Shoes which fit your children aren’t always easy to find. Thanks to constantly growing little feet, and active lifestyles, buying the right kids footwear can be a minefield. But, thanks to our guide to wide fit shoes for children, you won’t need to worry any longer.
What are wide fit shoes for children?
Wide fit shoes do what they say on the tin; they’re wider than regular shoes with more roomy toe boxes and often lower arch support. Especially in kid’s shoes, the difference between wide and regular fit shoes is not easily noticeable to the naked eye, but there is still a noticeable difference between the shoe types.
There are some clear benefits in having wide fit shoes, especially for children whose feet are still developing. Wide fit shoes are also ideal for children with larger feet, or conditions such as flat feet.
How do you know if your child has wide feet?
It can be difficult to keep track of your child’s foot size given that they grow very quickly, especially during the first few years of their life. However, aside from measuring the feet, there are a few ways to tell if your child has wide feet.
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For example, you can check by the fit of your child’s current footwear. If their current shoes are a good fit lengthways, but are quite tight, or leave little room in the toebox, this might mean that your child has wide feet.
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Your child is also likely to complain to you that they are feeling some pain or discomfort as a result of having wide feet, so this is something to look out for too.
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Another way to check if your child has wide feet is by checking their feet yourself. Some common signs of wide feet in kids include having broader toes, and rounder shaped feet. Kids with more space in between the toes often have broad feet too. Also look out for a wider arch, and a thicker mid-foot.
Measuring foot width in children
To measure your child’s foot width, follow these simple steps:
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Ask your child to place their foot flat on the ground, as if standing normally.
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Wrap a fabric tape measure around your child’s bare foot, at the widest point.
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Mark the width of the foot in millimeters.
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Use this measurement to find the exact size they need.
Alternatively, you can take your child to a shoe shop to have them professionally measured.
Check out our blog on children’s foot and shoe width for more information.
Does my child really need wide fitting shoes?
If your child has wide feet, then it’s definitely important to look into a number of wide-fit footwear options. There are a number of benefits to wide fitting shoes for children:
Increased comfort - Children with wider feet will have to squeeze into regular fitting shoes, causing issues such as blisters and sore feet, leading to discomfort.
Improved development - Children’s feet grow fast and in bursts; wide fitting shoes with a wider toe box allow toes to move around freely. Without this, growing feet may develop incorrectly, causing potential alignment issues.
Improved stability - Problems which sometimes come with wider feet, such as flat feet or sunken arches, can impact stability. In these cases, having wider shoes can offer extra stability, as well as comfort.
Reduced risk of health problems - Foot health can be impacted by improper footwear, especially in children. Having shoes which are too narrow for the feet can cause complications, such as ingrown toenails and hammertoes. Preventing these issues early is vital to foot development in children.
Some of our best wide fitting shoes for kids
The Lelli Kelly Colourissima Heart Black Patent School Shoes are an adorable wide fitting school shoe option which boast an interchangeable black or colurissima heart trim. These hearts can be coloured in with the felt tips provided, allowing your child to personalise their adorable wide fit shoes. A pink leather lining completes this gorgeous look.
Lelli Kelly Annie Heart Charm Black Patent Wide Fit School Shoes are one of our all time favourites. These cute wide fitting shoes come with a stunning removable charm bracelet and a shiny leather-look finish. This look is perfectly completed by the dazzling pink leather lining on the inside of the shoe. A hook and loop fastening style includes a removable slide off material bow.
Our Lelli Kelly Perrie Navy Patent Leather School Shoes G Fitting is a gorgeous wide-fitting, navy blue shoe. Day long comfort is provided by comfortable pink leather lining, so for a smart looking, classic style school shoe, look no further! Blue Lelli Kelly branding is embroidered expertly onto the adjustable hook and look strap fastening.