Hi there! Just my two cents….I have a son who has wide feet both side to side AND up and down so a real pain to fit! He’s also autistic and hates having his feet touched..yay! I found that Adidas shoes fit really well when he was a toddler but after that it was quite the challenge to find something easy to put on, opens up wide, extra…..the only brand I found that fits all the categories so far was Tsukihoshi. They’re lightweight, flexible, wider than Stride Rite, New Balance or any of the other “extra wide” shoes. You can even wash them. This is their website. http://www.tsukihoshi.com. The only problem I’m having now is that he doesn’t seem to like the feel of shoe rubbing on his heel and always slips the back off. Sigh. Here comes the next journey!
Hello Bev,
We carry this shoe brand at the shoe store that I work for, and you are right, they do fit very wide and they are soft and flexible too! I believe you might be getting your child shoes that are too long, that’s why his heels keep coming out of the shoe when he walks. Remember that these shoes run really wide but also really long! I am not sure they are wider than a New Balance shoe style in an extra wide, but I am glad it has worked for your child!
Need help finding extra wide shoes for my son
Hello Crystal,
I describe them in this post. Maybe you can’t see them because you are using an ad blocker. Make sure you disable your ad blocker to see the best selection of extra wide shoes for kids.
Your articles are super helpful- thank you! We just moved away from an amazing local store that had every size possible for kids shoes, and now need to order online.
My son is a 13 XW (4 years old) and really wants flip flops “just like mommy.” I know they’re not great shoes for little ones, but I’d like to get him a pair for going to the pool. He had Jambu sandals last summer, and I’ll get him another pair this year.
Do you recommend any flip flops for xw feet? Thank you!
Hello Stephanie,
You are going to miss not being able to take your kids’ to the shoe store. I actually just wrote an article about the best flip flops for kids’.I describe the most supportive and better-made flip flops for kids’, but even if he is wearing the more substantial flip flops, you shouldn’t allow him to wear them for more than 5 hours a day. I also describe the styles that will fit a child with a wide or an extra wide foot. You can find that post here:
Flip Flops for Kids – The Best Styles for Your Kids’ Feet!
Hi, thanks for your site, very helpful info! Do you have a recommendation for men’s shoes for an 11 year old boy with wide feet that is now in mens’ sizes? Are mens’ shoes wider in general, or should we still order wides? (He notices that the heels are wider, but toe box is too narrow in Nikes). Saucconys in wide are what we mostly ordered when he was in kid sizes. Thanks!
Michelle,
You should still order wide width shoes, which in men’s it translates to 2EE. I will recommend three brands for your child, New Balance, Saucony, and Asics. I wish you would have told me what shoe size length he wears to give you more specific information. If you get back at me with that information, I can provide you with a list of shoes that will fit his foot. In the meantime, take a look at this post I wrote: How to Tie Shoes with Orthotics – Stop Heel Slippage That way of tying the shoes is not only effective for children who wear orthotics, but for anybody who wants to have the heel of the foot more secure.
hi..
do you know where I can buy extra wide SOCKS for my son….He is 4 years old , takes a size 13-1 shoe and has wide calves.
thanx!
Hello Marianne,
They don’t make any extra wide socks for children. I tend to fit children with wide feet in seamless, stretchy socks. Jeffrey’s is the brand that works the best in my experience. Here is a link to it: Seamless and Stretchy Socks for Kids The right size for your son will be small (it will fit a shoe size 9-1)
Keep me posted!
Do you have any recommendations/reviews of preschooler-sized shoes in wide widths that cost less than $30 for something that will be worn only a matter of months before being outgrown? I’ve found some great shoe options, but the prices are absolutely ridiculous given the small amount of materials involved and the short time of wearability.
Hello JC,
Here is my first recommendation of an everyday sneaker with great lateral support. You might find the previous version of this shoe style for $30 or less:
Baby Ride
The shoe style below is around the price range that you mention:
Saucony Jazz
Let me know if this helps, and thank you for stopping by!
Hi. Very informative article. Have wide feet myself so I learned something myself, even tho it was meant for kids 🙂
Keep up the good work!
I am glad you found the post informative Helen.
Very informative article about children with wide feet. It seems incredible to me that shoes are so difficult to find for such kids. What is the link for your review page?
Nancy,
If you need specific shoe recommendations I suggest that you email me with your child’s exact foot shape and also let me know the country that you are contacting me from so I can check what specific shoes you might be able to order: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Hi Juan,
I have wide feet as wells and I find the most difficulty with cowboy boots not fitting comfortably. I also have bad knees with no cartilage in them so that adds to my pain. Do you recommend any particular brand or type of cowboy boot in a size 12 wide?
