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

Few children have two feet that are exactly the same size, and the difference between their feet is normally not apparent. However, certain children have more than two full shoe sizes difference between their feet, and in this case, they might require wearing different shoe sizes. I am going to show you a list of the best shoes for children with different size feet and which companies sell two different-sized shoes for the price of one.

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 which might lead to foot issues such as blisters, calluses, or corns.

What Children Usually Need Two 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.

Which Companies Allow Parents to Buy Mismatched Shoe Sizes for Kids?

Needing two different sized shoes for your child doesn’t mean that you have to pay for two 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). Some other shoe companies will give you a second pair for free. You can learn about what shoe companies allow this policy in a different resource I created.

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!

Best Shoes for Children with Different Size Feet

If your child’s foot size difference is less than two full shoe sizes, I suggest that you look into getting shoes with extra depth to make the size difference less noticeable. Please contact me with your child’s specific foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), the shoe size that your child wears, and the country that you are contacting me from to check what specific shoes you might be able to order. My e-mail address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Is it true that some children’s foot 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.

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.