Shortage of Extra Wide Shoes for Kids – Let Me Help You Find Them!

June 24, 2025 Extra Wide Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to find extra wide shoes for your child? You’re not alone. As more parents recognize the importance of proper shoe fit, demand for extra wide kids’ shoes has surged. Unfortunately, many brands haven’t kept up—focusing instead on standard sizes and leaving children with wider feet with fewer options. The result? A frustrating, time-consuming search for the right fit.

Why Are Most Extra Wide Widths Kids’ Shoes Out of Stock?

One key factor behind the shortage is the complexity of producing extra wide shoes. Designing a shoe that’s both wide enough and properly supportive isn’t as simple as scaling up a standard size—it requires extra materials, specialized construction, and more time. These added challenges drive up production costs, which often leads manufacturers to limit the variety and availability of extra wide options in stores.

Extra Wide Feet – Key Features to Consider

A round toe-box is crucial for accommodating extra wide feet. It provides ample room for the toes to spread naturally, reducing the likelihood of blisters, calluses, and other discomforts. Shoes with a narrow or pointed toe-box can lead to foot deformities, especially in young children whose feet are still developing.
Extra depth is another important feature to consider. Shoes with extra depth allow extra space and a better fit for children with high insteps. This additional space helps to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, preventing pain and discomfort during movement.

Children with wider feet or specific foot conditions require extra wide shoes to ensure they have enough room for their feet to grow and move naturally. Without the right fit, children can experience discomfort, blisters, or even long-term foot problems. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, earning us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Shoe Selection for Your Child’s Extra Wide Feet

As a shoe fitter, I am constantly researching and testing new shoes. Here are my top recommendations for extra wide shoes for kids in 2025.

1. 990v6 by New Balance with Laces

These New Balance extra wide shoes are the widest and deepest styles, 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 medium, wide, and 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 medium, wide, and 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 shoes for extra wide feet 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

These extra wide Stride Rite shoes are stylish and parents love them because their children can use them 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 a focus on functionality and fun. They feature extra wide toe-boxes that support natural foot movement, and many of their designs include playful characters and bright colors that toddlers love.

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 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

These Billy extra wide 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

Finding the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child

Let’s not underestimate how important it is to regularly measure your child’s feet—wearing the correct shoe size is key to healthy foot development. I always recommend visiting a local children’s shoe store, where a trained fitter can measure your child’s feet and recommend the best fit. But I know that for many families, finding a nearby kids’ shoe store isn’t easy—especially nowadays, when so much shopping happens online. That’s why I created a free virtual shoe fitting service to help you find your child’s exact size from the comfort of your home.

Reach Out for Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s feet are unique, and finding the right shoes can be a complex process. As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to help. Reach out for personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s specific foot size, shape, and needs.

Why Narrow Shoes Can Harm Your Child’s Feet

Shoes that are too tight aren’t just uncomfortable—they can seriously affect your child’s foot health. Wearing narrow or overly small shoes puts your child at risk for painful issues like bunions, corns, blisters, and even ingrown toenails. Ensuring the right width is just as important as getting the correct length when it comes to supporting healthy foot development.