One of the cutest parts of a toddler is their adorable little feet. That is, until you try to squeeze those cute, chubby feet into a pair of shoes!
Finding comfortable and well-fitting shoes is critical for your toddler, especially when they are learning how to walk. Whether you are picking out your baby’s first pair of walking shoes or their tenth pair, it is important to choose shoes that are comfortable, well-cushioned, and easy to care for. Uncomfortable or poorly fitted shoes can affect the development of your little one’s feet.
While we all know that our baby’s feet will grow longer, we may not know that their feet often change shape as well. Narrow feet can quickly widen as your baby grows. When choosing shoes for your toddler, be sure to select a pair that is wide enough for your baby’s growing feet.
If your child has wide or chubby feet, you need to be very cautious about getting the right design, style, and size to promote healthy foot development. Below you'll find our top 5 picks of toddler shoes to buy for kids with wide feet.
Frequently Asked Questions When Buying Shoes for Your Baby
When your baby has wider feet, it’s a good idea to have them try on the shoes before you buy. As your toddler grows, you should have their feet measured often to ensure their shoes are comfortable and supportive.
When is the Best Time to Shop for Baby Shoes?
Just like an adult, baby feet tend to swell as the day goes on. The shoes that you buy in the morning may not be wide enough for your baby later in the day. So, it’s a good idea to shop for baby shoes at the end of the day to ensure the best fit.
Is it Better to Buy a Soft-Soled or Hard-Soled Shoe?
Shoes with soft soles weigh less and feel more flexible as your baby walks. On the other hand, hard-sole shoes feel more rigid and confined. Plus, hard soles are heavier and can make it harder for babies who are just learning to walk.
Should I Buy Shoes with Velcro Fasteners or Laces?
Both Velcro fasteners and laces keep shoes secure and in place on your baby’s feet. Of the two, Velcro may be a better choice when getting your baby’s shoes on and off their feet. However, the Velcro can become loose as the day goes on. Plus, your toddler may soon figure out how to take their shoes off with Velcro fasteners.
It may take longer to put shoes with laces on your baby’s feet. And if your baby steps on the laces, these shoes can become untied quickly. But if you buy shoes with laces that are long enough for a double knot, the shoes are less likely to become untied. In addition, shoelaces make it harder for babies and toddlers to take off their shoes.
The 5 Best Infant or Toddler Shoes for Wide Feet
- Stride Rite SRTech Bootie- "Best Shoes for Beginning Walkers"
- New Balance Child 455v2 Hook and Loop Running Shoe - "Best Wide Shoes for Toddlers"
- Pediped Sahara Flex Water Sandal - "Best Water Sandals for Toddlers"
- See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker - "Best Toddler Sneaker for Outdoor Playl"
- Stride Rite Child Soft Motion Sonny Sandal - "Best Walking Sandals for Infants and Toddlers"
Stride Rite SRTech Bootie - "Best Shoes for Beginning Walkers"
- Rubber sole
- Made from 100% leather
- Floral designs embroidered on lateral side
- Adjustable lace tie closure
- Boasts Sensory Response Technology
Price $$$
These classic leather white shoes with embroidered floral designs are not only gorgeous to look at but also designed to be super comfortable and lightweight. They boast a Sensory Response Technology that is designed to protect the bones and muscles of your little one along with a padded collar for extra support.
The adjustable lace tie closure ensures precise fitting and the eco-friendly lining of the shoe makes it completely breathable material. There’s plenty of room in the toe area for your child to wiggle her toes about and the outsole is designed to have a sturdy grip. These stylish and practical shoes crafted particularly for beginning walkers will go perfectly with any casual outfit.
New Balance Child 455v2 Hook and Loop Running Shoes - "Best Wide Shoes for Toddlers"
- Rubber sole
- Made with durable and breathable materials
- Midsole cushioning
- Caters to extra wide feet
Price $$
These are high quality, extra sturdy shoes that cater to kids with chubby or extra wide feet. There’s plenty of room in the toe area for your little one to wiggle his toes about. These running shoes come in both standard and wide sizes for infants and toddlers. These well-cushioned shoes come in a variety of colors and feature a breathable mesh upper and flexible sole for a comfortable fit. The rubber outsole brings added traction and durability, which is a great fit for an active child.
Pediped Sahara Flex Water Sandal - "Best Wide Water Sandals for Toddlers"
- Flexible and synthetic sole
- 100% textile
- Safe to use in water
- Machine washable
- Recommended by pediatricians
Price $$$
These water safe shoes are extra flexible, which makes them a good fit for toddlers with wide feet. The Pediped Sahara Flex Water Sandal is designed in such a way so as to be as close to bare feet as possible, allowing your little one to feel the ground beneath his feet as he walks; this in turn helps with foot development. The sandals have a protective toe cap for safety. Velcro straps keep the sandals secure on your baby's feet, but also make it easy to take them on and off. They are machine washable and so super easy to keep clean. They are built with durable materials to withstand rough play
See Kai Run Stevie II Sneaker- "Best Toddler Shoe for Outdoor Play"
- Lightweight and flexible
- Durable construction
- Hook and loop strap and elastic laces to ensure a good fit
- Wide toe box
- 100% textile
- Rubber toe cap – added protection
Price $$$
These high quality shoes are designed to aid the development of your little one’s feet. The hook and loop strap and the faux elastic laces allows for a secure fit as well as adjustability. The sneaker's wide opening and roomy toe box makes it easy to slip chubby toddler feet in and out of the shoes.
The soles of these shoes are made from flexible rubber that allow your child to flex their feet. The rubber grip adds traction, making these sneakers ideal for outdoor use. Plus, the rubber toe cap helps keep your toddler's feet safe.
Stride Rite Child Soft Motion Sonny Sandal - "Best Walking Sandal for Toddlers"
- High-traction rubber sole
- Built for first-time walkers
- Easy on/off adjustability
- Memory foam footbed
- Lightweight
Price $$$
If you’re looking for comfortable, wide, lightweight sandals for that your toddler can run about in all day long, the Sonny Sandal is an ideal choice. Thanks to its oversized opening and hook and loop closure, these sandals are easy to put on and take off of wide toddler feet. The rubber sole are flexible and have plenty of traction to help improve your toddler's balance.
The Sonny Sandal offer regular and wide sizes for both infants and toddlers. The sandals are flexible and comfortable to wear as they feature a supportive memory foam footbed and rubber sole. They are lightweight so your kids can comfortably wear them for long periods of time without their little feet getting tired.
