The Best Shoes for High Instep – Stop Getting the Wrong Shoe Size for Your Child!
Do you have a child with a high instep and all of the shoes that you try on your child’s feet rub against the top part of the feet? A high instep means that the top part of the foot is more elevated, making it crucial to find shoes that provide comfort and support without causing discomfort. Standard shoes may be too tight across the top of the foot, and improperly fitting shoes can cause discomfort and even lead to indentations on the foot. Therefore, selecting deep shoes for kids with high insteps is essential.
Identifying a High Instep
Basically, if the top portion of your child’s foot is high, it means that your child has a high instep. If your child always complains that the shoes feel too tight when there is plenty of width room and length room, that’s the first sign that your child might have a high instep.
If you’re unsure whether your child has a high instep, comparing images of their foot to other children’s can be helpful. Identifying a high instep early can prevent potential foot issues and ensure your child receives the appropriate support.
Images of Children with High Insteps
Why High Instep Shoes Are Important
High instep shoes are designed to accommodate the additional volume of the foot, providing ample space and comfort. They help prevent indentations and ensure the foot is not restricted, allowing for healthy foot development.
Features to Look for in High Instep Shoes
1. Deep Toe-Box: The most critical feature to consider is extra depth. This allows more room for the foot and the toes and helps prevent the shoe from pressing down on the top of the foot. This feature ensures that the foot has enough space to move naturally without restriction, which is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing pressure sores.
2. Oversized Openings: This feature makes it easier for parents and children to get their shoes on and off. Children with high insteps have a hard time slipping into shoes that don’t easily open. Shoes with double Velcro straps make it easier for children and parents to get the shoes on and off.
3. Adjustable Closures: Shoes with adjustable closures such as Velcro straps or laces offer a customizable fit. This adjustability is crucial for accommodating high insteps, as it allows the shoe to open wide enough to easily slip on and then secure snugly.
As a passionate shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I am dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair of shoes for your child.
Top Shoe Recommendations for Kids with High Insteps in 2025
Here are some of my top picks for shoes that cater to children with high insteps. Each of these options provides the necessary features to ensure comfort and support.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop
These New Balance shoes for high instep and wide feet 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.
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 medium, wide, and 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
2. See Kai Russell and Robyne
These See Kai Run shoes for kids with high instep promote healthy foot development. Both of these shoes feature extra depth and double Velcro straps for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance
These are the absolute best shoes for high instep, 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.
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 medium, wide, and 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
4. Ikiki Shoes
Ikiki shoes are a fantastic option for kids with high insteps. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- 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
5. See Kai Run Lucia Mary Jane
This Mary Jane features extra depth and a roomy toe box that provides ample space for growing feet, while the adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure, customized fit without pressure on the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Lucia by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. TSUKIHOSHI 1521 KAZ
Tsukihoshi is known for its lightweight and comfortable shoes. These high instep shoes feature a wide toe box and a breathable mesh upper, making it perfect for active play.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style KAZ by Tsukihoshi on Amazon.
- All Tsukihoshi shoes run wider than normal medium-width shoes.
- Generous forefoot construction allows toes to splay naturally for superior balance and comfort.
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- Machine-washable synthetic leather and nylon mesh upper.
- I suggest that you get this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (the shoe fits long)
7. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance
This New Balance shoe provides extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making it an ideal choice for kids with high insteps.
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 medium and 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
8. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
This shoe provides extra depth and is available in wide and extra wide widths. Parents like that the shoe is offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and 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
9. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
Perfect for sports or everyday wear, this high-top basketball shoe provides a spacious, supportive design with laces for a customizable fit. This shoe ensures comfort without squeezing or rubbing against the top of the foot.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These shoes for high instep can accommodate children with wider feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
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 medium, wide, and 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
11. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
This shoe by Stride Rite provides extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they accommodate your child’s high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting us!
The shoes I described above have the support and structure a child needs to wear for their everyday activities. I have fitted all of these shoes at the children’s shoe store that I work for and they provide great support but they are lightweight and flexible at the same time.
