The Best Shoes for Hammer Toes – The Proven Method to Provide Relief to Your Kids’ Feet!
Has your child been diagnosed with hammer toes and your medical professional advised you to get shoes with round toe-boxes but didn’t specify which models to buy? Shoes with round toe-boxes and extra depth can help prevent this condition from getting worse and avoid foot issues such as blisters. As a professional shoe fitter I will help you find suitable footwear that doesn’t exacerbate the problem or cause additional discomfort.
What Are Hammer Toes?
The term hammer toe describes a buckling of any of the toe joints, and they vary in severity. Hammer toes normally happen on the second toe. However, any of the other three smaller toes can also be affected.
Can Children Develop Hammer Toes?
Most people believe that only adults can get hammer toes, but they are wrong. Many parents have asked what are some of the reasons why hammer toes develop. Hammer toes are the result of birth defects, ill-fitting shoes, or pressure from bunions.
Why Proper Footwear Matters
Choosing wide shoes for hammer toes is essential because they provide adequate space for the toes to move freely and comfortably. This extra room helps to reduce the pressure on the toes and prevents them from bending further, which can worsen the condition.
Key Features of Shoes for Kids with Hammer Toes
1. Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of your kids’ toes from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Let me show you the difference in depth between one of the shoes I recommend and a different style:
2. Rounder Toe-Boxes: A wide toe box is essential for accommodating hammer toes. It allows the toes to spread naturally and reduces pressure on the affected joints. This feature is particularly important for preventing the toes from overlapping or rubbing against each other, which can lead to blisters or calluses.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Ordering the correct shoe size online can be challenging, but accurate measurement is key to finding the right fit. An incorrect size can lead to discomfort, pain, and even exacerbate existing conditions like hammer toes.
The most common cause of hammer toes in children is wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow is believed to be the number one cause of hammer toes. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
The Best Shoes for Hammer Toes – Extra Deep and Rounded Toe-Boxes
As a professional shoe fitter, I have the expertise to assess your child’s foot condition and recommend the best shoes for hammer toes. Most of these shoes are available in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths. 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.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop
New Balance is renowned for its comfortable shoes, and the 574 model is no exception. This shoe offers a wide toe box and a cushioned midsole, providing both comfort and support for kids with hammer toes. The shoe also features a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent traction, making it suitable for various surfaces.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 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.
2. See Kai Russell and Robyne
See Kai Run specializes in shoes that support healthy foot development. The Russell and Robyne styles feature wide toe boxes and flexible rubber outsoles, perfect for active children. The brand is recognized for its attention to detail in creating shoes that mirror the natural shape of a child’s foot.
Parents love the durability of these shoes, which hold up well to the wear and tear of active play.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the shoe style 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.
3. Shoe style 990v6 by New Balance
This is the deepest shoe made by New Balance, and it’s available in wide and extra wide widths. The 990v6 is my go-to shoe for children who need a shoe with a round toe-box and extra depth. However, many families complain about the high price tag.
Key Features:
- Order the shoe style 990v6 New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths.
- Leather upper.
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size.
4. See Kai Run Lucia Mary Jane
See Kai Run is known for its commitment to promoting healthy foot development. The Lucia model is a perfect example of their dedication to quality. With a flexible sole and a roomy toe box, these shoes allow toddlers to move naturally, enhancing both comfort and stability.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the shoe style 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.
5. 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.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 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.
6. Merrell Kids’ Bare Steps Sneaker
The Merrell’s Bare Steps sneaker is designed with a wide toe box and a barefoot feel, encouraging natural foot development. Its minimalist design allows for greater sensory feedback, which can enhance your child’s proprioception and coordination.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers.
- 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.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size.
7. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
The Rave Run V2 by New Balance has received positive feedback from parents who appreciate the shoe’s price point and durability.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos or the New Balance website.
- Also available with Velcro on Zappos or the New Balance website.
