The Best Children’s Shoes for Wide Feet Reviewed 2023 (2024)

Does your child have wider than average feet? Do you find it difficult getting shoes that accommodate their feet comfortably? Let us help you with our guide to the best children’s shoes for wide feet.

Children’s feet grow and change shape very quickly and finding shoes that fit them well can be a nightmare. From toddlers to bigger kids, here are our top picks of shoes for wide feet.

Here our top 8 picks for the best kids shoes for wide thick feet

1. New Balance Kids’ 990

Available for infants, toddlers, and little kids, this sneaker-style shoe comes in three different widths, including extra wide. It has a breathable leather and mesh upper with an easy hook and loop velcro fastening. The rubber sole provides support and stability for little feet.

2. Sperry Halyard Hook & Loop Boat Shoe

This lightweight boat shoe from Sperry Halyard has canvas uppers with a rubber sole. A hook and loop fastening makes them great for kids to get on and off. They come in medium and wide width fittings for kids from 1 through 8 years old.

3. K-Swiss Kids’ Classic VN Sneaker

K-Swiss brings us a lace-up leather sneaker, available in seven different colors. It has a leather and synthetic upper and rubber soles. Sizes are available for toddlers and little kids up to 8 years old in two width fittings, medium and wide.

4. Crocs Kids’ Classic Clog

Classic Crocs are an option to be considered for wider feet. Their toes are rounded and wide and they are easy to slip on and off. The construction from Crocs’ Croslite material gives comfort with ventilation holes to let feet breathe.

5. New Balance Kids’ 680v5 Running Shoe

Our second offering from New Balance is a lace-up shoe suitable for kids with wider feet from ages 4 to 8 years. Twelve colors are available in this shoe with a synthetic upper, rubber sole, and an EVA midsole.

6. Saucony Kids’ Cohesion 10 A/C Running Shoe

This leather and mesh sneaker from Saucony has lightweight support in the upper and a non-marking rubber outsole. Available for wider feet, there are eight different colorways to choose from.

7. Stride Rite Kids’ SRT Wes Casual Sneaker

This is one for the toddlers, available in sizes from 1 to 4 years old, in three width fittings. The lightweight outsole is rounded and has added pods for traction. The twill lining helps keep little feet fresh and odor free.

8. Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane

While sneakers are unisex, here is one just for the girls. This classic Mary Jane style shoe is available for toddlers, little girls, and big girls with width fittings including an extra wide. The hook and loop closure makes them easy for kids of all ages to put on.

Reviews of the best toddler shoes for wide feet

There are many kids’ shoes available. Choosing the right ones for wider feet can take a while. Let us make your search easier with our reviews of what we think are the best kids shoes for wide feet.

1. New Balance Kids’ 990

New Balance brings us this sneaker style shoe suitable for boys and girls. It’s available in sizes for infants from 0 to 12 months, toddlers from 1 to 4 years, and little kids from 4 to 8 years.

There are six different color options to choose from including black, gray, pink, or olive.

The sizes range from 2 through 10 for infants, 4 through 10 for toddlers, and 1 through 13.5 for little kids. There are half sizes available from an infant’s size 5.5 upwards.

The width fittings for these shoes come in three sizes, medium, wide, and extra wide. This is great for those kids who have broader feet.

Made from a suede leather and textile upper, these shoes have a rubber sole which is good for grip. They have the New Balance C-cap midsole and heel plug which is made from compression molded EVA. This gives them good cushioning in the midsole and makes them flexible.

Proprietary Ndurance rubber is added in high wear areas and they have a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) heel clip.

The shoes are fastened with a hook and loop closure. This makes them easy to take on and off, even for little hands. The shoes also open wide, making them some of the best toddler shoes for wide thick feet.

On the downside, some find these shoes a little bulky and heavy for younger children.

Pros

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

Cons

• Some find them a little bulky for smaller kids.

New Balance manufactures a good range of sizes and widths in this shoe for kids up to 8 years old. They provide support and stability for little feet and have an easy velcro fastening.

2. Sperry Halyard Hook & Loop Boat Shoe

If you’re looking for a lighter weight shoe for your child’s wide feet, Sperry Halyard may have the answer.

