Kids’ Shoes with Wide Toe Box – The Best Shoes for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet!
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.
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)
- 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
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: [email protected]
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.
Hello,
So glad to have found your site.
My son has a double digit on his pinky toe so therefore he has to have a wide toe boxed shoe. His heal is skinny. I loved the kids Altra shoes with wide toe boxes but they stopped making. Should I do a regular New Balance 574 or order wide and add the leather heal pad?
Hello Mary,
In order to help you to the best of my ability, I need the following information:
The shoe size your son wears
The country you are contacting me from to check what specific shoes you might be able to order
Whether you are willing to try shoes with laces or velcro closure
Please feel free to respond to this message or send me the information via email: [email protected]
Stride rite Wes sneaker has worked well for us because it has a wide toe. But they only have them in little kids sizes up to size 10 and my son is moving into a size 11 wide.
Hello Lauren,
Some similar models that can accommodate wide feet are listed below:
Option 1
Option 2 Available in wide widths
Option 3 Available in wide widths
What are the current New Balance extra wide kids shoes with a large toe bed? I have two grandchildren that were born with 6 toes, as a result they need the extra wide shoes. I have ordered the 680 v6 for my grandchildren but they seem to be in short supply. I was wondering if they are coming out with a newer model.
Hello Harriet,
The 990v5 and 574 both provide rounder toe-boxes and extra depth in addition to being available in wide (W) and extra wide widths (XW).
If you tell me your grandsons’ shoe sizes I am happy to help you find the shoes in the correct size.
Good Day,
My 12 yr old son is a soccer goalie & we have been told by podiatrist, if we do not find him proper cleats, he may not be able to play anymore. He wears 7.5 shoe size & is toe box is 4.25 inches wide. E5/6. It’s restricting his growth plates & cause him all kinds of problems from feet to posture to hip pain. He will be going to physical therapy & prosthetics are being made.
Can you PLEASE help? We have exhausted all options & he is heartbroken he may have to give up his dream.
Sincerely,
Desperate mom
Hi Christina,
I am sorry to hear this, but I am confidently we will figure this out. I have a soccer cleat in mind, but I think it’s important that we get the size right. So, I need to know whether your son has medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also need to know if your son has a high instep. If you can please follow the instructions on the article below so I can figure that out:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
You don’t need to send me your child’s length measurements if you are 100% sure that he needs a shoe size 7 1/2, but I strongly recommend that you do this so we don’t leave room for any mistakes.
The specific soccer cleat I have in mind is made by the shoe company Zephz. It provides extra depth, a rounder toe-box, and it’s available in wide widths:
Zephz Soccer Cleat
It’s important that we get your son’s foot size right, so I strongly suggest that you follow the instructions described in the article above before you order the shoes.
What if your child has a super wide foot in front but a narrow heel? Any recommendations!?
Hello Amy,
There are certain shoe styles that come with a wide toe-box and a narrow heel. In order to provide you better advice I will need to know your child’s shoe size. If your child is willing to tie his/her shoes then this will make a tremendous difference, since we can take advantage of a she lacing technique that will secure your child’s heels.
Here are my recommendations:
Wide Toe-Box: Option 1
Wide Toe-Box: Option 2
If your child has a really wide toe-box that requires an extra wide shoe, then I would recommend option 1 and choose the extra wide width (“XW”).
Then you will proceed to trying this shoe lacing technique:
Lacing Shoes with Narrow Heel and Wide Toe Box – Learn How to Do it in Less Than 30 Seconds!
If the shoes still feel too wide around the heels, then I recommend inserting a pair of tongue pads inside the shoes, which will push your kids’ heel back and secure them against the back of the shoes.
Leather Shoe Tongue Pads – Stop Heel Slippage
I hope this helps!