Overlapping or curly toes in children are relatively common, and usually are no serious cause for concern. However, it is important to consider the right footwear which will support and promote healthy development, aiding overlapping toes to naturally grow and amend themselves.
Learn more about overlapping toes and foot development for children with Prenta Shoes.
What are curly/overlapping toes in children?
Curly or overlapping toes is a common condition for children. It’s usually a painless issue present from birth, caused by tendons causing one or more toes to move downwards or sideways, creating the overlapping.
In many cases, this is an issue which can resolve itself naturally as little feet develop, but it’s vital to support this development with the right footwear, such as barefoot shoes and our podiatrist-approved first walkers.
How curly or overlapping toes impact children: Walking and development
In many cases, curly toes may not have any significant impact on walking and development in children. However, there are some problems to look out for:
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Foot irritation - Misaligned toes can rub against traditional shoes, leading to skin irritation and also issues with walking.
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Nail growth changes - Curled toes can lead to flattened or ingrown toenails, which can cause further developmental issues down the line.
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Rigidity - If curly toes/tight tendons do not naturally amend themselves, the toes may become fixed or rigid.
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Blisters/callouses - Overlapping toes can cause overcrowding in restrictive toe boxes. This can promote unhealthy walking patterns which affect development over time. Wider toe boxes are one of the benefits of barefoot shoes, which allows toes space to splay and breathe naturally.
Can curly toes in children be treated?
Curly toes usually sort themselves out over time, but there are things parents can do to help treat the problem.
For example, you can gently stretch the toes manually, particularly after bathing/showering. Also, you can check for painful spots, red areas or walking issues for your child.
The main thing is choosing the right footwear for your child. Barefoot shoes feature soft materials and wide toe boxes, promoting naturally and healthy foot development. Learn more with our guide to barefoot footwear.
Podiatrist-approved shoes also support your child’s development. Our first-walker shoes are designed to have a wide toe box too, which helps gently support curly toes.
Will proper footwear reverse curly/overlapping toes?
Choosing the right footwear won’t completely solve overlapping toes alone, but it can go some way to supporting development and correction. The main beneficial feature is wide toe boxes, which support alignment and gait development.
Check out our dedicated blog ‘why barefoot shoes are good for kids’ for a more detailed overview.
What shoes are best for overlapping toes?
Flexible and breathable shoes with wider toe boxes and softer soles are the most suitable for overlapping toes. Wide toe boxes give toes space to spread and breathe without being compressed and forced to rub together. Softer, flexible materials such as patent leather or leather are perfect because they allow healthy movement and prevent unnecessary friction.
For example, the Ash Black Leather Kids Barefoot School Shoes are a suitable option for boys. These shoes combine style and smartness with the perfect features of flexibility, comfort, durability and all else that is needed to support growing feet.
If it’s girls shoes you’re looking for, consider the Dawn Black Patent Mary Jane School Shoes. These shoes are lightweight and exceptionally comfortable, as well as being adorable! They feature a natural foot shape build for extra comfort and developmental support.
Our first walker styles are great for supporting overlapping toes. Try out Atlas Patent First Walker shoes that are high-grip and versatile for every day wear.
Our Rocket First-Walker Trainers are a brilliant, casual shoe option that are still podiatrist-approved, so perfect for protecting little feet and ensuring proper growth, whilst also looking super cool.
Features to look for in shoes that support curled/overlapping toes
There are some key features that you need to look out for to support curled/overlapping toes:
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Wider/deeper toe boxes - Kids’ toes should unbunch naturally and gradually. Wide toe boxes allow this to happen freely, with proper toe splay and no restriction. Additional depth means overlapping toes won’t rub against uppers.
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Adjustable straps and closures - The extent of toe crossovers can vary widely, which is why it’s important to invest in shoes which feature adjustable laces, hook and loop or other similarly adjustable types. This means shoes can fit securely without pinning the front of the foot down.
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Flexible materials - Flexible materials such as gold-rated leather or patent leather create minimal restriction as they are both durable and breathable. This makes them ideal for overlapping toes.
