Shoes for Children with Curly Toes – Extra Depth and Rounder Toe-Boxes!

April 2, 2023 Curly Toes Juan Pablo Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Has your child been diagnosed with curly toes? The cause of why children develop curly toes is not always known, and it is believed to be hereditary. The good news is that this condition can be treated by wearing the correct pair of shoes and in some cases, depending on the degree of the condition, orthotics as well. In this resource, I am going to show you a list of the best shoes for children with curly toes.

If your child has been diagnosed with curly toes, don’t panic! Did you know that curly toes are one of the most common foot problems in childhood? After going through several studies I found out that only 1 in 10 cases of curly toes causes trouble. However, this doesn’t mean that the condition should be left untreated.

The Importance of Being Proactive!

There is one thing I am always emphasizing to parents of children with foot issues: Addressing your child’s foot conditions from an early stage can prevent future foot, knee, leg, back, and neck problems.

I always recommend parents to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating their children’s foot conditions. Leaving your children’s foot conditions untreated can only lead to the condition getting worse.

Curly toes are quite common and are usually present at birth, and are also referred to as overlapping and underlapping toes. This condition tends to affect the third, fourth, and fifth toes.

It’s important that we work on moving the toes apart and aligning them correctly, which will help prevent problems with the foot later on. If you leave this condition untreated, your child might have to deal with joint deformity, calluses formation, or skin breakdown due to the constant rubbing. Your child will also be more prone to develop calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails and corns.

Common Signs of Curly Toes

The curly toe can be quite visible, but this condition might go unnoticed until the child starts to walk. You will have a better chance of noticing if your child has a curly toe by looking at the toes while your child is weight-bearing rather than off weight-bearing.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms include open sores, inflammation and redness, burning sensation on the affected toe, toe pain or irritation when wearing shoes, and a thickening of the skin between the toes, on the ball of the foot, or elsewhere.

What Causes Curly Toes?

Did you know that wearing shoes that are too narrow or too shallow are one of the most common causes of curly toes? I have seen several cases of children with curly toes, and the one thing that you must make sure of is that you provide your child with shoes that don’t constrict the toes. The correct type of shoes and in certain cases, orthotic insoles, will help prevent the progression of the deformity.

When children wear shoes that are too narrow, the toes get cramped inside the shoes and start rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes.

I am not a doctor, but I have a lot of experience when it comes to fitting children’s shoes. From my experience fitting hundreds of kids, I have become familiar with the best shoe brands for children with curly toes and the best styles among those brands.

Most doctors don’t recommend any treatment before the child reaches the age of 5, since this condition can improve spontaneously with growth between the first 6 years of life.

I also don’t recommend any intervention as long as your child is not complaining about pain with activity. If you notice that your child starts having stability issues, excessive pronation, or complains about foot pain, then please make sure that your child is wearing the correct pair of shoes.

One of the biggest issues that parents of children with curly toes face is finding shoes that fit properly. There are 2 key features that your kids’ shoes must provide to help treat and prevent this condition from worsening:

1️⃣ Extra Depth: Shoes that provide extra depth allow the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, and prevent the top part of the feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Most importantly, shoes that provide extra depth help prevent the child’s toes from rubbing against one another or the top part of the shoes.

Let me show you what I mean by shoes that provide extra depth. Let’s compare a shoe that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t. These shoes are the same length and width, but as you can see they will fit very differently:

To help you better visualize the difference in depth, I fitted an orthotic inside 2 shoes. Do you notice how the orthotic is fitting a lot deeper in the shoe on the right compared to the shoe on the left?

2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: Shoes with rounder toe-boxes also help prevent the child’s toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes.

Let’s compare a shoe with a round toe-box versus one with a pointier one. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a much rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left?

shoes-with-round-toe-boxes-for-kids-with-flat-feet

Parents are often confused as to how they are supposed to find shoes that provide extra depth and a rounder toe-box if shoes don’t come labeled that way. The only way to tell if a shoe provides those 2 features is by having fitted the shoe before.

In addition to finding shoes that provide those two key features, we also need the shoes to be supportive, lightweight, and flexible.

