Kids’ Shoes with Wide Toe Box – The Best Shoes for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet!

April 18, 2023 Shoes with Round Toe-Box Juan Pablo Valenzuela 10 - Comments

Are you having a hard time finding a pair of shoes to accommodate the shape of your child’s wide feet? Have you noticed red marks or indentations on the top of your kids’ feet (instep) or have you noticed your kids’ toes overlapping one another? I am going to show you a list of the best kids’ shoes with wide toe box based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

A shoe with a wide toe-box simply implies that the shoe has more of a round shape in the front rather than a pointy one. The wide toe-box ensures that there is an appropriate space for the growth and development of your children’s toes.

When children are not able to move their toes freely inside the shoes, the toes can get cramped against each other and that constant friction can lead to blisters, calluses, and corns. The most common reason why these issues arise is from wearing shoes that are too narrow, so let’s keep your kids’ feet healthy by providing them with shoes that fit properly.

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, you can go straight to the selection of the best kids shoes with wide toe boxes.

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Wide Feet?

Parents need to keep in mind that shoes are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW). However, one of the most common mistakes that I see parents make is to assume that once they find a shoe that is labeled as wide (W) or extra wide (XW), that shoe will automatically fit the shape of their kids’ wide feet. There are actually 2 other key features that your kids’ shoes must provide:

1️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes:  The front part of the shoe (the toe-box), can be either rounded or pointy, and this directly affects how the shoe fits the shape of your child’s feet. Take a look at the image to visualize the difference between a shoe with a rounder toe-box versus one with a pointier toe-box. These shoes are the same length and width.

shoes-with-round-toe-boxes-for-kids-with-flat-feet

Do you notice how the New Balance shoe (right image) has a much rounder toe-box compared to the Saucony one (left image)

2️⃣ Extra Depth: Deeper shoes allow the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevent the top part of the child’s feet (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.

Therefore, you might choose a shoe in a wide width (W) assuming that it will fit the shape of your child’s wide feet, but if the shoe has a pointy toe-box it might end up pinching your kids’ toes.

Certain shoe brands tend to be more consistent in making good-quality shoes for children with wide or extra wide feet. I have noticed that New Balance makes the best shoes for children with wide or extra wide feet, as it manufactures deeper shoes with the roundest toe-boxes.

Before I provide you with a selection of the best kids’ shoes with a wide toe box, I want to first make sure that you know your child’s exact foot size. If you are going to buy your kids’ shoes online, you need to be 100% sure of your child’s foot size.

Start by taking a look at a resource I created where I describe the best children’s shoe stores by state.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a good fitting kids’ shoe store in your area, then take a look at an article I wrote where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size.

I only review shoes that I have fitted before, as that is the only way for me to tell the amount of support that the shoes provide, the materials the shoes are made of,  and how they fit. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best kids’ shoes with wide toe-box. 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 with Wide Toe Box 

The shoes below provide the roundest toe-boxes and will fit the shape of a child with medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet. These shoes can also fit the shape of children with high insteps.

Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)

  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • No-sew overlays
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)

  • Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
  • Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Russell by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run on Zappos
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi on Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Axon by Saucony on Zappos
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioned footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12 by Amazon
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance on Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 327 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style FuelCell Propel v5 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
  • Leather and suede upper
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance on the New Balance website
  • 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
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

I have fitted all of these shoe styles before and I can tell you that they provide excellent support and they are lightweight and flexible at the same time. I can also tell you that these shoes are extremely durable, and your child will outgrow them before they wear them out.

What Is the Best Shoe Brand for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet?

New Balance kids’ shoes come with the roundest, widest toe-boxes, making them the most comfortable and best-fitting shoes for children with wide or extra wide feet. Every time a child comes to the shoe store with wide or extra wide feet – or needs a pair of orthotics to be fitted inside the shoes, I always fit them in a pair of New Balance shoes.

I always explain to parents that allowing their children to wear shoes without socks can create several foot issues. Socks act as a barrier between the feet and the shoes, and prevent the buildup of bacteria inside the shoes.

Let’s Keep Your Kids’ Feet Healthy – Don’t Forget About the Socks!

Certain children feel every bump and lump as soon as they put their socks on. The good news is that I have the solution to stop the fussing! Have you ever heard of seamless socks? Parents call them “miracle socks” since they truly make a difference in the way the socks feel.

Another important advantage of seamless socks is that they help prevent your kids’ toes from overlapping each other, which is really important especially if your child has wide or extra wide feet. You can see a selection of the best seamless socks for kids in another article.

Do you happen to need a pair of shoes with a round toe-box for yourself? There is a different website that describes the best women’s shoes with a wide toe box.

Additional Shoe Options

Do not hesitate to contact me directly via email if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My email address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Have you found a particular shoe style that has worked well for your child’s wide feet? Please share your findings below so other families can benefit from your experiences.