What is Your Child’s Longest Toe? – Hint: It Doesn’t Need to be the Big Toe!
Did you know your child’s longest toe might not be the big toe? Many parents assume it is, but that’s not always the case. As a children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve seen countless kids whose second—or even third—toe is actually the longest. This matters, especially now that most families are buying shoes online and measuring their kids’ feet at home. Measuring only up to the big toe can lead to shoes that are too short and uncomfortable. Let’s walk through how to correctly identify your child’s longest toe to ensure the best shoe fit possible.
When the second toe is longer than the big toe, it’s called Morton’s Toe. While it can sometimes cause foot pain or make finding comfortable shoes tricky, there’s no need to worry—about 20 to 30 percent of kids have this foot shape. The key is simply choosing the right shoes to keep your child’s feet healthy and pain-free.
What is Your Child’s Longest Toe?
Many parents automatically assume their child’s big toe is the longest, but overlooking the other toes can cause real problems. For example, if your child’s second toe is longer and you fit their shoes based only on the big toe, the second toe may press or rub against the front of the shoe. This can lead to painful blisters, calluses, or corns. Taking a moment to check which toe is actually the longest can save your child a lot of discomfort down the road!
Second Toe Longer Than Big Toe — More Common Than You Think!
Most kids’ shoes aren’t built with a longer second toe in mind. If your child’s shoes squeeze or rub against that second toe, it can cause painful problems like hard corns or calluses.
Parents should ensure there’s enough space for that longer second toe, so it doesn’t rub painfully against the top of the shoe and cause irritation.
Middle Toe Longer Than Big Toe — Less Common, But It Happens!
I have also seen cases of children who have the middle toe longer than the big toe, but this is not nearly as common.
What Makes the Shoes I Recommend Effective for Kids with Long Toes?
When a child’s second or third toe is longer than the big toe, it’s crucial to choose shoes with extra depth and a rounded toe-box. This extra space helps keep those longer toes comfortable and prevents painful rubbing or pressure inside the shoes.
Are You Unsure About Which Is Your Child’s Longest Toe?
I created a free virtual shoe fitting service that helps you identify your child’s longest toe—so you can finally get the right shoe fit without any guesswork.
Below are my top shoe recommendations for 2025, taking into account the unique needs of children with various toe lengths. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Shoes for Kids with Second or Middle Toe Longer than the Big Toe
Many of the shoes I recommend come in medium (M), wide (W), and extra wide (XW) widths, giving you plenty of options to match your child’s unique foot shape. Be sure to pick the right width for the best comfort and fit!
1. New Balance Kids’ 574 NEW-B Hook & Loop. These New Balance shoes for long toes offer extra depth, wide toe boxes, and cushioned midsoles, providing both comfort and support.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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. These See Kai Run shoes for kids with long toes feature extra depth and wide toe boxes. The double Velcro straps allow for easy on and off.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe 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. These are the best shoes for long toes and they are available with Velcro or laces. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Also available in pink and navy blue
- There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Ikiki Shoes. These shoes are a fantastic option for kids with long toes. Designed with a roomy toe box and adjustable straps, they provide a comfortable, secure fit without squeezing or putting pressure on your child’s toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe 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
5. See Kai Run Lucia Mary Jane. This Mary Jane for long toes features extra depth and a roomy toe box that provides ample space for growing feet, while the adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure, customized fit without pressure on the toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers and little kids
- Order the shoe 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
6. Fresh Foam 650 by New Balance. These wide and extra wide New Balance shoes provide extra depth, oversized openings, and round toe-boxes, making them an ideal choice for kids with long toes.
Key Features
- Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
- Order the shoe 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
7. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance. These New Balance extra wide shoes provide extra depth and round toe-boxes for kids with long toes. Parents like that these shoes are offered at an affordable price point.
Key Features
- Order the shoe Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos, Amazon, or the New Balance website
- Available in wide and 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. These Adidas wide shoes for long toes are a great option for kids who love stylish footwear from a well-known, popular brand—without compromising on comfort and fit.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe 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. These New Balance shoes for long toes feature round toe-boxes and extra depth. Families appreciate how these shoes are 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. Shoe Style M2P Journey 3.0 Adapt by Stride Rite. These Stride Rite wide shoes provide extra depth and extra long Velcro straps to make sure they accommodate your child’s long toes.
Key Features
- Order the shoe M2P Journey Adapt by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- APMA approved
- Leather upper
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size
Reach Out for Specific Shoe Recommendations
Every child’s feet are unique, and it’s essential to consider individual needs when selecting shoes. If you’re unsure about the best options for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized recommendations. As a shoe fitter, I’m always here to help families find the right fit for their children’s shoes.
I’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences in the comments below so other families can benefit from your insights. Do you have a child whose second or middle toe is longer than the big toe? Let’s connect and help each other navigate the world of kids’ footwear!
