Shoe help: toddler’s massive feet!

[TheMamaLion]

Hello! My 24 month old has size 7H (extra wide) feet and I’m really struggling to find shoes. He also has a very high instep so even if I find H width shoes they’re tight across the top or don’t fasten properly.

I’m looking for leather or waterproof / water resistant shoes he can wear this autumn/winter. He already has wellies.

We’ve tried

• Clark’s - not high enough instep
• kidly - great but no wintery shoes

Otherwise, I’ve just been looking online or lurking in forums but am really struggling. Most recommendations are trainers which aren’t very water resistant, or I have no idea how high the instep is.

Please please share your favourite shoes for chunky little paws 🤍

Try an independent children's shoe shop if you can find one near you, or look at Happy Little Soles online – they're usually happy to discuss what shoes might fit a particular foot. Neither of those is a cheap option, though.

If Kidly fits him well, they did make some warmer winter high-tops. You might be able to pick up some secondhand and use waterproofing spray. It won't be as good as a proper leather boot, but might still be a useful option to have on hand.

If you have a local independent shoe shop that caters for kids, I’d take him there to get properly measured. Our local one stocks brands such as start rite, ricosta, froddo etc. My son had a high instep for a while so we would always go for the froddo shoes to help with that. He now wears mostly ricosta. Geox might also work for you.

Froddo Barefoot shoes are brilliant - my little boy has feet just like your son’s and we have always found them to be an excellent fit. They do waterproof winter boots as well as trainers etc - they are expensive but super durable and will last for months (as long as your little one doesn’t outgrow them of course!). As PP suggested look on Happy Little Soles as they stock a wide range.

Another wholehearted recommendation for the Froddo Barefoot range (specifically the barefoot shoes!). Absolutely wonderful shoes for my son's wide chunky feet, we just got some great lightweight winter/snow boots from the range, and he currently wears his "autumn" boots every day.

Froddo