- Available in 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
8. Shoe Style Cross Em Up by Adidas
Known for its stylish design and functional features, this shoe combines a wide toe box with a supportive outsole, ensuring that your child’s feet are comfortable and well-supported. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.
Key Features:
- Available for little and big kids.
- Order the shoe style Cross Em Up Select by Adidas on Zappos or Amazon.
- Available in medium and wide widths.
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
9. Shoe Style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while providing round toe-boxes for kids with hammer toes. Families appreciate how this shoe is available in wide and extra wide widths and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids.
- Order the shoe style 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.
10. 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 toddlers love.
Key Features:
- Available for toddlers and little kids.
- Order the shoe style 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.
Personalized Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s foot is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. This individuality necessitates a personalized approach to selecting footwear. I provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific foot shape, size, and condition. By considering factors such as arch height, toe alignment, and foot width, I can suggest options that offer the best fit and support:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
What Types of Socks Work Best for Hammer Toes?
Make sure that you provide your child with a pair of seamless socks. This feature allows your kids’ toes to spread out comfortably without rubbing or overlapping against one another.
Stop the Pain From Hammer Toes – Follow These 5 Steps!
I recommend starting with the first step and then if the condition doesn’t improve keep moving to the next steps:
1. Always start by looking for the correct type of shoes. Shoes with extra depth that come with round toe-boxes and are available in wide or extra wide widths are ideal.
2. Take time to stretch your kids’ toe muscles as often as possible throughout the day to loosen tight muscles and ligaments.
3. Provide your child with a pair of orthotics that come with a toe raise. This type of orthotic helps to separate your kids’ toes and prevents them from overlapping with each other.
4. Provide your child with over-the-counter products that help alleviate the pain from hammer toes.
5. One fun exercise you can do with your child is putting marbles on the floor and telling your child to grab them with their toes.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to take the appropriate steps to correct your child’s foot condition as soon as possible. Hammer toes are a correctable condition, but if not treated properly, they will lead to more serious problems such as foot deformities and joint problems, and your child might end up needing surgery.
Best Summer Shoes for Kids with Hammer Toes
If you live in an area with warm weather I suggest that you provide your child with a pair of open-toed sandals. The best type of summer shoes for kids with hammer toes are the ones that come with an adjustable strap at the front, this way you can control and adjust the amount of pressure on your kids’ toes. You can actually adjust the strap so that it doesn’t put any pressure on your kids’ hammer toes.
Teva Hurricane with 3 Points of Adjustability
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Hurricane by Teva on Zappos or Amazon.
- Three points of adjustability so children can make the sandals as tight or loose as they want.
- Eva foam footbed cushions and softly supports for all day comfort.
- I suggest that you get this sandal a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size.
Can Home Remedies Help Treat Your Child’s Hammer Toes?
Many parents have asked me if there are any home remedies or products to reduce their kids’ pain from their hammer toes. There are certain products you can buy that will guide your kids’ toes into proper alignment. For example, toe straighteners will help to position crooked toes or toes that are overlapping with each other. Orthotics, gel separators, and toe caps are some of the most recommended products to keep your kids’ toes separated and provide relief from pain and discomfort.
Why is it important to prevent hammer toes? If your child has hammer toes and is not wearing shoes that are wide enough, the problem will worsen, and it may even lead to needing surgery. Another problem with hammer toes is that corns often form between curled toes or on top of buckled joints where the shoes rub. If the shoes keep rubbing where the corns are, the irritated skin might become open wounds and create an infection.
Do you happen to be dealing with hammer toes yourself? You should visit a different website that describes the best shoes for women with hammer toes.
Whether you need personalized recommendations or guidance on measuring your child’s feet, I’m committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Test comment
Was the list taken down? It doesn’t show any shoes.
Hello BP,
The list of children’s shoes recommended to help treat and prevent hammer toes is now showing. Please check again and let me know if you have any questions.