The Best Barefoot Shoes for Your Wide-Footed Kids (2024)

Are you all about those barefoot shoes, eager for your kid to rock footwear that lets their feet move naturally? Yet, the struggle is real when it comes to finding a pair that’s actually wide enough for them. With many barefoot options for kids, there’s a shortage of choices suitable for those extra-wide little feet.

As moms who’ve been on this journey, we’ve put nearly every brand claiming to be wide-friendly to the test. In this guide, we’re laying out the red carpet for the best wide and extra wide barefoot shoes out there, ensuring your kiddo’s feet not only move freely but do so with comfort and style.

Ready to explore the world of the best barefoot shoes for your kids with wider feet? Let’s dive in!

Barefoot shoes are effective only when they’re the right length, width, and fit for your kids’ feet. If their barefoot shoes don’t allow their toes to spread properly, their feet can’t move freely while walking. Essentially, it’s like removing the cushion, but their feet can’t function like a spring as their toes can’t splay.

If your kid has wide or extra-wide feet, you need to be particularly cautious about which barefoot shoe you choose for them since most barefoot shoes aren’t designed to optimally fit wide and extra-wide feet. The options are, therefore, more limited. Hopefully, this list will assist you in finding some suitable choices.

Before moving any further, make sure you’ve measured their feet correctly. If you don’t know how, you can find detailed instructions in our blog post “Guide for Measuring“.

Comparison of the Basic Characteristics

In the table below, you’ll find the key features of all the barefoot shoes for wide and extra-wide kids’ feet listed in this blog post. We’ve tried to give you the most accurate information in the table, but keep in mind that there might be some differences. Think of the descriptions as suggestions to help you find the best fit. Some shoes might work well for different heel widths and instep heights, and shoes from the same brand might not all be the same.

If you’re not sure about the descriptions of foot types, check out our other blog post, “What is my Foot Type?” for more information.

BRAND	SIZES	TOE BOX SHAPE & WIDTH	INSTEP	HEEL	SOLE FLEXIBILITY	PRICE	WHERE TO BUY
Bar3foot	20-36	wide and extra wide feet, square-shaped feet, milder slope	average/high	average	very flexible	from 45€
Sole Runner	25-35	wide and extra wide feet, square-shaped feet, milder slope	low/average	narrow/average	flexible	from 75€
Fare Bare	19-43	wide and extra wide feet, square-shaped feet, milder slope	low/average	narrow/average	flexible	from 52€	BU5 for 5% off at Naboso
Beda	20-42	wide and extra wide feet, square-shaped feet, milder slope	average/high	narrow/average/wide (two heel widths available)	flexible	from 52€	BU5 for 5% off at Naboso
KIUU	20-40	wide and extra wide feet, square-shaped feet, milder slope	average/high	average	ultra soft	from 75€
Koel	20-43	wide, square-shaped feet, milder slope	low/average	average	ultra soft	from 65€
Saguaro	25-35	wide, square-shaped feet, milder slope	average	average	very flexible	from 35€	BU15 for 15% off
Zapato Feroz	S-XL, 24-31	wide, square-shaped feet, milder slope	average	average	ultra soft	from 45€
Feelgrounds	24-37	wide, square-shaped feet, milder slope	low/average	average	very flexible	from 81€
Mukishoes	25-35	wide, square-shaped feet, milder slope	average	average	ultra soft	from 75€	UNIVERSEMUKI for 10% off
Crave	23-37	wide, square-shaped feet, milder slope	low/average	narrow/average	very flexible	from 65€	BU5 for 5% off at Naboso

Toe Box Shape and Sole Shape Comparison

In the picture below, you can check out how the soles and toe boxes of various brands, perfect for wide feet, compare. All the shoes in the photo are about the same size (EU 30/31 – similar internal lengths), except for the KIUU model, which is size 35 since we didn’t have the same size available.

Bar3foot

Bar3foot shoes are among the widest barefoot options out there, and my son adores them because they provide ample space for his toes to spread. The toe box shape is perfect for the dominant big toe and more square-shaped feet, gently sloping towards the little toes. Ideal for wide and extra-wide, higher volume feet, and a higher instep. They work wonders for average ankles and heels, and most models can be adjusted to different ankle widths.

Even though my son has low-volume feet with skinny ankles but a wide structure, he can still comfortably wear them. However, in some models, there’s more visible creasing as his foot doesn’t completely fill out the shoe volume. Winter models with thicker lining work better for low-volume feet too. The sole is pleasantly flexible, but sizes for toddlers might feel slightly firmer than the bigger kids’ sizes.

