Wearing appropriate footwear can significantly reduce the symptoms of Hallux Rigidus and may even correct the condition with time.
Hallux Rigidus or “Stiff Big Toe” in layman’s terms is a painful and uncomfortable condition suffered by many adults usually between the ages of 30 and 60 and is one of the most familiar sights of developing arthritis.
Wearing appropriate footwear can significantly reduce the symptoms of Hallux Rigidus and may even correct the condition with time.
What Exactly Is Hallux Rigidus
Hallux Rigidus occurs when the joint of your big toe becomes arthritic with some associated cartilage loss or damage. This results in an overgrowth or bone deformity and a big toe that becomes very stiff and painful with movement. Hallux Rigidus is a structural condition that normally requires surgery to correct although there are some other methods to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the severity of the condition.
What Are Some of the Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus
There are a few main symptoms that indicate that you are suffering from Hallux Rigidus;
- You feel pain in your toe joint particularly when you are active and walking.
- The joint becomes swollen.
- A bump like a bunion or a callus develops at the top of your foot.
- If your big toe becomes stiff and you are unable to bend it, or it bends painfully.
What is the Best Shoe Type for Hallux Rigidus
The most important aspect with hallux rigid is to try and stop motion; you want to keep your feet as stable and sturdy as possible. You will also need to look at a shoe that provides enough support to eliminate the chances of you bending your big toe when walking or running. An inflexible or stiff soled shoe is the best type of shoe for this condition, usually found in hiking shoes.
What Characterizes a Shoe for Hallux Rigidus
- A large toe box to reduce pressure on the toe.
- Soft and flexible upper materials that will not add any pressure to the toes.
- An inflexible and stiff sole that reduces motion.
- A rocker sole or roller bottom sole that controls motion is also a great advantage.
- A steel shank or metal brace inside the sole to provide more stability.
- A tight fit to keep your foot in place.
- An orthotic insert or Padded and supportive footbed.
Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
1Best Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
■ Men: Click Here to Read This Review
■ Women: Click Here to Read This Review
Most likely the best available running shoe for Hallux Rigidus, the Altra will provide you with all the necessary stability and support in a training shoe that is comfortable enough for everyday wear.
- Durable and breathable synthetic uppers with a comfortable padded tongue and collar for a snug fit.
- The lightly padded footbed and compression molded EVA midsole provides exceptional support and comfort.
- A removable ethylene vinyl acetate insole provides comfort and allows you the use of your own orthotics.
- The anatomical cradle in the heel and the Foot-shaped toe box improves motion control and absorbs shock, while the cantilever heel design will give you unrivaled stability and cushioning.
- A FootPod traction outsole with added shank provides stability and support.
- Available in various colors and patterns.
Walking Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
2Wide Walking Shoe for Hallux Rigidus
The New Balance 928 Wide Walking shoe is an athletic shoe with Rollbar technology and Abzorb midfoot cushioning that will keep your feet stable and control motion, this, in turn, helps not to aggravate the Hallux Rigidus.
- Leather uppers with a cushioned collar for a comfortable and snug fit.
- A durable rubber sole with walking strike path for good grip and stability.
- Rollbar technology to reduce motion and keep your feet stable when walking or running.
- Absorb midfoot cushioning for added support and comfort.
- A seamless odor resistant Phantom liner to keep your feet comfortable and odor-free.
- Available in narrow, medium and wide widths.
- Available in neutral colors.
3
Hallux Rigidus Athletic Rocker Shoe
An incredible sports shoe that provides stability and motion control as well as luxurious comfort.
The MBT Sport is an athletic rocker bottom walking shoe that will make you feel like you are walking on grass or soft sand.
- A curved multi-layered sole with a slight heel-toe enhances natural motion.
- Lightweight 3-Dimensional mesh uppers with a breathable lining for a soft and comfortable fit.
- The PU coating on the materials improves durability.
- A dual density midsole constructed from TPU and Nylon mixed with glass fibers for firmness and strength.
- The durable rubber outsole also provides excellent traction.
- Removable supportive insoles that allow you the use of your own orthotics.
4
Therapeutic Athletic Shoes for Toe Arthritis
Orthofeet manufactures advanced therapeutic shoes equipped with the highest quality materials.
- Lightweight and seamless construction for a more comfortable fit.
- Heel support and a soft rubber sole with a rigid shank for best arch support.
- Reinforced counter for the best stability and support.
- Available in a triple width system with two removable spacer insoles to customize width.
- Available in different patterns, colors, size and width.
Dress Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
5Wave Technology Casual Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
■ Men: Click Here to Read This Review ■ Women: Click Here to Read This Review
The Clarks Wave models are stunning and comfortable rocker sole dress shoe that is perfect to keep your feet secure and pain-free for those special occasions.
- The rocker bottom sole provides motion control and reduces strain on the feet and toes.
- A durable rubber sole for excellent traction and grip to keep you firmly on the ground.
- Moderate arch support to reduce strain and stress on the feet.
- A secure lace-up shoe for a more snug and comfortable fit with soft leather uppers.