This stylish boat shoe is ideal for warmer weather or for wearing with shorts, dresses, skirts, or jeans.

There are nine different colors to choose from including white, navy, olive, red, grey, and khaki.

They come in sizes for children aged between 1 and 8 years old. The toddler sizes from ages 1 to 4 range from a 5 to a 10 and the little kid’s sizes from ages 4 to 8, from 10.5 to 12. There are half sizes available across the range.

The width fittings for these shoes are medium and wide. They close with a double velcro hook and loop fastening. This makes them easy to put on and take off, and to adjust.

The upper is made from canvas and they are padded on the inside for comfort. The flexible rubber molded outsole allows plenty of traction and flexibility.

The durability of these shoes might be questionable, especially if you have a toddler that kneels on the floor a lot. Some find the material near the toe area wears and frays.

Pros

• Available in medium and wide.
• Wide range of colors.
• Good for warmer weather.
• Range of sizes for kids from 1 through 8 years old.
• Padded inside for comfort.

Cons

• Toe area might wear out quickly.

This stylish casual shoe has plenty of width for kids with broad feet. There is a wide range of sizes and colors and they have padding internally for added comfort.

3. K-Swiss Kids’ Classic VN Sneaker

This classic sneaker from K-Swiss is available for kids aged 1 year up to 8 years old.

As well as black and white, they are also available in a range of colors with added sparkle. These colors, including pink iridescent, multi, black, and bronze, are sure to appeal to a little princess or prince with wider feet.

The sizes on offer range from a 1 through 13.5 for little kids and a 3.5 through 7 for bigger kids. They come in half sizes throughout and two width fittings, medium and wide.

The leather uppers secure with laces which thread through metal D-rings, making them easy to adjust. The collar has a padded textile lining for comfort.

The molded rubber sole is grooved for added traction. An EVA midsole provides cushioning and there is also a die-cut EVA sock liner.

Be aware, many find these shoes run a little large so be careful when ordering for “room to grow”.

Pros

• Leather uppers.
• Lace fastening with metal D-rings.
• Molded rubber sole for traction.
• Cushioned EVA midsole.

Cons

• Might not run true to size.

Classic sneaker style wide shoe available in a range of colors and sizes. Its lace-up style has metal D-rings making adjustment easy and the sole has added cushioning for comfort.

4. Crocs Kids Classic Clog

Lightweight and versatile Crocs Classic Clogs could be the answer to your needs for beach, backyard, or pool shoes for kids with wider feet.

They have a roomy interior which will cater for wider feet.

Their easy slip on and off design makes them a good choice but if you want a more secure fit there is a backstrap.

These casual shoes are available in a wide range of colors, from classic black, white, blue, and pink, to orange, grass green, and ultraviolet.

Sizes are available from an infants’ size 1 right up to a big kids’ size 6. However, there are no half sizes or different widths available.

The footbed cradles the heel and has nubs to stimulate blood flow. A fully molded construction from Crocs Croslite material provides cushioning while remaining lightweight.

One of the great things about these shoes is the holes that let water and other things like sand drain out. If the kids get them dirty, no worries, just hose them off.

These are a favorite with many parents, but some find they run a little large and too wide. However, this is a bonus for those kids with wide feet.

Pros

• 30 colors available.
• Suitable for kids from infancy upwards.
• Good for play at the beach, pool, or in the backyard.
• Wide footbed.

Cons

• Tend to run a little large.

These shoes from Crocs are great for the beach, pool, or playing in the yard. They come in many colors and sizes and they are wide. The molded construction from Croslite material makes them lightweight and easy to clean.

5. New Balance Kids’ 680v5 Running Shoe

This second offering from New Balance is suitable for kids between the ages of 4 and 12.

With 12 different color combinations to choose from, it comes in three widths: medium, wide and extra wide.

Sizes run from 1 to 13.5 for little kids and 3.5 to 7 for bigger kids. They tend to run true to size and are also available in half sizes.

The uppers are made from synthetic mesh and suede leather, making them breathable. The footbed features New Balance’s proprietary Abzorb, a blend of foam rubber to cushion the foot and absorb shock.

They have a lace-up fastening and there are no stitching overlays in key areas so the foot doesn’t get irritated.