Where to buy: Bar3foot shoes are also among the most budget-friendly barefoot choices for kids. They don’t have a direct sale option, but you can purchase them at several retailers worldwide. For more details about Bar3foot, check out our separate review.

Sole Runner

Sole Runner shoes were among our initial choices for barefoot shoes for our kids, and they are exceptionally well-made—crafted to endure and easily handed down to the next child (in our case, a third child in a row is wearing our first pairs). They stand out as one of the widest barefoot options for kids, suitable for wide and extra-wide, low-volume feet, as well as narrow and average ankles and heels.

The toe box shape is designed perfectly for the dominant big toe, featuring a milder slope towards the pinky toe. The line at the big toe slightly “breaks inwards,” so if your child has a very strong bean-shaped foot, these might not be the best fit. However, they can be effortlessly adjusted to narrower feet and work exceptionally well for skinny ankles and heels. The sole is pleasantly flexible and becomes even softer with wear.

Where to buy: Sole Runner shoes are available for purchase on their official website or at various retailers worldwide.

Koel

We’ve been fans of Koel ever since they first introduced their barefoot shoes for kids. While I’ve been consistently purchasing them each year for my older two kids, they always seemed too narrow for my youngest, who has wider feet. Given my love for their quality, design, and the extensive range of models and colors for kids, I was thrilled to learn, following our discussion back in 2021 about the necessity for wide and extra wide models, that the first wide models are now available, just two years later.

You’ll spot Koel’s wide models under the Barefoot+ label, or you can search for ‘wide toe box’ models on their website. Koel Barefoot+ models are ideal for wide and extra-wide feet, with low and medium volume. While they can also accommodate higher volume feet, I don’t find them to be as high-volume or as wide as Bar3foot models. The toe box shape is spot-on for the dominant big toe and features a milder slope towards the pinky toe, accommodating various foot shapes well.

My son put their Barefoot+ Daro Hydro Leather models to the test, and they performed exceptionally. Water-repellent, easy-to-clean leather, warm lining, and an extremely soft sole that only gets softer with wear.

Where to buy: You can purchase Koel shoes on their official website or at various retailers around the world.

KIUU

A few years ago, I opted for KIUU for my eldest son and his narrow feet. Since then, I had been steering clear of it because their models were too narrow for my other kids. But guess what? Everything changed! In 2023, KIUU introduced new wide models for kids that are gradually phasing out their narrower counterparts. Currently, both widths are still up for grabs, but in the future, they plan to exclusively sell wide models, which will be labeled as ‘WIDE’ on their website.

KIUU ‘wide’ is an excellent fit for wide and extra-wide feet, as well as average to higher volume feet, average ankles, and heels. They can be adjusted well to narrower, low volume feet too, although you might notice more creasing of the materials. Surprisingly, my kids weren’t bothered by this at all. The toe box shape is just right for the dominant big toe, featuring a milder slope towards the pinky toe, accommodating different foot shapes splendidly. Their shoes are extra soft, ranking among the softest out there, and they are impeccably crafted. KIUU offers options in both leather and vegan materials, with several different styles to choose from.

Where to buy: You can purchase KIUU shoes on their official website or at select retailers around the world.

Mukishoes

Use UNIVERSEMUKI for 10% off

Mukishoes is another brand we love recommending for kids with wide feet, though their width can be somewhat unpredictable due to variations between models and sizes. While most Mukishoes Kids models are a great fit for wide and extra-wide kids with average ankles and foot volumes, our testing revealed that some models (or sizes) may feel narrower than others. This diversity is attributed to the design and thickness of the upper, influencing whether they feel narrower or wider.

For the widest feet, we suggest opting for their spring and summer low-cut sneakers made from thinner canvas or leather materials, as these consistently performed well for us. On the flip side, winter models tend to fit better for narrow and medium feet with low volume. The toe box shape of Mukishoes is ideal for the dominant big toe and features a milder slope towards the pinky toe, accommodating various foot shapes wonderfully.

Despite the occasional width variations, our kids adore wearing Mukishoes, and they rank among the softest barefoot shoes you can imagine. Kids simply don’t want to take them off. Remarkably durable, after months of extensive wear, we noticed no wear on the sole. All canvas models are easily washable, and even white leather sneakers looked great after several months. These shoes are not only easily passed down to another child but also prove to be a worthwhile investment.

Where to buy: You can purchase Mukishoes on their official website or at retailers around the world.

