Wide Dress Shoes for Kids – Finding the Best Selection
Are you having trouble finding dress shoes that are wide enough for your child’s feet? If you provide your child with dress shoes that are too narrow you might end up creating several foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. It only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe size to develop foot issues. I am going to show you a list of stylish and durable wide dress shoes for kids.
What Makes the Dress Shoes I Recommend Effective for Wide Feet?
In addition to being available in wide widths (W), the kids’ dress shoes that I recommend provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevent the top part of the foot from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Let’s take a look at the difference between a dress shoe that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t. Do you notice how the shoe on the right is a lot deeper than the shoe on the left?
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature is going to prevent the child’s toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. Do you notice how the dress shoe on the right has a rounder toe-box compared to the dress shoe on the left?
The Best Dress Shoe Brands for Kids with Wide Feet – 4 Top Brands
There are certain children’s shoe brands that are consistent in making dress shoes for children with wide feet:
➡️ Hush Puppies
➡️ Stride Rite
➡️ Sperry
➡️ FootMates
The two most popular ones are Hush Puppies and Stride Rite, since I have fitted several shoe styles from them before and I know they will fit the shape of a child with wide or extra wide feet, as well as a high instep.
Does Your Child Also Have High Insteps?
If you usually struggle getting your kids’ shoes on and off then that’s a sign that your child might have a high instep. The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it makes it more challenging to find shoes that fit. Here is a picture of a child with a high instep:
The dress shoes that I recommend all provide extra depth and oversized openings to accommodate children with high insteps.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best wide dress shoes for 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.
Best Wide Dress Shoes for Kids – They Also Fit High Insteps
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style Makayla Mary Jane by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- APMA approved and built for toddlers
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M Kennedy by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- APMA approved and built for toddlers
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Laura by FootMates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Bucky 2 by FootMates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Lace-up design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Harper by FootMates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Adjustable buckle closure with hidden elastic
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Willy 3 by FootMates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Removable, dual insoles in medium and wide are provided to allow customized fitting
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Lace-up design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Brian by Deer Stags on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded insole
- Dual goring at vamp
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Slip-on design
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style SRT Cordaline by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Easy on-and-off with oversized opening and adjustable double hook and loop closure
- Organic canvas lining helps reduce odor
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Gamefish by Sperry on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% genuine leather upper
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Alternative closure with fixed lace for easy on/off and adjustability
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Mary Jane Flat by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits toddlers with medium and wide feet
- Oversized openings
- 100% leather
- Soft leather uppers with a black patent finish and scalloped topline edging
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Sr Murphy by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Premium leather with a padded heel collar
- Memory-foam insole provides enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Reese by Hush Puppies on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Cushioned memory foam footbed for all-day comfort
- Mesh lining for added comfort and breathability
- Oversized opening
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Jace by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Double velcro straps
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style HP-Reese Mary Jane by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Breathable leather lining and cushioned leather-lined footbed cradles children’s feet
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Willy BTS by FootMates on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather lining and footbed
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Josie Flat by Hush Puppies on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Slip-on design for easy on and off
- Elasticized top line for a no-slip fit
- Breathable textile lining and a cushioned textile insole
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Berwyn Jr by Florsheim on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 650v1 by New Balance on Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Slip-on design for easy on and off
- Man-made lining and footbed
- Breathable textile lining and a cushioned textile insole
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Sr Laurence by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Sport Mary Jane Flat by Hush Puppies on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Mesh linings for breathability & odor prevention
- Cushy memory foam footbed for all day comfort and support
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Billings Jr II by Florsheim on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- I suggest that you get this dress shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Most of these dress shoes are made out of 100% leather, which has several benefits compared to other types of material since it will mold to your child’s unique foot shape and it’s also the type of material that tends to hold up the best. This helps guarantee that your children outgrow the shoes before they wear them out.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Socks play a key role in keeping your kids’ feet healthy since they act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes. Dress socks are important because dress shoes tend to be stiffer and less padded than sneakers, and children might have a hard time adjusting to them. In addition, a good pair of dress socks will cushion and protect your kids’ feet.
Dress Socks for Children – Seamless and Breathable!
Seamless socks are the kind that I recommend for wide feet. They allow the toes to move freely and they help prevent the toes from overlapping onto each other.
