Wide Dress Shoes for Kids – Finding the Best Selection
Finding the perfect pair of dress shoes for children with wide feet can be challenging. Wide dress shoes are crucial for preventing issues such as blisters, calluses, and even ingrown toenails, which can be particularly painful for children. It only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe size to develop foot issues, so I am going to show you a list of stylish and affordable wide dress shoes for kids that don’t compromise on quality or style.
Why the Instep of the Foot Matters?
The instep of the foot is the area on the top of the foot between the toes and the ankle. In children with wide feet, this area can be more pronounced, which often requires shoes that offer extra depth. It’s crucial to choose shoes that accommodate this feature to prevent discomfort and potential foot issues.
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.
For children with a high instep, wide shoes can provide the extra space needed to accommodate this part of the foot comfortably.
Key Features of Wide Dress Shoes for Kids
When shopping for wide dress shoes for kids, there are a few key features to keep in mind:
1. Extra Depth: This feature is essential for accommodating the overall volume of a wide foot. This feature ensures that the foot sits comfortably within the shoe without any tightness or squeezing.
2. Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature allows your child’s toes to spread naturally. This design helps prevent common issues such as blisters, ingrown toenails, and cramped toes.
3. Oversized Openings: This feature makes it easier for children to put on and take off their shoes independently, and is particularly beneficial for younger children and those with high insteps, as it reduces the struggle of fitting into shoes.
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:
1. Florsheim
2. Stride Rite
3. Sperry
4. FootMates
Here are some of my top picks from these shoe brands and some additional generic ones that provide affordable and wide dress shoes that cater to children’s diverse needs. 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
1. Berwyn by Florsheim
This dress shoe is available in wide widths which makes it an excellent option for kids with wide feet. Known for their quality craftsmanship, these shoes offer both style and comfort, making them perfect for formal occasions.
- Order the shoe style Loafer Church by French Toast on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning
- Genuine leather
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Allie Mary Jane by Footmates
These wide width Mary Jane shoes are a fantastic option for girls with wide feet who love a classic look. These shoes are designed to fit wider feet and offer a secure fit thanks to their adjustable strap.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Allie Mary Jane by Footmates on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Buckle closure for a secure and adjustable fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Murphy by Stride Rite
This classic wide dress shoe is a fantastic choice for children with wide feet as it provides ample room in the toe box and features a comfortable fit that supports your child’s foot shape. The classic design makes them suitable for a variety of settings.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Murphy Sneaker by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- 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
4. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
These extra wide Mary Jane shoes by Stride Rite are another stylish option. With its roomy toe box and supportive design, it’s an ideal choice for girls needing a bit more width in their shoes. The shoe provides extra depth and comes in extra wide widths to accommodate the shape of children with very wide feet.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in extra wide widths.
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- Supreme comfort care of Ortholite memory foam footbeds.
- I suggest that you get this Mary Jane shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
5. Great Lakes by Florsheim
This dress shoe provides a wide fit that helps accommodate broader feet while maintaining a sleek, polished appearance. This shoe is a great option for special events and formal gatherings.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Great Lakes by Florsheim on Zappos or Amazon
- Fit medium or wide feet
- Leather and textile upper
- Moisture-wicking lining
- Lace-up closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Bonnett by Nina
These black Mary Jane shoes provide a wide fit and are a stylish option for girls. The elegant design makes them suitable for both casual and formal settings, allowing for versatility in a child’s wardrobe.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Bonnett by Nina on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar
- Cushioned soles
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. School Days by Keds
These shoes are a versatile choice, suitable for both school and special occasions. Perfect for both boys and girls, providing a wider fit for everyday wear.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Bonnett by Nina on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure offers a snug fit for all-day wear
- Padded collar
- I suggest that you get this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
8. Mary Jane by FunkyMonkey
These wide fit Mary Jane shoes offer a playful twist on the classic design. They come in a range of colors and patterns, allowing your child to express their individuality while enjoying a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style by FunkyMonkey on Amazon
- Fits medium or wide feet
- Velcro buckle secures the perfect fit every time
- Lightly padded leather insoles
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Bogan Jr. by Florsheim
The Bogan Jr. by Florsheim is a great option for boys with wide feet. These shoes are available in actual wide widths.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Soft Slip by Lonsoen on Amazon or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Slip-on design
- Made from soft PU leather material
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Claire by Stride Rite
These extra wide Mary Jane shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths and the classic design makes them suitable for various occasions.
- Order the shoe style Claire by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Crafted from a premium leather upper
- Padded collar
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
11. Lonsoen Lowfur
These shoes are an affordable option for parents looking for budget-friendly wide dress shoes. Despite their lower price point, they do not compromise on comfort or style.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Soft Slip by Lonsoen on Amazon
- Fits medium or wide feet
- Padded tongue and collar provide additional comfort and cushioning
- 100% Synthetic
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
12. Allie by Footmates
These wide width Mary Jane shoes feature a leather upper that provides a classic look, while the cushioned footbed ensures all-day comfort.
- Order the shoe style Allie Mary Jane by Footmates on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium or wide feet
- 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 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.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re unsure about what shoes to purchase, feel free to contact me for personalized shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s specific foot shape and needs.
How to Find Out What Shoe Size to Order Online
To ensure you find the right size for your child, consider using my virtual shoe fitting service. This service can help you determine the correct shoe size to order online, saving you time and ensuring the best fit for your child’s feet.
Additional Resources
In addition to dress shoes, you might also need sneakers for kids with wide feet. These shoes should provide the same key features of extra depth, a round toe-box, and oversized openings to ensure comfort and support.
Bonus Resource: Wide Dress Shoes for Women
Many parents also search for wide dress shoes for themselves. Finding shoes that accommodate wide feet can be challenging, but there are options available that offer both style and comfort.
Make sure to look for shoes with similar features such as extra depth and a roomy toe-box to ensure a comfortable fit. I suggest that you visit a different website that describes the best women’s wide width dress shoes.
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