The Best Sandals for Toddlers with Wide Feet – Supportive, Lightweight, Flexible, and Durable!
Do you usually struggle getting your toddler’s sandals on and when you take them off there are imprints on your toddler’s feet? If your toddler has wide feet it’s important to look for sandals that don’t pinch the toes, as that can lead to blisters and other foot issues. As a passionate shoe fitter with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the right pair of shoes can make a world of difference in your toddler’s development.
Don’t Make This Common Mistake and Prevent Blisters
The most common mistake that I see parents make is to buy longer sandals to compensate for their toddler’s wide feet. They keep trying a larger size until the sandals are easy to get on and off. The issue with buying longer sandals is that you might end up compromising your toddler’s stability and also allow for too much foot movement, and that constant friction between the feet and the sandals can lead to blisters and other foot issues.
Properly fitted sandals ensure that the child’s foot is supported in all the right places, promoting healthy development and reducing the risk of injury.
Does Your Toddler Have a High Instep Too?
If your toddler has a high instep, finding the right sandal can be challenging. Look for styles with adjustable straps and extra depth to accommodate this foot shape comfortably.
As you can see there is a lot of extra foot volume that needs to be fitted inside the sandals, so it’s important that the sandals provide extra depth to prevent the top part (instep) of your toddler’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the sandals.
Key Features to Look for in Wide Toddler Sandals
1. Rounded Toe-Boxes: This feature allows ample space for your toddler’s toes to spread naturally, promoting healthy foot development. The extra room not only aids in balancing and walking but also helps prevent common issues like blisters and calluses.
2. Extra Depth: This feature allows the toddler’s feet to sit deeply inside the sandals to help prevent the top part of the foot (instep) from rubbing against the top part of the sandals.
3. Oversized Openings: Sandals that have multiple Velcro straps can be easily adjusted and loosened to accommodate a wider foot.
All of the sandals that I recommend below come with rounded toe-boxes and provide extra depth, which is going to prevent your toddler’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against each other. 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.
Top Sandal Recommendations for Toddlers with Wide Feet
1. Psyclone by Teva
These wide toddler sandals by Teva are equipped with adjustable straps that make it easy to achieve a snug fit, accommodating the unique shape of your toddler’s wider feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
These See Kai Run wide toddler sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They are flexible, breathable, and provide ample room for wide feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promotes healthy foot development
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe deep sandals for toddlers with wide feet combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and are designed to withstand various terrains, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs
Dream Pairs offers lightweight sandals perfect for active toddlers. Their designs focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your toddler’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
5. Newport by Keen
These Keen sandals for toddlers with wide feet are perfect for both everyday wear and outdoor activities. Keen sandals are known for their rugged design, durability, and toe protection.
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Lucky Brand
Their designs are both trendy and functional, ensuring your toddler won’t have to compromise on style for comfort. The brand focuses on creating sandals that provide ample space for the toes and a secure fit that supports active play.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Archie by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite wide sandals are available in both wide and extra wide widths.
- Order the sandal style Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Fisherman sandals with hook and loop closure
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening and hook and loop closure
- Slip-resistant traction with sensory pod technology to help feel the ground underneath
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Contact Me to Get a Personalized Recommendation
The right shoe can vary from child to child, so it’s important to consider your toddler’s specific foot shape and needs when making a choice. If you have any questions or need a more personalized recommendation, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of shoes for your toddler so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Determining the correct shoe size for your child when shopping online can be challenging. To assist families, I offer a free and convenient virtual shoe fitting service. This service helps you measure your child’s feet accurately, ensuring the right size and fit when ordering online.
Families’ Feedback on Recommended Sandals
Many families have shared positive feedback after trying these recommended sandals.
Find Out If Your Toddler’s Sandals Are Too Narrow
If you notice that your toddler’s toes are being pressed against the side of the sandals that’s a sign that they are probably too narrow:
Are Crocs a Good Choice for Toddlers with Wide Feet?
Crocs can definitely fit wide feet. The issue with Crocs is that they don’t provide any support or stability, so I usually suggest getting a summer shoe that has some sort of velcro strap to hold the foot in place.
How to Prevent Your Kids’ Sandals from Smelling Bad – Let’s Find Out!
If your toddler wears the sandals for most of the day, the chances are that they might develop a bad smell. I don’t want you to waste money on any products thinking that they might get rid of the smell, because they don’t work — they might work in sneakers but not in sandals.
There is a home-based product secret that involves using baking soda and vinegar to get rid of the smell. Please make sure you rub it throughout the sandal, especially in the neoprene part. This is the most effective solution to get rid of the smell, and parents who already tried this method said that they have been amazed by how well this works in reducing the smell.
Additional Resource: Best Sneakers for Toddlers with Wide Feet
For parents seeking sneakers for toddlers with wide feet, I recommend exploring options with extra depth and adjustable features. Brands like New Balance and Saucony offer sneakers designed specifically for wider foot shapes, ensuring comfort and support.
how much did keen pay you to write a review? sellout
Hello Jesus,
The sandals that I recommend on this article are made from Keen, See Kai Run, Stride Rite, and Ahannie, so your comment is without basis. Not all Keen sandals are capable of fitting toddlers with wide feet, just some of their specific styles, that’s the reason why from all of the sandals that Keen manufacturers I only recommend the Keen Newport for toddlers with wide feet.
Love this article! My children have very wide feet and it’s hard knowing which shoes to get for them. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Kimber,
I am glad you found the article informative! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.