Shoes for Different Size Feet – The Best Shoes for Kids with Different Size Feet

February 4, 2023 Shoes for Different Sized Feet Juan Pablo Valenzuela 12 - Comments

Did you know that most children are simply born with two different-sized feet? Few people have two feet that are exactly the same size, and the difference between their feet is normally not apparent: only half a size (3/8 of an inch). However, certain children who have a whole size and a half difference or more between their feet, and in this case, they might require wearing two different shoe sizes. I am going to show you a list of the best shoes for different size feet based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.

Do You Need to Order Two Different Sized Shoes?

The fact is, when children have more than a whole size and a half difference between their feet, you must provide them with two different pairs of shoe sizes, otherwise, there will be too much extra space on the shorter foot. This will allow for too much foot movement in the shorter foot, which might lead to foot issues such as blisters, calluses, or corns. Most stores will give you the second pair at cost, which means 50% off the original price.

Ordering two different sized shoes for your children can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience if you don’t know what shoe styles to look for. There is a particular feature that the shoes must provide that will make your child’s foot difference so noticeable. The shoes must provide extra depth since they will allow your child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and make your child feel more comfortable.

If your kids’ feet have a half a size difference between them —for example: if their left foot is a size 7 and their right one is a size 7.5— you don’t need to provide them with different sized shoes. Just make sure that you fit the shoes to the larger foot.

If one of your kids’ feet is a full size longer than the other, it still is not a big enough difference for you to buy different sized shoes. The issue comes when your child has a whole size and a half which translates to a half-inch or 1.25 centimeters in length difference since that’s when you will have to order different sized shoes.

My advice to parents is not to stress out about their kids’ foot size difference. It’s not a big deal. I have helped several children with this condition, and if you are in the hands of someone who knows what type of shoes to look for, you will have no problems fitting your child in the correct pair of shoes.

What types of foot issues require different shoe sizes?

1️⃣ Club foot

2️⃣ AFO orthotics: Sometimes, children don’t have a large size discrepancy between their feet, but they might be wearing ankle-foot orthosis or another type of orthotic that takes a lot of room. In these cases, we must also provide those children with two different shoe sizes.

I will show you a selection of the best kids’ shoes for different size feet shortly.

Buying Shoes for Kids Who Have a Large Size Discrepancy Between Their Feet

Let’s take a look at what steps you need to take once you find out that your children have a considerable size difference between their feet.

1️⃣ The first step is to figure out which foot size is longer than the other. I always recommend taking your children to be fitted at your kids’ local shoe store to be properly fitted for shoes. The issue is that most stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.

I created an article that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.

2️⃣ The second step is to look for shoes that provide extra depth and are supportive, lightweight, flexible, and breathable. Here is when I come into play since I will help you find them!

I only write reviews of shoe styles that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, 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.

The Best Shoes for Different Size Feet

Certain shoes will fit the shape of your kid’s feet better. Below you can find a selection of the best shoes for children who have a clubfoot, wear orthotics, or have a whole size and a half discrepancy between their feet. These shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) feet.

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 Fresh Foam 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 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 574 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 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 RaveRun by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra 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 Fresh Foam 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
  • Shoe style Arishi v4 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
  • 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 Axon by Saucony
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • 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 Axon by Saucony
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • 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 FuelCell Propel v5
  • 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 v4
  • 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

Needing two different sized shoes for your child doesn’t mean that you have to pay for 2 different pairs of shoes. Most stores will give you the second pair at cost, which means 50% off the original price (this is what most shoe stores will do). You can learn about what shoe companies allow this policy in a different resource I created.

Some people who have been living with foot size discrepancies can tell you how challenging this condition can be and how hard it will be to find shoes that fit.

Sneakers, dress shoes, and boots are the easiest to fit, and nobody will notice the difference between your kids’ feet in these types of shoes. The real issue comes when you have to provide your child with a pair of sandals. The key is to compromise the amount of growing space for the longer foot, that way the difference will not be so noticeable.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

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 for your child. My e-mail address is: [email protected]

Is it true that some children’s feet size can change over time? Yes, and this can happen for a couple of different reasons:

  • Foot injuries.
  • Foot deformities.
  • Repetitive use of the same foot in a particular sport.

I provided you with the best type of shoes for kids who have a big size discrepancy between their feet and if you don’t have a local shoe store in your area, now you know where to find them.

The Best Socks for Different Size Feet – Seamless and Comfortable!

Wearing the right type of socks is essential for your kids’ feet to feel comfortable. The right pair of socks will help prevent your child’s toes from rubbing or overlapping each other, especially on your kids’ smaller foot.

Socks play a key role in healthy foot development, as big of a rule as the shoes themselves. If your child has a big difference between his/her feet and often faces issues in finding comfortable socks to wear, then consider purchasing a pair of socks that are seamless and made from soft materials.

Parents always have a hard time finding socks for their kids, since some children feel every bump and lump and refuse to wear socks with their shoes. The extra room that a seamless sock provides prevents your kids’ toes from overlapping or rubbing against each other.

Whether you need these socks to be colorful or come in dull colors, they are readily available for your child. These socks are very soft and made of high-quality materials to guarantee your kids’ comfort. Below you can find the best selection of socks for children who have different sized feet:

  • Socks made by Jefferies
  • Sensory friendly smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet 
  • Half cushion foot for added support and impact protection 
  • Ribbed leg support stays up on the leg and provides added support 
  • Cotton rich blend provides optimal softness and durability 
  • Socks made by SmartKnit
  • Completely free of seams, these socks are knit like a caterpillar spins its cocoon from the toe up, eliminating all lumps and bumps and providing a comfortable fuss-free fit
  • “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence and keeps them from outgrowing their socks so quickly
  • The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
  • Socks made by SmartKnit
  • Completely free of seams, these socks are knit like a caterpillar spins its cocoon from the toe up, eliminating all lumps and bumps and providing a comfortable fuss-free fit
  • “No heel” design allows young children to put on their socks with confidence and keeps them from outgrowing their socks so quickly
  • The stretchy yarns result in a form-fitting design that eliminates wrinkling and bunching at the toes
  • Socks made by Jefferies
  • Sensory friendly smooth toe seam provides less irritation and bulk for sensitive toes and feet 
  • Soft and durable cotton rich blend provides optimal comfort and long lasting wear 

Now that you know which are the best shoes and socks for children with different sized feet, you are ready to make the most informed decision.

Does your child have a big size difference between his feet? Are you having a hard time finding their shoes? Share your experiences below so we can all benefit from them!