The Best Shoes for Hallux Valgus – Prevent Your Child from Developing Bunions!
Have you noticed a bony bump at the base of your child’s big toe? Hallux Valgus or what is commonly known as bunions is a foot deformity that affects the big toe. While bunions are more common in adults, kids can develop them too, thanks to factors like genetics and how their feet are shaped. Good-fitting shoes play a key role in preventing and treating your child’s bunion from getting worse.
Furthermore, children who have foot conditions such as flat feet or an irregular foot structure are also more likely to get bunions. Improper footwear is another culprit, especially shoes that are too tight. Early detection can make a huge difference in managing this condition and minimizing discomfort.
My Experience Fitting Shoes for Children with Bunions
I work for a children’s shoe store that helps children with “complicated” foot shapes and foot conditions find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet. Shoes with roomy toe boxes are essential. They’re going to give your child’s toes plenty of breathing room, preventing any unnecessary squeezing. No more cramped big toes! Then we’ve got cushioning and support, which are key to providing extra comfort and reducing pressure on the bunion. Shoes with good support can help distribute weight evenly, which can ease strain and reduce discomfort.
Are Girls More Prone to Developing Bunions Than Boys?
I have seen many cases of Hallux Valgus in kids due to ill-fitted shoes, especially in girls. It is common for parents to buy their girls’ high-heeled shoes that are pointed at the top and tight-fitted at the edges. This will tend to push the toes inward as the joint in the toe deviates to form bunions.
Identifying the Right Shoes for Kids with Hallux Valgus
1️⃣ Extra Deep: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the bunion from rubbing against the top part or side of the shoes. Let’s visualize the difference between a shoe that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t.
2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature helps prevent your children’s toes from being pressed against one another or the side of the shoes. If your child’s toes are squeezed together or against the side part of the shoes it can aggravate your child’s foot condition. Let’s visualize the difference between a shoe that provides a round toe-box versus one that doesn’t.
Materials like leather or mesh won’t just keep things cool, they’ll also accommodate toe movement. Plus, adjustability in the shoes—think double Velcro straps or stretchy laces—can ensure a snug yet comfortable fit without causing any additional pressure.
Don’t Leave Your Child’s Bunions Untreated
If you don’t treat your kids’ bunions from an early stage, the condition will worsen and will actually start affecting other toes. Let’s take a look at a picture of a woman who developed a bunion from wearing ill-fitting shoes as a child and has been dealing with blisters and corns on her other toes:
Extra Deep Shoes with Round Toe-Boxes for Kids with Bunions
All of the shoes below are built with extra depth and rounded toe-boxes to prevent your child’s toes from rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. The shoes also provide good support to help distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the bunion. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases
Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 574 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- No-sew overlays
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Wes by Stride Rite on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Leather
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Zappos
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ride 10 by Saucony on Amazon
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Ride 10 by Saucony on Amazon
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Leather and mesh upper
- Non-marking traction pods to help improve stability
- APMA approved
- Toe cap for extra durability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Synthetic/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Little and Big Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 7)
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Rave Run v2 on the New Balance Online website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths (accommodates high insteps)
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Oversized opening for easy on and off
- Breathable textile lining is effective in protecting your child’s feet from micro-organisms
- Hook and loop closure
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on Amazon
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the Amazon
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Velcro closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Leather and mesh upper
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a comfortable fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Hook and loop closure system for easy on and off
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole designed to withstand wear-and-tear
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style RaveRun on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style 990V6 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Suede/mesh upper provides durability and breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- 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
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion
You can reach out via email if you are unsure about which specific shoe might work best to help treat your child’s bunion. I am happy to provide you with specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide)
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
In the meantime, there is an additional resource I created that has a list of comfortable sandals for kids with bunions.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
If you provide your child with shoes that are too short or too narrow you might end up squeezing your kids’ toes and they will start rubbing against each other or the side of the shoe. This in time will force the bone to cave in at the joint and create the condition we know as Hallux Valgus. If you must get your kids’ shoes online, start by reading a virtual shoe fitting service where I explain the simplest, yet most effective method to figure out your kids’ shoe size from home.
