Best Shoes For Toddlers With Wide Feet – Comfortable Toddler Shoes in 2022

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By Maria Wilcox •  Updated: 08/30/22 •  16 min read
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Do you have a toddler with wide feet? If so, the best shoes for toddlers with wide feet are out there…and we’ve found them for you! Yes, we know how hard it can be to try to cram little feet into narrow shoes, especially when you’re running late. But thankfully, there are plenty of shoes for babies with fat feet available. You just need to know where to look. Today, we’ll present you with our top picks for wide shoes and also answer a few questions related to how to select the best pair. 

Let’s get rolling! 

best shoes for toddlers with wide feet

Toddler Shoes For Wide Feet

If you thought you only had clothing sizes to worry about, think again! If you have a toddler with wide feet, chances are that you’ve searched high and low for shoes that fit to no avail. Truth be told, there are many options available for wide toddler shoes boy and wide toddler shoes girl, but they are typically only made by certain brands or feature only a particular style.

For example, one of the best brands of shoes for toddlers with wide feet is New Balance. Their comfy and playground-friendly shoes often come in wide and extra wide sizes so you can pick the best option for your little one without worry. 

Other great brands to peruse include Stride Rite and See Kai Run.

See Kai Run, Stevie II First Walker Sneakers for Infants, Blue Denim, 4 M Infant
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There are also a plethora of awesome choices from obscure brands featured on Amazon that are well worth your dollar. Don’t worry- we’ll be presenting those to you later on!

As far as styling goes, parents looking for shoes that fit toddlers with wide feet will want to select shoes that have a wider design, such as Birkenstock sandals or mesh-covered shoes with a thick sole underneath.

Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flo Mocha Sandals - 26 M EU / 8-8.5 M US Toddler
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Not looking for sandals or mesh? There are plenty of tennis shoe and boot options available as well. So, without further ado, let’s get into our top picks. 

Best Shoes For Kids With Wide Feet

To start, it might help to give a breakdown of what brands supply wide toddler shoes in the first place. As previously mentioned, certain brands will supply shoes for toddlers with wide feet in specific sizes, and you also may be able to find quite a few options for lesser-known brands on Amazon.

So, what brands make wide baby shoes in specific sizes? The two most common are:

  • Stride Rite
  • New Balance

Other brands like Cat & Jack from Target supply wide toe box shoes for toddlers. However, be aware wide sizing options aren’t specific and that some of their canvas shoes may shrink terribly in the wash. This may make it difficult to easily slide on and off the foot. Still, they are a good option, especially if you are looking for fun designs and an inexpensive price tag.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

What Shoes Are Best For Toddlers With Wide Feet?

The following are our recommendations for best shoes for toddlers with wide flat feet. Our recommendations will include a variety of styles and several brands but know that there are even more options out there, often offered by the brands we’ve already mentioned, that you can check out as well. 

Okay, time to get to it!

Best Shoes For Babies Learning to Walk With Wide Feet – Stride Rite Soft Motion Baby and Toddler Frankie Athletic Sneaker

Stride Rite baby boys Soft Motion Frankie Athletic Sneaker, White, 3 Infant US
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Our first recommendation for Stride Rite toddler shoes is the soft motion baby Frankie Athletic Sneaker. These comfortable sneakers are fitted in normal and wide sizes and are specially designed to cushion the foot to support young walkers. The shoes are slip resistant and have multidirectional grooves on them to encourage gross motor play. Memory foam soles help keep your active toddler comfortable all day long. 

Pros and Cons

  • Comfortable
  • Comes in wide sizing
  • Slip-resistant soles are perfect for new walkers
  • A bit pricey depending on where you buy them
  • No range of color selection

Best Tennis Shoes For Toddlers With Wide Feet – New Balance Unisex-Child 455v2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe

New Balance 455v2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe, Black/White, 1 Wide US Unisex Little_Kid
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Next up are New Balance unisex wide toddler shoes. These come in a variety of colors and feature a velcro hook and loop strap that encases your child’s foot without you having to deal with the laces (no, the laces shown aren’t “real”). Like Stride Rite shoes, these New Balance kicks have specific wide sizing options available which help take the anxiety of “Will these fit?” out of the minds of fretful parents. 

