Wide Sandals for Kids – The Must Have Summer Sandal for Kids with WIDE Feet!
Have you been looking for a pair of wide or extra wide summer sandals for your child, but you always end up empty-handed and you can’t seem to find them anywhere? Narrow sandals can lead to several issues, including blisters, corns, and even long-term foot deformities. There is a small selection of wide sandals for kids, but the good news is that I will help you find them. I am a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes, so I have a pretty good idea of which sandals fit wider than others.
Be Aware: Narrow Sandals Can Lead to Blisters and Sores
If you provide your children with a pair of summer sandals that are too narrow, you will end up creating all sorts of issues with their feet such as blisters, calluses, and corns. During the summer, children develop most blisters, as when the skin gets wet, it gets more prone to sores.
Your child’s pinky toe (small toe), is the one that is more prone to blisters as when sandals are too narrow that’s the toe that gets pressed against the side of the sandals.
A common mistake is assuming that a slightly larger size in a narrow sandal will accommodate wide feet. This can lead to improper support and an increased risk of tripping and falling. It’s always best to opt for sandals specifically designed for wide feet to ensure optimal comfort and safety.
Key Features of Wide Sandals for Kids
1. Rounder Toe-Boxes: A rounded toe-box offers more space for the toes to spread, preventing cramped toes and promoting healthy foot development. This design feature helps in distributing weight evenly, reducing stress on the toes.
2. Extra Depth: Extra depth allows the foot to sit comfortably without being squished, providing room for natural movement. This feature is vital for children who might need additional space due to having high insteps.
3. Multiple Points of Adjustability: The sandals I recommend come with Velcro closure for easy on and off and can be adjusted on the top, front, and back.
Choosing the right sandals is not just about comfort but also about supporting your child’s growing feet. Below you can find a selection of the best wide sandals for kids that are capable of accommodating children with high insteps. 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.
My Specific Sandal Recommendations for Kids with Wide Feet
These sandals are also recommended for summer camp or going hiking as they are lightweight and constructed with high quality to last an endless summer. They’re available in a variety of colors, so be sure to click on your preferred style to explore the other color options.
1. Psyclone by Teva
These sandals are equipped with adjustable straps that make it easy to achieve a snug fit, accommodating the unique shape of wider feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Psyclone XLT1 by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports
- Rubber outsole for great traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Cyrus IV by See Kai Run
See Kai Run sandals are crafted with a focus on healthy foot development. They are flexible, breathable, and provide ample room for wide feet.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Generous toe box and EVA molded footbed promotes healthy foot development
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Seaturtle by Kamik
These open-toe sandals for kids with wide feet combine style with functionality. They offer great traction and are designed to withstand various terrains, making them ideal for both urban and rural settings.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Wander by Kamik on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Quick drying moisture wicking lining
- Vegan-friendly
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs
Dream Pairs offers lightweight sandals perfect for active children. Their designs focus on comfort and durability, ensuring your child’s feet are well-supported during outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Adventurous Light-Weight by Dream Pairs on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- Triple hook-and-loop closure system for easy on and off
- Excellent grip
- Lightweight MD footbed is cushioned for all-day comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than the end of the AFO/SMO footplate
5. Newport by Keen
These Keen sandals for kids with wide feet are perfect for both everyday wear and outdoor activities. Keen sandals are known for their rugged design, durability, and toe protection.
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Hurricane by Teva
These sandals offer robust support and are ideal for kids who love to explore the great outdoors. The adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, accommodating wider feet comfortably.
Key Features
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Lucky Brand
Their designs are both trendy and functional, ensuring your child won’t have to compromise on style for comfort. The brand focuses on creating sandals that provide ample space for the toes and a secure fit that supports active play.
Key Features
- Order the sandal Lucky Brand on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Supportive footbed
- Adjustable buckles at the front and velcro strap at the back for easy on and off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Archie by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite wide sandals are available in both wide and extra wide widths.
- Order the sandal style Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Fisherman sandals with hook and loop closure
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening and hook and loop closure
- Slip-resistant traction with sensory pod technology to help feel the ground underneath
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Get Personalized Shoe Recommendations
As a shoe fitter, I offer personalized shoe recommendations via email to help you find the perfect pair of sandals for your child’s wide feet. I’ll provide a list of recommended sandals that cater to your child’s foot width and shape. These recommendations are curated from a range of brands known for their quality and comfort, ensuring you have plenty of options to choose from.
Are These Sandals Durable?
All of the sandals that I recommended are durable. I mention this because some families are tired of their kids’ summer sandals falling apart before their child is ready to outgrow them. As a parent, when you find a pair of shoes that withstands the abuse of children, you stick with it! You can rest assured that your child will outgrow these sandals before anything happens to them.
Your child can wear these sandals everywhere, and one of the features I love the most is how they dry super fast! Parents love how their kids can go in and out of the water in these sandals while their toes and heels are protected.
Real-life Feedback from Families
Families who have tried these wide sandals often share positive feedback. Many appreciate the comfort and support these sandals provide, noting a significant reduction in foot-related issues such as blisters and discomfort.
Are Flip Flops and Crocs a Good Choice As Well?
