Not counting shoes that have different toe pockets, all barefoot shoes basically have this issue. Some shoes more than others.
The number one selling point of barefoot shoes is the so-called anatomically shaped toe box. But if it’s tapered off then I wouldn’t call it anatomical. Healthy feet aren’t actually shaped like that.
Only guess is it could be based on a “common” foot shape. Of all the tapered shoes I’ve purchased, I don’t have much issue touching the sides of the shoe with my toes.
I do agree that some are narrower than others but I know for a fact that I’d be swimming in a shoe like Realfoot and that wouldn’t be comfortable.
Unfortunately, foot shape varies a lot and companies have to find a compromise that fits the target customer they have in mind. Most barefoot shoes taper much less than mainstream ones.
One solution is obviously sandals. Out the top of my head, Softstar and Wildlings should be really wide and accommodating the big toe better than others.