Virtual Shoe Fitting Service
Determining the correct shoe size can be challenging, especially when ordering online. My virtual shoe fitting service offers personalized assistance to help you select the right size based on your child’s unique foot shape. This service provides a convenient solution for parents seeking expert guidance from the comfort of their home.
Did you know that between 75% and 80% of the adult population has experienced some sort of foot problem? Imagine how much lower this number could be if these adults started wearing good fitting-shoes from an early stage. The following are some of the issues that come with wearing shoes that are too narrow:
- Bunions
- Corns
- Hammer Toe
- Crossover Toe
- Ingrown Toenails
- Blisters
Bonus Resources: Sandals, Dress Shoes, and Boots
To help you further, here are some additional resources that describe seasonal footwear as well as dress shoes for kids with high insteps.
Dress Shoes
Dress shoes can be tricky, but there are options available that cater to high insteps. Opt for styles with elastic gussets or adjustable buckles that allow for a customized fit. These features ensure that the shoes accommodate the instep without pinching or squeezing.
Sandals
In warmer weather, sandals with adjustable straps are a great option. They provide breathability while still offering the adjustability needed for a high instep. Look for styles with cushioned footbeds for added comfort.
Boots
For colder months, boots with extra depth and adjustable features are essential. Choose boots with Velcro straps, zippers, or laces that allow for easy entry and a snug fit around the ankle. This ensures warmth and protection against the elements without compromising on fit.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right shoes can make a significant difference in their comfort and mobility. I invite you to contact me via email for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and needs. My goal is to provide personalized guidance that ensures your child’s feet are well-supported and comfortable.
Children with a high instep might experience discomfort if their shoes are too tight across the top of the foot. Therefore, finding shoes that offer extra depth and adjustable features is crucial. Shoes that are too snug can restrict blood circulation and lead to pressure points, causing pain and discomfort. By choosing shoes that accommodate the unique structure of a high instep, you can prevent these issues and promote better foot health for your child.
I just picked shoes for two of my kids from this list, (and a second pair of orthotics) and I’m SO grateful!
Can you update the links for this and for the school shoes so you get the affiliate fee?
Hello Jennifer,
I am happy to help. I will try to update the links as soon as possible and I hope your children enjoy their new shoes.
Hi! Our niece has a very high instep and H width feet. Mum and Dad are finding it very hard to find any wet weather wellies or other suitable alternative such as a boot for her. Size 4.5 UK child. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated please.
Hello Sarah,
Take a look at the options below:
Option 1
Option 2
Very Nice Blog post. If you are looking for best quality in kids toddler shoe styles in Australia then you can check here: hopscotchaustralia.com.au. We appreciate your content work. Thanks!
I am glad that you find the article informative!
We live in winter boots for a good 3+ months and gumboots for 3+ month. Gumboots are a bit easier, but winter boots are so hard to find a good fit with. My daughter has wide feet with a high arch and is wearing about an 11T. Winter Boggs work for my son (with wide feet) but even when I size up for her, the arch isn’t high enough. Any suggestions would be so helpful!
Hello Jaclyn,
Are you looking for a snow boot or an insulated waterproof hiking boot? I also need to know from which country you are contacting me to check what boots are available in your area.
This is amazing! I never knew the terminology. I’d often explain that she had thick feet to shoe store workers and we could never find anything 🙁 We have found some sandals this summer just by trying on every single option until we found one that worked, but now it’s getting colder and I’m very concerned I won’t be able to find something for her feet for the fall and winter months. Do you have a recommendation for toddler size 6 in a fall and winter shoe? We unfortunately don’t have any of the “good” stores with a lot of toddler options near us, so I have to order.
Hello Ashley,
I am glad that you found the article informative! I am happy to recommend a winter shoe for your daughter but first I need to know whether your daughter has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. The reason I need to know this is that children with narrow feet can still have high insteps.
This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this all! My son is 5 and we have had THE HARDEST time finding any/all kinds of footwear for him since birth. Thank you so incredibly much for sharing this all!
He is the ring bearer in his Aunty and Uncle’s wedding this summer so would you happen to have any recommendations for a dress shoe for him? He’s in a size 2 We are from Canada 🙂 Cheers and thanks again so much!
