Shoes for Kids with Sensory Issues – Let’s Find Some Magical Shoes!
Are you having a hard time finding shoes for your child with sensory issues? Do you feel like it’s a constant battle every time you try to put your kids’ shoes on? If your child can’t stand the way shoes and socks feel, I totally understand what they are going through. Be patient, they are complaining for a reason! The best shoes for kids with sensory issues are seam-free and made from soft, premium leather to increase comfort.
Your kids’ shoes need to feel just right, or your child will refuse to wear them. The wrong pair of shoes can be a source of great discomfort for children who experience sensory issues and finding the correct pair of shoes can be quite a stressful and time-consuming experience.
I have found that shoes that are made of softer materials and provide extra padding around the heels tend to be the most effective ones for kids with sensory issues. Shoes with extra depth and rounder toe-boxes tend to fit and feel more comfortable.
Every time I try on a pair of shoes for a child with sensory issues they will always complain and say that the shoes feel:
❌ Too tight!
❌ Too pinchy!
❌ Too bumpy!
Sounds familiar?
I will guide you and help you find the best type of shoes for your child with sensory issues.
Does Your Child Prefer the Shoes to Feel On the “Tighter” or “Looser” Side?
I have noticed how some children with sensory issues prefer their shoes to be fitted loosely, while others prefer their shoes to be fitted on the tighter side.
If your child usually complains that the shoes feel “too tight”, there are certain shoe styles that provide extra depth and rounded toe-boxes which might help resolve this issue. On the other hand, if the shoes always feel “too loose” then there are also certain shoes that provide narrower platforms and heel counters, as well as special lacing techniques that can make the shoe “hug” your child’s feet more effectively.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Sensory Issues?
Finding a soft, seam-free shoe, made from soft, premium leather it’s a great place to start when trying shoes for your child. Ideally, you will also want to find a shoe with a tongue that opens widely, so it’s easy for your child to get the shoe on without pressing on the foot too much.
There are 3 key features that the shoes I recommend provide to be more tolerable for your child with sensory issues:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature is really important because it allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevent the top part of the child’s feet from rubbing against the top of the shoes. Let me show you the difference between a shoe that provides extra depth and one that doesn’t:
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature prevents your child’s toes from rubbing against each other or the side of the shoes.
3️⃣ Extra Padding: This feature prevents the shoes from rubbing your kids’ heels in the wrong way.
Be Patient – We Will Find the Perfect Pair of Shoes for Your Child’s Feet
It is important to have a great deal of patience and understanding when dealing with a child with sensory issues. I have fitted shoes for several children with sensory issues, and one of the things you must understand is that the child is not being bratty, he/she is just experiencing a great deal of discomfort!
If you are planning to have your child fitted for shoes at your local kids’ shoe store, then please do not hesitate to tell the shoe fitter or the person assisting you that your child has sensory issues. This allows the shoe fitter to understand the situation better and act accordingly.
I only review shoe styles that I have fitted before since that is the only way for me to tell how well-made and supportive they are, and how they fit.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best shoes for kids with sensory issues. 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 Kids with Sensory Issues
Take a look at the description below each shoe to find out the features that it provides, the type of closure, and the size you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room. It might be a good idea to “desensitize” your child’s feet before putting the shoes on, which means warming up your child’s feet with a massage.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style 3537 GLITZ by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Leather/mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Velocity Sneaker by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Leather/mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Generous toe box provides room for healthy foot development
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style B.Storm by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Leather/mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Made with soft, flexible mesh upper. Fully lined with minimal seams that won’t irritate feet
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Made with soft, flexible mesh upper. Fully lined with minimal seams that won’t irritate feet.
