The Best Sandals for Narrow Feet – Find the Secret Here!
Have you noticed that every single pair of sandals that you try on your kids’ feet is too wide and gaps too much around the heels? In many online forums such as Reddit and Quora families complain that they can’t find a single pair of sandals to accommodate their child’s narrow feet. The good news is that I have been fitting children’s shoes for over a decade, and I know which sandals fit narrower than others. The best sandals for narrow feet come with multiple points of adjustability and provide narrow platforms and heel counters.
Are Kids’ Sandals Available in Narrow Widths?
Children’s shoes are available in different widths such as narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. Unfortunately, shoe companies are not manufacturing sandals in narrow widths anymore, but luckily there are a few sandals capable of fitting children with narrow feet.
Stop Getting Sandals that Are Too Wide – Prevent Blisters and Sores
If you provide your child with a pair of sandals that are too wide you might end up creating all sorts of issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. What will happen is that your kids’ feet will move too much inside the sandals, and the constant friction between your kids’ feet and the sandals will lead to the issues mentioned above. The back of the heels is one of the most common places where children develop blisters when sandals are fitted too wide:
The pinky toe (small toe) is also one of the most common places where children develop blisters during the summer:
What Makes the Sandals I Recommend Effective for Narrow Feet?
1️⃣ The sandals that I recommend have narrower heel counters, which is the back part of the sandal. This feature is amazing as it helps prevent heel slippage. For example, take a look at the image below. Both sandals are the same size, but do you notice how the sandal on the right has a narrow heel counter compared to the sandal on the left?
2️⃣ The second feature is that the sandals have narrow platforms/toe-boxes which is going to help accommodate the overall foot shape of your child’s narrow feet.
Top 3 Kids’ Shoe Brands for Narrow Feet – Let’s Find Out!
There are certain shoe brands that you will want to start getting familiar with, and their names are Naturino, Garvalin, and Keen (it actually only has one style that works for narrow feet). Many people think of Keens as wide and clunky but there is one specific model that is lightweight and works great for narrow feet.
Naturino and Garvalin are both European shoe brands that provide shoes made of high-quality materials and excellent comfort and support.
There are also generic shoe brands that have certain sandals that fit a lot narrower than others, and those will be included in my recommendations below. 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 Sandals for Kids with Narrow Feet – No More Gaps and Blisters
Please note that many of the sandals featured below come in several color options, so if your child likes a specific model, please make sure to click through and see if they have the desired color. The sandal recommendations are divided into two columns, the first column has my water play recommendations, and the second column has my dressier ones.
Water Play Sandals
- Order the sandal Knotch Creek by Keen on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Two adjustable hook-and-loop straps for easy on/off and an always-secure fit
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Knotch Creek by Keen on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Open-toe with support and protection underfoot
- Two adjustable hook-and-loop straps for easy on/off and an always-secure fit
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Seacamp II CNX by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Seacamp II CNX by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Hurricane XLT 2 by Teva on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Hurricane XLT 2 by Teva on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Seacamp by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Machine washable
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Moxie by Keen on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium
- Metatomical EVA footbed provides excellent arch support and cradles the natural contours of the foot
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with bungee closure for a secure fit
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Manatee by Teva on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Dress Sandals
- Order the sandal Dacia by Naturino on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Leather lining and footbed
- Genuine Leather that adjusts to your child’s feet with time
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap for easy on/off and an always-secure fit
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal July by Naturino on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Genuine leather that adjusts to your child’s feet with time
- Cushioned insole
- Dual hook-and-loop closure
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Tasha by Naturino on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap closure
- Lightweight
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Taror by Naturino on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Genuine leather that adjusts to your child’s feet with time
- Cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Butterfly Crossed by Elephantito on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Genuine leather that adjusts to your child’s feet with time
- Cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Glimmery by Naturino on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Comfortable cushioned insole
- Genuine Leather that adjusts to your child’s feet with time
- Two adjustable hook-and-loop straps for easy on/off and an always-secure fit
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Fisherman by Elephantito on Amazon
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- 100% leather
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap closure
- Lightweight
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal Arizona by Birkenstock on Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium
- Super soft leather upper
- Two adjustable hook-and-loop straps
- Slim fit
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Keep in mind that sandals (and most seasonal footwear) are not available in half sizes, so if your child is “in between sizes” please order the larger size to allow for growing room. Keep in mind that depending on how narrow your child’s feet are you might have to compromise on the amount of growing room.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online – In Two Simple Steps
If you are unsure about what shoe size you should order online I suggest that you use a virtual shoe fitting method I provide for free.