Thank You Juan for your time and communication,
Tony
Tony,
Most cowboys boots have a very pointy toe-box and they tend to run in the narrow side. There are styles that definitely come in the wide width, but please remember this does not mean that it will actually be wide enough. I will provide you with a link for those particular styles shortly.
Great information. Wide feet runs in our family so the information you gave will really help us. Thanx.
I am glad that you found the post informative.
Great Info! My son has really wide feet. This was really helpful for me. It’s always been a nightmare to go shoe shopping. Thanks!
Lori,
Hopefully after reading this post you are more informed about what to look after when it comes to fitting your child feet. Be extra careful in shopping for shoes,try to take him/her to a fitting store.
Hi Juan, You’re site is very helpful. I’m glad you’re letting people know how important it is to start early by taking good care of their children’s feet and finding someone who can show them the way to do this. When I was a child, we had to wear our shoes until our toes were pushing out of the ends, because we were poor. Now I have several problems with my feet as an adult and I always wear a wide runner that has arch support and a good quality shoe. However I can’t wait to get my shoes off because my feet always hurt. I had a cast imprint done on both and wore orthotics’ for 8 months, but they hurt too much. I don’t think we realize how long we have to use our puppies and don’t always take good care of our feet. Your site is very attractive and it was easy to find my way around. I’m glad I stopped by. Keep smiling, Sharon:)
Sharon,
I am so glad that you found the website helpful, but at the same time it worries me to read that your feet still hurt. The fact that those particular orthotics did not work for you does not mean that there is not a solution out there. It will be hard for me to give you advise without looking at your feet, but I will recommend trying a softer orthotic, maybe a step down from what you have.
I’ve been one of those that has had super-wide feet! I know so well the struggle of finding shoes that fit or don’t wear through the sides within the first few months! Fortunately, I never experienced the issues that can come along with it. I have had to deal with a couple of ingrown toenails, but that was mostly from poor grooming habits! I found a good brand to wear (NB) and stuck with them. Once you find the “shoe that fits”… wear it!
Good topic and a great site!
Leland,
New Balance is indeed a great brand for wide feet. I believe it is the number one brand for wide feet. I am glad you found a pair of shoes that fit. Thank you for stopping by.
Both my kids have wide feet. My daughter especially when she was younger. Her foot was wide and high so even if the shoe was wide enough I still couldn’t get her foot in!
I struggled to find nice shoes that fitted well when they were younger but it is getting a little easier now.
Lynne,
I believe that when you say that her foot was high you are referring to as her having a high instep. Some people believe only children with “thick feet” require a wide width shoe. Children with feet that are not thick but have a high instep do still require a wide width shoe.
You should have gotten your daughter a wide shoe that also had a deep end so her foot can easily get in the shoe.
Thank you for bringing this up, and if you ever have a hard time finding shoes please contact me.
Hi there,
My son has wide feet amd high instep. Do you have any recommendations for sneakers? He is 2 years old. Thank you!
Hello Priscila,
Yes, there is a particular shoe that is deep and comes in wide or extra wide widths. Remember that when someone has a high instep the shoe must not only be wide, but also deep for the foot to sit comfortably inside the shoe. In the resource below you can find the best shoe styles for children with wide feet and high insteps:
Best Shoes for Wide Feet
I’ve always had wide feet, and I never knew that the calluses I developed as a result of wearing shoes too small were referred to as corns. I always wondered what those were. I’ll be sure to be cautious with my children, as I know at least one of them has my feet. Although, my husband’s feet are fairly wide as well, so maybe they’re just doomed! 🙂
Sonja,
When it comes to wide feet genetics always play a key role.. Corns are very hard to get rid of, so we must try to avoid getting them.All we need is the right shoe size, so please make sure you get your children fitted for shoes.
Hi – some great advice here. My almost 12 year old daughter gets her shoes made by the hospital. Due to her medical condition she has small feet uk 9, that are past the widest I can source, that are very flat and deep. She has an occasion this year, which means the others in her class will wear sparkly pumps or sandals. She will be wearing the medical shoes as she has no other choices. I would love to find a wee sparkly pair for big day. Any help or direction would be appreciated
Hello Toni,
Unfortunately, I am limited to access a full selection of children’s shoes in the UK. With that said, I found this shoe made by Stride Rite that is adaptable and available in extra wide widths: Stride Rite Mary Jane (it’s not available in a size 9 but you might be able to find it in another online retailer).
I also found this Mary Jane which is not as sparkly but it’s available in extra wide widths: Claire by Stride Rite
I truly believe that you have expressed what others have felt and have answered questions that need to be answered I myself have extra wide feet and can really understand the reason to make sure you find the right size of shoe and I think this website will help a lot of people find the proper shoe and remedies to ease the pain narrow shoes can bring
David,
I am glad you found the website helpful. As you may know having extra wide feet brings along many complications if shoes are not fitted properly.Thank you for stopping by my webpage.