How to Prevent Your Toddler Overlapping Toes from Getting Worse – Take Action Immediately!
Have you noticed your toddler’s toes overlapping, or developed blisters or corns from constant rubbing? Overlapping toes are usually caused by genetics or womb positioning—nothing you could have prevented—but acting early is key. In this article, I’ll show you how to prevent your toddler’s overlapping toes from getting worse using two effective solutions: properly fitted shoes and gel toe separators. Don’t wait for your child to “grow out of it”—early intervention makes all the difference.
Do Your Toddler’s Toes Overlap One Another? – Be Proactive!
Many parents wonder if overlapping toes will resolve on their own or require surgery. Often, toes straighten as toddlers grow and start walking. However, if you notice changes in your child’s gait or persistent overlapping, act quickly. Waiting it out can lead to irritation, blisters, calluses, or corns, making the problem worse.
Selecting the right shoes can make a big difference for toddlers with overlapping toes. Shoes with round toe-boxes and extra depth provide ample room. This design minimizes pressure and allows natural toe alignment.
The Importance of Shoes with Round Toe-Boxes and Extra Depth
Shoes that are too narrow in the front can worsen overlapping toes by squeezing and rubbing your toddler’s toes together. Thankfully, you don’t need special orthopedic shoes—just everyday sneakers with these two essential features.
Finding the right shoes is crucial for preventing overlapping toes and supporting foot health. In 2025, several brands are leading the way in designing shoes that prioritize these needs. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes that Prevent Overlapping Toes – My Top Picks
These shoes are designed to comfortably fit various foot shapes, including wide and extra wide. Be sure to choose the right width to give your child the perfect fit.
1. 574 by New Balance
This is one of my go-to shoes for overlapping toes as it provides round toe-boxes, extra depth, and it’s available in extra wide widths. Parents like that the shoe opens up widely and it’s easy to get on and off, making it one of the top sneakers for toddlers with overlapping toes.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 574 New-b V1 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Durable rubber outsole pods
- Synthetic/mesh upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
2. IKIKI
These Ikiki shoes for overlapping toes provide oversized openings for easy on and off and have become a favorite among parents for their fun designs and practicality.
Key Features
- 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
3. 990v6 by New Balance
These are the best shoes for overlapping toes and they are the deepest and widest shoes on the market right now. However, many families complain about the high price tag.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 990v6 New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
4. M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite toddler extra wide shoes for overlapping toes provide extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they fit along your toddler’s fat feet and high instep.
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
5. Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes are ideal for toddlers with overlapping toes and are known for their plush cushioning and lightweight feel.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Fresh Foam Arisihi by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and extra wide widths
- No-sew tip for added durability where kids need it most
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Personalized Shoe Recommendations: Why They Matter
Every child’s foot is unique. A tailored approach to shoe selection can make a significant difference. Properly fitted shoes not only improve comfort but also support foot development and prevent overlapping toes from worsening. Personalized recommendations consider your child’s specific needs and foot shape so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Besides choosing the right shoes, there are other helpful solutions. Gel toe separators and seamless socks can improve comfort and keep your toddler’s toes properly aligned. Together, these simple tools can play a big role in protecting your child’s foot health.
The Role of Gel Toe Separators and Seamless Socks
Gel toe separators can offer gentle alignment for overlapping toes. They fit comfortably between toes, helping to reduce friction and discomfort. This simple tool can make a big difference in foot health.
This gel toe separator gently straightens your toddler’s overlapping toes, helping to correct the issue without surgery. Parents love it because it keeps little toes comfortably aligned and in the right position.
- Order the 6 PCS GloDeals Toe Separator on Amazon
- Each piece can be worn on either foot, they are not right/left specific.
- This gel toe-separator can be washed by hand in normal temperature water and can be dried naturally.
The Importance of Ordering the Correct Shoe Size
Choosing the right shoe size is key to keeping your child’s feet healthy as they grow. Tight or narrow shoes can crowd the toes, causing overlapping and other foot problems. That’s why it’s so important to measure your child’s feet regularly and ensure their shoes leave plenty of room for natural toe movement and comfort.
Can’t believe that you are recommending kids shoes with huge heels and thick padded soles. Wider toe box -yes ! But not those soles which wreck kids gait and arch. There are so many barefoot kids shoe brands out there that offer flat and flexible shoes which are best for kids feet- Splay, Wildling, Tikki, Vivobarefoot etc. I’m guessing you are probably paid by Nike though to recommend their foot-deforming ‘shoes’
Hello Luna,
First of all, none of the shoes I recommend in this article are made by Nike. Before you jump to conclusions please make sure that you read the whole article. I don’t usually recommend Nike shoes for toddlers because their shoes tend to fit on the narrower side and are not available in different widths such as wide (W) or extra wide (XW) widths.
If you prefer minimalist shoes for your children that’s fine, there’s nothing wrong with those shoes, the same way that there is nothing wrong with shoes that are more substantial and supportive than minimalist shoes.
Yuppie Karen thinks she knows best because her little Fintan wears them. 🙂