Shoes for Ingrown Toenails – Prevent Your Child From Getting an Ingrown Toenail

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated and revised for accuracy on April 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of shoes for ingrown toenails.

There are certain specific kids’ shoes that provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes which help treat and prevent an ingrown toenail from getting worse.

If you have ever experienced an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it can be. Ingrown toenails can impact your children’s daily activities and prevent them from doing some of the things they love the most! An ingrown toenail might be red, swollen, and it may even drain pus!

Did you know that wearing the wrong shoe size is one of the main culprits for causing an ingrown toenail? Shoes that are too small or too narrow are a direct cause of ingrown toenails.

I had to deal with an ingrown toenail when I was a child, and I know how painful it can be!  At one point, I stopped playing soccer because the pain was unbearable. I remember that the pain started going away after wearing the correct pair of shoes. Something so simple as getting the correct shoe size can make a tremendous difference in keeping your kids’ feet healthy.

Always examine your child’s foot regularly, since most children may not express any discomfort even though they might have an ingrown toenail. If the ingrown toenail is left untreated or undetected, it may infect the underlying bone and might lead to a serious bone infection.

The most effective and proven method to prevent your child from suffering from an ingrown toenail is to wear the right type of shoes. Wearing shoes that have round toe-boxes can help prevent the toes from overlapping or rubbing  against one another or the side of the shoes.

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Ingrown Toenails?

✅ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your children’s toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. Let me show you the difference between a shoe with a round toe-box versus one with a narrow toe-box. The shoes below are the same length and width, but as you can see they will fit very differently.

My Experience Fitting Children’s Shoes

I have been fitting children’s shoes for over 10 years now, and I have seen a great number of children who have wide or extra feet. If these children are not wearing shoes that are wide enough, the toes will get cramped or pushed against the shoe. In addition to the risk of developing an ingrown toenail, they might also develop corns, calluses, and blisters.

Before I show you a selection of the best shoes for ingrown toenails let me show you what are some of the most common causes of ingrown toenails.

What Are the Causes for Ingrown Toenails? – Prevent the Pain!

There are 3 main causes of ingrown toenails:

• Cutting your kids’ toenails too short: Make sure you always cut your children’s toenails straight across, and never curved or too short.

• Wearing shoes that are too narrow.

• Wearing socks that are too small.

All of these factors contribute to developing an ingrown toenail. Keep that in mind next time you are looking for shoes for your child.

How Can We Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

Do your children already have an ingrown toenail? There are 3 different steps that will definitely help reduce, or completely eliminate the pain from an ingrown toenail.

✅ Soaking the sore toe in warm water for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day will reduce the swelling.

✅ Having the nail cut down by a podiatrist.

✅ Wearing shoes that have a wider toe box so they won’t press on the toenail.

How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented? – Learn the Facts!

Did you know that the best and most effective way to prevent ingrown toenails is to wear the correct shoe size?

Always avoid shoes that are too narrow that may squeeze the toes together. Wearing the right type of socks is also crucial to prevent the toes from being pushed against each other.

Seamless socks allow the toes to move freely inside the socks and prevent any sort of pressure between the toes. I created a post where I describe the best seamless socks and how to make sure you are getting the correct sock size. The post is called:

Seamless Socks for Kids – Stop the Struggle of Putting Socks On!

Below you can find the best fitting shoes for a child who has or has had an ingrown toenail. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.

The Best Shoes for Ingrown Toenails ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

These shoes are ideal because they have the roundest toe-boxes, guaranteeing that the big toe will get not get squeezed against the shoe or the other toes. These shoes can fit children with medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet.

Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra 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

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• 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)

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• Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)

• Hook-and-loop 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)

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• Synthetic and engineered mesh upper

• Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride

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

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• Synthetic and engineered mesh upper

• Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride

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

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• 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

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• 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

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• Fits medium and 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

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• Fits medium and wide feet (accommodates high insteps)

• 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

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• 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

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• 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

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

• Velcro closure

• ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance

• Mesh upper for durability and comfort

• Extra deep

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

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

• Velcro closure

• ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance

• Mesh upper for durability and comfort

• Extra deep

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

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• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths

• Velcro closure

• Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support your toddler walker’s needs

• Rubber outsole pods designed to stand up to daily wear and tear

• Extra deep

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

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• Leather and mesh upper for durability and breathability

• Hook-and-loop strap closure with elastic lace panel

• Anti-stink lining helps reduce odors

• Machine washable for quick and easy clean

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

Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)

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• Available in medium and wide widths

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• 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

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• Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)

• Dual hook-and-loop straps allow for a secure fit and custom adjustability

• 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

---

• 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)

---

• 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)

---

• 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)

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• Leather upper

• Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort

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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off 

• 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

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• Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)

• Lace-up closure

• Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles

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

---

• 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

---

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Lightweight EVA midsole

• Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability

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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Lace-up closure

• Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort

• Firm heel counter

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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Lace-up closure

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)

• 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

---

• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)

• Lace-up closure

• 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

---

• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)

• Lace-up closure

• ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance

• Leather/mesh upper

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

---

• Available in medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)

• Lace-up closure

• ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance

• Leather/mesh upper

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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes

• Lace-Up closure

• Non-marking outsole

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

---

• Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)

• 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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Lace-up closure

• Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel increases comfort

• Firm heel counter

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

---

• Available in medium and wide widths

• Lace-up closure

• 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 Shoe Size You Should Order?

In each of the descriptions of the shoes I indicate whether you need to order a half a size or a whole size bigger than your child’s foot size to provide the correct amount of growing room.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

If none of these shoes are available in your child’s shoe size or if you need the shoes to be made of a specific color don’t hesitate to email me at:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Keeping Your Kids’ Toenails Healthy – It All Starts with the Right Shoe

If your child has an ingrown toenail and got infected, oral antibiotics may be required as a treatment.

It is important that you take your child to your local children’s shoe store to have their feet properly measured and shoes properly fitted. However, most parents don’t have a local kids’ shoe store in their area that they trust.

Take a look at a resource that I created where I describe the best fitting children’s shoe stores by state:

The Best Kids’ Shoe Stores In The United States – Where To Go For Proper Fittings

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

If you don’t have a good fitting shoe store in your area then take a look at a different article I wrote where I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not:

How to Measure Your Kids’ Foot – 2 Simple Steps to Determine Foot Length and Foot Width

I have spoken with several parents of children who have been dealing with ingrown toenails for years. They said that they went to a podiatrist to have the nail properly trimmed, and applied all different types of home remedies as well as topical antibiotics to reduce the infection. I explained to them the importance of wearing the right type of shoes, and they were shocked that they did not think about this earlier.

Imagine having an ingrown toenail and wearing shoes that are too narrow. Your toes would be cramped together and there would be more pressure placed on the ingrown toenail. The pain would become unbearable!

If your child happens to have wide or extra wide feet, and you can’t seem to find them the right type of shoes, I created a post that will show you the best shoes for children with extra wide feet:

Children Extra Wide Shoes – Prevent Blisters, Calluses, and Corns!

Is your child suffering from an ingrown toenail? Have you found a particular shoe that has worked well in treating the ingrown toenail? Please share your experiences below so we can all benefit from your experiences.