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Squeaky by Ikiki
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Oversized openings
- High-top style
- Squeaker can be turned on/off
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Squeaky by Ikiki
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Oversized openings
- High-top style
- Squeaker can be turned on/off
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ryder HT by See Kai Run
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Breathable uppers on a flexible outsole that allow for maximum mobility and promote healthy foot development
- Padded tongue and collar add a layer of comfort
- Double velcro straps to provide your child with better control over how tight/loose he wants the boots to feel
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
- Fits wide and extra wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Superstar by Adidas
- Fits children with medium or wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “tighter” side
- Triple velcro closure so your child can have better control over how tight he/she wants the shoes to feel
- Removable insoles
- Cushioned heels
- Breathable
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style DynaSoft Reveal v4 by New balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “tighter” side
- BOA® Performance Fit System for a locked-in fit
- No-sew overlays for durability in the toe and heel where kids need it most
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style DynaSoft Reveal v4 by New balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “tighter” side
- BOA® Performance Fit System for a locked-in fit
- No-sew overlays for durability in the toe and heel where kids need it most
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Made with soft, flexible mesh upper. Fully lined with minimal seams that won’t irritate feet.
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Made with soft, flexible mesh upper. Fully lined with minimal seams that won’t irritate feet.
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Tokyo by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Velcro closure
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Breathable, latex-free textile lining keeps the foot cool and comfortable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Shoe style 7510 Tokyo Waterproof by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Velcro closure
- Waterproof membrane keeps kids’ feet dry while remaining breathable to quick-dry sweat
- Round toe box allows for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Ultra-lightweight outsole
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Breathable, latex-free textile lining keeps the foot cool and comfortable
- Order this boot the same size as your child’s foot size (boot fits long)
- Shoe style 3570 STORM by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Heel Stabilizer – Long heel counter provides stability
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Velocity Sneaker by Tsukihoshi
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Ideal for children who like their shoes to feel on the “looser” side
- Leather/mesh upper
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
Please note that providing your child with shoes that are too short or too long can create discomfort. In addition, to get the correct shoe size online, you need to be 100% sure of your child’s foot size to begin with.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I always recommend parents take their children to their local children’s shoe store to be properly fitted for shoes. The issue is that a lot of independent children’s shoe stores have been closing down. I decided to create a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state, that way you can check if you have a good-fitting children’s shoe store in your area or not.
If you can’t seem to find a good-fitting kids’ shoe store in your area, then take a look at the article below that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
Does Your Child Need a Pair of Seasonal Shoes Such as Sandals or Boots?
I created additional resources that describe the best sandals and boots for children with sensory issues.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly if you are having trouble finding a particular shoe style for your child with sensory issues:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Once you order a pair of shoes for your child, try them on with the right type of socks and have your child walk and run around the house.
The first step before your child even tries on the shoes is to make sure that your child is wearing the correct type of socks since they will affect the way the shoes feel.
What Are the Best Socks for Kids with Sensory Issues?
I have found that seamless socks are a must for your child with sensory issues. It is important to choose a fabric that feels soft to your kid’s feet and that doesn’t constrict toe movement. I have put together a selection of the best seamless socks for children with sensory issues:
- 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
In case you followed all these steps and your kid is still having a hard time putting on the shoes, try warming up his feet by massaging them before putting the shoes or socks on. This will help desensitize the feet and will make him less sensitive to the touch.
Don’t get frustrated when your child keeps telling you that every single pair of shoes feels too tight, keep trying shoes on until you find the perfect one. However, never buy a larger size to accommodate for the tightness, try shoes in a wider width instead. This works 90% of the time, and this way we don’t compromise your kids’ stability by fitting them in shoes that are too long.
Final Thoughts
Kids with sensory issues have special needs that must be taken care of. I have not only given you a set of guidelines to follow when shopping for shoes for your kid with sensory issues, but I have also explained to you the importance of wearing the right type of socks!
Let’s put a smile on your kids’ faces! I want your children to go from:
“These are the worst shoes and socks in the world” to… “I love these shoes! They are the best shoes in the whole wide world!”
Just be patient, follow my guidelines, and you will find the perfect pair of shoes for your child.
Do you have a child with sensory issues? Is there a particular shoe style that you have tried for your child with sensory issues that has worked well for his/her feet? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them as well!
I have an 11 year old who needs a pair of hiking boots or shoes for an outdoor program at school. She currently wears a 2.5 and is very sensitive to both tight toe boxes and loose heels. We have spent a lot of money on shoes over the years because she’ll try a pair on, *think* they are good, and only after she’s worn them out and about a few times (and they can no longer be returned) will she discover something about them that bothers her. True hiking boots preferred but anything with good traction, good support, and water resistance will do.
