Wide Dress Shoes for Kids – Finding the Best Selection
Are you having trouble finding a particular dress shoe for your child with wide feet or extra wide feet? Do you feel like you try several different styles but always end up empty-handed? Finding a pair of dress shoes for your child with wide feet can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience if you don’t know what styles to look for. I have put together a list of the best wide dress shoes for kids based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
I have been contacted by several families who are having a hard time finding a pair of dress shoes to accommodate the shape of their child’s wide or extra wide feet. Some children in addition to having wide feet have to deal with a high instep.
If you provide your child with dress shoes that are too narrow you will end up creating several issues with your child’s feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns.
The most common mistake that I see parents make is to provide their children with dress shoes that are too long to compensate for the width.
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?
While dress shoes for kids are the type of shoes that are worn for a very short period of time and every once in a while, they still need to be comfortable. It only takes a couple of wears in the wrong shoe size for your child to develop a foot issue.
Have you noticed that if your feet hurt you tend to shift your body weight differently and walk in a different way to counteract the pain? This is exactly what your children will do, which will lead them to put pressure on parts of their bodies where they are not supposed to. This will lead to other joints and muscles like the knees, hips, back, shoulders and neck to suffer in the long run.
In addition to fitting the shape of your child’s wide feet, the dress shoes must provide good support and they need to be lightweight and flexible at the same time.
I will provide you with a selection of the best wide dress shoes for kids shortly, but first I want to show you what features these dress shoes provide and how to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home.
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 a wide or an extra wide foot, as well as a high instep.
Wide Dress Shoes for Kids – The 3 Most Important Features!
These are the 3 most important features that the dress shoes I recommend provide, in addition to extra depth and rounder toe-boxes:
1️⃣ Support: This feature allows your child to walk around comfortably.
2️⃣ Lightweight/Flexible: The dress shoes must be supportive, but they need to be lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired.
3️⃣ Durable: The dress shoes need to be durable so children can outgrow them before they wear them out.
I only write reviews of shoe styles that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit.
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.
The Best Wide Dress Shoes for Kids
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style Makayla Mary Jane by Stride Rite
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style M Kennedy by Stride Rite
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Laura by FootMates
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Bucky 2 by FootMates
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Harper by FootMates
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Willy 3 by FootMates
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Mary Jane by Stride Rite
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Brian by Deer Stags
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Padded insole
- Dual goring at vamp
- Ideal for formal occasions and casual wear
- Slip-on design
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style SRT Cordaline by Stride Rite
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Gamefish by Sperry
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Mary Jane Flat by See Kai Run
- Fits toddlers with medium and wide feet
- Oversized openings
- 100% leather
- Soft leather uppers with a black patent finish and scalloped topline edging
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Holly by Stride Rite
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized openings
- Antimicrobial linings for odor prevention
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Sr Murphy by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Premium leather with a padded heel collar
- Memory-foam insole provides enhanced comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Reese by Hush Puppies
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Cushioned memory foam footbed for all-day comfort
- Mesh lining for added comfort and breathability
- Oversized opening
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Jace by Hush Puppies
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Double velcro straps
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style HP-Reese Mary Jane by Hush Puppies
- 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
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Willy BTS by FootMates
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Leather lining and footbed
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Josie Flat by Hush Puppies
- 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
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Berwyn Jr by Florsheim
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 650v1 by New Balance
- 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
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Sr Laurence by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Sport Mary Jane Flat by Hush Puppies
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Mesh linings for breathability & odor prevention
- Cushy memory foam footbed for all day comfort and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Billings Jr II by Florsheim
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- Order 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.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Get it Right!
You won’t be able to order the correct dress shoe size online if you don’t know your child’s exact foot size to begin with.
I always recommend parents take their children to their local fitting children’s shoe store that they trust, the issue is that most fitting stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.
I created a resource that showcases the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot 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!
One common mistake that I see parents make is buying their kids’ socks based on their age, and not their foot size. This usually leads to children wearing socks that are too short or too long for their feet.
Let me show you the most effective way to make sure that you provide your toddler with the correct sock size.
Most socks come in a package with labels that read “fits sock size”, ”fits ages from”, ”fits shoe size”. When trying to find the correct sock size for your child, please ignore the label that reads “sock size” or “age guidelines”.
To find your children’s correct sock size, you must always look under the label “shoe size” in the sock’s tags. This is the most effective way to find out your children’s correct sock size. Take a look at the image below for clarification:
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. Below you can find a selection of the best dress socks for children with wide feet:
- Socks made by Jefferies
- Made with premium ultra soft breathable cotton
- Seamless toe linking construction eliminates bulky toe seam
- Machine washable
- Socks made by Jefferies
- 75% Combed Cotton, 23% Nylon, 2% Lycra Elastane
- Seamless toe linking construction eliminates bulky toe seam
- Socks made by Jefferies
- 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
- Socks made by Jefferies
- Premium ultra soft breathable cotton
- Ultra smooth toe for added softness
- Machine washable
- Socks made by Jefferies
- 75% Combed Cotton, 23% Nylon, 2% Lycra Elastane
- Seamless toe linking construction eliminates bulky toe seam
- Machine washable
- Socks made by Jefferies
- 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 Shoe Choices 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
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: Best Shoes for Wide Feet.
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 my post First Walking Shoes – Picking The Perfect First Shoes. I am glad that you found it informative! 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