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? 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.
Here is an example of a child wearing a pair of sandals that are too narrow:
What Makes the Sandals I Recommend Effective for Wide Feet?
The sandals that I recommend provide 3 key features that make them the best choice for kids with wide feet:
1️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature prevents your child’s toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the sandals. Let me show you the difference between a sandal that comes with a round toe-box versus one that doesn’t. Do you notice how the sandal on the right has a much rounder toe-box compared to the sandal on the left?
2️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows your child’s feet to fit deeply inside the sandals and prevents the top part of your child’s feet (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the sandals. Let me show you the difference between a pair of sandals that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:
3️⃣ 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. For example, Keen came up with a new adaptable sandal that has a velcro strap on the back, making it easier to get the sandals on and off.
These are exactly the 3 features that the sandals I recommend for children with wide feet provide. In addition to fitting the shape of your child’s wide feet, the sandals need to also provide good support to your child’s feet.
Are Flip Flops and Crocs a Good Choice As Well?
The issue with flip-flops and Crocs is that don’t offer any support or stability. They are a good choice as long as your child wears them for short periods of time and for short distance walking.
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.
Toddler Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the sandal style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Cyrus by See Kai Run on Amazon
- 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
- Order the sandal style Pale II by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 2 points of adjustability
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- EVA foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all-day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Aru by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet
- 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
- 100% leather
- Flexible grooves on the outsole for a barefoot feel
- Convenient alternative closure for a snug fit and easy on/off
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Knotch Creek by Keen on Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Triple velcro straps for easy on and off
- Soft fabric lining and anti-odor footbed promotes a healthy foot environment
- M Select GRIP for superior non-marking traction
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Cyrus IV by See Kai Run on 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
- Order the sandal style Billie by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- FlexiRun EVA foam outsole is ultra-lightweight and flexible with durable traction pattern for outdoor wear
- Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Archie by Stride Rite on Amazon
- 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
- Order the sandal style Summer Time by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- 100% leather
- Padded heel collar for comfort
- Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style 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
- Order the sandal style Eco-Tide by FootMates on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Lightly padded insole
- Waterproof leather and corrosion-resistant buckles make the shoes ideal for use in warm weather conditions
- Hook-and-loop with adjustable buckle closures for a secure fit
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little/Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the sandal style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 3 points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort
- Rigid at the toe box
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Newport Adaptive by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Adjustable back strap
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Newport Adaptive by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Water-friendly and machine washable
- Adjustable back strap
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Seaturtle 2 by Kamik on 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 half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Seaturtle 2 by Kamik on 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 half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Elle by Keen on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Rounded toe-boxes and extra deep
- Double adjustable velcro straps
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Arizona by Birkenstock on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede-lined cork footbed offers excellent arch support, a deep heel cup, roomy toe box, and molds to the shape of each individual’s foot
- Flexible and lightweight EVA outsole is durable and shock-resisting
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort
- Machine washable
- I suggest that you get this sandal a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Newport H2 by Keen on 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
- Order the sandal style Rio by Birkenstock on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede-lined cork footbed offers excellent arch support, a deep heel cup, roomy toe box, and molds to the shape of each individual’s foot
- Flexible and lightweight EVA outsole is durable and shock-resisting
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the sandal style Milano by Birkenstock on Zappos
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede-lined cork footbed offers excellent arch support, a deep heel cup, roomy toe box, and molds to the shape of each individual’s foot
- Flexible and lightweight EVA outsole is durable and shock-resisting
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Sandals (and most seasonal footwear) don’t come in half sizes, so if your child is “in between” sizes please order the larger size to allow for growing room. For example:
- If your child measures a foot size 6, then you should get your child a size 7 sandal, to allow for some growing room.
- If your child measures a foot size 6 1/2, then you should get your child a size 7 sandal as well, also to allow for some growing room.
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.
What Are the Best Shoe Brands for Kids with Wide Feet?
1️⃣ Keen
Keen sandals are the best sandals for children in terms of support and durability, but they only have one style that will fit a child with wide or extra wide feet, which is the adaptable Keen Newport, which is also listed above.
2️⃣ See Kai Run
See Kai Run manufactures several summer sandals for toddlers and little kids with wide feet and high insteps as well. The sandals are not labeled as wide or extra wide but fit naturally wide.
3️⃣ Stride Rite
Stride Rite manufactures sandals that are available in wide and extra wide widths. These sandals are mostly closed toe and great for toddlers who are learning how to walk as they are lightweight and flexible.
4️⃣ Teva
Teva sandals are mostly open toe and have multiple points of adjustability so you can easily slide your child’s sandals on and off.
These are also certain generic shoe brands that manufacture sandals that work well for kids with wide feet. Those sandals were described on my list above.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
f you don’t have a local kids’ shoe store in your area, start by reading an article where I describe the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
What Are Other Families Saying About These Sandals?
What Are the Best Sneakers for Kids with Wide Feet?
I created a different resource that describes the best wide sneakers for kids. These sneakers come with round toe-boxes, extra depth, and most styles are available in wide or extra wide widths.
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.
Get a Personalized Suggestion From a Shoe Fitter
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’s wide feet. My e-mail address is:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
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. I also share practical tips on how to ensure the right fit and comfort for your child, emphasizing factors like toe box width and extra depth.
Have you found a particular pair of summer sandals that have worked well for your child’s wide feet? Please share your findings below so we can all benefit from your experiences.
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!