Kids’ Shoes that Make You Taller – The Best Shoes That Add an Extra Inch!
While parents have tried different methods to make their kids taller, the most effective and inexpensive one is to provide their child with a pair of everyday sneakers that come with a higher platform. However, if you have recently purchased a pair of new shoes for your child then you can always try a pair of height increase insoles or heel lifts. Whether it’s to meet the height requirements for Disney World rides or simply to give your child a little extra confidence, height-increasing shoes can be a practical solution.
Two Most Common Reasons Kids Need to Look Taller
1. Being admitted on most of the rides in Disney World: Not being able to board some of the most fun roller coasters because the ride operator says you’re too small is upsetting to many kids. Sometimes, you will be allowed to ride with an adult, but in most cases, children won’t be able to get on the ride.
Disney World has height requirements for obvious safety reasons, but if your child can reach the height requirement by simply wearing different shoes, then the difference it’s very minuscule at best anyway.
2. Improve the child’s confidence: This is usually an issue when children are small, as they might feel insecure about their height.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
You should be mindful about how much taller you want your child to be, since one thing is trying to gain ½ an inch or 1 inch, and another very different thing is to try to gain several inches that might put your child at risk of falling. As long as you are trying to gain only 1 inch or less of height for your child, it should be safe and easy.
Are Height-Increasing Shoes Safe for Children?
Yes, height-increasing shoes are safe for children when chosen correctly. It’s important to select shoes that provide proper support and fit well to avoid any discomfort or foot problems. The shoes that I recommend provide a taller outsole which is ideal for children who need some extra height. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
I am going to show you a list of shoes that come with a higher platform that will help your child gain one extra inch. Height-increasing sneakers typically feature built-in lifts or thicker soles that discreetly add inches to a child’s height without compromising on style or comfort. 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 Sneakers That Add Extra Height
When selecting height-increasing sneakers for your child, it’s important to focus on features that offer both functionality and comfort. The shoes below come with a thicker outsole that will help your child add that extra height to get on the fun rides.
1. Shoe Style Karmen by Puma
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Karmen by Puma on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Platform Height: 1 3⁄4 in.
- Lace-up closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
2. Shoe Style Uno Gen 1 by Skechers
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Uno Gen 1 by Skechers on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® comfort insole.
- Lace-up closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
3. Shoe style Mega-Surge 2.0 by Skechers
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Mega Surge 2.0 on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Light-up shock-absorbing midsole.
- Athletic mesh and synthetic upper.
- Velcro closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size.
4. Shoe Style Glossy by Steve Madden
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Winston by Steve Madden on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Lightweight and flexible.
- Textile and synthetic lining and outsole.
- Laces closure with side zipper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
5. Shoe style Maggiee by Steve Madden
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Maggiee by Steve Madden on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Lightweight and flexible.
- Platform Height: 1 in.
- Round toe-box.
- Laces closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size bigger than your child’s current foot size.
6. Mega-Surge 2.0 by Skechers
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Mega-Surge 2.0 by Skechers on Amazon or Zappos.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- Shock-absorbing midsole.
- Velcro closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
7. Shoe Style Neo Willis by Michael Kors
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Neo Willis by Michael Kors on Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Wedge construction with a synthetic fabric upper.
- Lightly cushioned insole for supportive comfort.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size.
8. Shoe Style Move Glitter by Converse
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Move Glitter by Converse on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Platform heel.
- Foam underfoot cushioning.
- Lace-up closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size.
9. Shoe style by LUCKY STEP
Key Features
- Order this shoe by Lucky STEP on Amazon.
- Fits medium feet.
- Lightly cushioned foam padded footbed.
- Velcro closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
10. Hyperlift by Skechers
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Mega-Surge 2.0 by Skechers on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium feet.
- Cushioned comfort insole.
- Lace-up closure.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
While these shoes are going to help your child meet the height requirements needed for the fun rides, I would advise all parents to speak with their children to explain to them that there are height requirements for certain rides, and that it is important to comply with these requirements.
