The Best Children’s Shoes for Hemihypertrophy – Extra Wide and Deep!
Has your child been diagnosed with hemihypertrophy? This is a condition in which there is excessive growth of only one side of the body, it can be the right side or the left side. When a child has hemihypertrophy in one of the legs, two different-sized shoes are usually required to accommodate the larger side. The best children’s shoes for hemihypertrophy provide rounded toe-boxes and extra depth to accommodate the larger side. You will probably have to buy two different sized shoes if your child has a considerably foot size difference.
Let’s take a look at an example of a child with hemihypertrophy on his right foot:
Do You Need to Buy Two Different-Sized Shoes for Your Child?
I have fitted a couple of children with hemihypertrophy and all of them required two different sized shoes. However, many shoe stores have a policy that offers a “Buy One Get One 40% Off” deal for circumstances where two different sizes are required. Some other companies will give you two pairs of shoes for the price of one.
Key Shoe Features for Children with Hemihypertrophy
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of your child’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Shoes that provide extra depth are also easy to get on and off.
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping each other or rubbing against the side of the shoes.
3️⃣ Extra Wide: If the shoes are not labeled as extra wide, they will probably not be able to fit the shape of your child’s feet.
4️⃣ Oversized Openings: This feature makes it easier to get your child’s shoes on and off.
Let’s Find Out If You Need to Buy Two Different Shoe Sizes
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
The shoes I describe below are all available in wide (W) and extra wide (XW) widths, but it’s highly likely that you will have to order the extra wide width (XW). 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.
Best Children’s Shoes for Hemihypertrophy – Extra Deep and Wide
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Leather upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Mesh upper material features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 2 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, or extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, or extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Synthetic and mesh upper
- Extra deep
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Dean Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS but can also be cut to fit
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Breathable mesh
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ryder Adapt by See Kai Run on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra-long straps can be cut for a secure and custom fit with AFOs
- Mesh lining and removable mesh-lined sock liner deliver comfort
- Breathable mesh upper provides maximum durability and ultra-flexibility
- Velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole
- Suede/mesh upper
- Removable insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- order the shoe style Classic DR by Billy on Amazon
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style DR Short Wrap by Billy on Zappos
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Classic DR II by Billy on Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Two removable insoles
- Upper opens completely allowing for unobstructed entry and visual sizing confirmation.
- Wrap-around zipper closure provides fun and easy entry.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?
This depends on the discrepancy between your child’s feet, but I usually recommend getting the shoes a half size or a whole size bigger than your child’s current foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Which Shoe Companies Allow the Purchase of Mismatched Shoe Sizes
Certain shoe companies sell two different-sized shoes for the price of one.
Heel Lifts for Leg Length Discrepancy
If you have noticed that your child’s legs seem uneven, you might have to provide your child with a pair of heel lifts to compensate for this discrepancy. Heel lifts can be one of the best solutions to your kids’ leg length discrepancy. Of course that the greater the discrepancy between the legs, the more problems this can cause.
I recommend parents to take their children to their doctor when there is some sort of leg length discrepancy. What I have learned at the store is that no treatment is generally required if your kid’s total leg length discrepancy is less than two centimeters at full height. However, if the discrepancy is more than two centimeters, doctors might require one of these two options:
- Surgery: to shorten the longer leg or to lengthen the shorter leg.
- Heel lift in one shoe (to even the legs out).
Obviously, the heel lift option is the most convenient and economical choice, and it is not nearly as invasive. While I can’t get into too much detail about the importance of heel lifts in this article, you should take a look at another article I wrote where I describe the best heel lifts for a child that has leg length discrepancy.
The Best Socks for Hemihypertrophy – Seamless and Breathable!
Socks play an important role in keeping your children’s feet healthy, as they act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes. Socks prevent infections and the formation of bacteria inside the shoes.
It’s important to choose the correct type of socks for your child with hemihypertrophy, as we don’t want to constrict the toes or make them overlap each other. Seamless socks are ideal for children with swollen or extra wide feet, since they don’t constrict toe movement.
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- 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
- Order these socks made by SmartKnit on Amazon
- 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
- Order these socks made by SmartKnit on Amazon
- 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
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- 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
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
Let me know if you are unsure whether you need to buy two different shoe sizes for your child’s feet or if you are having a hard time deciding which shoes might work best for your child’s feet:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
You can also use the comments section below to ask any questions you might have.
The only place I have found to allow me to buy different size shoes is Nordstrom. Do you know of anyone else?
Hi Melissa,
Where are you located? Most independent shoe stores will allow you to buy the first pair of shoes at regular price and the second pair for 40% off.