Narrow Boots for Older Kids – Comfortable and Stylish!

Are you having a hard time finding a pair of narrow boots for your older kid? As kids get older, you will find that it is harder to buy them shoes that they like and agree to wear, especially if your kid is right before turning to the teenage years. However, I accept the challenge and will show you my go-to selection of narrow boots for older kids.

To set things straight, by older kids we refer to big kids, who are between 6-12 years old and have bigger feet. Note that there is no difference in sizing by gender at these ages, meaning, boys and girls use the same sizing system, unlike sizes for women and men, which vary quite considerably.

Big kids with narrow feet, should wear shoes (boots) that feel secure and that provide them with stability. No one wants to constantly be slipping out of their shoes, I’m sure you can relate to how uncomfortable it can be to wear shoes that don’t fit! 

If you are in a rush, you can go directly to the selection of narrow boots for older kids.

Why Shoe Companies Don’t Manufacture More Boots for Kids with Narrow Feet?

You may be wondering why there are limited options for kids with narrow feet in general. This is due to the fact that shoe companies believe that there isn’t enough demand for it. The cost of mass-produced shoes is kept low by producing only the most common styles (medium width). The fewer variations there are, the less the production costs for shoe companies. So, for kids with narrow feet like yours, it gets harder to find shoes that fit. However, I have rounded up some key information to keep in mind.

Narrow Boots for Older Kids’ – My Shoe Fitting Experience

Let me briefly share with you a bit about my 10+ years of experience helping kids’ with narrow feet. I have fitted and tested many different shoe brands and styles, and over the years I became familiar with which shoes fit better than others. Some big kids’ shoes are available in narrow (N) widths, but there are other shoes that even though they are not available in narrow widths fit like a narrow shoe size. I can also help you identify which shoes fit more narrowly than others.

The Challenges of Buying Your Kids’ Shoes Online

Many parents report that they usually have to order multiple shoes online before finding one that fits their kid with narrow feet and that also feels comfortable, and is made of good quality. I understand that it can be challenging to find shoes for children with narrow feet, but it’s critical to make sure that your kids’ shoes fit properly, as shoes that are too wide or too narrow can create blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails. First, let’s cover some basic but important information.

how-to-figure-out-your-child's-shoe-size

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Size – Order the Correct Shoe Size Online!

Ensuring you know the right foot length is the first step to finding the correct shoes for your big kid with narrow feet. Thereafter, with accurate measurements, you’ll have a reliable reference point for shopping online, and this will give you a broader range of choices for any kind of shoes. Certainly, if you identify a brand that consistently fits their measurements (length and width), it will be much easier to shop online without the hassle of having to go to a store and have them try on many pairs.

To this end, I created a different article to assist parents in determining their kids’ shoe size at home effectively and with ease. This easy-to-follow method allows parents to accurately determine their child’s correct foot length and width, as well as instep height. To follow my 2-step approach, you can read the article where I explain how it works in more detail.

Remember, poorly fitting shoes can cause irreversible damage to your big kid’s feet. Measure their feet at least every five to six months. Whenever in doubt, or between sizes, always opt for the bigger size.  

Top 3 Characteristics to Look for in the Boots for Your Big Kid’s Narrow Feet

Aside from having properly measure your big kid’s feet, there are 3 characteristics to look for in the boots you choose, which make them ideal for children with narrow feet:

1️⃣ Narrow Heel Counters: This characteristic will help prevent your kids’ heels from moving up and down as they walk. This is one of the most common reasons why children experience blisters around their ankles. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:

2️⃣ Narrow Platforms: This characteristic will help accommodate the overall shape of your child’s narrow feet, increase comfort, and prevent your child’s feet from moving excessively inside the boots.

3️⃣ Narrow Toe-Boxes: This characteristic will help prevent your child’s feet from moving too much inside the boots. Let me show you the difference between a pair of boots that come with a narrow toe-box versus a pair of boots that come with a rounder and wider toe-box:

Now we are ready to go over the selection of the best narrow boots for older kids. Consider I only review shoes that I have fitted before, as that is the only way for me to tell how well-made the shoes are and how they fit. 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.

Narrow Boots for Older Kids – Comfortable and Stylish!

Looking for Other Recommendations? – Get a Personalized Suggestion

Keep in mind that if you have any questions or need any assistance, you can contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible with different shoe recommendations.

Helpful Tips for Kids with Narrow Feet

If the boot feels a little wide, you can also use a leather insole (or thicker socks in the winter) to pad out the interior and if the boots have laces, then cinch the laces as tight as possible for less movement and a snugger but comfortable fit. 

Both laced boots and adjustable buckles are also a good choice for big kids with narrow feet. These boots offer additional flexibility, you will just need to make sure to make the necessary adjustments. 

Additional Resources for Children with Narrow Feet

If you are looking for a pair of everyday sneakers to help accommodate the shape of your child’s narrow feet you should take a look at the post with many of options.

Another awesome resource that a lot of families of children with narrow feet have found helpful, is the one on how to tie shoes for kids with narrow feet.

Take into consideration that while we are all always trying to economize, saving money by purchasing a pair of low-quality boots is just false economy. Investing in a pair of good supportive boots will end up saving you a lot of time and money in the future.

Thank you for reading! We hope you found helpful this post on narrow boots for older kids. Please feel free to share this post with your community on social media as well as your experiences in the comments section below.