Hello Chelsea —
I am glad you found the website informative! I am not exactly sure which shoe brands are available in Canada but below you can find some recommendations that might be wide and deep enough for your son’s feet:
Option 1
Option 2
I also suggest looking at shoe brands like Hush Puppies which manufactures dress shoes in wide and extra wide widths.
I hope this helps.
Bless you for this! My 9yr old son has extra wide feet with a high instep. Every shoe I’ve tried has failed. I just ordered the new balance ones you recommended and I’m crossing my fingers for a win!
Hello Sierra,
Please keep me posted on how the shoes work out for your son.
Hello and thank you for this article! Are there any slip on sneakers (similar to Vans) that you can recommend for an older boy (10y) with regular width but high instep due to very high arches? He has autism and loves his Crocs so the easier to put on the better. Thanks!
Hi Michelle,
I can’t guarantee that the shoe will be able to accommodate your son’s high instep but the style below made by Natives has worked well for other children with high insteps:
Native Slip On Shoe
Native Slip On Shoe
I hope this helps!
Hi Juan,
Do you have any recommendations for boys school shoes and school trainers (all black) with high instep please? One of my boys has normal width feet and one with extra wide feet, but both have high instep. Everyday they are complaining the shoes hurt their feet, but I am so struggling to find anything and we don’t have any children’s shoe shop around! Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Joy! I hope you are well.
For your child with normal width feet choose the medium width option (M): Black School Shoe (Laces)
For your child with extra wide feet is the same shoe style but choose the extra wide width (XW): Black School Shoe (Velcro)
If you are unsure of your boys exact foot length I suggest that you take a look at the following article:
How to Measure Your Kids Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
I hope this helps.
My son kept complaining that his feet hurt so I took him to the pediatrician. They didn’t find anything wrong with his feet as he has a healthy arch and a good stride. The pediatrician recommended to maybe switch the shoes and that’s when I found your website.
It turns out that my child has a very high instep and that was causing his foot pain. I ordered a pair of the New Balance shoes you recommend and he stopped complaining about pain. I will be sharing this with friends. Thank you so much.
Hi Jannette,
I am glad that the shoes worked out for your son’s feet!
Great article! I just realized our little lady has a high instep and the links to the shoes is very helpful!
You don’t by any chance know the best ballet slippers for a 2 year old with a high instep do you? I can’t get her foot into any of them!
Hi Taylor,
Thank you. There is one specific style that has worked well for children with high insteps: Ballet Shoe for High Instep
Please choose the wide width (W) option.
Good luck and keep me posted.
Good information. Not much of a list. Every single shoe on your “list” is New Balance. There really isn’t any other brand you can promote?
Unfortunately the selection of shoes that can fit a child with a high instep is very limited. I have fitted several different shoe brands such as Saucony, Asics, Geox, Stride Rite, PLAE, Tsukihoshi, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour… the list goes on, and most shoes are not capable of fitting children with high insteps. Remember that the shoes need to provide extra depth to prevent the top part of the child’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
In addition, most children with high instep also tend to have wide feet.
If your child happens to have narrow feet with a high instep then I suggest you look at a different article I wrote called:
Best Shoes for Kids with High Insteps and Narrow Feet – Extra Depth and Narrower Heels
The list of shoes that I recommended in that article are mostly made by Saucony.
If you email me your child’s specific foot shape I can definitely send you specific shoe recommendations: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
If you are unsure of your child’s exact foot shape I suggest that you take a look at this article first: How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Width and Foot Length
I hope this helps.
Hello Juan
We just recently had our 5yr old sons feet measured at a New Balance store and we were told one foot is a size 12 and one foot is an 11.5. He has wide feet, with a high arch and also a wide heel. It’s been difficult finding shoes that fit him comfortably and that are easy for him to get on himself (he needs velcro closure as he can’t figure out laces yet) We purchased a pair of New Balance sneakers in wide for him but would love other suggestions that may be a good fit to try. Stride Rite? Saucony?