I am going to make things easy for you and provide you with a selection of shoes that provide all of those features, but please keep in mind that if you don’t provide your child with the correct shoe size, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer.

This is why I always recommend parents take their kids to be properly fitted for shoes at their specialized children’s shoe store. The issue is that most stores have been closing down, and parents don’t know where to take their kids to be properly fitted for shoes.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

Start by taking a look at a resource I created where I showcase the best children’s shoe stores by state.

If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a store in your area, then take a look at an article that I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home.

Now that you know what features the shoes I recommend provide and how to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home, you are ready to take a look at a selection of the best shoes for kids with curly toes.

These are the deepest shoes with the roundest toe-boxes that I have fitted before, and they are also available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW). 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.

The first selection of shoes is for babies who are learning how to walk or in the process of already walking unassisted.

The Best Shoes for Curly Toes: Babies

Boys

Shoe style SRT SM Artie by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls

APMA approved and built for first-time walkers

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style 2510 Racer by Tsukihoshi

Fits medium and wide feet

Heel stabilizer provides lateral stability

Removable insoles

Machine washable

Order this shoe the same size as your baby’s foot size (shoe fits long)

Shoe style Wes by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles

APMA approved

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style SM Adamby Stride Rite

Available in medium and wide widths

Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles

Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Stevie II by See Kai Run

Fits medium and wide feet

Rubber outsole is flexible yet durable and provides the needed traction for first steps

Padded heel and tongue keeps the baby’s feet comfortable

Wide openings make on and off quick and easy

Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Martin by Stride Rite

Available in medium and wide widths

Seamless construction cradle the baby’s natural shape

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles

Oversized opening and pull tab on the back offer easy on and off

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Kennedy by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Seamless construction that cradles the foot’s natural shape

APMA approved

Oversized opening for easy-on

Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style SM Zip Runner by Stride Rite

Available in medium and wide widths

Oversized opening for easy on and off

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

Machine washable

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

100% leather made

Sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip

Lace-up closure

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Girls

Shoe style SM Adalyn by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Oversized opening for easy on and off

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

APMA approved

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Zips Runner by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Oversized opening for easy on and off

Padded tongue and collar

APMA approved

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Susie Mary Jane by See Kai Run

Fits medium and wide feet

Black patent leather upper with full leather lining and insole

Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Oversized opening for easy on and off

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

APMA approved

Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Stevie II by See Kai Run

Fits medium and wide feet

Rubber outsole is flexible yet durable and provides the needed traction for first steps

Padded heel and tongue keeps the baby’s feet comfortable

Wide openings make on and off quick and easy

Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Thompson by Stride Rite

Available in medium and wide widths

Oversized opening for easy on and off

Flexible, rounded, slip-resistant soles encourage natural motion and help improve balance

APMA approved

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style SRT Elliot by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

100% leather made

Sensory pods to feel the ground beneath for better traction and grip

Lace-up closure

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style Soft Motion Baby by Stride Rite

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

Over-sized opening for easy on/off

APMA approved and built for first-time walkers

Order this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

Shoe style StevieII by See Kai Run

Fits medium and wide feet

Rubber outsole is flexible yet durable and provides the needed traction for first steps

Padded heel and tongue keeps the baby’s feet comfortable

Wide openings make on and off quick and easy

Order this shoe half a size larger than your baby’s current foot size

The Best Shoes for Curly Toes: Toddlers and Older Kids

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

What Are the Best Socks for Children with Curly Toes?

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 recommend parents to provide their children with seamless socks, as seamless socks help reduce the likelihood of your child’s toes rubbing or overlapping against one another.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble finding a particular shoe style for your child’s particular foot condition or “complicated” foot shape. My e-mail address is: [email protected]

Before trying a more invasive option, I always recommend fitting the child in the correct pair of shoes, and if needed, shoe inserts with a toe raise to help the toes align correctly. Toe spacers that go between the toes are not as effective in holding the toes apart, but they are another option you might want to try.

It’s really important that you provide your child with the correct pair of shoes to help treat the condition and prevent it from getting worse, since shoes that are too narrow and/or too shallow can be a contributing cause for curly toes.