Narrow Shoes for Toddlers – The Best Fitting Shoes for Kids With Narrow Feet!
Do you feel like every single pair of shoes that you try on your toddler’s feet looks too big and wide? Have you noticed extra space in the front part of the shoes and around the ankles? Finding narrow shoes for toddlers is not easy, as most toddlers tend to have wide or extra wide feet, and shoe companies know this. Ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too wide, can cause friction, blisters, and instability, impacting a toddler’s ability to walk comfortably.
When toddlers with narrow feet wear shoes that are too wide, they face several challenges. The lack of a secure fit can lead to instability, making it difficult for them to walk or run confidently. Additionally, wide shoes can cause friction, leading to blisters and discomfort. Over time, consistently wearing shoes that do not fit properly can affect foot development and posture.
Key Features of Narrow Shoes for Toddlers
1. Narrow Heel Counters: A well-fitted shoe should have a snug heel counter that holds the heel firmly in place. This feature is essential for toddlers with narrow feet as it prevents unnecessary movement and provides stability. A secure heel counter also reduces the risk of slips and falls.
2. Narrow Platforms: The width of a shoe’s platform plays a significant role in ensuring a proper fit for narrow feet. Shoes with narrow platforms help maintain the foot’s position and prevent sliding inside the shoe.
What Shoe Closure Works Best for Toddlers with Narrow Feet?
When looking for shoes for their kids, most parents narrow down their search to shoes that will be easy for the kid to put on as well as easy to take off. Buckles, velcro closure, and elastic straps are some of the most popular choices among parents. However, when a child has narrow feet, a pair of shoes that come with shoelaces makes the shoes fit a lot better.
The laces can hug your toddler’s feet better and push their heels back securing them against the back of the shoe, which helps eliminate any remaining gap around the ankles.
Finding the best narrow shoes for toddlers is essential for their comfort and development. By choosing the right pair, you can ensure your child has the support they need during their formative years. 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.
The Best Shoes for Toddlers with Narrow Feet for a Comfortable Fit
Here are my top picks for narrow toddler shoes that provide the perfect combination of comfort and support. Each option has been selected based on its design, fit, and the specific needs of toddlers with narrow feet.
1. Shoe Style Elliott by Stride Rite
These narrow shoes for toddlers offer ample support and cushioning. They are particularly suitable for toddlers still developing their gait and need a shoe that promotes stability.
Key Features
- You can order the shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Lace-up closure
- Leather made
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Falcotto by Naturino
These double Velcro narrow toddler shoes offer a narrow fit with added support for developing feet. The shoes are crafted with high-quality materials and focus on ensuring a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Falcotto by Naturino on Amazon or Zappos
- Double Velcro straps
- Extra cushion and padding
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. Hack 4 VL by Falcotto
These narrow sneakers for toddlers are made from natural leathers and provide a high-top design to help your toddler with lateral movements.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Falcotto Hack VL by Naturino on Amazon or Zappos
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
4. Alnoite 2 VL by Falcotto
These all leather durable narrow toddler sneakers are lightweight and flexible and provide good traction.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Alnoite by Falcotto on Amazon or Zappos
- Natural leathers
- Double velcro closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. Anakin by Falcotto
These stylish narrow sneakers by Falcotto are ideal for toddler girls with narrow feet. They provide a stable base of support while being lightweight and flexible.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Anakin by Falcotto on Amazon
- Leather lined
- Double velcro closure
- Padded collars
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Cocoon Vl by Naturino
These sneakers for narrow heels provide a high-top design with extra cushion and padding around the heels.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Cocoon by Naturino on Amazon or Zappos
- Leather lined
- Double velcro closure
- Padded collars
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
The Importance of Pulling Velcro Straps or Laces Tightly
Securing the shoe with Velcro straps or laces is crucial in achieving a snug fit. For toddlers with narrow feet, it’s important to pull these closures tightly to prevent the foot from moving around inside the shoe. This not only enhances comfort but also ensures the shoe stays in place during active play.
