Middle Toe Longer Than the Big Toe – The Best Shoes to Keep Your Kids’ Feet Healthy!
Does your child have a middle toe that’s longer than the big toe? Finding shoes that fit properly can be surprisingly difficult and frustrating. You may feel like no matter how many styles you try, you always end up empty-handed. As a dedicated shoe fitter, I’ve seen just how common (and tricky) this issue can be. When the middle toe is the longest, it often causes rubbing or pressure at the tip of the toe, leading to discomfort, calluses, or blisters. The good news? The right shoe can make a world of difference.
Most Common Mistakes Parents Make
I’ve seen many well-meaning parents make the same two mistakes when trying to find comfortable shoes for their child with a longer middle toe:
❌ Buying larger shoes, thinking the extra length will stop the toe from rubbing. While this might seem like a quick fix, it often leads to an improper fit and poor foot support.
❌ Choosing extra wide shoes, assuming they’ll create more space for the toe. Width and length are not the same—extra width doesn’t always solve the issue if the front of the shoe isn’t deep or rounded enough.
Key Features in Shoes for Long Toes
When it comes to specific shoe brands and models, here are my top recommendations for 2025. These shoes have been selected for their ability to accommodate children with a longer middle toe. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Shoes for Middle Toe Longer Than the Big Toe
These shoes come in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths—so you can find the perfect fit to keep your child’s feet comfortable and supported.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. These New Balance wide shoes for the middle toe longer than the big toe 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 long 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 kids with long 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 a long middle toe. 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 long 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 kids with long 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 long 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
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s foot is unique, and finding the perfect shoe can sometimes require personalized advice. Don’t hesitate to reach out for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape. As a passionate shoe fitter, I am here to help you make informed decisions that will positively impact your child’s foot health.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Ordering shoes online can feel overwhelming—especially when your child has a unique foot shape. That’s why I created a virtual shoe fitting service to make the process easier and more accurate. With just a few simple steps from home, you’ll learn your child’s exact foot length, width (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide), and whether they have a high instep—so you can confidently choose the right shoes every time.
Bonus Resource: Comfortable and Wide Kids’ Socks
In addition to selecting the right shoes, choosing the right socks is vital for foot health. Look for comfortable, wide kids’ socks that are seamless and breathable. These socks complement the shoe’s fit and prevent irritation. By ensuring the socks fit well, you reduce the risk of blisters and other issues that can arise from friction.
Please, can you suggest shoes (or someone who could suggest a source) for adults with a longest third toe? I’m not a little kid any more, though I can still wear girl’s 5 1/2, that may not be an option in the future. Wide shoes don’t work: they’re generally too loose, and the slope from the big toe to the little to is still too steep to accommodate my long middle toe. I can wear shoes a size or so larger, but I tend to stumble in them, because of the excess length. I see men’s shoes that have a reasonbly square to, but usually, they’re not an option, either; they never come in sizes that are small enough for my feet.
Hello Michaela,
I am happy to help, but I need more information. Do you know whether your feet are narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide? Do you know whether you have a high instep or not? If you are unsure of your foot shape I suggest that you follow the instructions here:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width
We need to look for shoes that provide extra depth and rounded toe-boxes, and I suggest applying a specific shoe lacing technique to secure your heels and prevent your feet from moving too much inside the shoes:
How to Lace Kids’ Shoes to Prevent Heel Slippage – 3 Easy and Simple Steps!
As far as specific shoe recommendations are concerned, I am going to wait for you to tell me your exact foot shape and length.