Hi Chelsea,
We all have a half a size difference between our feet, just make sure that you fit the shoes based on the larger foot. Sometimes people confuse high arches with high insteps. Does your son has a high arch or a high instep?
Not all New Balance kids’ shoes are effective for children with wide feet and high insteps, only specific styles. What is the model number that you tried for your son?
I can definitely send you other suggestions, but in order for me to do that I would like to be sure of his foot shape. Please refer to the following article: How to Measure Your Kids Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
Hello Juan!
Your recommendations came at the perfect time! My daughter has a high instep and every of the shoes I buy for her rub against the top of her feet and it really hurts her a lot. The shoes usually leave red marks on her feet whenever i pull them from her feet.
I will try the New Balance 680V5 style and follow up with you via email to let you know if they work for her feet.
Make sure you choose the correct shoe width. If she has wide feet order the wide width (W) and if she has extra wide feet order the extra wide width (XW).
Good luck and keep me posted.
What summer shoes do you recommend for a boy with a high instep? I can’t seem to find a single pair of sandals that are deep enough for his feet. I need a sandal that is durable and supportive as he loves be in sandals all day when it’s hot outside.
Hi Joy,
I suggest that you take a look at the following article: Best Sandals for Kids with High Insteps
I always have the hardest time getting my son’s shoes on and now I know why. I never though the top part of the foot could bring so many problems as all of the shoes my son wears leave red marks on the top of his feet. Why do you only recommend New Balance sneakers? What about Saucony? I noticed Saucony shoes are also available in wides and extra wide widths.
Hi Brendaliz,
Good question. Even though Saucony does manufacture shoes in wide and extra wide widths their shoes are not as deep as the New Balance ones I recommend. When a child has a high instep the depth of the shoe makes all of the difference. I wish there were more options I could recommend.
Do you have any recommendations for water shoes that are both wide and have a high instep? We have been able to find sneakers through a local kids shoe store that was able to fit him properly but I am struggling to find closed toe water shoes.
Hi Kaitlyn,
Yes, there is one specific style that is wide and provides extra depth. Below you can find my recommendation:
Option 1
I hope this helps!
We are from England and i have been struggling to get shoes to fit my 3 year old son, he has a high intstep and it has been such a challenge. Thank you for providing this information, it has helped a lot.
Hi Jade —
I am glad you find the article informative! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you are having a hard time finding shoes that fit your son’s high instep.
Do you have a recommendation for a brown or black boot for a toddler with a high instep and a wide foot?
Hi Mindi,
Yes, I do. However, I need to know whether you are looking for a waterproof boot or not.
Hello! Can you recommend wellingtons for my son in the UK? He has wide, thick feet and a high instep. He is EU size 24 or UK KIDS 7. He only currently has one pair of shoes that fits ok enough, it’s a Nike pair that is mostly stretch mesh with velcro. He also has thick ankles and thick legs. Thanks so much for your help, I’m getting desperate!
Hello Jonelle,
There is a particular rain boot pair that fits wider than most: Rain Boot for Boy with Wide Feet
As far as regular sneakers concerns, I don’t recommend Nike for children with wide feet. There are other several shoe brands such as New Balance and Saucony that are available in wide and extra wide widths and are much deeper than Nike shoes.
My son just turned 8. He has extra wide feet with a high instep. He lives in his crocs during the summer, which I don’t think are very supportive, but it is the only shoe he does not complain about. I am having a hard time finding something for the winter months. We live in VA, where the weather is usually pretty mild, but I would like a little water resistance for rainy days. We bought some New Balance last year, which he wore for less than 3 months before proclaiming them too small. The New Balance shoes in your list for Wide Feet High Instep were $100. This is too much money for my budget. I am looking for something under $50. Any recommendations. I am an Amazon junkie, so any options on there would be wonderful. Thank you for your time.
PS: If you are going to require a captia code to post, it should at least have an audible option for those who have visual disabilities.
Hi Cheryl,
Crocs are only meant to be worn for couple of hours a day, since like you mentioned in your comment, they provide no support or stability.
