The Causes of Toe Pain – The Best Shoes for Your Child with Toe Pain

January 15, 2023 Toe Pain Juan Pablo Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Do you have a child that is complaining about toe pain? Is your child refusing to wear his or her shoes lately? Did you know that the most common cause of toe pain is wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow? There is a selection of shoes that have proven to be the most effective ones when it comes to treating and preventing toe pain. Let’s find out the causes of toe pain and the best shoes to help prevent discomfort and pain.

What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Toe Pain?

The shoes I recommend provide 2 key features that help prevent and treat toe pain:

1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature prevents your kids’ toes from rubbing against one another or the top of the shoes. The shoes below are the same size, but notice the difference in depth between the two:

2️⃣ Rounder Toe-Boxes: This feature prevents your child’s toes from overlapping one another or rubbing against the side of the shoes. The shoes below are also the same size, but notice how the shoe on the right has a rounder toe-box compared to the shoe on the left:

The issue is that most parents don’t know where and how to find these types of shoes, as shoes don’t come labeled as “extra deep” or with a “rounder toe-box”. The good news is that I will help you find them!

If your children are complaining about toe pain, the first step is to check the shoes that they are currently wearing. Shoes are a direct cause of foot pain and foot injuries, and when parents don’t provide their children with the correct type of shoes or the correct shoe size, they end up creating several foot issues for their children’s feet.

I am always explaining to parents how it doesn’t matter how narrow or wide their kids’ feet are, there is always at least one particular shoe style out there that will fit the shape of their feet perfectly, and I will help you find it.

Let me show you the causes of toe pain in more detail, and then show you a selection of the best kids’ shoes that provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes.

What Are The 2 Most Common Causes of Toe Pain?

1️⃣ The first most common cause of toe pain is wearing shoes that are too short or too narrow.

Shoes that come with a pointy toe-box or are too shallow will cramp your kids’ toes against the side of the shoe or make them overlap against each other. This is why it’s so important to get the correct shoe style and stay away from shoes that are too pointy at the front.

Shoes that provide extra depth and rounder toe-boxes will guarantee that you keep your children’s feet healthy. In addition to providing these 2 features, the shoes must be supportive, lightweight, flexible, and breathable.

2️⃣ The second most common cause of toe pain is having an ingrown toenail.

I will now provide you with a selection of the deepest shoes with the roundest toe-boxes that I have fitted before, but I want to be absolutely sure that you know your child’s exact foot size first. Remember that shoes that are too short or too narrow will only contribute to your child’s toe pain.

Do You Have Certainty of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Get it Right!

I am always emphasizing to parents that it doesn’t matter how many features a particular shoe style provides, if the shoes are not fitted properly which involves getting the correct shoe length and the correct shoe width, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer.

I always recommend parents take their children to their local children’s shoe store that they trust, the issue is that most stores have been closing down and parents need to end up buying their kids’ shoes online. There is nothing wrong with this, but you must know your child’s exact foot size to know what size to order. I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s local shoe stores by state.

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

If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to identify a shoe store in your area, then proceed to take a look at an article I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s foot size from home.

In that article 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-figure-out-your-child's-shoe-size

Keep in mind that I only write reviews of shoe styles that I have fitted before, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best shoes for children that are experiencing toe pain. 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.

The Best Shoes for Kids with Toe Pain

Below you can find a selection of the best shoes for children who have toe pain. Keep in mind that these shoe styles are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW).

Toddler Shoe Sizes (0 to 10)

  • Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
  • 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
  • Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
  • 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
  • Shoe style Original Jazz Lite 2.0 by Saucony
  • Available in medium and 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
  • Shoe style Ride 10 Jr by Saucony
  • 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
  • Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
  • Fits medium and wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro 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)
  • Shoe style 2510 by Tsukihoshi
  • 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)
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 650
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 574 by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Fresh Foam by New Balance
  • 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
  • Shoe style Sr Thompson by Stride Rite
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style SRT Winslow by Stride Rite
  • Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Fresh 574 by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
  • Oversized opening for easy on and off
  • No-sew overlays
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • See Kai Run shoe style Robyne
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
  • Extra deep
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 574 New-b V1  by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • Generous toe box and instep to accommodate and support a first-walker’s needs
  • Mesh and suede upper for durability and comfort
  • Extra deep
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Little and Big Kid Sizes (10.5 to 7)

  • Shoe style RaveRun by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Nitrel v5 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Russell by See Kai Run
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Double velcro straps
  • 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
  • Shoe style Robyn by See Kai Run
  • Fits medium, wide, and extra wide feet (fits high insteps)
  • Double velcro straps
  • 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
  • Shoe style Velocity by Tsukihoshi
  • 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)
  • Shoe style 3584 Rainbow by Tsukihoshi
  • 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)
  • Shoe style Fresh Foam 650 Bungee by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Shoe style Arishi v4 by New Balance
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
  • Velcro closure
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • The New Balance shoe style RaveRun is available for little and big kids
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style Axon by Saucony
  • 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
  • Shoe style Axon by Saucony
  • 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
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam 880v12
  • 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
  • Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 480 V1 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Lace-up closure
  • Lightweight EVA midsole
  • Leather and mesh upper for durability & breathability
  • Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
  • Shoe style 327 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • 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
  • New Balance shoe style FuelCell Propel v5
  • Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • 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
  • Shoe style 574 by New Balance
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • 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
  • New Balance shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4
  • 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
  • Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

These are the best shoes for a child that has been dealing with toe pain, and if the shoes are fitted properly, you will notice an improvement right away.

Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order?

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

*A half a size bigger translates to 3/16 of an inch or 0.4 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.

*A whole size bigger translates to 3/8 of an inch or 0.8 centimeters of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoes.

Before you leave, I wanted to let you know that socks play a key role in keeping your kids’ feet healthy, as they act as a barrier between your kids’ feet and the shoes, preventing the formation and build-up of bacteria inside the shoes.

The Best Kids’ Socks for Toe Pain – Seamless and Breathable!

While shoes are the main contributing factor to toe pain, socks that are not made of the right materials or that are the wrong size will make your child’s pain worse.

Socks that are too short constrict toe movement and cramp your kids’ toes, so it’s important that you provide your child with the correct sock size.

I always recommend seamless socks for kids who are dealing with toe pain as they allow the child’s toes to freely move and they are also great for those children who feel every lump and bump. While I can’t get into too much detail about which are the best seamless socks for kids in this article, you should take a look at another article I wrote where I describe the best seamless socks for kids.

Experiences from Other Parents – You Are Not Alone!

Parents who have children that were experiencing toe pain came up with the following conclusions:

  • “I had the same issue with my youngest and he would take his shoes off as much as he could get by with and go barefoot or sockfooted. What the issue was the sock seam was pressing against his shoe & toes and it was intermintent so it took us quite a while to figure it out. I ended up getting a 1/2 size bigger in his shoes and it seemed to end the issue of toe pain. Also remember that kids grow so fast that shoes that fit one day might not the next”
  • “I bought my daughter new shoes with extra space in the toes and/or are more flexible. Some children have more sensitive toes and this solved the issue.”
  • “My child’s toenail was being pressed against the side of the shoe. I bought him a shoe in an extra wide width and that took the pressure away from his nail. Now he doesn’t complain about pain anymore”.

Please don’t ignore your child’s toe pain. If you don’t pay attention when your child complains about toe or foot pain in general, the long-term consequences of not treating these conditions can include joint arthritis, muscle weakness, overloading of the opposite foot and ankle, deformity, and inactivity.

Have you tried a particular shoe style that has worked well in reducing or fully eliminating your child’s toe pain? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.