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When it comes to toddlers, their feet are not just tiny versions of ours.
Did you know that when babies are born, each foot has 22 partially developed bones? By the time they reach school age, this number increases to 45 bones per foot, and as adults, our feet are comprised of 26 fully developed bones.
This means that those little feet we love so much are constantly changing!
Because of this, tight shoes or shoes that don’t allow for natural movement can disrupt their growth. Properly fitted shoes (and for us – ones that accommodate wide feet) make all the difference in ensuring their feet develop healthily—no pinching, cramping, or forcing those growing toes into unnatural positions.
The Importance of Being Barefoot
Everything I read on this topic reinforced the same idea —little ones need to go barefoot as much as possible. Being barefoot helps with sensory development, balance, posture, and the way their feet grow and develop. It allows them to feel the ground beneath them, which strengthens their tiny muscles and ligaments while building better coordination. Unfortunately, it’s not always practical to keep those little toes bare, which is why it’s so important to choose shoes that mimic going barefoot.
What to Look for in Shoes for Wide Toddler Feet
- Wide Toe Box
The toe box is the part of the shoe where your toddler’s toes go. For wide feet, it’s important that this area is spacious enough to allow toes to spread out naturally, just like they do when barefoot.
- Barefoot Sole
A barefoot or “zero drop” sole means there’s no raised heel. This keeps your toddler’s foot in its natural position and supports their balance and posture.
- Easy-On/Easy-Off Design
We all know that toddlers can be wiggly and unpredictable! Shoes that open all the way up make life so much easier when you’re trying to wrangle little feet into them.
- Flexible Materials
Look for materials that are soft and bendy so the shoe moves with your child’s foot. Tight or rigid shoes can restrict natural motion.
- Durability
Toddlers get into everything, and their shoes need to keep up. Finding a pair that stands up to the rough and tumble moments is a must.
My Favorite Toddler Shoes for Extra Wide Feet
After struggling to find toddler shoes that could accommodate extra wide feet, I finally came across a pair that checked all the boxes for me. Check them out here! They’re made by a small company and my go-to style (effortlessly accommodating wide feet) is called “Casual Low Tops.” They check all the boxes, and this brand has an active Facebook community where you can ask questions, connect with other parents, and even buy, sell, or trade shoes with other members.
If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated trying to find shoes that fit your toddler just right, I highly recommend giving these a try!
xo, Mary