11 Top Toddler Shoes For Wide Feet [+ Baby Shoes For Fat Feet!] (2024)

Finding the best baby shoes for fat feet can feel overwhelming, both from the perspective finding your favorite features and for healthy foot development. Below discover the best toddler shoes for wide feet from first walkers to the preschool years that will support their growing bodies; plus tips on how to choose the right fit!

See Kai Run

See Kai Runs are probably one of the most popular baby shoes for fat feet. They're flexible, feature a wide toe box for extra wiggles, and all of their styles are American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) approved.

While See Kai Run shoes may not appear as minimal as others on this list, they do follow a barefoot philosophy loosely, as to not compromise durability and protection.

All of their shoes mimic the shape of the foot and it's natural movement. Aside from flexible soles and wide toe boxes, none of their shoes have arch support for the first 5 years and the velcro straps add some ankle stability.

Additionally, for orthotics they have some styles with a double strap which open up the widest. For AFOs, you can remove the insoles of their sneakers for extra space.

They've grouped their shoe sizing into “ages & stages” based off children's foot development. Crib shoes are for newborns to 18 months taking their first steps or crawling, first walkers are designed specifically for 9 to 18 months old, toddler sizing is for 18 months to 3 years old, preschool sizing is for 3 to 5 year olds with elastic laces, and then they move into traditional youth sizing for 5 year olds and up.

JBrds

Co-founded and developed by a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Jay LeBow after reviewing hundreds of x-rays and evaluating children's shoes only to realize none properly addressed the needs of little one's developing feet.

Additionally, parents of kiddos with eczema on their feet will LOVE the upper material that's both soft and breathable, which can minimize irritation of flares on the feet.

These were my sons first pair of shoes and he LOVES them. They quickly won the title of best baby walking shoes in our house thanks to their easy slip on design and supportive design.

On the note of slipping on, I do want to point out the back part of the shoe and how it sort of flares, when you pull it on, make sure you're pulling from that part or it'll get stuck under your babies heel and won't go up. Think about sliding it on like you're making a cupping motion with your hand, only your hand is the shoe. Choose from six different colors: white, tan, white rainbow, blue, purple, and blue/green/red.

Splay

If you've tried tons of wide shoes for toddlers or babies in the past and nothing has worked, then I highly recommend Splay‘s “Explore” shoe (use code TCM for 10% off!)

These are the best barefoot shoes with the widest toe box for your child's toes on this list (which you can see just from the shape of the front of the shoe).

The velcro strap secures the top of the foot in place for a proper fiit and stability. It also opens the shoe up completely for you to just pop on your child's wide foot without squeezing/sliding in (see photo below). This has been AMAZING for my daughter who, after a growth spurt, ended up with narrow feet but a wide toe splay; yet they still fit my youngest fat feet.

The biggest downside is their sizing doesn’t start until C8 (generally 3 years old, but my 2 year old has big feet and they fit great haha). But these are the easiest shoes to get on a wide footed toddler in my experience!

Additionally, crunchy moms will rejoice these are made in Mexico from 100% cotton canvas for the top, and the bottoms are a super grippy vulcanized rubber outsole that provides maximum feedback from the ground while also remaining durable and protective from the elements.

Ten Little

Ten Little is another brand we absolutely love for toddlers with wide feet thanks to their more natural fit, price point, beautiful minimalist designs, and wide style selection guaranteeing you'll find the perfect shoes for any occasion.

Parents can rejoice as they have baby booties, first walkers and other style shoes through the toddler years and into youth sizing. So if you love them, you can easily stick with them.

Choose any style for every season from ultra warm sherpa baby booties, to recycled canvas upper first walker shoes, sandals, everyday boots, rain boots, and even snow boots!

Developed by two moms and a pediatrician with two medical advisors overseeing things; a podiatrist Dr. Farah Alani, and pediatrician, Dr. Tanya Altmann who writes and edits books for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); to ensure the right fit for your child's feet.

These won the label of best toddler shoes in our house thanks to the insoles, which are designed to teach kids left from right. Plus, my little girl loves the shoe stickers to personalize her shoes. These shoes also come in literally every single color you could want.

