Sandals for Extra Wide Feet – The Best Summer Sandal for Kids with Extra Wide Feet!
Children’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, and for those with wider feet, finding comfortable and supportive sandals can be challenging. Many families in online forums such as Reddit or Quora complain about how difficult it can be to find sandals for children with extra wide feet. For example, do you always struggle to get your kids’ sandals on and off? Some children have high insteps in addition to having extra wide feet, making the whole process of finding sandals a lot more complicated. But, no worries, I am a shoe fitter with many years of experience and I know exactly which are the best sandals for extra wide feet.
Does Your Child Have a High Instep?
A high instep can add an extra layer of complexity when choosing shoes for your child. This condition, characterized by a higher-than-average top part of the foot, requires footwear that accommodates the added foot volume.
Let’s take a look at a couple of images of children with extra wide feet that I helped find the perfect pair of sandals for their feet. Let’s see if you can relate to some of these images.
Images of Children with Extra Wide Feet
I have had the privilege of helping many children find the perfect sandals for their extra wide feet. These children struggled with sandals that constantly pinched their toes, but I was able to find a pair of extra wide sandals that fit them perfectly, so I am confident I will be able to help your child as well.
Key Features of Extra Wide Sandals for Kids
The right sandals can enhance mobility, reduce fatigue, and allow for natural foot movement, which is vital during active play.
Key Feature One: Extra Depth: Extra wide sandals should be designed with both extra depth and width in mind. This means they provide ample space for the entire foot, including the toes and instep. Sandals with extra depth can accommodate high insteps and prevent any pinching or restriction.
Key Feature Two: Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping each other or rubbing against the side of the shoes. A round toe-box allows the toes to spread naturally and provides the space needed for growth.
Key Feature Three: Oversized Openings: Oversized openings make it easier for children to put on and take off their sandals independently.
By the way, in 2025, Keen released a sandal that is adaptable and has a velcro strap on the back, which makes it really easy for children to slide their feet in and out of the sandals. This is an awesome feature, especially for children with extra wide feet.
Some of the sandals I recommend below are available in wide (W) and extra wide (XW) widths, so please make sure that you order the correct shoe width. If the sandal is not available in wide widths is because it fits naturally wide. 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.
Deep and Round Sandals for Kids with Extra Wide Feet
1. Psyclone by Teva
These wide toe box sandals are equipped with adjustable straps to help accommodate the unique shape of wider feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits wide and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run wide toe-box sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They are flexible, breathable, and provide ample room for wide feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits wide and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promotes healthy foot development
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe sandals for kids with extra wide feet combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and are designed to withstand various terrains, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits wide and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs
These Dream Pairs sandals for extra wide feet are lightweight and focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your child’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
5. Hurricane by Teva
These open-toe sandals offer robust support and are ideal for kids with extra wide feet and high insteps. The adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, accommodating wider feet comfortably.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Lucky Brand
These sandals have a Velcro strap on the back that allows the sandals to open up widely for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits wide and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Archie by Stride Rite
These extra wide width sandals by Stride Rite are stylish and can accommodate high insteps.
- Order the sandal style Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits wide and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Fisherman sandals with hook and loop closure
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening and hook and loop closure
- Slip-resistant traction with sensory pod technology to help feel the ground underneath
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Crocs an Option for Kids with Extra Wide Feet?
Sure, as long as your child wears them for short periods of time and for what they are meant to be worn: short-distance walking. For example, Crocs are fine to wear to the beach or at the swimming pool. If you rather provide your child with a pair of Crocs there is a different resource that covers the safest and most comfortable styles.
Contact Me to Get Personalized Recommendations for Your Child
Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right pair of extra wide sandals requires careful consideration of their specific needs. Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes to fit the shape of your child’s extra wide feet. My e-mail address is:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
How to Determine the Right Shoe Size Online
Ordering shoes online can be convenient, but it also comes with the challenge of finding the right size without trying them on. To assist parents in this endeavor, I’ve developed a virtual shoe fitting service that helps retrieve exactly what shoe size you should order online. This service not only saves time but also reduces the hassle of returns and exchanges.
