Is Your Child Second Toe Crossing Over the Big Toe? – Try Deep Shoes with Round Toe-Boxes!
Have you noticed your child’s second toe crossing over the big toe? This is a condition that is most often seen in adults, but it can occur at any age. This condition is believed to be hereditary, but It may also result from your child wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow.
Most parents don’t notice that their children have the second toe crossing over the big toe until the child starts to walk. You will have a better chance of noticing if your child has this condition by looking at the toes while your child is weight-bearing rather than off weight-bearing.
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
Is there a Treatment for Overlapping Toes?
Did you know that simply taping the toe in a straight position has a high success rate in newborns? The older your child gets, the higher the chance that the toes will become rigid and require surgery. You should definitely consult your medical professional about this procedure.
The earlier you treat your child’s overlapping toe, the better the outcome will likely be. You should always start by trying conservative measures to reduce pain and discomfort, but if these don’t work, your medical professional may recommend surgery.
Conservative Measures for Treating Your Child’s Overlapping Toes
I suggest making sure that your child wears shoes that provide extra depth and rounded toe-boxes, and that the shoes fit the shape of your child’s feet correctly (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide).
It’s important that your child’s shoes don’t make this condition worse by making the toes overlap or rub against one another or the side of the shoes.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Ideal for Kids with Overlapping Toes?
The shoes I recommend provide two important features that help prevent the child’s toes from overlapping with each other:
1️⃣ Rounded Toe-Boxes allow extra space in the front part of the shoes to prevent your child’s toes from overlapping or rubbing against one another. The shoes below are the same size, but do you notice how the shoe on the right (New Balance) has a rounded toe-box compared to the shoe on the left (Nike)?
2️⃣ Extra Depth allows the child’s feet to sit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top front part of your child’s toes from rubbing against the top front part of the shoes. The shoes below are the same size but the shoe on the right (New Balance) is a lot deeper than the shoe on the left (Nike).
I am going to show you a selection of shoes that provide these 2 important features, but keep in mind that if you don’t order the shoes in the correct size (length and width) you will defeat all of the benefits that the shoes have to offer.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Child?
If you have a good-fitting children’s shoe store in your area I suggest that you take your child there to be properly measured and fitted for shoes. However, most specialized children’s shoe stores have been closing down lately (even before the pandemic), so parents are increasingly ordering their children’s shoes online.
If you are unsure of your child’s exact foot length and shape I suggest that you follow the instructions in a different article I created.
Now that you know your child’s foot size, let’s take a look at the best shoes for kids with their second toe crossing over the big toe. 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 Second Toe Crossing Over the Big Toe
The shoes below are available in different widths such as 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
Looking for Other Shoe Recommendations?
If you are looking for a different shoe style in a different color don’t hesitate to contact me with your child’s foot shape and location and I will provide you with different shoe recommendations. You can also let me know whether you are looking for a pair of sneakers or seasonal footwear such as sandals or boots:
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 to focus solely on footwear and ignore the importance of wearing the correct type of socks. Just like shoes, the wrong type of socks can constrict toe movement and make your child’s curly toe condition worsen.
I usually recommend seamless socks for children with overlapping toes as they help prevent the toes from overlapping one another. You also need to make sure that you don’t order socks that are too small.
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 pain or straighten your toes.