That particular shoe style that you mention for $100 dollars is for older kids, and that’s the reason why you see such a big price increase. The other shoe styles that I recommend are in the $50 range. For example, for little kids I recommend the 680V5, and you can also find that shoe style in your son’s size for a lower price. I actually find that shoe style in Amazon for $35. I hope that helps.
Shoe for Boy with Extra Wide Feet and High Instep
As far as a shoe for the winter months concerns, you can find my recommendations below:
Waterproof Hiking Boot for Extra Wide Feet: Option 1
Waterproof Hiking Boot for Extra Wide Feet: Option 2
Most websites have captia code to prevent spam comments. I will look into the audible option, thank you.
Hi Juan,
My son is almost 9 years old. Ive always had a hard time finding him shoes that fit well. He has extra wide feet and a high instep. For tennis shoes I buy him new balance which seem to be a good choice as long as I get a whole size larger. But I have a hard time finding shoes for winter. He is in scouting and needs boots that are good for cold wet weather but also hiking. What would you recommend? I would appreciate any help. Thank you
Hello Jessica,
It’s always hard to find seasonal footwear for children with extra wide feet. Please always provide me with your child shoe size when you are looking for shoes, since it allows me to send you specific recommendations. I am thinking to provide your child with a hiking boot that is waterproof and insulated to protect him form the cold. Please find below my recommendations:
Hiking Boot for extra wide feet: Option 1
Hiking Boot for extra wide feet: Option 2
Choose the wide width “W” option when selecting his size.
I hope this helps!
High instep or deep shoes for a one year old girl size 4 4.5?
Hello Kristen,
I need some extra information before I provide you with a selection of shoes that are deep.Is your daughter already walking or is she still learning how to walk? The reason why I ask is that if she is fully walking then the shoes I will recommend will be different than the shoes I would recommend if she is learning how to walk.
Hello,
Thank you so much for this helpful site!
Is there another non-tennis shoe for high instep you can recommend besides Naturino shoes? I am looking for my 7 year old daughter.
Hello Kristen,
In this article the shoes I describe for children with high instep are Saucony and New Balance,not Naturino.
New Balance and Saucony tend to make the deepest shoes, which allow children’s feet to sit deeply and comfortably inside the shoes.
I hope this clarifies!
This is so wonderful. I have a high instep and so do both my 4 year old and 10m old. I’ve always accommodated the 4 year old by only buying wide. Thank you for the tips!
Any tips for a soft soled shoe for my 10 month old? She is beginning to take steps and I need something for her for outside. If I remember, the robeez still made marks on my son when he was little.
I am glad that you found the article informative Melissa.
Robeez don’t offer enough protection for playing outside. I will recommend what I call a transition type of shoe, which is a shoe that is for a child that is learning how to walk.Take a look at this post I wrote where I describe the best shoes for babies who are learning how to walk:
The Best Shoes for Babies Learning How to Walk – Allow Them to Take Those First Step with Confidence!
Please let me know if that clarifies!
My 16 month old has a high instep making it impossible to find good early walking shoes for the winter. Trying to find something to keep him warm and dry but able to run around in (not just for the snow). Any suggestions?
Hello Judy,
Are you looking for a waterproof shoe that your child can use to walk and run around? A shoe that will keep him warm but at the same time a shoe that is lightweight and flexible? There is one shoe style by See Kai RUn that I have fitted before and it fits great for children with high instep. The shoe opens nice and wide to make it easy for your child to slide his foot in. You can find that shoe here:
Waterproof Shoes for Kids with High Instep
I hope this helps!
Hi Juan! Thanks for you advice. We ordered the shoes and were so excited to try these on my son. We saw that the shoe ran a little small so ordered two shoes to try – one half size and one whole size up. We got the whole size up shoe on my son and almost claimed victory but then he kept trying to tug the shoe off and would not even give it a lap around the room. He seemed uncomfortable. Any other ideas? Ironically he can get the Hunter boots on and walk around with them like a pro, but we just don’t think they will be warm enough for a cold winter day even with the boot sock. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!
