Overlapping toes are common in babies and children and are often present from birth. Many cause no problems, but some lead to rubbing, pressure and shoe discomfort. This page explains pressure-related overlapping toes and how padding, footwear and orthotic offloading may help.
An overlapping toe sits on top of a neighbouring toe. The most common example in children is an overlapping fifth (little) toe, which is often present from birth and may run in families. Second toes can also ride over the big toe or third toe.
Many overlapping toes cause no symptoms. When they do, it is usually because the toe rubs against the shoe or neighbouring toes, causing redness, blisters, corns, nail irritation or discomfort in footwear. Overlapping toes are often seen alongside hammer or curly toes and can be influenced by foot posture such as flat feet or high arches.
Podiatry care focuses on reducing pressure and friction through footwear advice, protective padding, silicone toe devices and, where forefoot loading contributes, orthotic therapy. Splints and devices may help comfort but may not change the toe’s position long term.
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly, so parents often notice changes in walking, activity or footwear first. Common signs include:
A podiatry assessment considers your child’s growth stage, symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern, activity levels and footwear.
Checks toe position, flexibility and pressure areas.
Assesses how forefoot load is distributed.
Checks toe box depth, width and fit.
Considers age and change over time.
Orthopaedic referral if pain persists despite conservative care.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
Orthotic therapy and offloading devices aim to reduce pressure on the overlapping toe. Options may include silicone toe separators or props, protective padding and, where forefoot posture increases toe pressure, foot orthoses that help redistribute load.
These devices are designed to improve comfort. They are usually combined with footwear that has adequate toe box depth and width.
May reduce pressure and friction on the overlapping toe.
School and sports shoes with enough toe room.
Management of corns, calluses and nail irritation.
Gentle toe stretching may be discussed.
Reviewing toe position and comfort as your child grows.
Considered if pain persists despite conservative care.
Learn more about orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching and strapping, or view all treatments. Related kids conditions include hammer toes, plantar warts, sesamoid pain, high arches, flat feet.
Assessment may be helpful if your child has pain, blisters or corns, or finds it hard to wear school shoes.
Please see your GP if there are signs of infection (spreading redness, warmth, swelling or discharge), or if toe position changes quickly.
Yes. Overlapping toes, particularly the little toe, are common and are often present from birth.
Separators and padding may improve comfort but are not expected to permanently change toe position.
Where forefoot loading contributes to pressure, orthoses may help redistribute load, alongside padding and footwear changes.
Surgery may be considered by an orthopaedic surgeon if pain persists despite footwear changes and padding.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Where appropriate, prefabricated and custom foot orthoses are discussed based on assessment findings.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
Our clinic is located at 1/50 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, and sees families from across Sydney, including Bankstown, Condell Park, Padstow, Revesby, Lakemba and Belmore. Visit our children’s podiatry page for more kids foot conditions, read about our clinic, or contact the clinic to make an appointment enquiry.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment and advice. Outcomes vary between children. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please consult your GP or a registered health practitioner.