Hello Amy,
Take a look at my recommendations below:
Option 1 Make sure to select the wide width.
Option 2 I selected the shoe size 2 1/2 wide.
I suggest that you apply this shoe lacing technique to secure your daughter’s heels inside the shoes: How to Lace Kids’ Shoes to Prevent Heel Slippage – 3 Easy and Simple Steps!
Let me know if you have any there questions.
Skechers (wide) seem to work for our son who has sensory issues with his feet.
Our current issue is soccer shin guards. He doesn’t like to wear them inside and that’s what the soccer league prefers. He won’t even try the sleeve because you have to add them in addition to socks (another issue). Have you found a solution (perhaps 1 sock that has a sleeve built in)? The soccer socks are an entire other issue, would love to hear any recommendations. He loves soccer, but the stress of getting ready is difficult for the entire family.
Thank you for sharing all your supportive information here!
Hello Kris,
Thank you for your feedback about the Skechers working well for your son!
I am sorry to hear about the shin guard issue. Unfortunately, I don’t have a solution to this. I know some families have their children wear two pairs of socks, they just put a pair of socks on first, then the shin guards, and then another pair of socks. I am not sure how well this will work for your son as he dislikes the feeling of soccer socks.
With that said, I hope other families who read this will provide us with feedback as they might have found a solution already.
Please help us! My daughter has to wear shoes this year for in person school- told safety reasons for gym and fire drills etc. She Is 6 and wore her winter bogs into summer months until we found her a pair of bogs rainboots that are now too small but insists on wearing as none of her other shoes feel right. We have every seamless sock available and what works one day doesn’t always work the next. We know that she has SPD and ADHD and have been trying the brushing and compression before going trying shoes. We have now exhausted all of the brands at kiddie kobbler that are recommended for kids with spd, sketchers, off the rack shoes, tried used so not stiff. Her feet measure 12.5 on left and 13 on right and the fitter said her feet aren’t wide but her toes are squared off on the ends so she prefers wider fit shoes and ones that don’t touch the top of her toes or pinch them. She used to prefer Mary Jane style shoes and ugg boots and last year wore stride rite velcro strap sandals. We have spent countless hours in shoe stores ( only short trips each time so not too overwhelmed) and even brought home a few pair that felt good in store but now refuses to wear because they aren’t comfortable to her.I want to help her find ones that feel good to her so she can go to school and be able to run and play with other kids.
She wants to go to school and I know she is trying so hard to not just kick off every shoe she tries on. Sometimes she gives us feedback like where it feels tight to her, other times ” JUST FEELS WEIRD”. She used to wear crocks but this summer they were “too bumpy and weird”. Even winter bogs aren’t working for her now. At home she goes barefoot inside and in front and back yard..even made sensory pathway with different textures to help with sensitivities.
Feeling helpless and hopeless though I keep reassuring her we will find the right ones for her just sometimes takes a while to find them.
Hello Lisa,
I am happy to help.
From your daughter’s feedback it seems like she wants her shoes to feel on the “looser side”.
Are you contacting me from Canada? The reason I ask is that the shoe store you mentioned is located in Canada. I need to know from which country you are contacting me to check what specific shoes are available in your area.
Does the school your daughter attends requires the shoes to be made of specific color?
Please help us! My daughter has to wear shoes this year for in person school- told safety reasons for gym and fire drills etc. She Is 6 and wore her winter bogs into summer months until we found her a pair of bogs rainboots that are now too small but insists on wearing as none of her other shoes feel right. We have every seamless sock available and what works one day doesn’t always work the next. We know that she has SPD and ADHD and have been trying the brushing and compression before going trying shoes. We have now exhausted all of the brands at kiddie kobbler that are recommended for kids with spd, sketchers, off the rack shoes, tried used so not stiff. Her feet measure 12.5 on left and 13 on right and the fitter said her feet aren’t wide but her toes are squared off on the ends so she prefers wider fit shoes and ones that don’t touch the top of her toes or pinch them. She used to prefer Mary Jane style shoes and ugg boots and last year wore stride rite velcro strap sandals. We have spent countless hours in shoe stores ( only short trips each time so not too overwhelmed) and even brought home a few pair that felt good in store but now refuses to wear because they aren’t comfortable to her.I want to help her find ones that feel good to her so she can go to school and be able to run and play with other kids.
