The Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Extra Wide Feet – Extra Depth, Rounder Toe-Boxes, and Extra Wide Widths!

April 20, 2025 Extra Wide Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Struggling to find shoes for your child’s extra wide feet? You’re not alone. Many parents try countless styles, only to end up frustrated. As a passionate shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of kids with wide, thick feet and high insteps find the perfect fit—and I can help your child too. In this guide, I’ll share the top three shoe brands that offer extra wide widths, added depth, and round toe-boxes to keep your child’s feet comfortable and supported. I’ll also reveal my top shoe picks from each brand—tried-and-true styles that consistently deliver the best fit for extra wide feet.

Images of Children with Extra Wide Feet

Let me show you real-life examples of children with extra wide feet I’ve helped—each one matched with the perfect pair of shoes for their unique fit needs.

A barefoot child with extra wide feet, clearly showing the full shape and width—perfect for understanding the fit challenges these feet can present.
A barefoot baby standing with clearly visible extra wide feet and high insteps—highlighting the unique shape that makes finding the right shoes so important.
A close-up of a toddler with extra wide feet standing barefoot.

Does Your Child Also Have High Insteps?

Some children not only have extra wide feet but also high insteps, making it even more challenging to find shoes that truly fit. The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it adds extra volume that needs to be accommodated. Without the right shoe depth, this area can rub uncomfortably against the top of the shoe, leading to irritation and pressure marks. Take a look at the image below to see just how much extra foot volume needs proper support.

An image showing the location of the foot’s instep.

Common Errors Usually Made by Parents

One common error parents make is buying longer shoes instead of those that are deeper and wider. While it may seem like a quick fix, this can lead to more problems, such as improper foot alignment and discomfort. Parents often assume that a longer shoe will accommodate a wider foot, but this isn’t the case. Instead, it’s crucial to focus on the shoe’s width and depth to ensure it fits the child’s foot shape properly. By avoiding this mistake, parents can prevent unnecessary discomfort and promote better foot health.

3 Key Shoe Features for Kids with Extra Wide Feet

Feature One: Extra Depth. Shoes with additional depth ensure that the foot sits comfortably within the shoe, reducing pressure on the top of the foot. 

See the difference? The shoe on the right offers significantly more depth than the one on the left—perfect for accommodating a higher instep.

Feature Two: Rounder Toe-Boxes. This feature prevents the child’s toes from overlapping one another or rubbing against the side of the shoes. Round toe-boxes are essential for children with extra wide feet as they provide ample space for the toes to move naturally.

Compare the two: Both shoes are the same length and width, but the shoe on the right has a rounder toe-box, offering more space for toes to move comfortably.

Feature Three: Oversized Openings. Oversized openings make it easier for children to slip their shoes on and off, reducing frustration and encouraging independence.

A See Kai Run shoe with oversized openings for children who wear orthotics vs a Tsukihoshi shoe that is not wide or deep enough to accommodate orthotics.
Notice the difference? The shoe with double Velcro straps opens much wider, making it easier to slip on and off, while the other stays more restrictive.

Top 3 Shoe Brands for Kids with Extra Wide Feet

Now that we’ve covered the key features to look for, let’s explore some of the top shoe brands and their best shoes for children with extra wide feet.

Number One: New Balance

New Balance is my top recommended shoe brand for children with extra wide feet, high insteps, or those who need orthotics. Their styles are not only available in extra wide widths, but also offer exceptional depth and round toe-boxes—perfect for accommodating high insteps and giving little toes plenty of room to move.

1. 990v6 by New Balance

These are the absolute best New Balance extra wide shoes and they are available with Velcro or laces. The shoes offer superior depth and width for a comfortable fit. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
Durable 990 New Balance Kids' Shoes in Pink and Velcro.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop

These New Balance extra wide shoes offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support. The wide Velcro straps allow you to open the shoe widely for easy on and off.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) 
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

3. Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance

These New Balance extra wide athletic shoes for big kids are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.

New Balance running shoe for girls.
Red New Balance running shoe for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ulta-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

4. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance

These New Balance extra wide sneakers for kids provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making them an ideal choice for kids with extra wide feet and high insteps.

New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in white and pink for girls.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

5. Rave Run v2 by New Balance

These extra wide shoes for kids provide deep toe boxes and extra depth, and they are also available in wide and extra wide widths. Parents like that the shoes are offered at an affordable price point.

New Balance Rave Run v2 in bright pink for girls.
New Balance Rave Run v2 in black for toddler boys.
New Balance Rave Run shoe with round toe-boxes for kids with wide feet in pink and grey.
New-Balance-Rave-Run-shoe-with-round-toe-boxes-for-kids-with-wide-feet

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

6. Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These New Balance extra wide shoes for children are available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.
New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Number Two: IKIKI

Ikiki shoes are a fantastic option for kids with extra wide feet and high insteps. Designed with oversized openings, roomy toe boxes, and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on the top of the foot. Their playful designs are a hit with kids, encouraging them to wear their shoes with pride.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
  • Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
  • Synthetic Vegan Leather
  • Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Number Three: Stride Rite

When it comes to babies and toddlers with extra wide feet, Stride Rite offers some of the widest and most effective shoe options. Only a few Stride Rite baby shoes truly accommodate extra wide feet, and I’ll highlight the best ones below.

1. Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite

These extra wide Stride Rite shoes provide flexible outsoles and cushioned insoles, which are essential for active toddlers.

Shoe style Adalyn by Stride Rite for toddler girls with wide feet.
Shoe style Artie by Stride Rite for toddler boys with wide feet learning how to walk.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2. Elliott by Stride Rite

These extra wide high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for toddlers with extra wide feet.

Supportive brown Stride Rite bootie for toddlers with flat feet.
Supportive Stride Rite white bootie for toddlers with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • 100% leather made
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

3. Wes and Soft Motion by Stride Rite

These extra wide Stride Rite shoes are designed with extra wide widths, flexible soles, and a roomy round toe-box—perfect for toddlers with extra wide feet and high insteps.

Stride Rite extra wide shoe for babies.
Stride Rite shoe for baby girls.
  • Order the shoe style Wes by Stride Rite on Zappos or the Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite on Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape
  • Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles
  • APMA approved
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Those are the best shoe brands for kids with extra wide feet—along with their most effective styles. Keep in mind, not every shoe from these brands will work. Only the specific models I recommended above are truly designed to accommodate extra wide feet comfortably. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Not sure what shoe size to order online? Check out my virtual shoe fitting service—I’ll help you find the perfect fit without the guesswork!

How to Check If Shoes Are Wide Enough

One easy way to check is to look if the pinky toe is not being pushed to the side. If it is, the shoe may be too narrow, and you should consider a wider option.

Look closely at the widest part of the shoe near the pinky toe—see that small bump? It’s a clear sign the shoes are too narrow.

Checking for Red Marks

After your child has worn the shoes for a short period, remove them and check for any red marks or indentations on their feet. These marks can be a sign that the shoes are too tight and need to be replaced with a wider option. Ensuring there are no pressure points is crucial for maintaining foot health and comfort.

Struggling to get your child’s shoes on or noticing imprints on the tops of their feet? These are clear signs the shoes aren’t wide enough.

Child with imprints on the top part of his foot from wearing shoes that were fitted too narrow.
An image of a toddler’s foot with imprints on the top part of his foot (instep).

My Experience as a Passionate Shoe Fitter

Having worked in a specialized children’s shoe store since 2013, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families find the right shoes for their children. My hands-on experience has taught me the significance of personalized shoe recommendations tailored to each child’s unique foot shape. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.