Shoes for Elephantiasis – The Best Shoes for Children with Elephantiasis

May 11, 2025 Elephantiasis Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your child living with elephantiasis and struggling to find shoes that fit? This condition often causes extreme swelling in the feet and legs, making it incredibly challenging to find comfortable, supportive footwear. As an experienced children’s shoe fitter, I’ll share expert tips, essential shoe features to look for, and recommend the best shoes to improve your child’s comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. The right pair of shoes can make a world of difference—helping your child move with confidence and ease.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Kids with “Complicated” Foot Shapes

Throughout my career, I have worked with numerous children who have unique foot shapes and medical conditions like elephantiasis. Each child’s needs are distinct, and my goal is to help families find the correct pair of shoes that not only fit well but also provide the necessary support and comfort.

Finding Shoes for Children with Elephantiasis – A Real Challenge, A Real Solution

Fitting shoes for a child with elephantiasis can be incredibly difficult—but not impossible. I once helped a child with this condition find a shoe that worked, and that experience inspired me to write this article. If you’re a parent struggling to find footwear that fits and supports your child’s swollen feet, I want to share the solution that worked for us and provide helpful guidance for your journey.

A close-up image showing a child with elephantiasis affecting the right foot, highlighting the noticeable swelling and the unique challenge of finding shoes that can accommodate significant size differences.
An image of the same child from a different angle.

Key Shoe Features for Kids with Elephantiasis

Many parents believe an extra wide shoe is enough to accommodate a child with elephantiasis, but it’s more complex than that. Based on my experience, there are specific key features a shoe must have to properly fit and support a child with this condition:

1. Extra Depth

When selecting shoes for children with elephantiasis, extra depth is a non-negotiable feature. This additional space inside the shoe is crucial for accommodating swollen feet comfortably.

Comparison of two shoes highlighting depth—notice how the shoe on the right offers significantly more depth than the one on the left.

2. Wide Toe Box

A wide toe box provides ample space for the toes to spread out, reducing pressure and discomfort. This feature is especially beneficial for children with swollen feet, as it accommodates the extra volume without constricting the toes. By allowing the toes to move freely, a wide toe box helps prevent additional irritation and the development of blisters or sores.

A side-by-side comparison highlighting the extra roomy toe-box of one of my recommended shoes versus a narrower style, showing how it better accommodates wider or swollen feet.

3. Adjustable Closures

Adjustable closures like Velcro straps or laces make it significantly easier for both parents and children to put shoes on and take them off. They also offer a customizable fit, which is especially beneficial for children with elephantiasis, as their foot size and shape can change due to swelling.

A pair of See Kai Run shoes featuring double Velcro straps, designed with oversized openings to make them easy to put on and take off—perfect for accommodating wider feet or swelling.

Be Careful About Getting Your Child’s Shoes Too Long

To properly fit a child with swollen feet, it’s crucial to find a shoe style that accommodates their unique foot shape without making the shoes too large. Excessive growing space can negatively impact stability, increasing the risk of falls and discomfort.

Please note that the shoes featured in this article are not orthopedic—they’re everyday, functional shoes that I’ve personally found to work exceptionally well for children with extremely wide feet. These styles are my top recommendations for kids who consistently struggle to find shoes that fit comfortably and provide enough width.

When it comes to finding the best shoes for children with elephantiasis, I’ve curated some top recommendations for 2025. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.

Best Shoes for Elephantiasis – Extra Wide and Deep

Please note that the effectiveness of these shoes will vary depending on the level of swelling in your child’s feet.

1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces

These shoes for elephantiasis are the widest and deepest by New balance and they are available in wide and extra wide widths.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

990 Series with Velcro

New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
Durable 990 New Balance Kids' Shoes in Pink and Velcro.
  • You can order the 990v6 with velcro on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Also available in grey and black
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run

These adaptable See Kai Run shoes for elephantiasis provide extra long straps and extra depth to allow the child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes. These shoes have a lightweight design.

See Kai Run kids adapt for kids who wear AFOs.
See Kai Run kids adapt for girls who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

Stride Rite has an adaptable line and one of its most popular shoes for children with extra wide feet is a stylish Mary Jane that parents love because their children can use it for casual wear or dressier occasions.

Stride Rite Holly Mary Jane in gold for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Ikiki Shoes

Ikiki shoes are designed with extra depth and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for kids with elephantiasis.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.

Key Features:

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
  • Synthetic Vegan Leather
  • Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

5. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite

These extra wide Stride Rite sneakers for elephantiasis are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.

Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in pink for toddler girls.
Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in grey for toddler boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

6. Billy Shoes

Billy Shoes have become a favorite among families with children who require wider shoes with extra depth that are easy to get on and off. Their unique zipper design allows for easy on-and-off, making them a convenient choice for both parents and children.

Pink Billy shoes for girls who wear AFOs.
Black-Billy-shoes-for-kids-who-wear-AFOs

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Classic DR High II by Billy on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Leather upper
  • 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 Find Out What Shoe Size You Should Order Online

Ordering shoes online can be tricky, especially for children with elephantiasis. To ensure a proper fit, consider using my virtual shoe fitting service. This service assists families in determining the correct shoe size by analyzing foot measurements and shape, which is crucial for getting the right fit.

Personalized Shoe Suggestions

If you’re struggling to find the right shoes for your child with elephantiasis, I encourage you to get in touch for a personalized shoe suggestion. By assessing your child’s specific needs and foot shape, I can recommend the best options to ensure a perfect fit and optimal support. Personalized recommendations can provide peace of mind, knowing that your child is wearing shoes that truly meet their unique requirements.

Additional Resource: Shoe Stretcher for Kids

A shoe stretcher can be a valuable tool for children with elephantiasis. It helps create extra room in shoes that may feel tight due to swelling, providing immediate relief. Look for a shoe stretcher designed specifically for kids’ footwear, as it will be appropriately sized for smaller shoes. This tool can extend the lifespan of existing shoes, making them more comfortable and reducing the need for frequent replacements.