Big Toe Overlapping the Second Toe – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes!
Are you having a hard time finding shoes for your child that has the big toe overlapping the second toe? Do you feel like you try several different shoes but you always end up empty-handed? The most common reason why the big toe overlaps the second toe is from wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow. Another reason why your kids’ toes might be overlapping each other is genetics, which normally includes Morton’s toe – unusually long second toe and stiff tendons.
The most common mistake that I see parents make when trying to resolve this issue is to buy larger shoes to allow extra space for the child’s toes. This usually ends in compromising your child’s stability and creating foot issues due to the excessive foot movement inside the shoes.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Overlapping Toes?
There are actually 2 other key features that the shoes I recommend provide:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows your kid’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevent the big toe from rubbing against the other toes or the side of the shoes. Let me show you the difference between a shoe that provides extra depth and one that doesn’t:
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your kids’ toes from overlapping one another or rubbing against the side of the shoes. Let me show you the difference between a pair of shoes that provides a rounder toe-box versus one that doesn’t:
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 kids’ toes overlap or rub against each other they are more likely to develop blisters, calluses, or corns. Some other issues include the formation of ingrown toenails and even hammer toes. Something so simple such as providing your child with the correct pair of shoes will prevent all these issues from happening.
I will show you a selection of the best shoes for children who are dealing with their big toe overlapping the second toe shortly, but first, let me show you how you can figure out your child’s foot size from home. If you are going to be buying your kids’ shoes online, you need to be 100% sure of your child’s exact foot size.
I always recommend parents take their children to their local fitting children’s shoe store that they trust, the issue is that most fitting stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order.
I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.
How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.
In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Now that you know how to figure out your child’s foot size from home, let’s take a look at what features the shoes I describe below provide.
Shoes for Big Toe Overlapping the Second Toe – 4 Important Features!
To prevent your child’s big toe to overlap the second toe, the shoes must provide extra depth and come with rounder toe-boxes. These are the 4 most important additional features that the shoes I recommend provide:
1️⃣ Arch Support: This feature helps minimize the impact that your kids’ feet and legs take every time they become in contact with the ground.
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This feature provides ankle support and prevents ankle injuries.
3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: The shoes must be supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your child’s feet and legs from easily getting tired.
4️⃣ Durability: All of the shoe styles described below are durable, meaning that your children should always outgrow their shoes before they wear them out.
Now that you know what features these shoes provide and how to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home, you are ready to see a selection of the best shoes for children who have their big toe overlapping the second toe.
I only recommend shoes that I have fitted before, as that is the only way for me to know what type of features the shoes provide, the quality that the shoes are made of, and also how they fit. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Shoes for Kids with Their Big Toe Overlapping the Second Toe
Below you can find a selection of the best shoes for kids that are dealing with their big toe overlapping the second toe. These shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths.
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- APMA Certified
- Traction pods on the outsole for serious grip
- EVA midsole for lightweight feel
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- Lightweight and flexible
- Extra wide toe box allows natural splaying of toes for better balance, comfort, and foot health
- Long heel counter provides stability
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your toddler’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 650
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Recycled material linings to help reduce odor
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Toe cap reinforcement and bumptoe protection against stumbles
- Opens super wide which makes in and out easy
- Step-stabilizing design with comfy Ortholite memory foam footbeds
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Breathable textile lining and cushioned insole
- Double velcro straps for easy on and off adjustability
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Canvas upper
- Toe cap is durable for early steps
- Double velcro straps
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- APMA approved
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
- Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
- Extra deep
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Stitched-on toe cap for extra durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run
- Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Double velcro straps
- Removable, contoured, leather-lined footbed for breathability and comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Heel stabilizer provides stability
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
- Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Removable insoles
- The insoles are Infused with natural Green Tea extract (no chemicals)
- Machine washable
- Order this shoe the same size as your child’s current foot size (shoe fits long)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam 650 Bungee by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Velcro closure
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Available in laces
- Leather and mesh upper
- No-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Axon by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Axon by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 327 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- New Balance shoe style FuelCell Propel v5
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 574 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- ENCAP midsole cushioning provides good arch and heel support
- Leather and suede upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Now that you know which are the best shoes for children who are dealing with their big toe overlapping the second toe you are ready to make the most informed decision.
The Best Kids’ Socks to Prevent Toes from Overlapping – Seamless!
Socks act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes, preventing the formation and buildup of bacteria inside the shoes. In addition, there is a particular type of sock that can prevent your kids’ toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another.
Have you ever heard of seamless socks?
These types of socks are great because they won’t constrict toe movement and allow your kids’ toes to freely move. These are the type of socks I recommend for children who have wide or extra wide feet and they are also great for those children that feel every lump and bump.
While I can’t get into too much detail about the best seamless socks for kids in this post, I describe the best seamless socks for kids in another article. Go to the link below:
Get a Personalized Suggestion
Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:
Have you found a particular shoe that has worked well in preventing your kids’ toes from overlapping one another? Please share your findings below so other families can benefit from your experiences.
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.