Kid’s Wide Toe Box Socks: Anatomical Socks that don’t Squish Toes
If you or your child has started on your journey to healthier feet with barefoot shoes, your next question was likely, “What about socks?”
If shoes matter so much to our foot health, then don’t socks matter too? Yes, yes they do!
Just like shoes with a narrow toe box, socks that are too tight or tapered can restrict toe splay and natural foot function. When toes don’t have room to spread, it can affect balance, stability, and even long-term foot development, especially in kids.
To get the full benefits of barefoot shoes and their wide toe box design, it’s important to pair them with wide toe box socks too. I often wear toe socks myself, but in my experience, kids (especially the little ones) don’t have the patience for slotting each tiny toe into its own space. And honestly, with those adorable tiny toes, it can be tricky!
That’s why this list focuses on kids’ socks with a wide toe box that allow for natural toe splay and foot movementwithout the fuss of toe socks. There aren’t a ton of truly anatomical socks for kids (yet!), but these are the ones we’ve tried and loved.
Tip: Size up! Sometimes sizing up in kids’ regular socks is enough to keep toes from getting squished. We’ve done this with a number of brands and found it often works well. Not all brands are created equal, so it’s often just about keeping an eye out for ones that are roomier!
Wide Toe Box Socks for Kids
Let’s start off with some kid’s foot-friendly socks for every day wear.
Everyday Anatomical Socks
Plus12 Socks | $10 | Wide toe box merino wool socks | These Plus12 socks come in kid’s sizes and are specifically made with a wider toe box. They’re available from several barefoot shoe retailers, including Softstar Shoes in the US, the US Wildling website or the Wildling International website. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping at Wildling.
Kids Tabi Socks on Ali Express | $15 for 5 pairs | While many kids might not have the patience for toe socks or like the feeling of fabric in between each of their individual toes, they may be fine with tabi socks. Tabi socks only have the big toe separate, with the rest of the toes together. My son has really like these and wears them regularly. He’s been using them for about 2 years and they’ve held up well (featured below).
BeLenka Crew Socks | $10 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off | Most barefoot shoe brands eventually start making socks for adults, and some of the bigger brands are starting to come out with some barefoot socks for kids too.
Foot Buddy | $29 for 5 pairs | code KELLY15 for 15% off | These socks are meant to grow with your child, so they don’t have a defined heel cup. These socks are made to fit children 2-6. They also have a more relaxed toe box.
Kids’ Toe Socks | If your kids have a little more patience than mine and do want toe socks, there are some affordable options over on Amazon.
Thick wool socks with a wide toe box
Magical Shoes Barefoot Socks | $10 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Thicker merino wool socks with anti-slip bottoms.
BeLenka Merino Wool Socks | $8 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off
Wildling Tall Wool Boot Socks | When Wildling released their rain boots, they also came out with some tall, knit wool socks to pair them with called the Calora socks. These are perfect to wear with their rain boots, or really any barefoot winter boot that has a roomier fit. These come in child through adult sizes, and are available on the Wildling US or Wildling International website. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping.
Nui Organics Thick Wool Socks | $18 | Code NOMAN15 for 15% off |These socks are really thick and cushy, so they can make great indoor socks that almost acts like a slipper when it’s cold, or a thicker sock for the winter.
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