Hello Judy,
Did you order the correct shoe width for your child? Which shoe style did you try? Does your child has wide o extra wide feet? Please get back at me with the specifics so I can give yo a better response.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I truly appreciate it. I use a Brannock Junior device to measure my son’s feet at home. The model I use is an older version with a slide-out width tool. His foot length measures size 10.5, but his “arch length” is at size 11. So, then I align the arrows on the width slide to the 11 and his foot comes to the ‘E’ width measurement for that size. This is the largest width shown on the device, but what I am unsure of is whether this means that he has a W or XW shoe width. Any advice you can give will be appreciated. Thank you, again!
Dear Amanda,
Sorry for my late reply but your message went to my spam folder for some reason. That means that his feet are extra wide, so you must find shoes that come in extra wide widths.
I hope this clarifies.
This was a great post, thank you! I, myself, have a high instep with a narrow foot growing up. My four-year-old son also has a high instep but with a wide foot. Finding shoes that properly fit him has been difficult. Unfortunately, I do not have a locally owned children’s shoe store nearby to have his feet measured, but I try to do my best at home. When I do take him to places to get his shoe size measured, the clerks typically do not even measure his foot width and he ends up with shoes that are too tight width-wise. My question to you is, how should I measure my son’s foot to find whether it should be a W (wide) or XW (extra-wide) shoe width? Thanks!!
It’s hard to find the correct shoe size for a child when you don’t have a local shoe store that you trust. I am just wondering, what type of device do you use to measure your kids’ feet at home? At the children’s shoe store that I work for we use the Brannock Device, which is the most used measuring tool. I wrote a post where I explain how to get the correct shoe size in more detail and you can find it here:
How Can I Make Sure My Kids’ Shoes Fit? – Learn The Secret Here!
In order to get the correct shoe width, you must use the Brannock Device, but keep in mind that even after you find your child’s correct shoe width, you must take into account the instep. Your child might measure a wide width, but if he/she has a high instep, you might need an extra wide shoe to accommodate for the instep. I hope this clarifies!
My daughter has wide feet and a high instep and we’ve always gotten her wide shoes, but never knew there were also “deeper” options. This makes so much sense. However, all of the shoe recommendations you make are covered by ads and I cannot see any. Could you send them to me via email or tell me how to better access your recommendations? Thank you!!
Hello Megan,
Please refresh your browser.
Do you have any recommendations for flats for a little girl who has both a wide foot and a high instep, i.e., something other than tennis shoes. She is 8 years old.
Hello Kim,
Yes, take a look at the resource below:
Best Dress Shoes for Kids with High Insteps – Stylish, Comfortable, and Extra Deep!
I don’t see any shoes — photos or names — where you say “… Here’s a selection … ”
Where can I see your recommendations?
Hello Jill,
Sorry about that! It’s fixed now and please let me know if you have any other questions.
I can’t find anywhere where you actually explain how to measure if your child has a high instep. You have a title that says “How can I tell if my child has a high instep?” but no actual information on how to tell if your child has a high instep, just recommendations for products…..
Susan,
I explain in the post that there is NO way to actually measure the instep of the foot.There is not a measuring device that will tell you whether you have a high instep or not, I can tell because I have been fitting children shoes for over 7 years. I will try to incorporate pictures in the future to see if I can explain it better.
The products I recommend are specific shoes that will work for a child that has a high instep, since they are wider and deeper shoes. You make it sound like I am recommending products that are not related to my post. I have written almost 150 posts which are filled with valuable information when it comes to caring for our kids’ feet and legs, so please don’t make it sound that I am just recommending products.
The only way to tell whether your child has a high instep or not is to take him or her to your local kids’ shoe store, where a experienced shoe fitter will be able to asses his or her feet. I will try to incorporate pictures to see if I can make my point clearer. Thank you for stopping by.
Hi there,
Thank you for such a great post! I usually have a hard time buying my children’s shoes because they complain whenever they are tight or hurting ahead, or behind, or up, etc.
My daughter has a high instep, but I never thought of buying deeper shoes, rather than wider shoes! But I chose one of the ones you recommend, to see if she feels more comfortable!
I went over your website and you give awesome tips for choosing the right shoes for the kids.
Thank you so much!
