Have you been looking for a pair of boots that are capable of accommodating the shape of your child’s wide feet? Do you feel like you try several different boot brands and styles but none of them seem wide enough and it’s always a challenge getting the boots on and off? I will show you what are the best wide boots for kids based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
Did you know that children with wide feet are more prone to develop foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns? Fitting your child in a pair of boots that is too narrow can lead to several foot issues.
What are the Risks of Having Your Child Wear Boots that are too Narrow?
Some parents don’t put a lot of thought when it comes to fitting their children in seasonal footwear such as boots. They assume that since the child will wear the boots for very short periods of time and once in a while, the boots will not cause any issues. You might want to rethink this, as it only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe to develop foot issues.
Do They Make Wide Boots for Children?
While arguably the selection of boots for children with wide feet is limited, all you need is one pair of boots that fit your child’s feet properly to keep your child’s feet and legs healthy during the winter season.
Several shoe brands offer wide boots for kids. However, among each shoe brand, certain boots are a lot more effective in fitting children with wide feet.
My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes
My name is Juan Valenzuela and I work for a specialized children’s shoe store that focuses on helping children with “complicated” foot shapes as well as foot and leg problems, but we provide regular shoe fittings as well. I have been fitting children’s shoes for over 10 years, and I handle approximately one hundred shoe fittings/try ons per week.
Parents across the country are increasingly ordering their children’s shoes online—unfortunately, without the benefit of proper shoe fittings—because most specialty children’s shoe stores nationally are closing their doors.
I have helped several children with wide feet find the correct types of shoes for their feet, and I believe I will be able to help your child as well.
The first step is to make sure that you know your child’s exact foot length and shape. For example, do you know whether your child’s feet are wide, or do you suspect that they might be extra wide? Do you know whether your child has a high instep? These are all factors that help determine what final shoe size your child should wear.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape?
If you want to be 100% sure about what shoe size to order online, I suggest that you follow the instructions in the article below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
What Makes the Boots I Recommend Ideal for Children with Wide Feet?
After having tested several different boot brands and styles I became familiar with which boots work best for a child with wide feet. There are 4 key features that the boots I recommend provide:
1️⃣ Round Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your child’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another or the side of the boots. For example, the image below shows two boots that are the same size in length and width. Do you notice how the boot on the right has a rounded toe-box compared to the boot on the left?
2️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature is going to help prevent the top part (instep) of your child’s feet from rubbing against the top part of the boots. Boots with extra depth also allow for easy on and off. For example, take a look at the image below which shows two boots that are the same size in length and width. Do you notice how the boot on the right is a lot deeper compared to the boot on the left?
3️⃣ Oversized Openings for Easy On and Off: This feature makes it easier for parents and children to get their boots on and off. Children with chubby feet have a hard time slipping into snow boots that don’t easily open. You will notice that the boots I recommend open up widely, which makes it easier for children and parents to get the boots on and off.
4️⃣ Available in Wide Widths: Keep in mind that some of the boots that I recommend are available in wide (W) or extra wide (XW) widths. This feature helps increase the chances of the boot fitting your child’s wide feet.
What are the Best Boot Brands for Kids with Wide Feet?
Some of my go-to shoe brands for children with wide feet are:
- Stride Rite
- Tsukihoshi
- See Kai Run
- Bogs
- Merrell
This doesn’t mean that all of the boots from those shoe brands will accommodate the shape of your child’s wide feet. There are specific styles among each shoe brand that work a lot better than others.
Let’s take a look at the best wide boots for kids in terms of comfort, fit, and support. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Take a look at the description below each boot to check whether that specific style can be worn for the rain, snow, or both.
The Best Wide Boots for Kids
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot/snow boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Insulated so it can be worn in the snow
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot/snow boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Insulated so it can be worn in the snow
- Waterproof
- Double velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- Made with 3mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep warm in cold weather. Comfort rated 14 degrees F/-10
- Hook/loop strap and sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Machine washable
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Water-friendly
- Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges
- Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Water-friendly
- Wide toe-box and an outsole with rounded edges
- Flex grooves in outsole for maximum flexibility
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Waterproof
- Velcro closure
- Machine washable
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot the same size as your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used in cold days, rain, and snow
- Waterproof
- KEEN.Warm® insulation rating of -40°F/-40°C
- Double velcro closure for easy on and off
- Removable PU insole for long-lasting comfort
- Fleece lining for warmth
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- This boot can be used in cold days
- Hook-and-loop closure provides a secure fit that’s quick and easy to adjust
- Features a shearling cuff and warm lining
- Order this boot half a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This boot can be used on cold and rainy days
- Water-repellent synthetic and mesh upper
- Comfort Collar helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit
- Primaloft insulation for warmth
- Lightweight EVA midsole provides flexible cushioning and absorbs impact
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- Order this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Waterproof-treated textile and synthetic upper
- Adjustable extra-long straps fit around AFOS
- Rubber toe cap adds durability
- Thermoplastic rubber outsole with a rugged tread pattern built for maximum grip on wet and snowy terrain
- Order this boot a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- M Select DRY bootie waterproof construction to keep feet dry
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- M Select DRY bootie waterproof construction to keep feet dry
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Velcro closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours
- Velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Seam-sealed, waterproof membrane construction, resistant to 10,000mb pressure/4 hours
- Velcro closure
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- This is a snow boot
- Integrated heel support structure
- Waterproof
- Removable insoles
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Made with 7mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep feet warm and comfortable in cold weather. Comfort rated to -30 Degrees F/-34 Degrees C
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof
- Sturdy handles makes these winter boots easy for little kids to get on and off
- Made with 7mm Neo-Tech insulation to keep feet warm and comfortable in cold weather. Comfort rated to -30 Degrees F/-34 Degrees C
- Excellent traction
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a hiking boot that can be worn for long periods of time
- Constructed with M-Select® waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels.
- Non-marking outsole with M Select GRIP for superior traction
- Reinforced protected toe
- Lace-up closure
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)
- This is a snow boot
- Waterproof and insulated
- Triple velcro straps
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
What Boot Size Should You Order?
In each of the descriptions of the boots I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.
Are Any Other Boot Choices Available?
If none of these boots are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the boots to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Winter Socks for Kids – Keep Your Kids’ Feet Dry and Warm!
Did you know that socks play a key role in keeping your kids’ feet healthy? Socks act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes, and they also prevent the formation and the build-up of bacteria inside the shoes.
It’s important that you provide your child with a pair of socks that are warm but also breathable. If you want to see a selection of the best winter socks for kids I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
The Best Winter Socks for Kids – Reasonably-Priced, Durable, and Comfortable!
Do You Also Need a Pair of Sneakers for Your Child’s Wide Feet?
If you need a pair of everyday sneakers to accommodate your child’s wide feet I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet – Round Toe-Boxes, Extra Deep, and Oversized Openings!
Let me know in the comment section below if you have any questions or if you have found a specific boot that has worked well for your child’s feet. I am sure other families will benefit from reading about your experiences.
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