An injection-molded EVA foam midsole offers more cushioning which is firm and supportive. A durable rubber outer sole completes the shoe, giving it traction.

These shoes are lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear and great for kids with wider feet.

Some find the quality of the laces lacking in these shoes and they may not last as long as some others.

Pros

• Wide and extra wide fittings.
• Range of colors.
• Good support and cushioning in the sole.
• Breathable mesh and leather uppers.

Cons

• Quality of the laces may be lacking.

These extra wide shoes from New Balance should accommodate the broadest of feet. They are lightweight and have plenty of cushioning for comfort. While the quality of the laces might be lacking, you can always change them out.

6. Saucony Kids’ Cohesion 10 A/C Running Shoe

Kids between the ages of 4 and 12 years with wider feet will love these shoes from Saucony.

They come in a choice of eight bright colorways from pinks and greens to turquoise blues, reds, and black.

They come in two widths, medium and wide. The sizes range from 1 through 13.5 for little kids and 1 through 7 for big kids.

The synthetic mesh and leather uppers have stretchy laces and a hook and loop closure to help keep them on your child’s feet.

The rubber outer sole is non-marking with added tri-flex rubber lugs in the zones that get the most wear. This gives the shoes added traction and helps the soles last longer.

As well as a breathable upper, these shoes have an antimicrobial treatment to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.

These shoes do tend to run small by between a half and one size.

Pros

• Bright colors which appeal to kids.
• Wide range of sizes.
• Two widths.
• Antimicrobial treatment.

Cons

• Tend to run small by between a half and one size.

These brightly colored sneakers will delight most kids. They come in two widths and a range of sizes to fit children from 4 years to 12 years old. They have an antimicrobial treatment to keep feet fresh.

7. Stride Rite Kids’ SRT Wes Casual Sneaker

Stride Rite has been producing kids’ shoes for 100 years. Their SRtech structure makes them a sturdy shoe with a sole designed especially for toddlers finding their feet.

This sneaker comes in two colors, blue with grey accents, or brown. While aimed at boys, girls could wear them as well.

They come in three width fittings, medium, wide, and extra wide. This makes it a good shoe for toddlers whose feet are wide and thick or who need to wear orthotics.

The sizes range from 4 through 10, in half size increments. The hook and loop fastening makes them easy to put on and take off again.

The uppers are made from suede and leather and have a seamless construction to cradle little feet. The twill lining has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent nasty foot odor. There is also a memory foam footbed giving your kid’s feet plenty of cushioning and comfort.

The outer sole has a tread designed to keep your kiddie stable on their feet. The edges are rounded to help stop them falling and there are sensory pods which let little ones feel the ground. The result is added grip and traction for toddlers new to walking in shoes.

Pros

• Extra wide is available to accommodate orthotics and wide feet.
• Rounded edge rubber sole.
• Antimicrobial treatment.
• Memory foam footbed.
• Hook and loop closure.

Cons

• Might be a little hard for some toddlers.

A shoe designed with toddlers in mind from a company with 100 years of experience. Leather uppers combine with a rubber sole shaped for toddlers to prevent falls. Seamless lined antimicrobial interior with a memory foam footbed keep feet comfortable.

8. Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane

There are times when a sneaker style shoe just won’t do for girls who have wide feet. They just don’t give the finishing look to a party dress or a school uniform. These Mary Janes from Stride Rite could be a better option.

They come in navy, brown, and black and three width fittings, medium, wide, and extra wide.

Sizes are available from a toddler’s size 8.5 right up to a big kid’s size 5. They have a hook and loop closure for easy on/off.

Lightweight and flexible these shoes have a non-marking rubber outer sole. The uppers are made from leather with stitched seaming details. The collar is padded and the footbed is memory foam making these shoes comfortable and cushioned.

Some find that the toe area scuffs easily, so you might need to stock up on shoe polish.

Pros

• Three width fittings.
• Good size range from toddlers to big kids.
• Leather padded uppers with memory foam footbed.
• Flexible rubber sole.

Cons

• Might be liable to scuff easily on the toes.

