Vans Shoes for Kids – Are They Good for Your Kids’ Feet?
Has your child been asking you for a pair of Vans shoes? While these shoes are incredibly popular for older kids, you need to make sure that you choose the styles that provide cushioned insoles to support your child’s growing feet. It’s also important that the shoes accommodate your child’s unique foot shape, as many children have wide feet. Vans wide toe shoes for kids are designed to provide ample space in the toe box, preventing foot issues such as blisters and allowing natural movement.
Does Vans Make Wide Shoes for Kids?
The simple answer is yes, Vans can fit kids with wide feet. However, certain styles fit a lot wider than others. A wider toe box ensures that your child’s toes don’t overlap one another and that blood flow is not restricted, promoting healthy foot development.
Vans Wide Toe Toddler Shoes
I have noticed that most toddlers have wide feet, and finding shoes that provide enough room at the front is crucial for healthy foot development. Toddlers are in a critical stage of development, and their footwear should support their growth and learning to walk. Vans wide toe toddler shoes are designed to provide the perfect balance of comfort and support for your little one’s growing feet.
Vans shoes are available from toddler sizes up to teenage sizes. I am going to first show you the styles available for toddlers and then the ones available for older kids. 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.
Classic Vans Shoes for Toddlers
The roomy toe-box of these classic Vans kids’ shoes allow for natural toe movement and helps prevent issues like ingrown toenails and bunions.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Authentic by Vans on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Canvas.
- Lace-up closure.
- Durable outsole.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
Best Vans Shoes for Older Kids
Below is a larger list of Vans kids’ shoes for older children.
Classic Slip-On by Vans
For parents who prefer a slip-on style for easy on and off these classic slip-ons Vans kids’ shoes are one of the most stylish and comfortable styles. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing your child to express their unique style.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Sneaker by Vans on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Canvas.
- Easy slip-on construction.
- Smooth textile lining for all-day wear.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Old Skool V by Vans
This version of the iconic Old Skool features hook-and-loop closures, making it easy for kids to put on and take off their shoes independently.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Old Skool V Core by Vans on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Canvas.
- Double Velcro straps.
- Durable outsole.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Authentic by Vans
The Authentic by Vans is a timeless classic that continues to be a favorite among kids and parents. Known for its simple, low-top design, the Authentic provides a lightweight feel without compromising on support.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Authentic Core by Vans on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Canvas.
- Lace-up closure.
- Durable outsole.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Big Kids Vans KNU Skool Casual Shoes
Among the popular options in the Vans lineup are the Big Kids Vans KNU Skool casual shoes. These shoes are designed with older kids in mind, offering both style and functionality.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style KNU Skool Casual Shoes by Vans on Amazon or Zappos.
- Fits medium and wide feet.
- Canvas.
- Lace-up closure.
- Durable outsole.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Personalized Shoe Recommendations
As a dedicated shoe fitter, I understand the importance of personalized recommendations when it comes to selecting the right shoes for children. Every child’s foot is unique, and factors such as arch type, width, and any existing foot conditions must be considered. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for children’s footwear, as each child may have specific needs that must be addressed for optimal foot health.
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
The most important factor is that you make sure that the shoes that you provide for your child fit properly. For this reason, I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Can Vans Shoes Be Worn as Everyday Sneakers?
Vans shoes are not just a fashion statement; they are designed with durability and comfort in mind. Built initially for skateboarding, Vans sneakers offer excellent grip and flexibility, making them a great choice for active children. However, I believe Vans shoes are “fashion-oriented shoes” instead of “functional shoes”. This means that these shoes shouldn’t be worn for high-impact activities or sports, just casual wear. I created a different resource that has a list of supportive everyday sneakers for children.
Are Vans More Supportive Than Converse?
When comparing Vans to other popular shoe brands like Converse, parents often wonder which offers better support. Both brands have their merits, but Vans tends to offer more options for children who need a wider toe box, which is particularly beneficial for kids with broader feet. While Converse shoes are known for their classic style and can be comfortable for some, they often have a narrower fit, which might not be suitable for all foot types.
What is your child’s favorite Vans shoe style? Please share your findings in the comments section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
I bought slip on Van’s for my 4 year old. We cant ter them on his foot. Is there a trick? Thanks!
Hello Jennifer,
There might be two reasons why you are not able to fit your child’s feet inside the Vans.
The first one is that you got the shoes too short, and the second one (this is the one that most likely happened) is that your child has a high instep (if this is the case then slip-on shoes might not be a good idea for him).
I have waited on several children that were not able to wear slip-on shoes due to them having a high instep.
I hope this helps!