Kids’ Shoes for Extra Wide Feet – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes
Do you have a child with extra wide feet and are having the hardest time finding shoes that fit? Do you feel like you try a whole bunch of different shoes but you always end up empty-handed? Finding a pair of shoes for a child with extra wide feet can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience. I am going to show you a list of the best kids’ shoes for extra wide feet based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
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 width feet for the rest of their lives.
Most parents don’t realize that there are shoes for extra wide feet available. I have heard plenty of parents mistakenly say, “My child’s feet are too wide to wear dress shoes” or “My child’s feet are too wide to wear sandals”.
While it’s true that there may be limited shoe styles available, I want you to remember that there is always at least one shoe style out there that will fit the shape of your child’s extra wide feet perfectly, and I will help you find it.
Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, you can go straight to the selection of extra wide shoes for kids.
Images of Children with Extra Wide Feet
Most Common Mistakes Parents Make
One of the most common mistakes 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.
What Makes the Shoes that I Recommend Ideal for Children with Extra Wide Feet?
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 from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature prevents blisters by preventing the top part of your kids’ toes from rubbing against the top front part of the shoes. Let’s take a look at the difference between a shoe that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:
2️⃣ Rounder 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 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?
How are you supposed to find shoes that provide these two features if shoes don’t come labeled as “extra deep” or with “rounder toe-boxes”? There are only certain styles that provide these two features, but the good news is that I will help you find them.
If you provide your child with shoes that are too narrow, you can make your child more prone to developing blisters, calluses, and corns.
Wide feet in children are common. Over the years, I have seen hundreds of children who came into the store with extra wide feet and a high instep and I was always able to find the right pair of shoes for them.
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:
If you happen to have a child with extra wide feet and a high instep, then you must definitely find a shoe that is labeled as extra wide (XW), and that is also deep and comes with a round toe-box.
I only write reviews of shoe styles that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit.
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.
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Extra Wide Feet
Below you can find a selection of the best kids’ sneakers that come with a round toe-box, provide extra depth, and are also available in extra wide widths (XW).
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- Lightweight and flexible
- Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Long heel counter provides stability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 650
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Flash A/C 3.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- This shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 650 Bungee by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- Leather and mesh upper
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 327 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
I always recommend parents have their children’s feet properly measured at their local children’s shoe store, where a shoe fitter can find the perfect pair of shoes for your child. The issue is that most parents don’t have a local kids’ shoe store in their area, and they must end up purchasing their kids’ shoes online.
If you still can’t seem to find a store in your area, then proceed to read a virtual fitting service where I describe the simplest and most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
How to Tell If Your Kids’ Shoes Are Too Narrow? – Let’s Find Out!
There is a simple method you can follow to figure out if your child is wearing shoes that are too narrow. Have your child wear his/her 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.
Shoes for Kids with Extra Wide Feet – 5 Additional Features!
These are 5 additional features that the shoes I recommended provide:
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: This feature provides shock absorption and minimizes the impact that your kids’ feet and legs take every time they come in contact with the ground.
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This feature provides ankle support by cushioning your kids’ heels.
3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: The shoes must be supportive, but lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired.
4️⃣ Breathable: This feature prevents your kids’ feet from sweating too much.
5️⃣ Durable: Your children should always outgrow the shoes before they destroy them. Your kids’ shoes need to be made of durable materials.
Are Any Other 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:
Additional Resources for Children with Extra Wide Feet
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.
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 that came to the store with extra wide feet in deep shoes with a round toe-box. I am familiar with which are the best shoe styles for women with extra wide feet, and you can learn which ones they are in a different website.
Do you have a child that has extra wide feet? Are you having the hardest time finding a particular shoe style that fits? Certainly, contact me via e-mail or in the comments section if you have any questions.
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.
Hello there,
We’re interested in advertising on your site.
Could you please let me know what advertising options you offer?
Thanks for your time.
Erica Jones
Content Ambassador
FuelYourCo
+1 (601) 298-4431
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,
There are plenty of shoes that come in wide and extra wide widths. I believe that if a parent has their children in shows that are not wide enough is due to not being informed. Here is the link to my review page (there are different links depending on what age your child is):
Toddlers: 2nd-3rd-year
Older Children: 4th-13th-year
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.