Pros and Cons

  • Hook and loop velcro makes putting shoes on and off easy
  • Variety of colors makes it easy to add a pop of color to outfits or keep things neutral
  • Wide sizing options available
  • Basic tennis shoe design, nothing too trendy

Best Summer Shoes For Toddlers With Wide Feet – Unisex Crocs Classic Clog

Crocs Classic Glitter Clogs (Toddler), Pink Lemonade, 10 Toddler
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You knew it was coming right? Yes, the best toddler sandals for wide feet are usually clogs because they provide plenty of room for chubby little toes while encompassing the foot with a wide backstrap. On top of everything else, Crocs are infamously easy to wipe down and rinse off and have quick drying capabilities that make them perfect for a wet fun summer. Try these Crocs clogs today!

Pros and Cons

  • Perfect for even the widest feet
  • Multiple color varieties available
  • Can be customized and decorated
  • Easy to wipe down
  • Quick dry
  • Some people simply don’t like the design of Crocs
  • May not be suitable for the playground

Best Sandals For Toddlers With Wide Feet: Option 2! – Weestep Boys Girls Toddler Little Kid Lightweight Hook Loop Sandal

Weestep Boys Girls Toddler Little Kid Lightweight Hook Loop Sandal
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So you’ve got a toddler with extra wide feet and don’t want the Croc look for the upcoming summer. We get it! Why not hop on the Birkenstock and train and purchase a pair of similar-looking sandals for your little one? These cute little sandals have many of the same easy-to-clean perks of Crocs, but also feature adjustable straps and back to provide a customized fit for your little one’s chubby feet. 

Pros and Cons

  • Adjustable straps in three places
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Trendier design
  • May not be the best option for playground wear

Nike Wide Toddler Shoes – Nike Unisex-Child Revolution 5 Toddler Velcro Running Shoe

Nike Baby Revolution 5 Velcro Running Shoe, Black/Lemon Venom-Laser Blue-Hyper Crimson, 9C Regular US Toddler
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If we’re being honest, we’re leery to recommend any Nike shoes for wide toddler feet. Traditionally, Nike shoe sizes run small, but several parents attest that these particular toddler Nike shoes fit the bill when it comes to wide foot sizing. Though there is no specific “wide foot” option to select, these mesh-top velcro running shoes offer support and flexibility as your child actively makes their way throughout the day. 

Pros and Cons

  • Good quality and reputable name
  • Mesh tops for flexibility and comfort
  • No specific wide sizing option available 
  • Limited color selection

Wide Toe Box Shoes For Toddlers: Boots – JAN & JUL Toasty-Dry Waterproof Lite Winter Boots

JAN & JUL Waterproof Toddler Boots for Winter Easy-On (Black Birch, Size 6 Toddler)
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Don’t you just love when a toddler is actually able to put on their own shoes? These boots are designed for just that! JAN & JUL shoes are known for being easy to put on, and these boots are no different. They also feature a flexible sole, are lightweight, and are waterproof too! Although they aren’t specifically marketed as for wide feet, they can fit most foot sizes according to reviews. They are also fleece-lined and machine-washable which only adds to their appeal. Give them a try and see what you think!

Pros and Cons

  • Flexible sole
  • Machine-washable
  • Handles for easy on and off
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Specific wide sizing not available 
  • A tad pricey compared to inexpensive brands

Best Water Shoes For Toddlers with Wide Feet – UBFEN Water Shoes for Kids

UBFEN Water Shoes for Kids Boys Girls Aqua Socks Barefoot Beach Sports Swim Pool Quick Dry Lightweight Toddler Little Big Kid
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Looking for water shoes for kiddos that won’t pinch their toes? Try these. Though these UBFEN shoes don’t come in specific wide sizing, they do feature a wide toe box. Thus, these easy-to-drain, quick-dry, multifunctional, thick-soled water shoes are perfect for a season of summer fun for your wide-footed toddler. They come in “big kid” sizes too!

