Shoes for Chunky Toddler Feet: A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Guide
For more resources like this, check out these other Movement Mama posts:
How to Measure A Toddler for Shoes
Shoes for New Walkers: A Pediatric Physical Therapist's Guide
Winter Shoes for New Walkers
There’s nothing more exciting than buying your little one their first pair of shoes only to struggle to squeeze their chunky little feet in!
Did you know that babies start out with a fat pad + a cartilaginous foot that transforms in the first few years of life to be a more mature foot shape?
This means their feet can sometimes appear just as thick as they are long :) and while it’s adorable, it can be challenging at times to find just the right fit!
I want to urge you though—do not size UP to accommodate for width or height—I want you to FIRST use the hacks below, as excess shoe length can lead to tripping and instability in standing, which is no fun when they’re learning such an exciting new skill!
As you can see above, here are…
4 things to make your little one’s chunky feet fit in a shoe better:
Remove the insole
Strap the velcro behind the tongue or purchase strap extenders
Ensure you’re buying a minimalist shoe, which naturally mimics the shape of your little one’s foot. Some of my favorites are Ten Little and See Kai Run.
Purchase a size wide or extra wide if you’re still having difficulty! Some kiddos just have a wider foot and this is a great option. Brands that I love that come in size wide are New Balance New-B and Merrell Bare Steps (this is their water shoe version, stay tuned for regular tennis shoes),
Also note, your little one may not necessarily need a true “shoe” yet. Check out this guide for what shoes they should be wearing at each stage of development.
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