Are Any Other Sandal Choices Available? – Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Do not hesitate to ask questions in the comments section below or contact me directly at my e-mail if you need a different pair of narrow shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
How to Find Out If Your Kids’ Sandals Fit Correctly?
With your child’s sandals on, slide your finger around the heel area to make sure that there is not too much extra space around the heels.
Let’s take a look at a child with narrow feet wearing two different pairs of sandals of the same size. Do you notice how the sandal on the left fits the shape of the child’s narrow feet a lot better? The sandal on the right is gaping too much around the heel area.
You will find a video below that will help you visualize in a better way whether your kids’ sandals are fitting correctly or not.
Where Can You Find Dress Sandals for Kids with Narrow Feet?
I have created several free resources for children with narrow feet, and here you can find a selection of the best dressy sandals for boys and girls.
Why Are Narrow Shoes for Kids So Hard to Find? – Let’s Find Out!
Most shoe companies stopped manufacturing kids’ shoes that come in narrow widths. Certain shoe styles will definitely fit your child with narrow feet better than others, and there are certain tips you can follow to make the shoes fit better. For example, sandals with multiple points of adjustability will help accommodate your child’s narrow foot shape better. Or, if you are looking for a pair of narrow everyday sneakers for your child, provide them with a pair of shoes that come with shoelaces instead of Velcro closure. Shoelaces will hug your kids’ feet better and eliminate any remaining gaps around your child’s heels.
Can Tongue Pads Help and Can They Be Used Inside Sandals?
If you have tried one of the narrowest shoe styles and it still feels too wide for your child’s feet, then I recommend inserting a tongue pad inside the shoe to make the shoe feel and fit better. A tongue pad is an adhesive-backed pad that sticks to the tongue of the shoe to push the heel back and secure your kids’ ankles. The tongue pad also snugs up against the entire shoe, making your child’s feet feel more comfortable and secure inside the shoe. While tongue pads won’t work inside kids’ sandals, they will work in your kids’ everyday sneakers and dress shoes.
Narrow Sandals for Mom – Get Them for the Best Price!
Did you know that if you wear a women’s shoe size 8 ½ or smaller you can wear the kids’ version of the shoes and end up saving a lot of money? The kids’ version of the shoes will offer you the same support, quality, and comfort for about half the price that you would normally pay for your shoes. This shoe size conversion will only work for women, and it’s a secret that most parents don’t even know about it.
If you also have narrow feet there is a different website that has a list of the best narrow sandals for women.
Narrow Sandals for Kids – Watch Video!
In this video we’ll explore what features your kids’ sandals must provide to accommodate their narrow feet, showcase my top picks on the market, and share tips on how to choose the best pair for your child’s needs. I will also show you real-life examples of children testing the sandals and how to check if the sandals are fitting correctly.
Do you always have a hard time finding narrow sandals for your child? Have you found a particular sandal style that has worked well for your child’s feet? Please share your thoughts and experiences below so other parents can benefit from them!
I found this article vital to my endless search for narrow shoes for my 10 year old daughter. For sneakers, Asics are her go to. As far as sandals Hoy Sun San sandals worked well. I also bought Umi for dress/school shoes and that worked well until they went out of business last year! I will try Naturino and Primigi. However, she’s a youth size 2-3 and wants more grown up looking sandals/shoes. What size would that be in women’s? What Women’s brands would be narrow enough for her?
Hello Sophia,
I am glad you found the article informative and thank you for letting me know about the Hoy Sun sandals!
As far as I know, most women’s shoes in the US start at a shoe size 5 and above. A kids’ shoe size 3 translates to a women’s shoe size 4 1/2, but as far as I know women’s shoe sizes start at a shoe size 5 and above.
In order to retrieve your daughter’s shoe size in women’s sizes you need to add a whole size and a half to her shoe size.
If you are unsure of your daughter’s exact foot length take a look at the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hi! My son has a narrow foot and pronates ( he has a little orthopedic in his regular sneakers). which sandal would offer support for water play? Not in the pool but sprinklers and water play at camp that he could climb safely in too? The naturinos don’t say waterproof?
