Big Toe Overlapping the Second Toe – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes!
If your child’s big toe overlaps the second toe, poorly fitting shoes are often to blame—especially styles that are too short or narrow. In some cases, genetics play a role, including conditions like Morton’s toe (a longer second toe) or stiff tendons. Many parents try sizing up to fix the issue, but this often backfires—leading to foot instability and more problems from excess movement inside the shoes. Overlapping toes can cause painful pressure points and may even lead to bunions if not addressed properly. In this article, I’ll guide you on how to find the right shoes to help realign your child’s toes and improve foot comfort.
Key Shoe Features for Kids with Overlapping Toes
The combination of extra depth and rounder toe-boxes can significantly improve comfort and foot health for children with overlapping toes. These features promote proper toe alignment, reduce the risk of bunions, and allow for better overall foot development.
I have helped several children that were dealing with this issue find the correct pair of shoes to reduce or fully eliminate the pain. The key is to find a pair of shoes that comes with a rounder toe-box and extra depth.
The Importance of Being Proactive – Avoid Foot Issues!
When your child’s toes overlap or rub together, it can lead to painful blisters, calluses, and corns. Over time, this friction can also cause more serious issues like ingrown toenails or even the development of hammer toes. The good news? Many of these problems can be prevented by something as simple as making sure your child wears properly fitting shoes that match the shape and needs of their feet.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
Determining the correct shoe size is a crucial step in ensuring a proper fit. To assist parents, I have created a virtual guide that helps you find out your child’s exact shoe size. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and tips for measuring your child’s feet accurately at home, allowing you to make informed decisions when purchasing shoes online.
Below are my top shoe recommendations for 2025 that feature extra depth and rounder toe-boxes. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes for Kids with Their Big Toe Overlapping the Second Toe
Keep in mind that many of these shoes come in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths—so be sure to choose the right width to match your child’s specific foot shape for the best fit and comfort.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. These New Balance wide shoes for overlapping toes offer extra depth and wide toe boxes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, and Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. See Kai Russell and Robyne. These See Kai Run wide shoes feature extra depth and wide toe boxes for kids with their big toe overlapping the second toe.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos or Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance. These are the best shoes for overlapping toes and they are available with Velcro or laces. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Ikiki Shoes. These shoes are a fantastic option for kids with overlapping toes. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on your child’s toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style by Ikiki on Amazon
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Wide opening to make it easy to put on and take off shoes
- Synthetic Vegan Leather
- Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
5. See Kai Run Lucia Mary Jane. This Mary Jane features extra depth and a roomy toe box that provides ample space for growing feet, while the adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure, customized fit without pressure on your child’s toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Lucia by See Kai Run on Amazon or Zappos
- Not available in wide or extra wide widths but fits naturally wide
- Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable cotton drill upper, comfy leather insole, and recycled mesh lining keep feet fresh
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance. These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making them an ideal choice for kids with their big toe overlapping the second toe.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Zappos
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Also available with laces on Zappos and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance. These New Balance extra wide shoes for kids with overlapping toes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes. Parents like that these shoes are offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
8. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance. These New Balance shoes with deep toe-boxes are ideal for kids with overlapping toes. Families appreciate how these shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
9. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite wide shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes to help prevent putting pressure on your child’s toes.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Bonus Resource: Best Socks to Prevent Toes from Overlapping
In addition to choosing the right shoes, selecting seamless socks can also play a role in preventing toes from overlapping. Seamless socks reduce friction and pressure on the toes, providing an added layer of comfort and protection.
Get a Personalized Shoe Recommendation
Every child’s feet are unique, and finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a daunting task for parents. To make this process easier, I offer personalized shoe recommendations based on your child’s foot shape and condition. By considering factors such as arch type, width, and any specific concerns like overlapping toes, I can help you select the best footwear for your child’s needs.
I notice that the only shoe you recommend for wide toes and narrow heel is New Balance. Are there no other brands? My 11 year old is developing a bunion and his toes look crunched together. He has a medium arch and occasionally complains of knee pain. We want to find a shoe he is willing to wear and will prevent the bunion from getting worse. What do you think about Altra shoes or Prio Running and Fitness by Xero? We were thinking about purchasing women’s sizes since he’s not yet big enough for men’s sizes.
Hello Nova,
The reason for this is that New Balance manufactures shoes that come with a round toe-box and a narrow heel at the same time.There might be certain styles made by Saucony, but very few. I am not familiar with the brands that you mention, but it seems like they are minimalist shoes. If your son is complaining about knee pain, we need a shoe that offers good support.
If you send me your son’s shoe size I will be able to send you specific shoe recommendations.
Our daughter has this issue and has struggled with pain. It’s a big relief to know that all of these options are out there to help her. Thank you for this article!
Hello Lexi,
If you provide her with the correct shoe size (the correct shoe length and also the correct shoe width), any of the shoe styles I describe in this article will significantly reduce the pain she is experiencing.