Is Your Child Second Toe Crossing Over the Big Toe? – Try Deep Shoes with Round Toe-Boxes!
Is your child’s second toe crossing over the big toe? While this condition is more common in adults, it can appear in children too—often going unnoticed until your child begins to walk. It’s believed to be hereditary, but poorly fitting shoes (too short, narrow, or loose) can worsen it. To spot it early, observe your child’s toes while they’re standing. Left unaddressed, this issue can lead to bunions or other foot deformities. Choosing properly fitted shoes with enough length and width is key to helping prevent progression and supporting healthy foot development.
Narrow Shoes Can Aggravate Your Child’s Condition
Shoes that are too tight can force your child’s toes out of alignment and gradually cause a toe to overlap. Other factors that can make your child more prone to developing overlapping toes are:
- Flat Feet
- High arches
- Overpronation
Conservative Measures for Treating Your Child’s Overlapping Toes
To help manage your child’s overlapping toes, it’s essential to choose shoes with extra depth and a rounded, roomy toe box. This ensures there’s enough space for the toes to lie flat and move naturally, without rubbing against each other or the sides of the shoe. The right shoes can prevent added pressure and keep the condition from worsening.
Why Are These Shoes Perfect for Kids with Overlapping Toes?
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child?
Ensuring that your child wears the correct shoe size is paramount to their foot health. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can exacerbate conditions like the second toe crossing over the big toe, potentially leading to issues such as bunions or other deformities.
With the decline of specialized children’s shoe stores—even before the pandemic—more parents are turning to online shopping for their kids’ shoes. That’s why I created a virtual shoe fitting service to help you accurately determine your child’s shoe size from the comfort of your home. Through this resource, you’ll find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet—and I’ll also help you identify if they have a high instep, which can impact fit and comfort.
As a shoe fitter dedicated to children’s foot health, I constantly evaluate the best shoe options available. Here are my top picks for 2025 that cater specifically to children with overlapping toes. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase.
Best Shoes for Kids with their Second Toe Crossing Over the Big Toe
The shoes below come in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths—be sure to choose the right one to give your child’s toes plenty of room to move and grow comfortably.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. These New Balance wide shoes for overlapping toes offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support.
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 children with overlapping toes.
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 overlapping toes.
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 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
Looking for Other Shoe Recommendations?
Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the right shoe can sometimes be challenging. As a shoe fitter, I’m here to help families find the perfect fit for their children. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized shoe recommendations that take into account your child’s specific foot shape and condition.
Other Conservative Measures for Treating Your Child’s Overlapping Toes
Use toe separators: You can buy these at most drugstores or online retailers, or your foot doctor may make one for your child. This toe separator is going to help correct your toddler’s overlapping toes without surgery by straightening your toddler’s toes with gentle pressure. Parents love this gel toe-separator because it will keep your toddler’s toes in the correct position.
The Importance of Wearing the Correct Types of Socks
One common mistake parents make is focusing only on shoes while overlooking the impact of socks. Just like poorly fitted shoes, the wrong socks can restrict toe movement and aggravate curly or overlapping toes. I recommend seamless socks , as they reduce friction and help keep the toes aligned instead of overlapping. Also, be sure to avoid socks that are too small, as they can bunch up and put extra pressure on your child’s toes.
Complications of Overlapping Toes
- General Foot Pain: When your child’s toes overlap or rub against one another or the side of the shoes it can lead to inflammation and irritation of the toes, leading to foot pain.
- Impact Your Child’s Natural Gait: Children might change their walking gait to avoid the pain, which can later lead to other problems or even exacerbate the issue.
- Corns, Callouses, and Blisters: These foot issues can develop due to friction between the toes.
Surgery may be recommended if conservative methods don’t help to relieve your child’s pain or straighten the toes, so be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” as your child’s condition will not magically disappear.