Alex
Alex,
I am quite confident that your child will feel a difference if you chose one of the shoes I described. They are much deeper than regular shoes so this guarantees that the top of her foot will not be rubbing against the top of the shoe. Let me know how it works out or if you have any other questions!
Hi Juan
I am very happy I have found your website. It is full of very valuable information and I can learn a lot from you.
Like in this post – I must admit it is the first time I hear about instep and its importance when fitting shoes. My boy has very wide feet but I have no idea about the instep of the foot. I will check it right away to make sure his shoes aren’t narrow. He is 8 years and I just hope this knowledge hasn’t come too late to me.
The good news is that he hasn’t been complaining about his shoes, but again, most boys don’t speak up when something doesn’t feel “right” as it should be. Most parents don’t even know what the instep of the foot is, but a shoe fitter will be able to tell you what type of shoes will fit the shape of your son’s feet the best! Please let me know anytime you have any specific questions!
My son has my high instep. I can’t for the life of me find any sandals that offer proper support and hit his instep. Any suggestions?
Hello Sarah,
Here are the sandals that provide good support and work well for children with high insteps:
Sandal for High Instep: Option 1
Sandal for High Instep: Option 2
I hope this helps.
Hey,
Such a great article! I just bought new shoes for my 3 year old daughter for tennis ( I got her some tennis shoes) and the shoe shop measured her feet. I was shocked! For 6 months she was wearing shoes too small for her and she didn’t even complain!
Flat fee run in our family, my wife has flat feet but it hasn’t seemed to affected her like it’s affected me, now my little daughters ankles are starting to role in like mine did when I was young. I asked the shoe shop for runners with higher arch support for my daughter and he said they don’t make them at this age as they believe it can be bad for the childs feet as they’re still forming.
Do you know if this is indeed true? Do you know anything about flat feet and what I should be doing for my daughter?
Thanks!
Emrah
Emrah,
Good thing you took her to have her feet properly measured, otherwise you would have never found out! They do make good shoes at this age, maybe not as supportive as for when they are older, but there are definitely more supportive shoes than others. Read this post I wrote where I described the best shoes for flat feet! The post is called: Foot Pain In The Bottom Of The Foot – Stop Your Child’s Foot Pain!
Start by trying a pair of good supportive shoes for her and then see if she starts walking better. If you don’t see any improvememnts, you should consider getting your daughter a pair of orthotics with her shoes.
My daughter has a very high instep and it always takes forever to find her shoes that fit. She always complains about her shoes feeling tight even though she doesn’t have wide feet. Now I get why she kept complaining. Thanks for the review, I order her two pair of the shoes you recommend to see which one she likes. Thanks man!
Keith,
You will see how much better the shoes will fit her and hopefully she will stop complaining about her shoes feeling too tight! Just please make sure they are the correct shoe size!
Hi Great article.My daughter has a really high instep which most shops do not cater for…Trainers are not too hard to get yet we always struggle with school shoes…Any suggestions please ?
Hi Helen,
I am assuming your daughter needs to wear an all black shoe for school. You didn’t specify whether she needs a Mary Jane or a different style, but below you can find the 2 most effective back to school shoes for kids with high insteps:
Option 1
Option 2 I am not sure if she can wear this type of shoes to school.
Option 3
I hope this helps.
Ohhh, the painful memories of wearing the wrong size shoes when I was a kid and dying to get them off my feet. Wished my parents had spent some time making sure I was fitted right, maybe it was just the way things were done back then. After reading your page, I am sure I had a high instep as a child. Hopefully parents will be aware of this and take the necessary steps to buy the right size shoe. Thanks!
Dan,
Now that you know the importance of well fitted shoes, you can hopefully pass it on to your children. Most parents ignore or don’t even know what a high instep is. Now that you know, spread the word!
Thanks sooo much for this article. My little girl had sores all over the top of her feet for the longest time and I didn’t know why. The doctor was worried about it – and I bought like 10 different pairs at one time in desperation. She doesn’t get sores anymore – we found and use your guide to pick shoes. Thank you thank you!
Hello Laura,
I am happy to hear that!