These Mary Janes could be good for the little princess in your life whose feet don’t fit the glass slipper. There is a wide range of sizes and three widths in this padded leather shoe with a flexible rubber sole.

Why Is It Important That Children’s Shoes Fit Properly?

Our mini human’s feet grow at an amazing rate. Those 26 bones and accompanying cartilage and muscles undergo a lot of change in the first 18 years of life. It’s not until then that the bones in the feet reach their final hardness and shape.

Consequently, whenever possible, let a toddler walk around barefoot. This will let their feet grow normally and allow the muscles to develop tone and strengthen.

When they are ready for shoes to protect their feet, then make sure they fit properly. This will let their feet develop and can prevent foot issues later in life.

How Quickly Do Children’s Feet Grow?

You might feel like you are constantly buying new shoes for your child during their early years, and that’s hardly surprising.

During the first five years, a child’s shoe size might:

• Less than 15 months old: Go up by half a size every two months.
• Between 15 months and two years: Increase by half a size every two to three months.
• Between two to three years: Go up by half a size every three to four months.
• Between three and five years: Go up another half size approximately every four months.

It’s also possible that boys feet will tend to be, on average, a size larger and wider than girls.

Interestingly, by the age of about 12 years, your child’s feet will have reached about 90 percent of their final adult size and width.

What Should You Look for in a Shoe for Children with Wide Feet?

Developing feet need a few considerations when it comes to shoes. These include:

• Support: Look for shoes that will provide stability for your child when they walk. They need a certain amount of flexibility and for toddlers, rounded edges on soles are good. Rubber soles with grooves will help with traction.
• Cushioning: A degree of cushioning will make shoes more comfortable for your kids. Sneakers might have an added midsole with extra cushioning.
• Closure: It’s important that shoes are secure on your child’s feet and don’t slip. At a younger age, hook and loop fasteners might be easier. When they have mastered tying laces then lace-up closures will be good.
• Breathability: Look for leather or a mesh fabric in the uppers that will let moisture escape away from the foot. This will keep feet fresh and help prevent fungal infections.
• Weight: Try and choose a lightweight shoe that will be easier for your child to walk in and prevent feet from getting tired. After all, those little legs and feet are on the go a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Keep My Child’s Shoes and Hand Them Down to Younger Siblings?

This depends on the age of the child and the wear on the shoes. Each child’s feet are different and what fits one for length and width might not fit another.

Infant shoes worn before a child walks can be handed down. However, after they start walking, especially in athletic type shoes, the shoe molds to a child’s foot. As a result, hand me downs could cause blisters or other foot issues.

How Can I Measure My Child’s Feet?

Apart from visiting a shoe store that specializes in shoes for kids, you can measure your child’s feet at home.

This video shows you how to do it, measuring is the same for kids as adults.

Once you have your child’s foot measurements, check against the manufacturer’s sizing chart to choose the correct size. Always go with the larger foot. Yes, we all tend to have one foot bigger than the other.

With kid’s shoes, it’s also a good idea to add half an inch to the length to accommodate socks and growth.

How Often Should I Replace My Child’s Shoes?

We have already mentioned how fast a child’s feet can grow. Using that information, it’s advisable to measure your child’s feet regularly.

Think about changing their shoes every three to four months up to the age of five. After that growth slows a little so you might find you only need to replace shoes every five or six months.

Apart from growth, take the wear and tear into account. Kids can be tough on shoes and a worn pair of shoes won’t be giving their feet the support they need.

The Final Fitting

Finding shoes for your child can be a time-consuming task at the best of times. Choosing shoes for a child with wider feet can be even more difficult. It seems there is less choice than for a child with a narrower foot.

All of the shoes we have reviewed either come in wide or extra wide fittings or as a rule of thumb come up wide anyway. Any of them could be a good choice for toddlers or kids with wider than average feet.

Our favorite is the New Balance Kids’ 990. It comes in sizes from infancy up to 8 years old in a choice of colors and widths.

It has a breathable mesh, a leather upper, and an easy hook and loop closure. The rubber sole gives the shoe support and stability for developing feet.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best children’s shoes for wide feet. Hopefully, you will find the ideal footwear for your kids which they, and you, will love. Please leave us a comment on your own experiences and don’t forget to share.