As children grow, their feet also grow and change rapidly. It's important to ensure that their shoes fit well to promote healthy foot development and comfort. However, shopping for shoes for children with wide feet can be a bit of a challenge. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to identify wide feet in children, the difference between wide feet and high instep, and suggest some suitable footwear options.

Identifying Wide Feet in Children

    The easiest way to identify if a child has wide feet is to measure their feet. A simple way to do this is by using a shoe sizing chart. Wide feet are usually wider than the standard width for a child's shoe size. You may check the width of the shoes directly with the brands that you buying.

    Children with wide feet tend to have broader toes, and their feet tend to be more round-shaped. 

    (Source: fittingchildrenshoes.com)

    Another way to check if your child has wide feet is by observing how their shoes fit. If the regular size shoes are often felt tight and cause discomfort, the child may have wide feet. A tight fitting pair tends to leave marks on the little feet.

    Wide Feet vs. High Instep

    It's essential to understand the difference between wide feet and high instep when shopping for shoes for children. A high instep is the arch on the top of the foot, while wide feet refer to the width of the foot. Although children with wide feet may have a high instep, it's not always the case.

    It's possible for a child to have a high instep without having wide feet. High instep usually causes discomfort on the top part of the foot if the shoes are not deep enough. On the other hand, if the shoes are too narrow for wide feet, the discomfort can be felt around the toes to the balls of the foot.

    Buying Footwear for Children with Wide Feet

    When buying shoes for children with wide feet, it's important to consider the width and the shape of the shoe. Here are some tips to help you find shoes that fit properly:

    1. Measure the child's feet: Use a shoe size chart to determine the child's foot size, and measure the width of the foot using a foot measuring device or ruler. Keep in mind that foot size and width can change over time, so it's a good idea to measure the child's feet regularly.

    2. Look for shoes with a wide toe box: Choose shoes that have a wider and deeper toe box. This will allow the toes to spread out naturally and provide more room for the foot to move around.

    3. Check the material: Choose shoes made of soft and flexible materials, such as leather or mesh, that can accommodate the shape of a wider foot.

    4. Avoid narrow or pointed toe shoes: Shoes that have a narrow or pointed toe box can be uncomfortable for children with wide feet and can cause rubbing and blisters.

    5. Choose adjustable shoes: Shoes with adjustable straps, laces, or buckles can provide a more customised fit for children with wider feet.

    6. Consider going up a size: If the child's foot is very wide, you may need to go up a size to accommodate the width. Just be sure to check the fit in the length as well.

    7. Try shoes on in the afternoon: Children's feet can swell throughout the day, so it's a good idea to try shoes on in the afternoon when the feet are at their largest.

    Shopping for Wide-fit Shoes at Two Little Feet

    At Two Little Feet, most of our shoes are made to fit regular width. You can refer to our Kids Shoes Size Chart to check if your child’s width are compatible with our shoes width. We don’t recommend getting our brand if the feet width is more than the listed shoes width.

    In case you really like one of our designs and want to give it a try, do speak with us for an advice before purchase. We do offer complimentary returns collection service (for eligible purchases) should the shoes do not fit well, only a transaction fee will be deducted for any refund.

    In conclusion, shopping for shoes for children with wide feet can be challenging, but it's essential to find shoes that fit well to promote healthy foot development and comfort. It's worth investing in quality shoes that fit well and provide the support and cushioning needed for growing feet.

    Use our smart Size Assistant to find out your child's Two Little Feet shoe size, based on their feet length!

    Looking for more options?

    For babies just starting to walk, check out this curated Wobbly Steps Collection for first walkers who are still walking with support.

    If your child is walking steadily, we have curated a Steady Walking Kids Shoes and Sandals Collection.

    Have an active running and jumping child at home? Look no further than our most supportive kids sneakers and children sandals for Active Running young ones!

    Check out our range of children footwear: