Have you noticed that your child’s feet are wider than the average size? Do you also find any difficulty searching and buying shoes that perfectly fit your child’s feet? If that’s the case, perhaps it could be a sign to buy a new pair of wide shoes.

Finding shoes for kids can be time-consuming, especially for children with wider feet. The right pair of shoes must fit well. 

Finding the incorrect pair of shoes can be a nightmare for your child. Not only will it give him an uncomfortable feeling, but it can also lead to serious foot problems such as blisters, corns, ingrown toenails, and so much more. 

If you want to know more about how to find the best shoes for kids with wide feet, keep on reading. We collected a list of the best shoes for children with wide feet, so you don’t have to spend hours on end searching online. 

What Do You Need to Look For in a Shoe For Children With Wide Feet?

What shoes to wear if you have wide feet?

If you have wide feet, finding a shoe that fits well can make all the difference. When looking for a shoe, it’s best to seek an expert’s help or assistance in shoe stores. Having wide feet is very common and it affects millions of people. However, this often leads to wearing the wrong size footwear.

One study in 2018 shows that only ⅓ of people wear the right shoe sizes. The rule of thumb here is that the right shoe size’s width is just as much as the length. Look for shoes that offer wide options, but you would also want to consider other factors such as cushioning, support, closure, and breathability, to name a few. 

However, before anything else, there are some things you need to consider first before finally making a purchase:

Buying Guide for Children’s Shoes With Wide Feet

There are many reasons why kids have wide feet. It could be genetics, health issues, or foot deformities. Therefore, children with wider feet need shoes that will provide support or stability. 

Comfort and support are both essential for walking, for it gives them flexibility. On the other hand, rounded edges or soles are good for toddlers. Meanwhile, rubber soles with grooves help with traction.

The right fit is critical when it comes to finding the perfect pair of children’s shoes. It can either be a fairy tale like Cinderella with her glass slipper or it can be a nightmare. So, we created a guide for you to find the ideal pair of shoes for your child:

1. Cushioning

Cushioning is responsible for making shoes comfortable to wear. For sneakers, it might have an added midsole with extra cushioning.

2. Closure

Your child’s shoes shouldn’t slip but remain secure on their feet. Therefore, the shoes must not be too loose or too tight – just right. Your child’s toes should touch the perimeter of your entire foot and should have enough space for your child to wiggle his or her toes.

For younger kids, it’s easier to look for shoes that have a hook and loop fastener. But once they’ve mastered the art of tying shoelaces, you can buy your kid a pair of lace-up shoes. 

3. Breathability

This will help keep your child’s feet fresh and prevent them from getting fungal infections. Look for shoes that have leather or a piece of mesh fabric in the uppers. This will allow moisture to escape away from your kid’s foot.

4. Weight

Choosing a pair of lightweight shoes will make it more convenient for your child to walk. Besides, kids and their little legs and feet are on the go a lot. This will help prevent their feet from getting exhausted from all the walking and running.

Top 5 Best Children’s Shoes for Wide Feet

1. New Balance 990

This sneaker style shoe is available for infants, toddlers, as well as little kids. It comes in three different widths, including extra wide so that your child doesn’t have to squeeze in his big little feet. 

This pair of shoes has an easy hook and loop velcro fastening, making it breathable for the kid to wear. The rubber sole gives stability and support for your little one’s feet.

There are six different color options: pink, olive, or neutrals, like black and grey.

For the sizes, it can range from 2 through 10 for infants, 4 through 10 for toddlers, and 1 through 13.5 for little kids. Half sizes are also available from an infant’s size 5.5 upwards.

The width fittings come in three different sizes that are suitable for children with broader feet: medium, wide, and extra-wide.

These particular shoes are made from a textile upper and suede leather. It is also good for grip thanks to its rubber sole. Their midsole and heel plug give them good cushioning and flexibility.

These shoes have a hook and loop fastener for the closure, which makes it easier to put it on or take it off. These shoes make some of the best toddler shoes for broad feet.

However, one downside of these shoes is that it might be a little bulky and heavy for younger children or infants and toddlers.