Feelgrounds

Feelgrounds low-cut kids sneakers stand out as another excellent choice for wide feet. They are most comfortable for low to medium-high instep (the Velcro might be a bit short for high-volume feet) and can be adjusted well to different ankle widths, with the best fit for average ankles. The sole boasts great flexibility, and the shoes can be easily passed on to another child. The toe box shape of Feelgrounds is well-suited for the dominant big toe and has a gentler slope towards the pinky toe, catering to different foot shapes seamlessly (note that the toe box in their winter models slightly curls in at the big toe).

Our kids gave a lot of wear to their mesh sneakers, and these are a breeze to clean. After a spin in the washing machine, they looked brand new, ready to be handed down to the next child. It’s worth noting that their winter models have a narrower fit and might not be the best match for extra-wide-footed kids.

Where to buy: Feelgrounds can only be purchased on their official website, and they offer worldwide shipping.

Saguaro

Use BU15 for 15% discount

Saguaro presents a great and affordable option for kids with wide feet. They are most suitable for wide, low, and average volume feet, but certain models can be easily adjusted to accommodate high-volume feet as well. Their adjustability extends to different ankle and heel widths too. It’s important to note that while they have a few models not suitable for wide feet (like Luck), some also come with a slightly thicker, more cushioned insole.

The toe box shape is spot-on for the dominant big toe, featuring a gentler slope towards the pinky toe, catering to different foot shapes seamlessly (although the toe box in some of their models may slightly curl in at the big toe). They are also a breeze to clean, won’t break the bank, but it’s worth noting that they might not hold up as well as other brands since they are the most affordable option.

Where to buy: Saguaro can be purchased on their official website. For EU shipping, switch to the German or Spanish language. Their shoes typically sell out fast, and they often have sales several times per year. For more details about Saguaro, check out our detailed review.

Zapato Feroz

Zapato Feroz is another shoe that my son genuinely enjoyed wearing. They are an excellent fit for wide feet with an average instep, along with average ankles and heels. If your child has skinny ankles, you might observe some gapping around the ankles or face a bit of a challenge adjusting the Velcro properly.

Generally, these shoes are incredibly soft, lightweight, and reasonably priced. Our test of their white vegan sneakers revealed how easy they are to care for and clean – quite impressive for a white shoe, especially when your kid loves playing in mud and sand.

Where to buy: You can purchase Zapato Feroz on their official website or at retailers around the world, though be aware that they can sell out quickly on their official website.

Crave

Use BU5 for 5% off at Naboso

Crave is a completely new barefoot brand for kids this year, and our kids quickly fell in love with the softness of the sole and upper. They’ve been worn a ton since we got them. These shoes are best suited for medium and wide feet with low and average instep height, along with narrow and average ankle widths. The toe box shape is spot-on for the dominant big toe, featuring a milder slope towards the pinky toe. However, it’s worth mentioning that the shape is slightly less bean-shaped, which might bother kids with strong bean-shaped feet.

The only thing worth noting is that we observed faster wear on the pink leather than what we are used to seeing in barefoot shoes.

Where to buy: Crave can be purchased on their Naboso website.

Beda

Beda shoes present another budget-friendly option for kids with wide and extra wide feet. Their shoes boast a generous width with a roomy toe box, making them suitable for dominant big toes and more square-shaped feet. What sets them apart is the availability of two different heel widths, catering to various ankle sizes. The overall fit may vary between models, with some better suited for higher insteps and others for average instep height. They come in several colors and styles, offering a variety to choose from. We put them to the test a few years ago, and they performed well for us. One thing we did notice was the relatively quicker wear on the sole.

Where to buy: Beda shoes are exclusively available for purchase at retailers.

Use BU5 for 5% off at Naboso

Fare Bare

This is the only brand that we haven’t personally put to the extensive test, but it stands out as one of the widest options available. Tailored for fin-shaped feet with narrow to average ankles and a wide, extra-wide toe box, they excel for those with low and average instep height.

Where to buy: While they maintain an official website, their shipping is limited to Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, for those outside these regions, you can find them at various retailers.

Use BU5 for 5% off at Naboso

Explore Additional Options

It is worth checking out EF, Pegres, and Baby Bare models too, as some of them can fit well for wide feet.

Use BU5 for 5% off at Naboso

Conclusion

Finding the perfect barefoot shoes for your wide-footed kids can be a challenge, but each option on our list offers a unique blend of comfort, style, and width, ensuring your little one’s feet have the space they need to move and grow naturally.

If you’re looking for more fantastic footwear options, don’t forget to explore our other comprehensive lists, including the Most Complete List of Winter Barefoot Shoes for Kids, , and Most Complete List of Barefoot Sandals for Kids. Happy shoe shopping!