Some individuals have an extra bone that forms on the inner side of the foot, just above the arch, which is called accessory navicular. Most individuals will be quite unaware of this condition, and it will not cause any problems. However, they are some individuals that can develop a painful condition known as Accessory Navicular Syndrome, which happens when the bone and the posterior tibial tendon become aggravated.
Individuals who have Accessory Navicular Syndrome will need to wear proper supportive and comfortable footwear with certain features. And this article we will be looking at specific footway and their features to help with Accessory Navicular Syndrome.
As we have mentioned, when you have accessory navicular, you have an extra bone or piece of cartilage that is located on the inner side of your foot, just above the arch of your foot. It is incorporated within your posterior tibial tendon that attaches to this area. Having an accessory navicular can eventually lead to a condition called Accessory Navicular Syndrome, which can cause pain and discomfort. The accessory navicular is congenital, which means it is present at birth, and it is not usually part of the normal bone structure of your feet, therefore you do not find it in many people.
Now Accessory Navicular Syndrome develops when the accessory navicular bone or the posterior tibial tendon becomes aggravated. This could be the result of trauma from a foot-ankle sprain. It can be chronic irritation from your shoes or footwear that is rubbing against the extra bone, or it can be because of the excessive activity or an overuse injury. Many individuals who do have Accessory Navicular Syndrome tend to have flat feet or fallen arches, which places more strain on the posterior tibial tendon that can produce inflammation or irritation to the accessory navicular.
- Symptoms – During adolescence, it is a common time for the symptoms of Accessory Navicular Syndrome to appear, because this is the time when the bones and the cartilage in your feet start to mature and develop. You may notice a visible bony prominence in the midfoot area and the inner side of your foot just above your arches. There may be redness and swelling, and you may feel vague pain, or throbbing in the midfoot and arch. Usually, it will occur during or after periods of activity.
- Diagnosis – Your foot and ankle surgeon or podiatrist may ask you about symptoms and examine your foot. They may look for skin irritations and swellings and press on the bony prominence to assess the area for any discomfort. To diagnose whether you have Accessory Navicular Syndrome? Your foot structure muscle strength joint motion and the way that you walk can also be evaluated to establish whether you have the condition. As a last resort X Rays may be used to confirm that you have Accessory Navicular Syndrome.
- Treatments – There are a few nonsurgical treatments approaches that you can use to help ease Accessory Navicular Syndrome first. Immobilization, you need to put your foot in a cast or a removable walking boot to allow the affected area to rest and to help to decrease the inflammation. You can use ice to reduce swelling but will place a bag of ice over the painful area. Certain oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain. You can also use physical therapy and exercises to help ease the condition. Custom orthotic devices can be made to fetch your shoe to provide support for your urge, and can help to prevent future symptoms. On the other hand, wearing the right footwear can also reduce symptoms.
What Shoes to Wear
As we have mentioned, one of the best ways to deal with Accessory Navicular Syndrome and the symptoms thereof is to use the best shoes for the condition.
You would opt for a stability shoe that has a moderate medial arch and more responsive cushioning than softer cushioning. So stability shoes do have a medial posting that helps to control excessive pronation, which can place excess pressure on the medial arch of the foot.
The moderate medial arches also help to provide support underneath the accessory navicular. Responsive cushioning protects the navicular from excess impact.
- Uppers – Your shoes should have comfortable uppers with a roomy fit in the toe box and a soft interior lining.
- Arch Support – Look for shoes that have medial arc support and stability features, which are ideal.
- Cushioning – You want she said, to have to cushion that is more responsive, rather than soft and moldable.
- Outsole – Opt for shoes with a durable rubber in the soul and a lower heel.
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Shoe | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 2 | Brooks Addiction Walker / Addiction Walker 2 (women's) | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | BioMoGo DNA | – |
| 3 | Asics Gel Nimbus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 4 | New Balance 608 V5 | Dress/casual | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
| 5 | Saucony Guide 19 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | 6 mm drop / PWRRUN | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
In our review section, we have some of the best available shoes for you for Accessory Navicular Syndrome;
1
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
- Athletic mesh upper with durable leather overlays for added dimension & midfoot support.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning provides unmatched softness & all-day comfort.
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction & durability with strategically-placed flex grooves for proper toe-off.
- Upper contains at least 30% recycled content.
2
Brooks Addiction Walker - Men
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 - Women
- Sizes and colors vary by listing, so check your size on the web.
3
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 - Men
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 - Women
- Engineered knit upper: A lightweight, breathable knit material that reduces the need for additional overlays.
- PureGEL technology: Softer, updated version of our GEL technology that maintains all the acclaimed properties that have made GEL technology famous.
- FF BLAST PLUS cushioning: Midsole foam that provides a blend of cloud like cushioning and a responsive ride that is lighter than FF BLAST.
- OrthoLite X-55 sockliner: Premium sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment.
4
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
- ABZORB heel crash pad absorbs impact on every step, paired with a molded PU insert for underfoot comfort that lasts from morning to night.
- Sturdy suede upper provides supportive structure and a classic look that breaks in nicely over time for a personalized fit.
- Dual density collar foam supports the ankle and helps maintain stability during workouts, walks, and all-day wear.
- Phantom Liner construction features minimal interior seaming to reduce irritation and create a smooth, comfortable fit against the foot.
5
Saucony Guide 19 - Men
Saucony Guide 19 - Women
- Enjoy enhanced comfort with every step, thanks to the softer, more responsive PWRRUN foam.
- Experience the exclusive Center Path Technology, featuring a broad-based platform with higher sidewalls that hug your foot and guide you through each step with comfort.
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Under Armour® - Shoes for Accessory Navicular Syndrome |  |  | Under Armour | |
| 2 | Brooks® - Stability Walking Shoes for Accessory Navicular Syndrome |  |  |
| Brooks |
| 3 | Asics® - Running Shoe for Accessory Navicular Syndrome |  |  |
| Asics |
| 4 | New Balance® - Dress Shoe for Accessory Navicular Syndrome |  |  | New Balance | |
| 5 | Saucony® - Accessory Navicular Syndrome Shoe |  |  |
| Saucony |
Sources
- NHS: Walking for health
Update History
- Oct 2026: Replaced Hoka One Clifton 8 with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; updated Brooks Addiction Walker to Addiction Walker 2; replaced Asics Gel Nimbus 26 with Asics Gel Nimbus 28; replaced Orthofeet Celina with New Balance 608 V5; updated Saucony Guide 15 to Guide 19
- Oct 2026: Removed Skechers Arch Fit Charge (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Jan 2023: Published
