Best Shoes for Kids with Six Toes: Extra Deep with Round Toe Boxes

Last updated: October 27, 2026 · By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter


Does your child have an extra toe, and nothing seems to fit? Kids with six toes need extra room at the front of the shoe, and most shoes are too narrow, too shallow, or both. The result is blisters, rubbing, and toes pushed over one another. As a certified children’s shoe fitter with over 10 years of experience, I’ve helped many families with this, and the shoes that work have the same features: extra depth, a round toe box, and an opening that’s easy to get on.


Fitting Shoes for Six Toes (Polydactyly)

Having an extra toe is called polydactyly. The extra toe is usually next to the little toe or the big toe, and it can be on one foot or both. Sometimes the extra toe is joined to the toe next to it, and sometimes there’s an extra bone (metatarsal) in the foot, which makes the front of the foot even wider.

Fitting a child with six toes isn’t that different from fitting any child. The difference is that the extra toe takes up room, so the shoe needs more space at the front, both side to side and top to bottom. Without that room, toes get squeezed together, rub against the shoe, and push over each other.

The extra toe makes the front of the foot wider, so the shoe needs more room there.
An extra toe next to the little toe is the most common type.
Image of a child's foot with six toes.
An additional example of a child with six toes.

What to Look for in Shoes for Six Toes

A Round Toe Box

This is the most important feature. A round, roomy toe box gives all six toes space to spread out side by side, so they don’t rub or overlap. Avoid pointed or tapered toes.

A New Balance round toe box (right) compared with a pointier Nike shoe.

Extra Depth

Extra depth means more room between the sole and the top of the shoe. It keeps the top of the toes from being pressed down, so your child can wear the shoes all day.

The difference in depth between a New Balance and a Stride Rite shoe.

An Extra Wide Width

Many kids with six toes need a shoe labeled extra wide (XW), not just wide (W). If a shoe isn’t sold in widths, it needs to fit naturally wide.


When One Foot Is Wider Than the Other

Many kids have six toes on only one foot, so one foot is wider than the other. This is one of the most common questions parents ask me. A few tips:

  • Choose a deep shoe rather than just a wide one. A deep, round-toe shoe makes room for the extra toe without being too loose on the narrower foot.
  • Fit the wider foot first. Then fill extra space in the other shoe with a thicker sock or an extra insole.
  • Use laces. They let you tighten one shoe more than the other.
  • Ask about split sizes. Some stores sell a different size or width for each foot.

Before and After Surgery

Some families choose to have the extra toe removed, often around age 1 or 2. Your child’s doctor will recommend whether and when. Until then, your child still needs shoes that fit, and the picks below work well.

After surgery, follow your child’s surgeon’s advice about when to go back to regular shoes. Once the foot has healed, many kids still need a roomy, round toe box, especially if the foot is wide.


How to Get the Right Size

  • Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
  • Choose the widest width available, usually extra wide (XW).
  • Check the toes. When your child stands, their toes shouldn’t be squeezed together or pushed over each other. Red marks on the extra toe mean the shoe is too tight.

Not sure of your child’s size or width? Here’s how to measure your child’s feet.


My Top Shoe Picks for Kids with Six Toes

New Balance is my go-to brand for kids with six toes, because it’s the most consistent at making deep shoes with round toe boxes in extra wide. See Kai Run, Stride Rite, and Ikiki also make a few styles that work. If a shoe isn’t available in wide widths, it fits naturally wide.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click and make a purchase.

990v6 by New Balance

One of New Balance’s deepest and widest kids’ sneakers, with laces or Velcro. It comes in wide and extra wide and opens up wide for easy on and off.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Removable insoles

Dean Adapt II by See Kai Run

An adaptive shoe with extra-long straps and extra depth, so it opens all the way for a wide foot.

