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

June 26, 2025 Curly Toes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Has your child been diagnosed with curly toes? Don’t worry—this is one of the most common childhood foot conditions, and in most cases, it causes little to no trouble. While the exact cause isn’t always clear (it’s often hereditary), the right footwear can make a big difference. Shoes with a round toe-box and extra depth help relieve pressure and prevent the condition from worsening. Even though only 1 in 10 cases becomes problematic, it’s still important not to leave it untreated—proper shoes are a key part of managing curly toes.

Common Signs of Curly Toes – Be Proactive!

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 and can affect balance, comfort, and overall foot health. It’s vital to address curly toes early, as the first seven years of a child’s life present a golden opportunity for treatment, where supportive shoes can facilitate significant structural changes.

Curly toes often affect the third, fourth, and fifth toes. Look for signs like toes that curl under or appear claw-like—early detection can help prevent future complications.

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.

Why Narrow Shoes Could Be Harming Your Child’s Feet

Did you know that one of the leading causes of curly toes in children is wearing shoes that are too narrow or too shallow? I’ve seen it time and time again—tight shoes can cramp the toes, causing them to rub against each other or the sides of the shoe, which can worsen the condition. The key to preventing this is making sure your child wears shoes that give their toes room to move freely. In some cases, supportive orthotic insoles can also help slow or stop the progression of the deformity.

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Curly Toes?

Feature One: Extra Depth. Shoes with extra depth give curly toes the space they need to spread naturally, easing pressure and discomfort. They also leave room for orthotics or inserts, supporting healthy foot development.
shoes-with-round-toe-boxes-for-kids-with-flat-feet
Feature Two: Round Toe-Boxes. Round toe-boxes play a crucial role in promoting healthy foot development. Unlike narrow toe-boxes that can exacerbate the condition by squeezing toes together, round toe-boxes allow for a more natural toe position. This design minimizes friction and pressure, helping to alleviate pain and prevent further curling.

My Experience Fitting Shoes for Children with Curly Toes

While I’m not a doctor, I’ve had years of hands-on experience fitting shoes for children with unique foot shapes and conditions like curly toes. Most medical professionals don’t recommend treatment before age 5, since the condition often improves naturally as kids grow. I agree—there’s usually no need to intervene unless your child shows signs of discomfort, trouble with balance, or excessive pronation. But if those issues arise, the right pair of shoes can make a big difference in keeping your child comfortable and supported.

These are the deepest shoes with the roundest toe-boxes I’ve ever fitted, and they come in multiple widths—medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW)—to ensure the perfect fit. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Shoes for Children with Curly Toes

Selecting the best shoes for children with curly toes involves considering various factors, including rounded toe-boxes, extra depth, and materials. Here are my top recommendations for 2025:

1. Shoe Style Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite shoes for babies and toddlers with curly toes provide excellent width options (wide and extra wide) and a comfortable fit.

Shoe style Adalyn by Stride Rite for toddler girls with wide feet.
Shoe style Artie by Stride Rite for toddler boys with wide feet learning how to walk.
  • Order the shoe Artie and Adalyn by Stride Rite on Amazon or Zappos
  • Rounded edges to decrease stumbles and falls
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

2. NEW-B FIRST by New Balance

These New Balance shoes are a game-changer for babies and toddlers with curly toes Designed with generous width options and an extra roomy fit, this shoe makes slipping little feet in and out effortless.

New Balance shoes for babies.
Pink New Balance shoes for baby girls.
New Balance baby shoes.
  • Order the shoe NEW-B FIRST by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Breathable
  • Flex grooves for natural movement
  • Pull tab on the back
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your baby’s current foot size

3. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop

These New Balance wide shoes for curly toes offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support. The wide Velcro straps allow you to open the shoe widely for easy on and off.

New Balance kids shoe style 574 in purple color for girls.
New Balance shoe style 574 in grey for boys.
  • Order the shoe 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

4. See Kai Russell and Robyne

These See Kai Run shoes feature extra depth and wide toe boxes for children with curly toes. The double Velcro straps allow for easy on and off.

See Kai Run Russell shoe for boys.
See Kai Run Robyne for girls.
  • Order the shoe 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

5. Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These are the best New Balance shoes for curly toes and they are available with Velcro or laces. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
New Balance 990v6 toddler shoe in black and grey and with velcro closure.
  • Order the shoe 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

6. Ikiki Shoes

Ikiki shoes are a fantastic option for kids curly 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.

Ikiki shoes for toddlers with wide feet.
Ikiki shoes for kids who wear AFOs.
  • Order the shoe 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

7. See Kai Run Lucia Mary Jane

This Mary Jane features extra depth and a roomy toe box that provides ample space for your child’s toes, while the adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure, customized fit without pressure on the top of the toes.

See Kai Run Mary Jane Lucia in black patent for toddler girls.
  • Order the shoe 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

8. 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 curly toes.

New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
New Balance Fresh Foam 650 with round toe-boxes in white and pink for girls.
  • Order the shoe 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

9. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance

These New Balance extra wide shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes, making them ideal for children with curly toes. Parents like that these shoes are offered at an affordable price point.

New Balance Rave Run v2 in bright pink for girls.
New Balance Rave Run v2 in black for toddler boys.
New Balance Rave Run shoe with round toe-boxes for kids with wide feet in pink and grey.
New-Balance-Rave-Run-shoe-with-round-toe-boxes-for-kids-with-wide-feet
  • Order the shoe 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

10. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

These New Balance shoes with deep toe-box are ideal for kids with curly toes. Families appreciate how these shoes are available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in light blue for toddler girls.
New Balance kids Fresh Foam Arisihi with wide toe-boxes in navy blue for boys.
  • Order the shoe 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

11. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite

These Stride Rite extra wide shoes provide extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they accommodate your child’s wide feet.

Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in pink for toddler girls.
Stride Rite M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt in grey for toddler boys.
  • Order the shoe 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

What Are the Best Socks for Children with Curly Toes?

A common mistake many parents make is focusing only on shoes while overlooking the importance of the right socks. Just like poorly fitting shoes, the wrong socks can restrict toe movement and even worsen curly toe conditions. That’s why I always recommend seamless socks—they reduce friction, prevent rubbing between the toes, and allow for more natural toe alignment and movement. It’s a small change that can make a big difference!

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

One of the most important parts of choosing the right shoes is getting the size just right. Shoes that are too short or too narrow can make curly toes worse by increasing pressure and restricting natural movement.

Not sure what size or shape shoe your child needs? I created a free virtual shoe fitting service that makes it easy to measure your child’s feet from home—so you can get the right fit without the guesswork.

How to Get Personalized Shoe Recommendations

Every child’s feet are unique, and finding the perfect pair of shoes can sometimes require expert guidance. If you’re unsure about the best options for your child, don’t hesitate to contact me for personalized shoe recommendations. My experience in fitting children’s shoes allows me to provide tailored advice based on your child’s specific needs and foot condition.

Shoes with a wide toe box and proper support can make a big difference for children with curly toes—especially when the curling is caused by tight, ill-fitting footwear. Narrow shoes or those with elevated heels can force the toes into a cramped, curled position. In contrast, shoes that provide extra room allow the toes to spread out naturally, relieving pressure and encouraging healthier, straighter alignment over time.