While flip flops and Crocs are popular for their convenience, they may not always be the best choice for children with wide feet. These types of footwear often lack the necessary support and can lead to issues if worn for extended periods. Flip flops, in particular, offer little to no support, which can strain young feet and contribute to poor posture.
Crocs, although roomier, may not provide the secure fit needed for active play. It’s important to consider the activity level of your child and the potential impact on their foot health when choosing footwear. For extended wear, especially during active play, it’s advisable to choose sandals with better support and structure.
Bonus Resource: Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet
In addition to sandals, finding the right sneakers for wide feet is equally important. Consider brands that focus on providing extra width and support, such as New Balance and Saucony. These brands offer a variety of styles that cater to different foot shapes and activities.
Sandals for Kids with Wide or Extra Wide Feet – Watch Video!
In this video, you will be able to better visualize what features your kids’ sandals should provide to accommodate a wide foot, while ensuring comfort and support. Throughout the video, I provide demonstrations of each sandal’s features, highlighting what makes them suitable for kids with wide feet.
Wide Sandals for Mom and Dad? – Pay Half of the Price!
Did you know that if you wear a women’s shoe size 8 ½ or smaller you can get the kids’ version of the sandals and pay half of the price that you would pay for the women’s version? I have fitted several of the mothers who come to the shoe store in running shoes and sandals once they find out they can wear kids’ sizes. Find out more about how this shoe size conversion works.
My son has dwarfism which causes his feet to be shorter in length but VERY wide which makes him difficult to fit. This post was so helpful! When he was younger Pediped Canyon Flex and Keen Newport H2 worked for him but now even those aren’t wide enough! I’ve had some success as of late with a brand of sandals called Reima! I don’t know if it would help other families to add that to your list!
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for sharing! I have not fitted Reima shoes, but I will be looking into them.
Before I worked in the medical field, I used to work as an administrative assistant and heels were part of my everyday dressage – ouch ! is all I could say. It was very difficult for me to find wide inexpensive shoes. I would hate for children to feel the discomfort I felt and they really shouldn’t.
I’m glad there’s wide sandals for kids!!
What type of foot problems could arise from wearing shoes that are too narrow for your feet? Also, do you know if they make high heels for kids in wide widths? My daughters keep asking for high heels but I can’t seem to find ones that fit because they both have really wide feet!
Hello Goya,Shoes that are too narrow for a child’s foot can create blisters, calluses, corns, ingrown toenails, such to name a few issues. High heels in wide widths for kids do exist! I actually wrote a post where I describe the best high heel shoes for children with wide feet,and you can find it here:
High Heels for Kids – Don’t Buy Them Until You Read This!
I didn’t know that sandals in wide widths for kids existed! My kids have the widest feet and they always end up wearing sneakers during the summer time since they always complain that their sandals feeling too tight! The problem is that their sneakers will get wet and they will develop a horrible smell and complain about being uncomfortable. I am definitely trying these Jambu sandals for them! Thank you man this is really valuable information!
Hello Chris,
You are not the only parent who didn’t know that sandals came in wide widths! You should’t let me sneakers all day during the summer, they should have a pair of sandals to run around and be able to get them wet! Jambu sandals are great for children with wide or extra wide feet. You will see how well they will fit!
Finally I found good information in wide sandals for kids! I always have the hardest time finding them for my child with extra wide feet! Now he can run around in the summer with no blisters! Thanks for the info! Is Amazon the cheapest place to buy Jambu sandals?
Thank you for the information!
I know how hard it can be to find shoes for children with wide or extra wide feet. Certain parents even refrain from buying their kids summer sandals because they say they won’t fit their feet.
Amazon might not offer the best selection of shoes, but they do provide the best prices! Please let me know anytime you have any question!
These shoes look very sturdy and lightweigth at the same time. I find it frustrating how quickly my toddler goes through shoes so I rarely buy her anything that costs over $15. We have spent top dollar in the past on shoes that were fitted properly twice before but she ended up hardly ever wearing them which was frustrating. So now I just stick to cheap shoes from target. But, is this a mistake? She is only two and a half. She has no problems with her feet and she is very quick to let us know if her shoes hurt her feet. Should I be insisting she wear certain shoes?
Hello Liz,
The price that you pay for your kids shoes is not an easy. I have fitted shoes that ranged from 30 to 40 dollars and they were everyday, sturdy, supportive shoes. Paying 15 dollars for your kids shoes seems like an awesome deal, but I am not even sure what those shoes might be made out of. Sometimes when you buy an older shoe style you will end up paying a lot less than the newer version, and you won’t be compromising on quality or support! Hope this help, and don’t hesistate to contact me if you have any question!
I have been looking for wide water play sandals for my kids for so long! My kid have the widest feet and I always struggle finding them shoes and specially summer footwear for their feet. Jambu sandals seems to be a very good solution for them and I also like the price! Does Amazon offers the cheapest price? I don’t have a children’s shoe store close to where I live so I always buy my kids shoes online.
Hello Nico,
Most parents were not even aware that water play sandals that fit children with wide or extra wide feet actually existed! Jambu sandals will fit children with wide or extra wide feet, and they provide great support and stability for your kids! Amazon definitely sells them for a cheaper price than most other online retailers sells them for.I hope your kids enjoy them!