Designed for children with wide feet or orthotics, these sneakers feature double Velcro straps, extra depth, and oversized openings for easy on and off.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths, but fits naturally wide
  • Double extra long Velcro straps

Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite

A roomy Mary Jane with an adjustable strap, available in extra wide, for everyday or dressier occasions.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Ortholite memory foam footbed

Ikiki Shoes

Ikiki shoes are designed with a focus on functionality and fun. They feature a wide toe box that supports natural foot movement, and many of their designs include playful characters and bright colors that children love.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Not available in wide or extra wide widths, but fits naturally wide
  • Wide opening makes it easy to put on and take off
  • Synthetic vegan leather
  • Squeaks can be turned on/off with a switch

M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite

These sneakers are part of the Stride Rite adaptable line and come with extra long Velcro straps and are available in extra wide widths.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Mesh upper

Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance

The shoe features a wide toe box and plush cushioning, making it perfect for everyday wear. Parents often highlight the shoe’s ability to maintain its shape and support even after prolonged use, underscoring its durability.

Navy and lavender New Balance lace-up kids sneakers displayed side by side. Available in wide and extra wide widths, these lightweight sneakers provide a comfortable, supportive fit for children with wider feet.
Navy and lavender New Balance kids sneakers with Velcro straps displayed side by side. Available in wide and extra wide widths, these supportive sneakers provide a comfortable fit for children with wider feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Available in extra wide widths
  • Fresh foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Padded collar and tongue

Rave Run v2 by New Balance

The Rave Run V2 by New Balance is available in wide and extra wide widths and has received positive feedback from parents who appreciate the shoe’s price point and durability.

Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths, these lightweight sneakers provide a comfortable fit for different foot shapes.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the Velcro version on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Order the lace-up version on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in wide and extra wide widths
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Padded collar and tongue

What About Sandals and Crocs?

Sandals with open toes and adjustable straps can work well, since there’s no toe box to squeeze the extra toe. Look for sandals that come in wide or extra wide and have a closed back for support. Here are my picks for extra wide sandals for toddlers and kids.

Crocs have a very round, roomy toe box, so they often fit an extra toe. But they don’t give much support or stability, so keep them for short wear, like the pool or the beach.


If Extra Wide Still Isn’t Wide Enough

Some kids, especially those with an extra bone in the foot, find that even extra wide shoes are too tight. A few things can help:

  • Try a deeper style. The New Balance 990 is one of the deepest and widest kids’ sneakers.
  • Have the shoes stretched. A shoe repair shop can stretch leather shoes, or you can use a shoe stretcher to add a little room at the toes.
  • Email me photos. I can look at your child’s feet and point you to the widest styles available where you live.

If the bone of the extra toe sticks out and the shoe presses on it painfully, talk to your child’s doctor.


Socks Matter Too

Tight or seamed socks can rub the extra toe just like a tight shoe. I recommend seamless socks, which have no seam across the toes and give all six toes room to spread out.


Let Them Go Barefoot at Home

Barefoot time on safe surfaces, like at home, on grass, or on sand, lets your child’s toes spread out naturally and helps build strength in their feet.


Need Help Choosing?

If you’re struggling to find shoes that fit your child’s extra toe, email me. Send your child’s shoe size, a few photos of their feet, and the country you live in, so I can recommend styles you can actually buy. If you’ve found a shoe that works for your child, please share it in the comments so other families can benefit.


Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child has six toes on only one foot?

Choose a deep, round-toe shoe rather than just a wide one, and fit the wider foot first. Use a thicker sock or an extra insole in the other shoe, and laces to tighten one shoe more than the other.

Should I buy wide or extra wide shoes for six toes?

Usually extra wide (XW). If the shoe isn’t sold in widths, choose one that fits naturally wide.

Are Crocs good for kids with six toes?

They fit the extra toe well because the toe box is so round, but they don’t give much support. Keep them for short wear, like the pool or the beach.

What if extra wide shoes are still too tight?

Try a deeper style like the New Balance 990, have leather shoes stretched, or email me photos of your child’s feet so I can help.