She wants to go to school and I know she is trying so hard to not just kick off every shoe she tries on. Sometimes she gives us feedback like where it feels tight to her, other times ” JUST FEELS WEIRD”. She used to wear crocks but this summer they were “too bumpy and weird”. Even winter bogs aren’t working for her now. Feeling helpless and hopeless. At home she goes barefoot inside and in front and back yard..even made sensory pathway with different textures to help with sensitivities.
Feeling helpless and hopeless though I keep reassuring her we will find the right ones for her just sometimes takes a while to find them.
Hello,
My daughter can not tolerate socks ( seamless, low cut , soft material any sensory kind) and shoes together. She will wear shoes without socks. What tips I can use?
Thanks,
Hello Krupal,
Have you tried a pair of SmartKnit Socks?
Tsukihoshi shoes have worked really well for several children with sensory issues. I think a good place to start is by retrieving your daughter’s exact foot length and shape, to make sure that she is wearing shoes in the correct size: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Is there a way to get slightly larger sizes. My 10 year old is Autistic and he’s outgrown all the local shops that sell velcro shoes. I can’t get him to wear anything. He’s a size 7.5 and your largest size is a 7. I wish I new about these shoes when he was younger, could’ve stopped a lot of issues we’ve had.
Hello Crystal,
Most velcro shoes stop at a shoe size 7, but I am happy to help you find a pair of shoes for your son. However, I first need to know whether your son’s feet are medium, wide, or extra wide. If you are unsure of your son’s foot shape you can follow the instructions here: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
MY son doesn’t seem to like any snowboots. Any recommendations?
Hi Kristi,
How about trying an insulated and waterproof hiking boot? There are certain boots that might feel softer for his feet. Take a look at my recommendations below:
Option 1
Option 2
I hope this helps.
My son is extremely difficult to buy shoes for. He complains that some shoes are rubbing his heels, and other shoes have a seam or something near the toe. So far he’s only able to wear the sandals made for boys that have the velcro on the top of the foot and in the back. He pulls the velcro on both sides so tight they no longer connect with the rest of the velcro on the shoe so I have to add fabric velcro from the sewing section of the store. This velcro never holds so we end up fighting the shoes on a daily basis because the velcro straps keep popping up. Any ideas for a child that has to have the shoe tightened on the back and the front?
Hello Tracy,
There is a particular sandal style that can be adjusted in 3 different places, which will give your son more control over how tight or loose he wants the sandal to feel.
Adjustable Sandal: Option 1
Adjustable Sandal: Option 2
These sandals also come with a soft padding around the heels, which will help your son feel more comfortable.
I hope this helps!
I love all the information you have provided. My seven year old just picked out a new pair of shoes at the store and once again has removed the insoles! I don’t understand why he does this every time or if this ok to allow or if the shoes are wrong? And if so, what shoes to get?
Hi Jessica,
I have seen other children do this as well. Have you asked your child why he keeps removing the sole of the shoes? I need to know whether he feels that the shoes feel too tight or too loose, and then I can provide you with specific shoe recommendations. It’s important that your child wears his shoes with the insoles, since they provide extra cushion and support to your kids’ feet.
Let’s see if you can find out why your boy keeps doing this, and once you do, we will discuss how to proceed.
My son is almost to the point that he will not wear shoes due to his sensory issues. He says that all shoes and socks are too loose no matter how tight they are. We recently tried the New Balance Boa system shoes and they are the tightest fitting shoes that I have found. He hates seamless socks and will not wear them and prefers thick “tight” socks. I guess every kid with sensory issues is different. I’m hoping he will not stop wearing his new NB Boa system shoes after a couple of weeks like he has with the last 5 pairs of shoes. Any advice?
Hello Daniel,
I am sorry your son is going trough this and I think you are right, every child with sensory issues is a little different. If he likes his socks and shoes really tight, I recommend trying a pair of tighter, compression-like socks (spandex/lycra like materials).
As far as the shoes go, have you tried shoes that come with shoelaces? This might help giving your son more control on how tight he wants the shoes to feel.
