Shoes for Different Size Feet – The Best Shoes for Kids with Different Size Feet
Looking for the best shoes for kids with different size feet? It’s more common than you might think—most children have slight size differences between their feet. While minor variations usually don’t require special sizing, some kids have a difference of more than two full sizes, making it difficult to find a single pair that fits both feet comfortably. I’ll share the best shoe options for children with different size feet and highlight companies that offer mixed-size pairs for the price of one.
Wondering if You Really Need Two Different Shoe Sizes?
If your child has more than a 1.5-size difference between their feet, then yes—getting two different sizes is essential. Wearing the same size on both feet can leave one foot swimming in extra space, leading to rubbing, blisters, calluses, and even long-term discomfort. The right fit on both feet is key to keeping your child’s feet healthy and pain-free.
Why Do Children Have Different-Sized Feet?
Children with certain foot conditions or developmental issues may require different-sized shoes. For instance, a child with a club foot or one who wears AFO orthotics might need a custom fit to accommodate their needs. It’s essential to assess each child’s situation individually to determine the best course of action.
Brands That Sell Mismatched Shoe Sizes for Kids
If your child needs two different shoe sizes, don’t worry—you don’t necessarily have to pay for two full pairs. Many retailers offer the second shoe at 50% off, and some even provide it for free. I’ve created a separate resource that lists the companies with these flexible sizing policies, so you can find the best option without overspending.
Tips for Finding the Best Shoes for Different-Sized Feet
Step 1: Figure Out Which Foot Size Is Longer. The first step in finding the right shoes is to determine which foot is longer. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that makes it easy to identify exactly how much size difference exists between your child’s feet—so you can find the perfect fit for both.
Step 2: Look for Shoes That Fit Your Child’s Foot Shape. It’s important for the shoes to accommodate your child’s unique foot shape correctly, as the larger foot likely has a wider foot. If your child wears orthotics like AFOs, it’s even more important to select shoes with a stable, roomy base that works with the device, not against it.
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
For personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to recommend specific shoe styles tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and needs—including options that work seamlessly with orthotics.
I know ikiki will sell you two different sized shoes if you need them for orthotics or different foot sizes.
Hello Paul,
Thanks for letting us know.
I recently came across the foot size differences while buying shoes with my friend for our sons. Her son does have one foot slightly longer than the other, and I thought that was odd. I never really thought about this before. I think your advice for buying two pairs of shoes would be the best. Although my friend uses extra cushioning stuff to put in the shoe that doesn’t quite fit her son’s foot. Wouldn’t that be uncomfortable, though?
Lena,
Having a half a size difference between the feet is totally normal.The issue comes when the child has more than a half a size difference between his feet. That can create several foot problems since the smaller foot is being fitted in a shoe that is too long.
It depends on what “extra cushioning stuff” she is putting inside the shoe. For example,tongue pads can be a great solution for a shoe that is slighter bigger. Show your friend this article I wrote: Leather Shoe Tongue Pads – Stop Heel Slippage
such a coincidence i’ve came across this website because i was just saying to family the other day i really need to get my sons feet measured and every time we have previously been to get his feet measured one foot is always bigger than the other and also wider. its very hard to find suitable shoes to fit my son.
Gemma,
It is important that you take your child to have his feet properly measured at your local kids’ shoe store. They will be able to find shoes for your child. But be careful where you take him. Avoid big retailers such as Stride RIte or Nordstrom’s since their employees don’t seem to know what they are doing.
I wrote a post where I explain this further:The Best Place To Buy Kids Shoes – Avoid Stride Rite, Nordstrom, Payless…
Interesting information. I don’t remember if my child had both feet measured when purchasing shoes. I guess that is something to stress to the “fitter” if they don’t. Could foot measuring be something that could be incorporated at pediatric check ups? So many people these days buy their lil ones shoes at discount store and of course they don’t measure…Just a thought. Not sure if you researched that. Little ones can’t tell us one or the other foot hurts
You bring up a good point but pediatricians actually have no clue about how shoes are suppose to fit. They will be able to tell you if your child is flat footed or might need certain shoes with orthotics, but definitely they have zero training on fitting shoes.
I always advise to take your kids’ to your local children’s shoe store to have their feet properly measured! if you don’t have a local kids’ shoe store that you trust, my website has every single answer to any question you might have about your kids feet.
I learned a lot from this article. The people who live near you are really lucky to have a specialty shoe shop with professional fitters! I’m glad that you have resources and suggestions on your site to help those that don’t have access.
My feet are the same size but I have a bunion on one (not only old people have them!) so choosing the right shoe is important. Do you know which are the best shoes for a child that has an extra wide foot? My son has the widest feet and I just cant seem to find shoes that fit.
Jenny,Finding the correct pair of shoes for your child is really important to prevent foot issues and foot injuries. If your child has a wide foot, it is important to get him the correct shoe width. I wrote a post where I describe the best shoes for children’s with wide feet. The post is called:
Extra Wide Children’s Shoes
It is so true about feet being different sizes. I just thought as a child that it was normal to have one foot feel tighter in my shoes than the other. The irony is that I have also found the best shoes for this are ones that are a bit wider in nature. I almost exclusively wear New Balance and Asics shoes due to the way they fit both feet well. The issue for me is the toe box and Nike’s toe box generally is too narrow for both of my feel to feel comfortable. Also I would experience knee pain while wearing Nikes. Odd. I don’t feel any knee or ankle pain with New Balance. Great shoes.
Best wishes,
Mike
Mike,
This is also true for children shoes. New Balance, Asics, and I will add Saucony are the top three brands for children’s feet. Nike tends to be very fashion oriented, but they don’t tend to fit as well and they don’t provide as nearly as much support as other brands. You will probably be interested in reading one of my posts that is called: The Best Shoe Brands For Kids- The 5 Most Durable And Affordable Brands