Comfortable Socks for Children with Bunions – Seamless Socks!
If your child has developed a bunion, wearing the correct types of socks can also help reduce the pain. Certain types of seamless socks can help allow your kids’ toes to freely move, preventing them from overlapping or rubbing against one another.
Crowdsourcing Shoe Advice: The Reliability of Reddit and Quora
Social media platforms like Reddit and Quora can be treasure troves of advice when you’re hunting for the right shoes for kids with bunions. Personal stories from parents who faced similar challenges can give you some practical pointers on what to look out for. Maybe they’ve found that one brand that works wonders, or have tips on making any shoe more comfortable.
But here’s the thing: not all advice you read online is gospel. Weighing these personal experiences against expert recommendations is crucial. Distinguish between what’s a one-off opinion and what aligns with sound podiatric advice.
Kids with Bunions – Is Surgery the Best Solution?
Please be aware that the foot isn’t fully mature until about 15 to 16 years of age, so please don’t make the mistake of performing surgery too early. Something so simple such as providing your child with the correct shoe style and the correct shoe size will keep your kids’ feet healthy. Even if your child has developed a bunion, the correct type of shoe will reduce the pressure and allow him or her to live a healthy lifestyle.
There has also been disagreement that bunions are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, while others believe it’s genetic. In all this debate, one common ground they all agreed on is that the type of footwear you choose to provide for your child will surely improve or worsen the condition.
My son is 7 years old and we just noticed a bunion has formed next to his left big toe. At this point, the big toe appears to be pointing straight forward and not pointing towards the second toe, but I read your article and wondered what kids running shoes you recommend so that we can take care of this problem right away? He’s been wearing Nike up until now (maybe that’s the problem?), and he’s a size 13– what shoes would you advise we purchase for him? Thanks!!!
Hi Spencer,
We need to make sure that your son is not wearing shoes that are too narrow. In this particular case I recommend shoes that provide a rounder toe-box to prevent the toes from overlapping and rubbing against one another or the side of the shoes. I also recommend shoes with extra depth.
Before I send you specific shoe recommendations I need to know whether your son has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
For summer do you have any recommendations for sandals open-toe for a 10 year old girl, size 3?
Hi Annie—
Yes, there is a Teva style that is supportive and adjustable at the front:
Option 1
Option 2
For summer do you have any recommendations for sandals? My 9 year old daughter with Hallux Valgus is currently wearing flip-flops at her mom’s house, while we allow her to wear Chaco’s for summer (when we’re not doing a ton of walking, etc).
Hi Ashley,
Are you looking for an open-toe or closed toe-sandal?
thanks for your post! would you be so kind of directing me(with a link) to a site I can buy shoes for my daughter she has valgus feet, I have a lousy internet connection, very limited and t takes so much time to upload anything, that is why I need the links it would save me so much time! thanks in advance! ebrena from
Cuba
Hello Ebrena,
Below you can find link to the shoes. Next time provide me with your daughter’s shoe size so I can provide you with more specific recommendations. All of the shoe styles below are deep and come with a round toe-box, but depending on your daughter’s foot size, you will have to order them in medium “M”, wide “W”, or extra wide “XW”.
Option 1
Option 2
I hope this helps!
A few months ago, I sent the an email asking about shoes for my daughter. She was diagnosed with overpronation, and with that, had developed bunions and had bruising on the top of her feet above her arches. We had bought her a pair of Nikes that were destroyed within weeks because her bunions pushed through the fabric on the sides of both shoes and she plays hard (rough on shoes in general). You suggested New Balance KJ888V1 in medium width.
I wanted to thank you because they are working well with her. The shoes are deep enough that she can wear her orthotics (original soles from the shoes were removed) and there is no bruising on the top of her feet. She continues to play hard and they are holding up well. The sides of the shoes are not squeezing or rubbing her around the bunion area. We will definitely continue to purchase these shoes as long as they are available. THANKS!
Hello Desma,
I am happy to hear that. The shoes that our children wear play a HUGE ROLE in keeping their feet and legs healthy. Take care!