Shoes for Elephantiasis – The Best Shoes for Children with Elephantiasis
Do you have a child who is dealing with elephantiasis? This condition can make it extremely hard, and sometimes near impossible to find shoes that fit the shape of your child’s feet. Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a very rare condition that’s spread by mosquitoes to certain parts of your body such as your arms, feet and legs. This disease will make certain parts of your child’s body swell and become much bigger, which can make it extremely challenging to find shoes that fit.
My Experience Fitting Shoes for Kids with “Complicated” Foot Shapes
At the shoe store where I work we focus on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes such as wide or extra wide feet. We need to carry top-quality shoes that are available in different widths, as that’s the only way we can guarantee to fit every single child. Throughout the years, I have become familiar with the best shoe styles for children with extra wide feet.
Children with Elephantiasis – The Challenges of Finding Shoes that Fit
I only had to fit one child who was dealing with elephantiasis on his feet before, but I decided to write an article about it because I know that there might be other children dealing with this condition and parents might some guidance about what to do about their shoes. Since I did find one shoe style that worked well for his feet, I wanted to share this finding with you as well.
Please keep in mind that how effective this particular shoe style will work on your child’s feet will depend on how swollen your child’s feet are. Let me show you an example of a child with elephantiasis on his foot:
Key Shoe Features for Kids with Elephantiasis
Most parents assume that to accommodate the shape of a child with elephantiasis they need to find a shoe that is labeled as extra wide. It’s actually much more complicated than that. There are a couple of features that I have found that the shoes must provide to fit children with elephantiasis on their feet:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes. The shoes need to provide extra depth as deeper shoes help prevent your children’s feet to rub against the top of the shoes, and this makes a tremendous difference when you are trying to put your child’s shoes on.
For example, let’s take a look at the difference between a shoe that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t. Do you notice how the shoe on the right is a lot deeper than the shoe on the left?
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping each other or rubbing against the side of the shoes. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a much rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left?
3️⃣ Oversized Openings for Easy On and Off: This feature makes it easier for parents and children to get their shoes on and off. Children with chubby feet have a hard time slipping into shoes that don’t easily open. You will notice that the shoes I recommend open up widely, which makes it easier for children and parents to get the shoes on and off.
4️⃣ Extra Wide Widths: This is a requirement, if the shoes are not labeled as extra wide, they will not be able to fit the shape of your child’s feet.
Keep in mind that the shoes I describe in this article are not orthopedic, they are regular, everyday shoes that I have found to be the most effective ones when it comes to fitting children with extremely wide feet. These are my go-to shoe styles for children who can’t find shoes that are wide enough for their feet.
Be Careful About Getting Your Child’s Shoes Too Long
To fit the shape of a child with swollen feet, we must find a shoe style that fits the shape of your child’s feet without getting shoes that are too large. Leaving too much growing space can compromise the child’s stability and make your child more prone to falling.
If your child has elephantiasis, the amount of growing room that you might end up leaving in the front of your child’s shoes is going to be larger than a “half a size”. The amount of growing space for a child who is experiencing elephantiasis ranges from a “whole size and a half longer” to “two full sizes longer”.
I only write reviews of shoes 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.
Best Shoes for Elephantiasis – Extra Wide and Deep
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 2 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, or extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, or extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- order the shoe style Classic DR by Billy on Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style DR Short Wrap by Billy on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Classic DR II by Billy on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
These shoes have proven to be the most effective ones when it comes to fitting children with extra wide or swollen feet.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Shoe Suggestion
Let me know if you are unsure about which is the widest shoe you should choose or if you prefer that I send you specific shoe recommendations: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
If the shoes I recommend are still not wide enough for your child’s feet, then I recommend that you try a shoe stretcher to make the shoes wider.
What Are Good Socks for Kids with Very Wide Feet?
The type of socks that you decide to provide for your child with elephantiasis will also play an important role in keeping your kids’ feet healthy. You need to find socks that won’t constrict toe movement and allow your child’s toes to freely move without overlapping one another.
Certain socks are seamless and help prevent your kids’ toes from rubbing against one another. Now that you know which are the best shoes and socks for a child with elephantiasis, you are ready to make the most informed decision.
Is there a particular shoe style that has worked well for a child with elephantiasis on his or her feet?? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