Additionally Ten Littles uses great materials from GOTS certified organic cotton, vegan leather, and natural rubber soles from Hevea tree milk. Their loop closure every day sneakers have also been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Saguaro

Saguaro makes super wide barefoot shoes for toddlers through adulthood at an affordable price point. They have tons of options for the seasons too and you can get a 10% discount with the code TCM here.

These are pretty similar in width and shape to the Splay shoes, but come in a neoprene style which are a sort of hybrid between sneaker and water shoe (an essential in our opinion with toddlers). The bottoms of this style are SUPER grippy and you can even machine wash these!

You can shop these on their website, Amazon, or Walmart but it's a little different/tricky between retailers so I'm going to do my best ot explain. Amazon and Walmart only sell the neoprene water/sneaker hybrid shoe (which is our top choice). On their website this would equate to the “vitality” and “smart” styles.

Their website also has a more traditional sneakers and snow boot (we don't have experience with those styles though). Addiitonally, the sizing on their website doesn't follow the traditional “toddler, little kid, big kid” sizes so we suggest double checking their sizing guide. Generally speaking, the smallest shoes are the top left working their way to the largest shoes on the bottom right (despite the numbers being smallest at the end).

You can use discount code TCM for 10% off on their website here.

Ikiki Squeaky Shoes

Ikiki squeaky shoes are another great option for toddlers with fat feet and a cult favorite on reddit reviews.

While fat feet in babies is normal, if it continues it could mean an underlying issue; keep an eye out for toe walking which may signal a problem. The best thing about ikiki squeaky shoes is that they look to resolve this by having a squeaker in the heel, encouraging babies and toddlers to take proper heel to toe steps.

Once your baby has mastered the proper gait, you can turn the squeaker switch off easily.

Parents of curious toddlers can also appreciate the squeaker for keeping tabs on their newly mobile child.

As with others on this list, it features an easy on/off adjustable closure strap, wide toe box, and wide opening for fat ankles. Additionally, they offer strap extenders to further accommodate extra wide feet. Babies and toddlers will love the squeaker and fun designs from hippos, dinosaurs, penguins, owls, unicorns, tigers and more.

Robeez

All of Robeez footwear is APMA approved and they offer a huge range of styles and sizing starting as early as newborns and grow into big kids shoes.

Their Soft soles line is are a truly flexible shoe. These feature a soft breathable upper, and flexible suede bottom for easy grip and slip resistance. These are best suited for indoor use in our opinion.

Their First Kicks line is where we think most parents should direct their attention. They combine the flexibility of the Soft soles, but with more durability toddlers and new walkers need. The soles are a combination of suede and rubber for added grip and durability through the toddler years.

Stride Rite Soft Motion Shoes

Stride Rite shoes have been around since 1919 and knows plenty about creating developmentally appropriate baby shoes. They offer a huge selection for all of childhood, are APMA approved, and have fun features like light up shoes and prints kids will love.

Parents can rejoice as they are one of the only (if not THE only) brand to feature three widths.

Their soft motion shoes are designed specifically for new walkers. These shoes are slip resistant, flexible, lightweight and easy to slip on.

The openings are wide and adjustable to ensure a good fit for your baby or toddler. For added durability, they feature leather uppers and antimicrobial properties in the lining.

NOTE: These shoes are not as in line with the barefoot idea others on the list employ. These use memory foam footbed so your baby will not got the same level of feedback with each step, but they truly are the best wide width shoes thanks to their extra wide sizing options.

Merrell Bare Steps

Merrell is one of the best shoe brands in terms of durability and comfort. Parents of babies with fat feet can rejoice as Merrell’s BARE STEPS® sneaker comes in wide sizing with a variety of styles from H2O water shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals.

Sizing for these generally start closer to 12 months and go up through big kids. They aren't zero drop but do provide a wider than average shoe and toe box. Merrell shoes in general are known for their durability against the elements.