If they don’t, no big deal—they will be able to ride them on the next trip! This is important for your kids to not be extremely disappointed when they don’t get to experience a certain ride.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
As a dedicated shoe fitter, I am here to help families find the perfect pair of shoes for their children. If you have any questions or need specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and needs, please feel free to contact me via email:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that resource I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Will Height-Increasing Shoes Affect My Child’s Development?
Height-increasing shoes do not affect a child’s physical development. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the shoes are worn in moderation and alternated with regular footwear to prevent any potential issues.
What Can You Do if Your Child Already Has Sneakers?
While I will always feel more comfortable when parents provide their kids with a pair of sneakers to make them a little taller, in certain cases, parents already have shoes for their kids and don’t want to spend money on new shoes.
If you recently got your child a new pair of sneakers, you can always insert a heel lift to raise your child’s feet and gain that extra inch. The main advantage of providing your child with a pair of heel lifts is that you can easily know how much you are raising your kids’ feet since heel lifts come in different shapes and sizes. The other advantage is that you won’t have to buy your child another pair of sneakers.
- This heel lift is available in 3 different height levels: .75″, 1″, 1.5″
- Order this heel lift by Jota on Amazon
Can You Fit These Heel Lifts in Any Shoes?
You will likely need a pair of high-top shoes for these heel lifts to fit properly inside the shoes.
Height-increasing shoes can be a fantastic option for children who want to appear taller for specific activities or events. By choosing the right pair, you can provide your child with the added height they desire while ensuring comfort and support.
Are you going to Disney World soon and you are afraid that your child won’t get to experience most of the fun rides? Children grow relatively quickly, so don’t be surprised if, by the time you get to Disney, your child is already tall enough! Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
The rave shoes did not add any height, completely disappointed.
Hello Nia,
I am sorry to hear that. How much height are you trying to gain for your child? Maybe you should consider adding an extra insole.
Height not being an issue, what about the best shoes for summer at Disney World. Wondering to go with tennis shoes or sandals. Kids range from toddler to big kids.
Hi Brittany —
I suggest a pair of supportive and comfortable sandals that dry fast instead of sneakers, especially if your kids will be riding the water rides. Take a look at this article:
The Best Shoes for Disney World – Keep Your Kids Feet Happy!
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have your recommendations changed for shoe brands/models? Looking to add some height to my 5 year old girl 🙂 I don’t want anything super obvious, but adding an inch would be great!
Hi Ryan,
The recommendations did change as the shoe styles that I recommend in 2020 provide the same height increase but they are more supportive than the previous styles. The new shoe recommendations also allow you to insert an extra insole from any other pair of your daughter’s shoes in order to have more control of how much height you want to add. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Ah, so you keep them up to date? 🙂 Good man. Thank you so much. Might not hurt to add a date that you last updated the selection 😀
Hi Ryan –
Yes, I keep them up to date. That’s actually a great idea, thank you.
My granddaughter has Dwarfism. She’s very spunky but started 5th grade this week and soon to be in Middle School with much taller crowds. I’d like to help her be able to reach things that us average people can. Aside from the Kangaroo Shoes that bounce or the strap on prosthetic-type spring or stilt feet, I don’t know what to do for her. Anyone else contact you with this problem? THANKS! – Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
Yes, I have been contacted by parents with the exact same question. I actually will be publishing an article soon that will be covering shoes for children with dwarfism. We can add some height by using heel lifts but we don’t want to raise your kids’ feet too much since this might lead to tight muscles. What shoe size does your daughter wear? I also need to know your daughter’s foot width (narrow, medium, wide or extra wide).
Where is the list of shoes you recommend to add an extra inch? Nothing is listed under the passage, “Below you can find a selection of the best shoes that will make your child taller.”
So what brands aside from sketchers do you recommend? I only need to add 1 inch.
Hello Kim,
If you can’t see the shoe recommendations refresh your page or make sure you are not using an ad blocker.
These are the shoes I have fitted and I know will add that extra height. I don’t know about other children’s shoe styles that will add that extra inch.
I hope this helps.