Are you looking for a pair of everyday sneakers that are durable, comfortable, and can accommodate your child’s wide feet? Do you usually struggle to get the shoes on and off, and even once you manage to get the shoes on you are not even sure whether they are wide enough for your child’s feet? This is something that happens to a lot of families of children with wide feet. The good news is that I have put together a list of the best sneakers for kids with wide feet based on my 10 years of shoe fitting experience.
Why Are Shoe Companies Not Manufacturing More Shoes for Kids’ Wide Feet?
Working at a children’s shoe store for many years I noticed that most children have wide feet. One common question parents ask me at the shoe store is: If so many children have wide feet, why aren’t shoe companies manufacturing more shoes in wide or extra wide widths? The issue is that most parents are not aware that their children have wide feet.
When parents notice that their child’s foot doesn’t fit very well in normal-width shoes, they simply keep sizing up until the shoes can go on their child’s feet or until the child stops complaining that the shoes feel too tight. Keep in mind that buying shoes that are too big for your child can be just as bad as buying shoes that are too small.
My Experience Helping Children with Wide Feet
I have been fitting children’s shoes at a specialized children’s shoe store for the last 10 years, and I handle approximately one hundred shoe fittings/try ons per week. Trust me when I tell you that I have seen children with all types of foot shapes and foot conditions. My goal has always been that no child walks out of the store without wearing a pair of shoes that fit their feet perfectly.
I am passionate about fitting children’s shoes as I truly believe that the correct type of shoes can be life-changing. Children’s feet are constantly developing, and what happens to their feet during their childhood will affect their physique as they grow older.
Many children have wider feet, but luckily, there are some great shoe brands out there that offer wide (W) and extra wide (XW) width sizes that are both stylish and comfortable.
What are the Best Shoe Brands for Children with Wide Feet?
I will show you which shoe brands work best for children with wide feet, but please don’t assume that all shoes from these shoe brands will work well for your child’s wide feet. There are specific styles among each brand that work better than others, and I will break them down for you shortly.
- New Balance
- Stride Rite
- Saucony
- Tsukihoshi
- See Kai Run
- Pediped
- Merrell
We carry all of those shoe brands at the shoe store that I work for so I am familiar with which styles among those shoe brands fit wider than others. Is there a shoe brand that has worked well for your child’s wide feet that I didn’t mention? Share your findings in the comment section below!
What Makes the Sneakers that I Recommend Ideal for Children with Wide Feet?
When I fit a child with wide feet in a pair of sneakers I look for shoes that provide these 3 features:
1️⃣ Round Toe-Boxes
Sneakers with round toe-boxes allow for extra space for the toes and help prevent the toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. You can buy two pairs of shoes that are the same length and width, but they might have different toe-boxes. For example, let’s take a look at the difference in toe-boxes between two shoes that are the same length and width.
Do you notice how the shoe on the right (New Balance), has a rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left (Nike)?
2️⃣ Extra Depth
Shoes with extra depth help allow the feet to sit deeply inside of the shoes, which helps prevent the top part of the foot (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature is ideal for children who have high insteps. I explain in more detail what the instep of the foot is down below the article.
Do you notice how the shoe on the right is deeper compared to the shoe on the left?
3️⃣ Oversized Openings
This is an optional feature, but it will make the process of getting your child’s on and off a lot easier. The wider the shoes open up, the easier it will be for you or your child to get the shoes on and off.
Where Can You Buy Sneakers that Provide these 3 Important Features?
I have put together a list of children’s shoes that provide all of those 3 features, and some of the shoes are available in wide (W) and extra wide widths (XW). However, before you buy your kids’ shoes online, you should consider taking your child to your local children’s shoe store.
By shopping at your local shoe store you will be supporting local businesses and also making sure that your child is walking and running around in shoes that fit. If you are unsure whether you have a specialized shoe store in your area take a look at the resource I created that shows the best shoe stores by state:
The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores in the United States – Where to go for Proper Fittings
If you don’t have a shoe store in your area or simply prefer to shop online, let’s take a look at the best sneakers for kids with wide feet. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet
Many of the sneakers featured below come in several color options, so if you want the shoes to be made of a specific color, please make sure to click through and see if they are available in that specific color. I also suggest that you take a look at the description below each shoe to find out the following information:
- The best size to order allowing for growing room
- The type of closure (velcro or lace-up)
- Other important information such as material
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Removable insoles
- Lightweight and flexible
- Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Long heel counter provides stability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- This shoe has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Hook-and-loop strap closure with elastic lace panel
- Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors
- Machine washable for quick and easy clean
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 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 half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Leather and mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- Lace-Up closure
- Non-marking outsole
- Order this shoe a whole larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
All of the sneakers that I recommend are durable, so it’s highly likely that children will outgrow them before they wear them out.
What Shoe Size You Should Order?
In each of the descriptions of the shoes I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
*A half a size bigger translates to 3/16 of an inch or 0.4 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.
*A whole size bigger translates to 3/8 of an inch or 0.8 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.
* In some styles I suggest getting the same shoe size as your child’s foot size. This means that the shoe fits long, and you don’t need to go a half size or whole size bigger to allow for growing room.
Do You Know Whether Your Child Has a High Instep or Not?
The instep is the top part of the child’s foot, and when it’s high, it makes it a lot more challenging to find shoes that fit. Here is an image of a child with wide feet and a high instep:
Some common signs that a child has a high instep are:
- Struggling to get the shoes on and off
- Finding red marks on the top part of the feet (instep)
- The velcro straps of the shoes don’t go far enough to meet the end of the velcro
Are You Unsure of Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape?
If you don’t know your child’s foot length, there is no possible way that you will order the correct shoe size online. In addition, are you positive that your child has wide feet or do you believe that your child might have extra wide feet? Do you know whether your child has a high instep? I created a different resource that helps parents determine their child’s exact foot length and shape from home. Go to the link below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Retrieving your child’s exact foot length and shape will give you peace of mind that you are ordering the shoes in the correct size.
Do This Once Your Kids’ Shoes Arrive to Check If they are Wide Enough
1️⃣ Step One
Slide your finger around the widest part of the foot, and make sure the small toe or the pinky toe is not being pressed against the side of the shoe. If the shoes are too narrow for your kids’ feet, you will notice a bump right around this area of the shoe. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes.
That small bump that you notice poking out the side of the shoes is the child’s small toe being pressed by the other toes against the side of the shoes:
2️⃣ Step Two
If your child is wearing a pair of shoes with velcro closure check if the velcro straps go far enough to meet the end of the velcro. If you can’t pull the velcro straps all the way, that’s a sign that the shoes are either not wide or deep enough. Take a look at the image below for clarification purposes:
Are My Child’s Feet Always Going to Remain Wide?
I have noticed throughout the years that some children grow out of it, while others have wide feet for the rest of their lives. This really depends on each child but I have seen a lot of children’s feet thin out as they grow.
What are Good Socks for Kids with Wide Feet?
While I can’t get into too much detail about what socks work best for children with wide feet, there is a different resource that I created that describes socks that are seamless and don’t constrict toe movement:
Socks for Wide Feet – The Best Wide Socks for Kids
Shoes that are too narrow can create several issues to your child’s feet, from blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails, to having a negative impact on your child’s walking gait. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you are unsure about what shoe style to choose or if you are not 100% sure that the shoes are fitting correctly.
You can leave me a comment in the section below or contact me via email:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Help me make this resource even better by adding your sneaker recommendations for kids with wide feet.
2
Leave a Reply