Hello Shara,
For children who pronate I recommend a substantial sandal with good support to minimize the impact on your kids’ feet and legs. The specific sandals I would recommend for your child is this one:
Moxie Sandal for Child with Foot Issues
That sandal is waterproof, supportive and will fit the shape of your son’s narrow feet. Keen sandals are the number one choice for summer camp since they provide good support and traction (so your child can climb on wet and slippery surfaces more safely).
I hope the helps!
Thanks for all of the info. I have found that the new Teva’s measure much wider than the older ones and causes too much heel slipage for my daughter now. I’ll give the other brand a try.
Carlin,
Let me know how they work out!
Hello,
I am sure you will help many, many parents with your wonderful article. I had no idea that there was a problem with children with too narrow feet and shoes. Bravo for explaining this so well and the long range outcome for children wearing ill-fitted shoes.
It is these seemingly “little” things that can cause so much problems in later life. I certainly hope your post gets a very wide coverage, as more parents need to know what you are saying.
PatSID
Hello,
It is important to provide our kids with the correct pair of shoes to avoid problems in the future.Parents who have kids with narrow feet understand how hard it is to find the correct pair of shoes for them.
Hey Juan Pablo,
Thanks for your research and posts! Our now 3-year old son has inherited my narrow flat feet (bummer for him), and I am looking for sandals for him right now. He’s worn Pediped water sandals (Amazon) for two summers now, and they fit alright, but I was wondering if there’s a toddler sandal out there that’s better geared towards narrow feet. I am missing the link you mentioned to the specific Keen and Teva models that cater to narrow feet. Would you mind posting the link to those? Thanks!
Hello Martjin,
Narrow feet are the hardest to fit!I am assuming you are looking for a closed toed sandal for him. that he can get wet! There is one style made by naturino that will work great for his narrow feet:
Naturino Sandals for Toddlers with Narrow Feet: 1st Choice
Naturino Sandal for Toddlers with Narrow Feet: 2nd Choice
I enjoyed reading this article. My daughter has narrow feet and is frustrated when she finds a shoe she likes but it slips right off her heel! I especially enjoyed knowing about the sandal brands on Amazon that are specially made for narrow heels. I only wish they weren’t so expensive! You mention support for their feet which I also think is important. What are your thought on orthotics for kids? She has been complaining about foot pain lately.I wear them myself but I’m not sure when she should start wearing them.
Hello Pat,Foot or leg pain in children is not normal, I would recommend you take her to your physical therapist and go from there. I have been fitting shoes and orthotics for over 7 years, and I know how the right type of shoe and the right type of orthotic can stop and prevent future foot or leg pain.I explain this in more detail in this post: Deep and Supportive Shoes for Kids Who Wear Orthotics
My child has the narrowest feet and we always end up empty handed when I take her to the shoe store since we get tired of trying shoes that don’t fit! I like how you break it down with the best choices, that way I don’t have to waste a whole lot of time “guessing” which shoes might fit her feet or not. I ordered two pairs from the shoes you recommended! You seem to have vast experience in the subject.
Finding the correct type of shoes for a child that has narrow feet can be a time consuming and frustrating experience. With sneakers is easier because they are more padded than sandals. Finding dressy sandals for kids that have narrow feet is difficult, that’s why I break it down with the best choices!
I picked this up as an old shoe dog and found it very interesting.Back in the day it was very difficult to find the narrow sizes as well. Later, I worked at a specialty children’s shoe store and the selection was much better as well as the knowledge to serve the customer.
You provided quite a few choices that will fit kids with narrow feet. I know the shoe brand Naturino fits kids with narrow feet perfectly.
You are correct about how Naturino sandals fit children with narrow feet the best. They tend to be on the higher end when it comes to prices but they are definitely worth the money. They are comfortable, stylish, and provide great support to run around!
My daughter has the narrowest feet and it’s hard to find sneakers for her, so imagine when we have to fit her for sandals. I am glad I came across your website since we order one of your recommendations (Naturino sandals) and it fits the shape of her feet perfectly! We were even able to leave some growing room! You really know what you are talking about man, thanks!
Chris,
Naturino sandals are probably the best fitting dress sandals for children with narrow feet. I know how tough it can be to find shoes for children with narrow feet. I have been doing i for 7 years and it still takes me the longest time to fit them! Please let me know anytime you are having a hard time finding shoes for your daughter, I might be able to guide you in the right direction!