If he likes tighter fitting shoes you should try the shoe brand named Saucony. These two shoe styles to be more specific:
Saucony for kids with Sensory Issues: Option 1
I hope this helps!
My son has sensory issues. He is always complaining that his feet are hot. If we would let him wear sandals during the winter, he would. He is flat footed, with wide feet. Do you have a suggestion for a shoe?
Hello Brenda,
Can you please provide me with your son’s foot length and also tell me whether he prefers Velcro or shoelaces.
Thank you.
My 6 year old son struggles with this stress on a daily basis. Unfortunately the problem is not with the actual shoes or socks. I buy only seamless socks. Even those I have to turn inside out. That seems to help a little. He can wear the same pair of shoes every day but some days they bother him more than others. Especially in the morning before school. I’ll definitely try massaging his feet in the morning. Hope this will help??
Thank you for sharing Darlene! I believe that the shoes and socks do play an important role because children won’t tolerate any type of shoes and socks.Massaging the feet will make an important difference as well since this will help desensitize the feet and will make him less sensitive to the touch.
He wears about a size 6 youth. Thanks for your help.
Hello Amber,
These are the shoe styles that I recommend:
Option 1
Option 2
Both of these shoe styles run long, so don’t leave as much growing room. I will suggest getting your child a shoe size 6 or a 5 1/2.
I hope this helps!
I’m so exhausted from finding a pair of shoes for my son. He’s 11 so he’s in big kid shoes. Therefore, certain options aren’t even available to him because he’s older. The ONLY thing he will wear is Bogs boots or crocs. It’s weird, he normally wants everything as tight as possible, if he finds a shoe we can get him to put on he has to tie it so dang tight and multiple times. But yet he prefers the loose croc. Recently he broke his foot in PE class because he was wearing crocs. He now needs an actual shoe for school. I just dread finding one. The last time we tried he tried on 10+ pairs, ended up picking one and then 2 weeks later he refused to wear them. Please help with brands that may work for him.
Hello Amber,
From what you told me, your child used to like his shoes extremely tight but now it seems that he likes them to be looser. What is his shoe size?
There is a particular shoe brand named Tsukihoshi that gives that “loose feel”, and the shoes are very soft and comfortable. Once you send your child’s shoe size I can send you specific recommendations.
I am at my wits end with trying to find shoes for my 6 year old daughter. We must have tried 20 pairs over the past 2 weeks and there were plenty of shoes that fit her but they just didn’t feel right. It is causing me so much stress. I don’t know what to do as she has no shoes to wear. She is a D width so very narrow but hates them being tight on the side or the top but also hates them being loose around the heel. Help. I have tried Clarks, Startrite, every trainer I can think of, pumps, M&S, Next, Skechers. She just cannot cope with the feel of shoes. It is such a stress for me and I know she cannot help it but at the end of the day she needs to wear shoes.
Hello Hannah,
Sorry to hear that since I know how frustrating that can be.
Have you tried the New Balance or Saucony styles I recommend? These styles tend to be very soft and cushiony.
Did you try a pair of sneakers with shoelaces for her? This can take care of allowing some extra room for her toes to freely move inside the shoe without having too much extra space around her ankles. They key is also to try to distract her while is trying the shoes on so she doesn’t think too much about it. If you go try shoes for her and nothing feels right just try another day and start fresh. Try putting two different shoe styles on her feet and ask her which ones feels better.If you are sure you are getting the correct shoe style and shoe size for her then it will be a matter of her getting used to. I hope this helps!
Do you have any recommendations for summer shoes? We live in the mountains in Colorado. We have snow boots, but she doesn’t usually need something so burly. She LOVES sweater boots, but she tears them apart in minutes
Dear Nicole.
Are you looking for a dressy sandal or a water play sandal?
well, my question was confusing! I meant winter shoes – not summer shoes! Our girl puts on sneakers and is instantly mad at the world, but we need something that will keep her foot warm and dry. She’d love to live in flip flops, but that’s just not possible here!
Hello Nicole,
Do you know her foot width? There are a couple of nice hiking waterproof boots that are the most comfortable ones and they tend to fit a medium foot width to a wide foot.You can find them below (the first two choices I have fitted before and I know how great they are in terms of comfort and quality).