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Made with premium ultra soft breathable cotton
- Seamless toe linking construction eliminates bulky toe seam
- Machine washable
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- 75% Combed Cotton, 23% Nylon, 2% Lycra Elastane
- Seamless toe linking construction eliminates bulky toe seam
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Zappos
- 75% Cotton, 22% Polyester, 3% Spandex
- Knit in pointelle pattern design knee high socks dress up any outfit
- Pretty bow on the side of socks add an extra cute flare
- Machine washable
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- Premium ultra soft breathable cotton
- Ultra smooth toe for added softness
- Machine washable
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Amazon
- 75% Combed Cotton, 23% Nylon, 2% Lycra Elastane
- Seamless toe linking construction eliminates bulky toe seam
- Machine washable
- Order these socks made by Jefferies on Zappos
- 87% Cotton, 12% Nylon, 1% Spandex
- Reinforced heel and toe provides long lasting wear
- Ultra smooth toe for added softness
- Ribbed leg for optimal fit and support
- Machine washable
Do you happen to need a pair of wide dress shoes for yourself? I suggest that you visit a different website that describes the best women’s wide width dress shoes.
Are Any Other Wide Dress Shoes Available?
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet?
I created a different resource that has a list of wide sneakers for children with wide or extra wide feet.
Have you found a particular dress shoe that has worked well for your child’s wide feet? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
It seems to me you have covered your subject completely and quite concisely. Most people don’t even realize that a wide shoe is an option let alone may be necessary for proper fit. You covered not only shoes but socks and orthotics too and did each quite well. Where can I find wide shoes at lower prices?
Cathy,I have met a lot of people who came to the store not knowing that shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths! I created a review with the best shoes for wide feet and at the lowest prices available: Wide Shoes for Kids
This makes complete sense. As adults we wouldn’t try to shove our feet into narrow shoes, so why would we want this for our children. At what age do you feel it’s ok to put a girl in heels? And how much of a heel should they wear? I see a lot of young girls wearing heels, but can this damage their feet?
Vicki,
I would advise parents to allow their kids to wear heels at age 10. We do sell heels to 6 and 7 years old, but it is not recommended. Shoes with heels can damage their feet and cause injuries if your child doesn’t know how to walk in them. I would recommend a 1.5inch heel. Do not let your child wear them on a daily basis!
Juan,
I read the article on when to get your child their first walking shoe and I found it interesting. I have three little ones myself and what we have done is to stick as closely to bare feet as possible.
The muscles in little feet have to develop and strengthen, and the best way to do that is through walking with bare feet as much as possible. This way the feet and muscles feel the different textures in the walking surface and they mold and stretch as necessary. If a child is put into a shoe with a “solid sole”, that means that not a whole lot of that stretching and strengthening happens for the foot muscles.
Now one shoe you do have listed here that is great are the Robeez. These shoes have a very thin “minimalist” sole that are great for developing little feet. We have used these for all three of our little ones. As far as the Stride Rite shoes, I think those soles may be a bit thick for everyday wear, but maybe great for occasions or short periods of time.
Thanks for the great article!
Mike
Thank you Mike! Stride Rite actually has what I call “transitions shoes” which are nice and soft designed for children who are learning how to walk. I think you are talking about this post: The Best Shoes for Babies Learning How to Walk – Allow Them to Take Those First Step with Confidence!
Remember that as your children get older, you want to make a transition towards a more substantial, supportive shoe.
Hi Juan,
I love this post about width of a child’s feet. You are right, width plays a big role in shoes. My son feet has grown really long and wide over the last year. I made the mistake of buying sneakers without the width and it fit him kind of tight and he says it was uncomfortable. As parents, we have to take the children in to the shoe store with us; to make sure we get the right shoe for their feet. Thanks for the information and spreading the word!
Valerie,
I wouldn’t want to wear shoes that are too narrow. They will put a lot of pressure on the small toe, which can lead to blisters and corn. I am glad your son told you the shoes were tight, that way you can start measuring his feet and fitting him in the right pair of shoes. Remember, brands such as New Balance and Saucony come in wide widths. Good luck!
This is exactly what I have been looking for! Information on the right shoes as my husband had problems as a child and I don’t want our son to have them too. I believe the problems came from wearing the wrong shoes.
I never really thought on the width of the feet, mostly I wanted to see how they fit and if they are not too small. Great info!
Lena,
You must pay close attention to the width of the shoe. If the shoe is too narrow it can create a myriad of problems to your kids foot. A lot of parents do make that mistake, thinking that if there is room in the toe area, the shoes must fit fine. Now you know to check for the width!
Juan,
I have an 11 year old with such a wide foot that we can’t find him dress shoes.I like the tips on what to look for when purchasing dress shoes. I did not realize that shoes come in an extra wide style. We are definitely going to try those and see if they feel comfortable on him. Any particular style you recommend?
John
John,
Clarks used to make the widest dress shoes for boys but they dropped their kids’ shoe line. I have been fitting children with extra wide feet in a particular Hush Puppies shoe style:
Dress Shoe for Boy with Extra Wide Feet: Option 1
Dress Shoe for Boy with Extra Wide Feet: Option 2