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 you’ve been told to look for shoes with round toe boxes—but not given specific guidance on what to buy? Choosing the right footwear is important, as shoes with narrow or shallow toe boxes can worsen hammer toes and lead to issues such as blisters, pressure points, and discomfort.
As a professional children’s shoe fitter, I’ll help you identify shoes that support your child’s foot shape without aggravating the condition. The key is choosing footwear with a rounder, deeper toe box. The toe box is the front part of the shoe where your child’s toes sit, and having enough space in this area allows the toes to rest more naturally and comfortably.
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. The shoes I am going to show you also feature soft, flexible materials (stretch fabrics), and cushioning to prevent rubbing and pressure.
Two Key Features of Shoes for Kids with Hammer Toes
Shoes for kids with hammer toes must have a round, wide toe box. This provides enough space for the toes to sit naturally, reduces pressure on bent joints, and helps prevent rubbing, overlapping, blisters, and calluses. A roomy toe box is one of the most important features to keep hammer toes from becoming more uncomfortable over time.
Shoes for kids with hammer toes should also provide extra depth, not just a round toe box. Additional depth allows the foot to sit lower inside the shoe, reducing pressure on the tops of the toes and preventing irritation, redness, and discomfort. This feature is especially important for children whose toes rub against the upper part of the shoe.
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 children’s shoe fitter, I’ve tested countless shoe brands and styles to identify options that truly work for hammer toes. The shoes I recommend feature rounded toe boxes and extra depth to reduce pressure and improve comfort. Most are available in wide (W) and extra-wide (XW) widths; if a style isn’t labeled wide, it’s because it fits naturally wide. Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop
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 kids, 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
- Offered in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Also available with laces
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full size larger than your toddler’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.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe style Robyne by See Kai Run on Amazon
- Fits naturally wide (not offered in wide or extra-wide widths)
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Padded tongue and collar for comfort
- Breathable textile lining with a cushioned insole
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe style 990v6 by New Balance
New Balance 990v6 is the deepest and widest children’s shoe New Balance offers, making it my go-to recommendation for kids who need a round toe box and extra depth—including those with hammer toes. While it comes with a higher price tag, families often find the fit and comfort worth the investment.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little kids, and big kids
- Order the shoe style 990v6 New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website.
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos.
- Offered in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths
- Exceptionally deep design with a round toe box
- Durable leather upper
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full 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
- Fits naturally wide (not offered in wide or extra-wide widths)
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Durable cotton drill upper with a comfortable leather insole
- Breathable lining and cushioned footbed
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. 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
- Order the shoe style Bare Steps Sneaker by Merrell on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits naturally wide (not offered in wide or extra-wide widths)
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Padded tongue and collar for added comfort
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
6. 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 kids, 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
- Offered in extra-wide widths
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue for comfort
- Available in Velcro or lace styles
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
7. Shoe style Holly Mary Jane by Stride Rite
These Stride Rite Mary Jane shoes come in extra wide widths, making them perfect for toddlers with very wide feet or those who wear orthotics. Stylish and versatile, they’re great for everyday casual wear and special dressy occasions
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe SR Holly by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Watch my YouTube review to discover why this shoe could be the perfect fit
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Shoe style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite
These toddler everyday sneakers are durable while being lightweight and flexible. Available in wide and extra wide widths, they’re designed to fit a variety of foot shapes—including those with AFOs—making them a versatile choice.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- Watch my YouTube review to discover why this shoe could be the perfect fit
- 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 kids, and big kids
- Order the shoe style Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Also available with laces on the New Balance website, Zappos, and Amazon
- Offered in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths
- Lace options available
- Easy to find online
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full 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
- Fits naturally wide (not offered in wide or extra-wide widths)
- Wide opening for easy on and off
- Vegan leather upper
- Optional squeaker with on/off switch
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full 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 (wide, extra wide, high instep) size, and condition. By considering factors such as arch height, toe alignment, and foot width, I can suggest options that offer the best fit:
fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
What Types of Socks Work Best for Hammer Toes?
Seamless socks are best for children with hammer toes because they allow the toes to spread naturally without rubbing, bunching, or overlapping. By reducing friction around the toes, seamless socks help prevent irritation, redness, and discomfort throughout the day.
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 sandal Hurricane by Teva on Zappos or Amazon
- Three points of adjustability for a secure, customizable fit
- EVA foam footbed provides lightweight cushioning and all-day comfort
- Sizing tip: Order 1 full size larger than your child’s current foot size
Are Barefoot or Minimalist Shoes a Good Choice for Hammer Toes?
I don’t have extensive experience with barefoot or minimalist shoes, but they are generally not the best option for children with hammer toes—even though they’re often marketed as “natural” or “foot-healthy.” Most minimalist shoes are designed to be extremely flexible and are lightly structured (or not structured at all).
For children with hammer toes, this can be an issue because these shoes often:
- Lack enough depth, causing the top of the toes to rub
- Offer little cushioning, increasing pressure on bent joints
- Provide minimal support, which can worsen toe gripping and muscle imbalance
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoes for Kids with Hammer Toes
Hammer toes occur when one or more toes bend at the middle joint instead of lying flat. In children, this can be related to muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or foot structure. Ill-fitting shoes may worsen the condition over time.
Yes. Shoes that are narrow, shallow, or overly flexible can increase toe pressure, encourage toe gripping, and worsen hammer toes over time.
Not always. Some children do well with supportive shoes alone. Orthotics may be recommended if there is ongoing pain, poor alignment, or associated foot conditions.
In most cases, no. Barefoot or minimalist shoes often lack depth, cushioning, and structure, which can increase pressure on hammer toes. They may be tolerated in very mild cases but are usually not ideal for everyday wear.
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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.