The Best Hiking Boots for Kids – Finding a Wide and Waterproof Hiking Boot!
My son has sensory issues with his toe. Everything is too tight, pinches and he is wearing shoes that are two sizes too big for him but the shoe only lasts a few weeks then it is an issue again. One of our biggest struggles is cleats. He is also a baseball player and we can’t find cleats that he will wear without a ton of tears and yelling. He loves baseball and it is boarder line him giving it up just so he isn’t tormented because he has to wear cleats.
Andrea,
Does your son has wide or extra wide feet? I know he is having a hard time dealing with the shoes, but providing him with a shoe that is two sizes too long will only compromise his stability and make him more prone to falling down. I want you to try a wider shoe instead of a longer one. When it comes to baseball cleats, I do have something in mind that might work. There is one baseball cleat that is available in wide widths, or you can even use the soccer one for baseball. You can find them in this post:
Wide Width Baseball Cleats – They Do Exist!
Please let me know if this helps!
Oh! Also…any recommendations on a sensory friendly shoe for big kids that Velcro?
Thanks!
Yes, the one I recommend in the post below are very soft, flexible, and lightweight and at the same time they are available in different widths such as medium, wide, and extra wide.
Velcro Kids Sneakers In Large Sizes – Finding Velcro Shoes For Kids WIth Big Feet!
First of all thank you so much for these articles. My daughter has SPD among other issues and the sock and shoe sensitivity has taken on a life of its own lately. We’re to the point that she’s missing school and not leaving the house only because she can not tolerate the feeling of the socks and shoes. Do you have any suggestions for a narrow heel? She’s got my goofy feet that have an extremely high instep/arch and then a narrow heel. We’ll get a new pair of shoes on her and she’ll say they feel ok, but then as soon as she stands and walks she flips out and rips them off saying her heel is slipping. Ive always just used heel liners myself for this but she says she hates the way THOSE feel! Help?!
Dear Leah,
I understand your concern and I have helped several children with the same issue. The first thing I will recommend is that you try a pair of shoes with shoelaces. This will take care of any extra space around her heels. It’s also important for the shoes to be deep in order for her feet to FIT deep inside the shoe (you told me she has a very high instep). Take a look at a post I wrote where I describe the best shoes for kids with high instep:
The Best Shoes For High Instep – STOP Getting The Wrong Shoe Size For Your Child!
Let me know if this clarifies!
Are there any sandals you’d recommend? I get Keens for my younger kids, but my oldest can’t stand the feel of them. I need something he can hike, run, and get wet in since we go to the creek each week. Any leads would be appreciated! (He has also struggled with the closed toed Chacos).
Hello Amanda,
What type of foot shape your kids have? As long as they don’t have narrow feet, you should check out a post I wrote where I describe the best alternative to Keen sandals. You can find that post here: Comfortable Summer Sandals For Kids
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you!
do you have tennis shoes you would recommend for a child that complains about the back/heel of the shoe? I think it is too high for her. Thank you!
Krista,
Please make sure your daughter is complaining about the height of the heel, and not about heel pain. If your child is complaining about the height of the shoe, there is a certain shoe style that works great and you can find it here: The Best Shoes for Kids who Complain About Heel Height
My son is five and struggles with certain textures, but luckily we’ve seemed to find shoes that he’s content with. I mainly wanted to compliment your many articles that help parents find shoes for their children, they are super informative and helpful. I also am so impressed that this article is several years old and you are still answering people’s comments/questions…. that is really rare, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you ?
Hello Jenna,
Even though some articles have been published a while ago, I tried to keep them all up to date.
I am also glad to hear that you find the website informative!:)
Hi there, many thanks for all your helpful information on shoes, I have 3 kids myself and the second one aged 5 is always complaining about her shoes being too tight and uncomfortable, your suggestion on getting a wider width may actually help her and I will try it out, I will check out your next post on the Velcro straps and hopefully your suggestions can work for her, thanks
Ryan,
Remember to always go wider instead of longer when your kids’ complain about their shoes feeling too tight, unless there is actually no room between the end of her longest toe and the end of the shoe. If we keep going longer when our kids’ complain about the shoes feeling too tight, we will end up compromising their stability.