How to Find Out If Your Kids’ Sandals Are Too Narrow
The straps should be snug but not tight. If you notice red marks on your child’s feet after wearing the sandals, this could be a sign that they are too narrow.
Another sign is if you notice the pinky toe (small toe) being pushed against the side of the sandals like the one in the image below:
Sandals for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet – Watch Video!
In this video, you will be able to better visualize what features your kids’ sandals should provide to accommodate a wide or extra wide foot, while ensuring comfort and support. Throughout the video, I provide demonstrations of each sandal’s features, highlighting what makes them suitable for kids with wide or extra wide feet.
Bonus Resource: Extra Wide Sneakers for Kids
In addition to sandals, you may also want to explore extra wide sneakers for kids. These can provide the support and comfort needed for various activities.
how do you order?
Hello Angela,
By clicking on the image of the sandal that you want to try you will either be redirected to Amazon or Zappos where you can place your order.
My son is eight. His foot is 8.25 inches; extra wide. Jambu sandals worked once for him. And following years each pair gave him hot spots. He wears Nike and New Balance wide tennis shoes. What sport sandal would you recommend for him?
Hi Tanya –
I am not sure if you are looking for a closed toed or an open toed sandal so I am providing you with both options below:
Water Play Sandal for Extra Wide Feet: Option 1
Water Play Sandal for Extra Wide Feet: Option 2
You can also try the Newport style made by Keen: Option 3
I hope this helps!
Thank you so very much. Between the closed-toe options, which do you think is widest?
Hi Tanya –
Do you know if your son has a high instep? If he has a high instep then I recommend the Keen style as it’s a little bit deeper. Otherwise I recommend the Merrell one.
If I were you I will keep an eye on his Nike sneakers, they are not really effective in fitting children with wide or extra wide feet.
Sorry – yes, my mistake. He’s been wearing solely New Balance, not Nike!
Hi Juan,
Thank you so much. I love the first one but unfortunately they are not sold in Canada. I’ve ordered the option 2 (Im worried the sole isn’t flexible enough?)
What are your thoughts on this fisherman sandal: https://amzn.to/3IZycbW
Kind regards,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
I will choose the second option (Stride Rite). PLAE shoes fit wide but I am not sure if they fill fit an extra wide foot. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello Juan,
THanks again for your response. I have one last question about two more brands: Momo baby and also Livie & Luca – do either of these fit wide?
Thanks again and kindest regards,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
I have never fitted the shoe brand “Momo baby” but I have fitted “Livie & Luca” and the shoes will fit a child with wide feet but NOT with extra wide feet.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Juan,
So nice to have found a blog dedicated to kids shoes! I find it so hard to get proper fitting shoes. I was wondering – could you reccomend a sandal for an early walker (14 month boy) for extra wide feet? (We currently have a tsikahoshi sneaker in size 7 that you reccomend on your website and the fit is perfect).
Thank you,
Hannah
Hello Hannah,
I am glad that you found the website informative. Here you can find my recommendations for your boy with extra wide feet:
Stride Rite Sandal: Option 1 Make sure that you select the “W” (wide width) option. I have fitted boys with extra wide feet in this sandal before, because it runs really wide.
Stride Rite Sandal: Option 2 make sure you select the “XW” (extra wide) option.
Are these the types of sandals you had in mind? Let me know, otherwise I can help you find something different.
Juan
Where is the info. on the sandal? On a page about socks for wide feet there’s no list either? What am I missing here? Thanks.
Hello AK,
Please try refreshing your page and it should be working fine now.
Once I open each shoe they all show a M width. My son is an XW. Will the M fit work for him?
Also. He is a 6 1/2 XW big kid
Biggest size I found was 6 M big kid.
Will these work for him or do I need to shop men’s shoes?
He is only 8 but he’s big for his age and has bigger feet!
Sorry to be troublesome.
Thank You!
Hello Amanda,
The sandals don’t come labeled as XW (Extra Wide), but the regular width fits really wide. I have fitted children with extra wide feet in these sandals before. I am not 100% sure they will work for his feet but you should definitely try them. I will recommend that you order the size 6, because they fit very long. If the 6 is not long enough, let me know and I would recommend a pair of men sandals for him (please keep in mind there might be a big price jump between kids and men’s shoes).
I hope this helps!