What is the Difference Between Medium and Wide Shoes? – Finding the Perfect Shoes for Your Child!
Choosing the right shoe width is just as important as getting the right length. If your child has wide feet and you unknowingly choose medium-width shoes, it can lead to painful issues like blisters, calluses, or even long-term foot problems. Understanding the difference between medium and wide shoes is key to ensuring your child’s comfort, foot health, and proper development. I’ll explain the difference clearly—so you can confidently choose the right fit for your child, and I’ll also share a list of top-rated shoes available in both medium and wide widths to make your search easier.
What Is the Difference Between Medium and Wide Shoes?
The difference between a medium and a wide width shoe is just 1/8 of an inch. It may seem small, but that extra space can make a big difference—helping prevent your child’s toes from rubbing together or pressing against the sides of the shoes.
The difference is clear—and that extra width can make a world of difference for your child. It gives the toes the space they need to spread naturally, reducing the risk of rubbing, overlapping, and pressure against the sides of the shoes. A proper width isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your child’s foot health.
Why opt for wider shoes? Some children naturally have broader feet. Others may need more space due to particular foot conditions like bunions or high arches. Here’s a quick comparison list:
- Medium Width: Standard width, suits most children
- Wide Width: More space, better for wider feet
Signs Your Child Needs Wide Shoes
Parents often ask how to recognize if their child needs wide shoes. Some clear signs indicate a too-tight fit. Observing these signs can prevent discomfort and promote healthy foot growth.
Here are additional signs to watch for:
- Complaints of foot pain or discomfort
- Shoes wearing out quickly on one side
- Difficulty putting on or removing shoes
As a shoe fitter passionate about children’s foot health, I understand the struggle of finding the right wide shoes. For that reason, I’ve curated a list of recommendations that have proven effective for many families of children with wide feet. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My Top Medium and Wide Width Shoe Recommendations for Kids
Many of the shoes below come in wide and extra wide widths—so be sure to choose the right one to match your child’s unique foot shape for the best comfort and fit.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. This classic sneaker offers a great combination of style, comfort, and support. It features a roomy, rounded toe-box and is available in medium and wide widths, making it ideal for children with standard or wider feet.
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 are not available in wide widths but feature extra depth and round toe boxes in case your child has wide feet.
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 toddler’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. These are one of the most durable and supportive New Balance shoes for kids and are available with Velcro or laces. 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. These shoes are a fantastic option for kids with wide feet. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on your child’s feet.
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 your child’s toes.
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. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance. These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making them an ideal choice for kids with wide feet.
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
7. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance. Available in medium and wide widths, this shoe offers a spacious fit and a rounded toe-box, making it a great option for children with medium or wide feet.
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
8. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes with deep toe-boxes are ideal for kids with wide feet. Families appreciate how these shoes are 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
9. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite wide shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes to help prevent putting pressure on your child’s toes.
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
Reach Out for Specific Recommendations
If you’re unsure about which shoe style is best for your child or whether you should choose medium or wide shoes, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am happy to provide personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and needs.
How to Measure Your Child’s Foot for the Right Width
Getting an accurate measurement of your child’s foot is the first step to finding shoes that truly fit and feel great. That’s why I created a virtual fitting guide that has helped families around the world determine their child’s exact shoe size and foot shape—whether it’s medium, wide, or extra wide. The best part? You can do it right at home with just a few simple tools and easy-to-follow steps.
I am glad I found this site. I am a son and he sometimes seems unable to fit into some of the shoes, because my son has a wider foot. Finding a shoe for him sometimes really frustrating because some shoes are either too tight or too long.
I think this will help me make my choices. However, when I am in a shop, is there a way to communicate with the staff on what kind of shoe I want? Will she/he understand the terms I use?
Hell Michael,
I am glad that you found the post informative. The most common mistake parents make is to try longer shoes when a child complains about the shoes feeling too tight. This takes away the pressure in the width, but it leads to the child wearing a shoe that is too long, which will end up compromising his or her stability.
If you are in a shoe shop they will probably understand when you explain them that your child has a wide foot and needs a wider shoes.
I hope this clarifies!
Thank you for providing your thoughts and suggestions on this, I definitely fall under the category of parents who have no clue about correct shoe width for their kids. My kid just recently started mentioning that his new shoes are to tight. As alternative I started looking for shoes without shoes strings and are adjustable. Do you think that approach will be ok?
Hello Alewishes,
I dont think that is the right approach. If your child is complaining about his or her shoes feeling too tight, I will start by making sure the shoes are not too narrow. Remember that shoes are available in different widths such as wide and extra wide.
Even if your kids’feet don’t appaear to be wide, he or she might have a high instep, and require a wider shoe. If you are not sure what the instep of the foot is, you can find more information about children with high insteps here:
The Best Shoes for High Instep – Stop Getting the Wrong Shoe Size for Your Child!
I hope this helps!
What a wealth of information! I have noticed the notations of “medium” or “wide” on children’s shoes before but I do not think I have ever seen “narrow” or “extra wide”. Possibly I just have not been paying attention. My son has always worn “medium” shoes so far, so I have just always focused on that classification.
However, my son is being fitted with orthotics to help correct how he walks. His orthotics will be ones which go into his shoes and fit around the bottom of his foot — what recommendations do you have for a situation like this to ensure that his shoes fit the way that they should?
Kristin,
It is extremely important to choose the correct type of shoes if your son will be wearing an orthotic. I wrote a post where I explain and describe the best kids shoes for a child that needs orthotics. You can find that post here:
Shoes with Removable Insoles for Orthotics- Make Sure You Get the Right Fit
That article covers everything you must know if your child wears orthotics.
Hi Juan
Really informative article! I have 2 kids of my own and one of my daughters of 8 years old loves playing soccer, and I understand that getting the correct shoes is vital in a sport as it can lead to injuries. She is constantly complaining about her feet that move inside her shoes when she suddenly needs to stop from a sprint and I always thought how is that possible as the shoes fit perfectly length wise.
Does that mean that those specific shoes are too wide for her feet then? Never thought of it, please advise!
Hello Mornay,
The shoes are either too wide for her feet, or she might not be tying the shoes tight enough. Make sure you teach her how to properly tie her shoes, and then ask her if her feet still move too much inside the shoe.
I wrote an article where I describe the best way to tie your kids shoes and you can find it here: How To Tie Your Kids Shoes – Stop Heel Slippage!
Hope that helps!
I completely agree with what you are saying regarding the importance of correctly fitting shoes for children. It’s just a shame that lower income families, who rely on cheaper department stores for purchasing footwear, cannot afford to visit specialty footwear stores for custom fitted shoes.
Thanks for the great article, I’m going to do some research on the availability of lower priced footweat that has different foot widths available.
Joanne,
Families who take their kids to department stores to be fitted for shoes end up paying more money for shoes since they don’t only need to replace them faster, but they are also creating all sort of foot problems by letting their kids walk and run around in shoes that don’t fit.