Hello
I have a six year old who hates all shoes EXCEPT ugh boots. We tried sneakers Nike’s other brands laces no laces , Velcro Vans ughhhh nothing worked .
Only uggs. And he used to only wear two pair of socks but now wants to wear
3 or 4 pairs — he likes the compression :/
Tightness … any ideas ?’ And he wears socks 24/7 except in a bath or at a pool — we’re desperately trying to figure out what to do – the doctor says none of this will
Hurt his growth but we’re super concerned .
Hello Stacie,
I believe it might be related to the comfort and softness that Ugg boots provide. He probably likes to be able to wiggle his toes and have ample room for his feet. My only concern is that Ugg boots don’t provide any support, so he will be much better off in a pair of sneakers.
You mentioned Nike and Vans but have you tried New Balance shoes in extra wide widths?
For example, New Balance shoe styles tend to be very deep and they come with the roundest toed-boxes. This will allow your kids’ feet to sit deeply inside the shoe and the round toed-box will allow him to freely move his toes. Even if the likes to wear plenty of socks these shoe styles will provide extra room to accommodate them.
My recommendation is to try a pair of compression socks and see if he likes how they feel. I would recommend you try any of these shoe styles:
1st Choice
2nd Choice
3rd Choice
I hope this helps!
Dear Juan Pablo,
Thank you for the article. Luckily, we have not had trouble finding suitable shoes for our 4 kids. But I know the problem from other family members.
I know how hard it can be to find a proper pair of shoes (as you said – too hard, too tight, too loose, too narrow, etc., etc.)
Buying shoes from the internet can be troublesome again – because you cannot try beforehand.
Overall, I found these tips (offered here) useful and I am thankful 🙂
Great job!
Egon,
I am glad all of your children are wearing the right shoe size! It is something you should be proud of, since it is not an easy task to accomplish. Do you have a local shoe store that you take them to get fitted?
I really admire your dedication to guide parents in choosing the right pair of shoes for their children. Not so many parents are really aware of the effects of giving the wrong shoes to children because they can not clearly communicate their problems. With your blogs, their little voices can now be heard and parents can be properly guided to give full attention to their child’s little feet.
That is exactly the reason why I created this website, to help parents make the most informative decision when it comes to choosing their children shoes. The type of shoes we wear will impact the way we walk and run. Keeping our kids’ feet healthy from an early stage will prevent future foot, leg, and lower back problems.
Hi,
These sound like great tips for fitting any child’s shoes not just those with sensory issues. However, I understand that the issues you cover make it particularly challenging.
My niece is autistic and non-verbal and it is the measuring process that she struggles with rather than the fitting of the shoes themselves. Her mum measures her feet at home so it’s not a stranger touching her feet, do you have any advice on measuring correctly?
Thank you
Jenny
Jenny,
Learning how to measure a kids’ foot is not the complicated part, that is actually quite easy to learn. The issue is that what your child measures is just the starting point of the actual size she might end up with. Every shoe brand and style within the brand, will fit differently. I will advise your sister to take her to the closest shoe fitting store, and ask the fitter if she can measure the child herself. After that, the fitter will be able to point out which shoes will be able to fit the shape of your niece better.
Do you know what measuring tool is your sister using? I wrote a post about the best measuring devices for kids: Shoe Size Measuring Device – Stop Buying the Wrong Shoe Size Let me know if you have any other questions!
I never realized that there was so much thought you could put into choosing shoes 🙂 It makes sense though, especially for kids with sensory problems. They would be super sensitive to any discomfort that we may find to be minor. Do you have any advice on buying shoes for children whose feet are not quite the same size?
Andrea,
Choosing the right shoes for our kids’ requires a great deal of knowledge and patience. Children who experience sensory issues have a really hard time getting used to their new shoes. They will feel any possible seam and discomfort in the shoe (or the sock) that you can imagine.
Most of us have a half a size difference between our feet. I have fitted children in shoes that had a whole size difference, and the only thing you need to do is to not leave as much growing room as you would in the longer foot. If the child has more than a whole size difference, you should strongly consider buying him/her two different pair of shoe sizes. Stores normally provide the customer with a 50% discount in the second pair of shoes.