Pros:

• Available in three different widths, including extra wide
  
• Good for toddlers with broad and thick feet
  
• Easy fastening velcro closure
  
• Available sizes and colors for boys and girls
  

Cons:

• Maybe a little bulky for smaller kids

Interested? Check it out on this link!

2. Saucony Jazz Hook and Loop Sneaker

Another hook and loop sneaker, these shoes offer both comfort and style for your child’s wide feet. It is available for small (sizes 0-4) and big kids (sizes 10.5-12). 

These lightweight shoes include a simple Velcro closure, making it easy to get those shoes on or off. You can also adjust the width a little more using the hook and loop fastener.

The shoes’ upper part is made out of durable but stylish suede. Its breathable mesh also helps prevent kids’ feet from sweating and getting too hot, which may eventually result in fungal infections.

Like the New Balance 990, its midsole is made out of EVA foam that gives adequate cushion and provides comfort.  

Pros

• Comfortable material and size
• Stylish suede upper
• Breathable mesh upper
• Available for little and big kids sizes
• Various colors to choose from
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Velcro can prematurely wear when the shoe is often used

Interested? Check it out on this link!

3. Sperry Halyard Hook and Loop Boat Shoe

Another type of lightweight shoe with a hook and loop fastener, Sperry Halyard, is ideal for warmer weather. It can also be paired with dresses, skirts, or jeans.

There are nine specific colors to choose from, including white, black, pink, olive, red, and navy.

Sizes are available for children aged between 1 and 8 years old. For toddlers, sizes range from ages 1 to 4 from 5 to 10, and the little kid’s sizes range from ages 4 to 8, from 10.5 to 12. Half sizes are also available across the range.

For the width fittings, these shoes include medium and wide. The closure includes a velcro hook and loop fastener, making it easy to adjust and put it on or take it off.

These shoes are comfortable for kids with wider feet, thanks to its upper made from canvas and padded on the inside. It also provides traction and flexibility with the rubber molded outsole. 

Pros

• Available in medium and wide shoes
• Variety of colors to select from
• Suitable for warmer seasons
• Ranges of sizes for kids from 1 through 8 years old
• Padded inside for comfort

Cons

• Toe area might wear out quickly
  

Interested? Check it out on this link!

4. Merrell Kids Jungle MOC 2

Now, let’s move on from hook and loop shoes, shall we? If you’re looking for children’s shoes that are easier to wear and remove, Merrell’s slip-on might be what you’re looking for.

These shoes feature the same M Select Grip that can also be found on Merrell’s adult shoes. This means it provides amazing traction on any surface. Your child can wear them on hikes, gyms, or the jungle.

This easy and classic slip-on kid’s shoe includes a durable suede upper and a comfortable padded collar. This pair of shoes is ideal for everyday use, thanks to its M Select Fresh Technology, which reduces any stinky odors.

Pros

• Durable suede upper
• A comfortable footbed and collar
• Provides great traction on all surfaces
• Slip-on design 

Cons

• Might be a little stiff when first worn
• Kids might not like it’s plain design

Interested? Check it out on this link!

5. Stride Rite MAde2Play Artin’ Sneaker

This Stride Rite was designed for play and is suitable for children needing a wide width shoe.

Thanks to its Anti-Stink Technology, these shoes keep shoes smelling good all day long. Aside from that, it also features a memory foam footbed that provides support and comfort. The closure has a hook and loop fastener, which makes it easy to put it on or wear it off. 

But here’s the best part about these shoes: They’re machine washable!

Pros

• Comfortable and supportive memory foam footbeds
• Hook and loop fastener
• Anti-Stink Technology keeps shoes smelling good
• Durability can hold up to machine washing

Cons

• Wide width might not be wide enough for kids with wide feet

Interested? Check it out on this link!

The Bottomline

Finding kids’ shoes can be a long process. It can be more difficult than those who have a narrower or average size. However, you will find the right pair of shoes as long as you consider the important factors.

We highly recommend the New Balance 990, which is available for infants, toddlers, and little kids. It also comes in three different widths, has an easy hook and loop Velcro fastener, and has a good grip thanks to its rubber sole.

If you liked this article, you might want to check out our other reviews at Planteshoes.org.