Pros and Cons

  • Thick sole
  • Wide-toe box
  • Quick-dry
  • Several fun colors and designs
  • Slightly more expensive than other water shoe options

Best Shoes For Toddlers With Extra Wide Feet – New Balance Kid’s Rave Run V1 Hook and Loop Shoe

New Balance Kid's Rave Run V1 Hook and Loop Running Shoe, Rain Cloud/Deep Sea/Hilite, 1 M US Little Kid (4-8 Years)
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Coming in both wide and extra-wide sizes, these New Balance running shoes are perfect for toddlers with wide feet. They feature a variety of fun and bright colors, which can make them perfect for fashionable, energetic kids on the move. As usual, the shoe laces featured are there for looks rather than use. It is the velcro strap that makes getting ready to go that much easier. 

Pros and Cons

  • Comes in wide and extra-wide sizing
  • Velcro latch
  • Bright and funky colors
  • Easy-up strap attached to the back
  • Excellent for playground and other types of active play
  • May not match all outfit types

Play Shoes For Toddlers With Wide Feet – JAN & JUL Machine Washable Knit Shoes

JAN & JUL Toddler Early Walk Shoes for Girls Boys, Soft Flexible Soles (Heather Grey, US Size 5)
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These wide play shoes for toddlers are the bee’s knees when it comes to keeping up with active child’s play. They come designed with a sock-style netting that is perfect for fat feet and the thick non-slip flexible sole makes it so your toddler can be comfortable running, jumping, and doing the things they do best! The shoes come in a variety of patterns and colors and are designed to easily be put on and taken off by your toddler. They’re also machine-washable. What else could you ask for?

Pros and Cons

  • Sock-netting makes for a great fit
  • Machine-washable
  • Flexible sole
  • Easy to put on
  • Many colors and designs
  • Shoes run a bit big, can be clunky and fall off during active play (need to size down by half a size)

How Do You Know If Your Kid Has Wide Feet?

Tell-tale signs that your toddler has wide feet include the following:

  • Complaints that their feet hurt
  • Tightness felt at the sides of the shoe
  • A preference to wear a certain type of shoe over the other
  • Blisters or redness from the friction of shoes against skin
  • Measurement 
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

How Do I Measure My Toddler’s Foot Width?

Using measuring tape, measure diagonally from the ball joint on the big toe to the ball joint on the little toe. This will give you an accurate measurement of the widest part of your child’s foot. Repeat this with both feet, taking note that the left foot is usually bigger than the right foot. 

Use these measurements to guide you as you compare them with the dimensions of the shoes you wish to purchase. 

Note: You may wish to measure your child’s feet at the end of the day, as this is usually when they are the largest. Measurement is a great way to choose the best fit for clothing for your child as well, especially as they grow older!

Best Shoes For Toddlers With Wide Feet? Take Your Pick!

There are plenty of options available for toddlers with wide feet. Some brands, like New Balance, offer wide sizing, while other brands naturally feature wide-toe boxes that can still make things comfortable for your wide-footed little one. 

Before purchasing shoes, we recommend measuring the widest part of your child’s foot and comparing that to the dimensions of the shoe. Do your best to only purchase shoes that are comfortable for your kiddo. This will make playtimes and being “on the go” much more enjoyable – for everyone! 

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

FAQs

Can toddlers have wide feet?

Yes, toddlers can have wide feet. There are several ways to find out if your toddler’s feet are wide. Take note of complaints about their shoes and red spots on their feet, and as always, measure your child’s foot to select the right-fitting shoe.

Are Vans good for wide toddler feet?

They can be. Because of the natural design of the shoe, the toe box tends to accommodate wide feet quite well. Still, to be sure, use measurements of your child’s feet to ensure they’ll be comfortable. 

How important are shoes for toddlers?

Shoes for toddlers are very important as they help with the development of their feet. Soft and flexible shoe types are key, which is why we’ve recommended several shoes designed this way within our post. Your toddler is active and they’ll need a comfortable shoe that can support the natural movement of their feet as they grow!

Maria Wilcox

Former instructor with an M.A. in Education turned grateful stay-at-home mama to one, I look to share helpful insights related to babies, toddlers, kids, and families for the benefit of real people just like you.

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