Find Out How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Dr. Dananberg, who was featured in “Podiatry Today” magazine advises that “Measuring of feet can be helpful and it will lead to figuring out the correct shoe size, but parents must be cautious that the fit of shoes varies from one shoe company to another”. It pays when you understand which of the two feet is larger, and then it is the larger foot that needs to be taken into account. I created a virtual shoe fitting resource that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your toddler’s foot size from home.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations for Your Toddler’s Feet
As a dedicated shoe fitter, I understand that every child’s foot is unique. If you’re struggling to find the perfect pair of narrow shoes for your toddler, feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations. I can help you navigate the options available and ensure your child receives the best fit possible.
Bonus Resources: Narrow Sandals and Boots
Finding narrow sandals and boots can be just as challenging as finding everyday shoes. Here are some of my top recommendations for narrow-fitting sandals and boots for toddlers.
The Negative Impacts of Wearing Shoes That Are Too Wide
There are two main issues with providing your child with the wrong shoe size:
Safety: One of the main issues of toddlers wearing shoes that are too wide is that it compromises their stability as that extra space in the shoes might make your toddler stumble and fall.
Friction: When shoes are too wide, they can lead to blisters, calluses, and corns, especially around the tender heels of your toddler. The constant contact or rubbing of the back of the child’s delicate skin against the shoe can be really painful and make your toddler uncomfortable.
By focusing on key features like narrow heel counters and platforms, and ensuring a secure fit with straps or laces, you can provide your toddler with the support they need during these formative years.
Thank you. Tried again and now I can see it, the only problem is that my girl, now five has a longer foot, what similar would you recommend similar in size about US 12 (Europe 30).
Hello Maria,
Are you looking for velcro or shoelaces for your daughter?
Here is a shoe made by Asics (fits very narrow) with velcro: Asics Shoes for Narrow Feet
Here is another style that fits very narrow made by Saucony and it comes with velcro: Saucony Shoes for Girls with Narrow Feet
I hope this helps!
Hi,
My girl has ultra narrow feet, naturino boots fitted but naturino walking shoes are too wide. I read your article and it mentioned Jumping Jacks, but im unable to find the shoes you have the picture of online. We live in Easrern Scandinavia in Europe and here people normally have extra wide shoes, so I have to order online. I could order from the states too, I order Munros superslims for myself and my girl has similar feet.
Hello Maria,
The white bootie made by Jumping Jacks is actually available in narrow widths. I just checked and I am able to see it just fine, have you tried clicking on the image of the shoe?
For everyday shoes you should try the shoe brand Saucony or Asics for your daughter, they both fit narrow.
I am in need of toddler slip on shoes (no socks) for my 2 year son who wears a size 8. Something that will not break the bank, please!
Hello Tanni,
There is one style made by the shoe brand named Native that will fit a child with narrow feet, but you will have to compromise in the growing room since you want a slip on shoe.You will not be able to leave as much growing in slip on shoes, since there is nothing holding your kids’ feet. I describe those shoes in a post called:
Native Shoes – The Must Have Shoe for the Summer
Please maake sure you choose the style that is called the “Jefferson” since it’s the style that fits the narrowest.
I hope this helps!
I was hoping for more of a canvas shoe since winter here can get a bit cold (60°) on a low. Brrr. Lol
Hello Tanni,
There is a shoe brand called Naturino that makes some of the narrowest slip on shoes for kids. The issue is that their shoes are usually on the high end I don’t know how much you wanted to spend exactly.
Take a look at a post I wrote called: Leather Shoe Tongue Pads – Stop Heel Slippage
Let me know if this helps!
I forgot to mention, if you happen to find any of the Naturino slip on shoes for boys at a reasonable price, go for those! They are better made and FIT narrower.
I am a concerned grandma. My grandaughter, age 2, has narrow feet and I am trying to buy some snow boots for winter. I read your article and looked for them in amazon. I did not find any in the brands you mentioned but found these: BARTEK, baby girls leather weatherproof snow boots and wanted to know your opinion. Have you heard about them?
Dear Maria,
I have not fitted the brand BARTEK before so I don’t know whether it fits narrow or not. However, there is a particular snow boot I have fitted at the shoe store I work for that I know it will fit a child with narrow feet. You can find it below:
The Best Snow Boots for Kids with Narrow Feet
Please let me know if that clarifies.