- Available in various colors.
6
Casual Dress Shoes for Hallux Limitus
■ Men: Click Here to Read This Review ■ Women: Click Here to Read This Review
7
Work Clogs for Hallux Ridigus
■ Men: Click Here to Read This Review ■ Women: Click Here to Read This Review
- Dansko shoes are manufactured in Denmark and are made of premium leather.
- These shoes utilize high and wide toe box so you can wiggle your toes freely.
- Removable EVA and memory foam cushioned footbed in case you want to fit in your own orthotics.
- A soft leather sock-liner for extra comfort around the ankles.
- Shock absorption is provided by the Polyurethane midsole.
Sandals for Hallux Rigidus
8Soft Footbed Sandals for Turf Toe
- Hand-made Leather Sandal, this leather has a soft, napped finish and feel great on the skin.
- The soles are made from rubber, providing better traction and better shock absorbent.
- A cork midsole and contoured footbed are designed overtime to take the shape of your underfoot and thus provide better support for your big toe, as well as stability, and comfort.
- Designed to support the specific requirements of the heaviest people without compromising on the look.
- Adjusting the two straps, you can accommodate a very thick foot inside.
- A superb arch support, deep heel cup, and wide toe box.
9
Outdoor Sandals for Hallux Limitus
For the outdoor adventurer, Keen has introduced the Newport H2 sandal for those hot summer hikes and trips outdoors. The Keen Newport h2 is comfortable and supportive outdoor sandal.
- Keen Newport H2 features a razor zipped outsole with 3mm lugs for the best traction you can get on different terrains.
- The uppers have washable polyester webbing with an Aegis Microbe Shield to keep your feet free from odor and infection.
- The keen patented toe offers toe protection against bumps and scrapes on different terrains.
- A comfortable and supportive footbed will prevent toe, heel or foot pain and keep you comfortable all day.
- A large color variety available.
Insoles for Hallux Rigidus
10Insoles for Hallux Ridigus
- These insoles are designed to immobilize the big toe joint to prevent movement.
- They also prevent the big toe from bending during walking, running as well as in everyday activities.
- These insoles are also preventing the jamming of the toes.
Conclusion
The key characteristic to concentrate on when you suffer from Hallux Rigidus is a shoe with a stiff and supportive outsole as well as a wide toe box. As you can see from our selection, every shoe will provide you with these features as well as many other features including the rocker bottom sole to reduce the symptoms of Hallux Rigidus and make walking much easier and pain-free. A rocker bottom shoe is also an excellent choice as it takes stress off the big toe joint and assists in the propulsion of the foot.
Index Table: Top Hallux Rigidus Shoes
No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Altra® - Best Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus |
| Altra | 98 | ||
2 | New Balance® - Wide Walking Shoe for Hallux Rigidus |
| New Balance | 95 | ||
3 | MBT® - Hallux Rigidus Athletic Rocker Shoe |
| MBT | 96 | ||
4 | Orthofeet® - Therapeutic Athletic Shoes for Toe Arthritis |
| Orthofeet | 95 | ||
5 | Clarks® - Wave Technology Casual Shoes for Hallux Rigidus |
| Clarks | 94 | ||
6 | Rockport® - Casual Dress Shoes for Hallux Limitus |
| Rockport | 96 | ||
7 | Dansko® - Work Clogs for Hallux Ridigus |
| Dansko | 94 | ||
8 | Birkenstock® - Soft Footbed Sandals for Turf Toe |
| Birkenstock | 96 | ||
9 | Keen® - Outdoor Sandals for Hallux Limitus |
| Keen | 95 | ||
10 | Carboplast® - Insoles for Hallux Ridigus |
| Carboplast | 96 |
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is Hallux Rigidus
- What Are Some of the Symptoms of Hallux Rigidus
- What is the Best Shoe Type for Hallux Rigidus
- What Characterizes a Shoe for Hallux Rigidus
- Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
- Walking Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
- Dress Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
- Sandals for Hallux Rigidus
- Insoles for Hallux Rigidus
- Conclusion
- Index Table: Top Hallux Rigidus Shoes
What about for women???
Hi Mindy,
Thank you for your comment and sorry about that.
I have edited the article to include
Hallux Rigidus Shoes for Women.
Best,
David Alegeta
Hello David….I found your article helpful. I was wondering if you could give me more advice. I am a mail lady and walk approximately 10-10.5 miles a day just to finish my route. I am constantly in pain and have found out I have hallux limitus closely into the rigidus stage. The pain is so bad sometimes I wake up at night because of the pain in my big toe. Please help with any additional advice and shoes that you would recommend. P.S. I have to wear black leather shoes for uniform regulations and most do not come in that…any suggestions
Hi Mary,
This condition is very persistent, for your issue of wearing other shoes, please consider replacing the insoles with the ones in this article, they should prevent you from pushing off with your toes so you can prevent pressure from your big toe.
Also, take a look at this article from WebMD https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/turf-toe-symptoms-causes-and-treatments#1