The H20 sneaker features a water friendly upper and lining with a closed extra wide toe box makes it a great option for multiple seasons. The rubber outsole is both flexible and has extra grip for slippery conditions. The heel is also rounded for added stability.

These feature a velcro strap on the majority of the styles, and they all have some flexibility at the top for babies with wide ankles and an easy on/off experience. They come in four colors, blue/orange, grey/black, periwinkle/blue/lime, and pink/purple.

Cat & Jack Crib Shoes

Surprisingly Cat & Jack has some decent ultra affordable options of baby shoes for fat feet that feature a wide toe box, flexible sole and adjustable ankle strap on many styles to get the perfect fit.

Not all Cat & Jack shoes match that bill though, particularly as kids get older, but for protecting babies feet their crib shoes are a great option. Once baby does start to walk, we'd suggest upgrading to one of the other shoes on this list that pediatric podiatrists approve of.

Smallbirds by Allbirds

Smallbirds by Allbirds are officially back for tiny feet and parents of toddlers with fat feet can rejoice! Allbirds provide the most comfortable fit for adults and kids (read our full review here!). The best part? Moms and dads can match their mini me's shoes!

Allbirds are known for their high quality materials and carbon neutral practices. Smallbirds come in their classic wool runners and a new look: loungers.

While they don't offer as wide of a toe box as other options on this list; largely because their little kid sizing starts at 5T, the upper merino wool material is designed to expand and stretch. If you're nervous about width we suggest going with the loungers, but truly think both are great options.

These fit the foot much like a sock, which aren't required for wear, with the appearance of a gorgeous sneaker or lounger. You can wear this without socks and they're machine washable. Lastly, they're lightweight, with flexible soles, and come in a wide variety of colors.

How To Choose The Best Baby Shoes For Fat Feet

Wide Toe Box

A wide toe box allows space for proper foot growth and development in babies and toddlers. Baby feet are continuously growing and we need to ensure we aren't limiting that growth potential; especially when it comes to the feet!

Toes are critical in supporting our body weight while providing proper posture and balance while walking. The human foot is designed so that the toes can spread and extend during the gait cycle.

Anything we can do to ensure our babies toes and feet are growing properly potentially sets them up for better posture and overall wellness in their life as toe fascia is connected to the midline that travels all the way up to our tongue! Restricting growth in the toes, can lead to compensations throughout the entire body and chronic issues.

Flexible sole

According to APMA, baby's feet should be as unrestricted as possible and parents should opt for flexible footwear.

Similar to the wide toe box concept, we do not want to hinder babies foot growth as it impacts their entire body. Flexible soles provide more natural feedback to the body while walking. This allows muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, and the foot bones to receive critical information from the ground while growing and fusing into healthy feet.

Material

Baby shoes should be lightweight and made of natural materials according to APMA.

Ideally you'll look for a flexible rubber sole, with a breathable soft or mesh upper. Depending on where you plan to wear the shoes, you may want to look for waterproof material or adding traction to limit slips.

Independent on/off

Opting for a shoe that a 1 year old or 2 year old can start practicing getting on and off by themselves is a nice bonus.

While it's not a recommendation from the AAP or APMA, a key component of the montessori philosophy, which montessori families know the importance of, is fostering independence in babies and toddlers. Not only does this develop a sense of confidence in the child, it also can .

Durable

Early walkers, babies and toddlers tend to have their fair share of falls. While you do want to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation, “shoe selection for children should be based on the barefoot model,” they also note, “the primary role of shoes is to protect the foot from injury and infection.”

Look for something with a sturdy toe and check your shoes often for wear or tear. Additionally, take special note if one heel is wearing faster than the other, as you may need to see a pediatric podiatrist.

FAQs About Baby Shoes For Wide Feet

Is it normal for babies to have fat feet?

Yes, it's normal for babies to have fat feet.

Just like the rest of their body, healthy babies have fat deposits all over that begins to redistribute as they grow and strengthen muscles.

The foot is the the same; in fact babies feet appear flat because of the fat deposit in the arch area, which begins to go away as they learn to stand and strength the muscles in their foot while the bones in their feet and legs harden and fuse together.

