The Best Boots for Kids with Wide Feet and High Insteps – Oversized Openings and Extra Depth!
Children with wide feet or high insteps usually find standard-sized boots uncomfortable. The extra space provided by wide boots ensures that your child’s toes can spread naturally, crucial for maintaining proper balance and preventing discomfort and foot-related issues like ingrown toenails or blisters. I will show you a list of snow and hiking boots for kids with wide feet and high insteps that are versatile as they can be worn in multiple weather environments (cold days, rain, and snow).
Do You Always Struggle to Get Your Kids’ Boots On and Off?
This is the first sign that your child might have a high instep. Most parents don’t know what the instep of the foot is. The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it makes it complicated to find shoes that fit. Take a look at the images below to visualize where the instep of the foot is located:
If you notice red marks or indentations on the top part of your child’s feet that usually means that the shoes are not deep or wide enough, as shown below:
Key Features to Look For in Wide Boots for Kids
1. Extra Depth: Deep boots accommodate the height of the foot (instep), preventing discomfort. This feature helps prevent the top part of your child’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the boots. Boots with extra depth are also very practical as they allow for easy on and off.
2. Round Toe-Boxes: A wide toe box allows your child’s toes to spread naturally, which enhances balance and comfort. It also helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another or the side of the boots. A spacious toe box can also accommodate thick socks, which may be necessary in colder weather, without compromising the fit of the boot.
3. Oversized Openings: This feature allows for easy on and off. The boots that I recommend have a large tongue that moves far enough out of the way to easily insert your child’s feet.
By the way, most children’s boots tend to be too heavy and stiff. The wide boots for kids that I recommend are ultra-lightweight and provide exceptional comfort.
Should You Get Your Child a Pair of Snow or Hiking Boots?
Snow boots are designed to be worn in the snow, while hiking boots can be worn in the snow or the rain, making them a more versatile choice. Snow boots tend to be a little heavier and less flexible than hiking boots, but if you live in an area where it snows a lot then a pair of actual snow boots are a must for your child.
Best Boots for Kids with Wide Feet and High Insteps
My top 10 wide boots recommendations for kids with wide feet and high insteps are available in multiple colors. 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.
1. Atlas by See Kai Run
This is one of the most versatile boots for kids with wide feet and high insteps as it can be worn in the snow and rain. The lightweight design and flexible outsole allow your child to wear this boot for longer periods of time. This is an awesome boot that can be worn to school, snow play, or rainy days.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the boot style Atlas II WP/IN by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be worn in the snow and rain.
- Double velcro straps.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
2. Baby Bogs by Bogs
This is an awesome snow boot for toddlers who are learning how to walk or already walking. In fact, this is my go-to snow boot for toddlers with wide feet as it provides a lightweight and flexible design. The boot has a velcro strap on the back that allows for a secure fit and easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers.
- Order the boot style II Solid by Bogs on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a waterproof and insulated snow boot that can be used in the snow.
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off.
- Machine washable.
- Comfort rated to 14°F/-10°C.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
3. Alpenglow by North Face
This North Face boot will help keep your toddler’s feet warm and dry during snow play. The boot opens up nice and wide, making it ideal for kids with wide feet and high insteps.
- Available for toddlers.
- Order the boot Alpenglow by North Face on Zappos or Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used in the snow.
- Waterproof suede upper and seam-sealed design.
- Cushioned footbed.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
4. Gilman by See Kai Run
Its wide opening and adjustable straps make it easy to achieve the perfect fit, while the sturdy and lightweight design makes the boot suitable to be worn for long periods of time.
key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the boot Gilman WP/in by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used on cold days, rain, and snow.
- Delivering 360-degree warmth with 3M Thinsulate thermal insulation.
- Fleece lining for warmth.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
5. Kootenay by Keen
This is a waterproof and insulated boot that can be used in the snow and rainy days.