What shoes to wear if you have fat feet?

For babies and toddlers with fat feet, according to APMA and the AAP, it's best to opt for shoes as close to the barefoot model as possible. This means a wide toe box, flexible sole, and ideally zero drop (no heel, totally flat bottom!). Choosing shoes like this provides ample opportunity for the fat to redistribute as children grow.

Do babies have wide feet?

It's generally considered normal for babies and even toddlers to have wide feet. Newborns are born with fat pads all around their feet, as they their muscles and bones strengthen and they reach more and more motor milestones, this shifts.

With that said, babies and toddlers do not have nearly as many years of squishing their feet into narrow shoes as most adults, so the appearance of their feet may seem wide, when in reality an adults foot may be more narrow then it's actually meant to be.

Of course, wide feet can be cause for concern too. Parents should be aware of a congenital condition called macrodactyly where a baby is born with abnormally large toes (or fingers), due to an overgrowth of the underlying bones and soft tissue.

As always, if you feel concerned, speak to your health care provider for a referral to physical therapists or a podiatrist.

How do I ensure healthy foot development for my baby?

Ideally keep your baby or toddler barefoot as much as possible.

As the AAP has stated, “shoe selection for children should be based on the barefoot model…the primary role of shoes is to protect the foot from injury and infection.”

If you have the option to go barefoot, do it.

Additionally, follow these healthy foot recommendations from APMA:

• Shoes should be lightweight, flexible and made of natural materials that don't aggravate the feet
• Never wear hand me down footwear
• Look for signs of irritation as this could mean a shoe is too tight or too loose
• Check your heels regularly; if one heel is wearing quicker than the other, it could indicate a problem
• Visit the shoe store later in the day to try on shoes once feet have swollen up a bit
• Dress the foot for shoe shopping as the shoe is intended to wear (meaning if you plan to wear boots with a thick sock, where that thick sock while shopping)
• Always buy for the larger foot

Are Native Shoes a wide fit?

Native shoes Miller line does come with a wide toe box, but currently in 2022 they've discontinued this line.

Their traditional Jefferson shoe is one of our favorite kids' shoes though. They are easy on and off, breathable, and a durable sneaker that double as a better choice toddler water shoe than flip flops. We definitely get the most wear out of them living in Florida, but they aren't the best for super chunky feet as they don't accommodate extra wide width.

With that said, their aren't super wide and they

If their Miller line ever relaunches, we do suggest checking them out though and even giving the Jefferson shoe a try as it's pretty roomy.

How do I find the right size shoes for wide feet babies and toddlers?

It can feel like a hard time finding the right shoes that fit chubby baby feet, but most brands have made it fairly easy to get the correct shoe size for your child today without going to a shoe store.

If you're struggling to find the right size child's shoe, we suggest scrolling to the footer (bottom) of the retailers website to see if they offer a sizing guide.

For baby and toddler shoes, most brands have created a fun printable where you simply have your child stand on it, and you mark their size.

Additionally, once your child has a pair of the shoes, you can take the insoles of most shoes out and have your child stand to quickly check if they need to size up.

What are the best shoes for babies with fat feet?

The best walking shoes for first time walkers are JBrds in our opinion thanks to patent pending design of the cuboid bone support cage – an important feature in healthy foot development developed by a podiatrist.

For more experienced walkers – and our all around top picks – are Splay (discount code TCM for 10% off), See Kai Runs, or Ten Littles (in that order). Splay is really our top pick for wide feet with the easy on/off and a true barefoot design featuring an ultra wide toe area and flexible sole. The other two have some of our favorite features and are APMA approved with a huge selection of durable designs for tiny little feet.

For children with custom-made orthotics See Kai Runs has some styles with a double strap to open up extra wide and accommodate.

Aside from Splay, the other widest shoe option we'd recommend is Stride Rite Soft Motion Shoes, which come in three widths with the one downside being the memory foam insole which won't provide the same barefoot experience typically recommended by the AAP.

With that said, all of the picks mentioned in this post are good shoes you can't go wrong with!