Key features
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the boot style Kootenay by Keen on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot is waterproof and insulated and it can be used in the snow and rain.
- Velcro closure.
- Insulation helps keep feet warm in temperatures down to -4F / -20C.
- I suggest that you get this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
6. Selah by Western Chief
This boot folds over at the front for easy on and off and is ideal for colder days and snow play.
Key Features
- Available for little kids.
- Order the boot style Selah by Western Chief on Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used on cold and snowy days.
- Waterproof and insulated.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
7. Classic II by Bogs
Known for their lightweight, waterproof, and insulated design, these boots are ideal for cold weather. The boots open up nice and wide, catering to children with broader feet. Bogs manufactures some of the lightest snow boots for kids.
Key features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the boot style Classic II by Bogs on Zappos and Amazon.
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot is waterproof and insulated and can be used on cold and snowy days.
- Sturdy handles make these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off.
- Comfort rated to -30 Degrees F/-34 Degrees C
- Excellent traction.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
8. Larkin by See Kai Run
With a wide fit and a breathable mesh lining, these boots offer comfort and flexibility, making them suitable for various winter activities.
Key Features
- Available for toddler and little kids.
- Order the boot style Larkin by See Kai Run on Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This boot can be used in the snow.
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
9. Littleplum Snow Boots
This is a very versatile boot with triple velcro straps for a secure fit and easy on and off. Parents appreciate that the boots are budget-friendly and do not compromise on comfort or durability.
Key Features
- Order the boot style Winter Waterproof by Littleplum on Amazon.
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a snow boot that can be used in the snow and rain as well.
- Rubber outsole with ice cleats to help prevent slips and falls.
- Waterproof.
- Removable insoles.
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
10. UBFEN Kids Snow Boots
This is another affordable option that doesn’t compromise on comfort or durability and offers a wide fit and a lightweight design, making them ideal for everyday winter wear.
Key Features
- Order the boot style UBFEN on Amazon.
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps).
- This is a snow boot.
- The fluffy lining provides warmth.
- I suggest that you get this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Would You Rather Receive Specific Boot Recommendations?
Keep in mind that boots that work for one child with wide feet and high insteps may not work for another, and your child may need to try out multiple boots before finding the one that works best for them. You can contact me via email if you have any further questions or are having trouble finding a pair of shoes that fit your child’s wide feet and high instep properly.
Find Out What Boot Size You Should Order Online
A well-fitting snow boot should have enough room for the toes to wiggle freely, without being too loose. The heel should fit snugly to prevent slipping. If you are unsure of what boot size you should order to allow for the correct amount of growing room, I recommend taking a look at a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Feedback from Families Who Already Tried These Boots
Testimonials often highlight key features that might not be immediately apparent from product descriptions, such as how well the boots hold up after extended use or how easy they are for children to put on by themselves. Below you can find feedback from families who shared with me how the boots I recommended worked out for their children with wide feet and high insteps.
Are These Boots Going to Last the Whole Winter Season?
Generally, as a rule of thumb, children should outgrow their shoes before they become destroyed, considering how fast children grow. As long as you provide your child with the correct amount of growing room your child will most likely outgrow the boots before they become destroyed.
Winter Socks for Kids – Keep Your Kids’ Feet Dry and Warm!
Be aware that socks act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes, and they also prevent the formation and the build-up of bacteria inside the shoes. While I can’t get into too much detail about what features your kids’ winter socks should provide, there is another resource in which I provide a list of the best winter socks for kids.
Best Everyday Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet and High Insteps
I have created many resources over the years for children with wide feet and high insteps. One of the most popular ones that many parents have found the most helpful describes the best everyday sneakers for children with wide feet and high insteps.
I also created a resource that has a list of wide rain boots for kids in case you want to go that route instead of getting a snow boot or hiking boot.
Help me make this resource even better by adding your wide boot recommendations for children with wide feet and high insteps or any helpful insights in the comments section below.
