Best Shoes for Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a toe that bends down at the middle joint, so the tip points down and the middle curls up. It usually affects the second, third and fourth toes. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says the toe muscles tighten when a toe stays bent for long enough, and that wearing shoes that do not fit properly is a common cause.^[2]

This guide covers what to look for in a shoe and twelve pairs for men and women that are in stock on the web US.

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Causes of Hammertoes

Cleveland Clinic says hammertoes happen when something pushes your toes out of position for a long time, so the muscles and tendons tighten around the curled position. It lists these main causes:^[1]

• Poorly-Fitting Shoes – Shoes that are too narrow or lack arch support can force the toes into unnatural positions. High heels can contribute too.[1]
• Foot Shape – High arches, flat feet and naturally long toes make hammertoes more likely.[1]
• Health Conditions – People with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis may have an increased risk.[1]
• Bunions – Bunions can push the toes out of alignment and put extra pressure on them.[1]

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Why the Right Shoes Matter

The AAOS explains that shoes that narrow toward the toe push the smaller toes into a bent position, and that the toes then rub against the shoe and form corns and calluses. Higher heels force the foot down and push the toes against the shoe.^[2] Cleveland Clinic says wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes is the best way to prevent hammertoes.^[1]

Cleveland Clinic lists footwear changes, over-the-counter toe pads, orthotics and toe exercises among the treatments a podiatrist may suggest.^[1] The AAOS says that in the early stages, while the joint is still flexible, treatment typically consists of simple measures such as footwear changes.^[2]

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Features of a Good Shoe for Hammertoes

• Toe Box – A wide, deep, soft toe box takes pressure off the toes.[1][2]
• Length – The AAOS advises one-half inch of space beyond your longest toe.[2]
• Heel – A low heel. The AAOS says to avoid high-heeled shoes.[2]
• Removable Insole – Room for an over-the-counter or custom orthotic, or a toe pad.[1]
• Upper – Soft, flexible materials that do not pinch or rub. The AAOS says sandals may help if they do not pinch or rub other areas of the foot.[2]

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How We Chose These Shoes

We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s toe room, cushioning, closure and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Shoes for Hammertoes

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Key Specs

No.	Shoe	Type	Closure	Width options	Drop / Cushion	Weight
1	New Balance M1540v3 / W1540v3 (women's)	Running	–	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	–	–
2	Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11	Running	Lace-up	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	–	10.2 oz
3	Under Armour Charged Surge 4	Shoe	–	Medium	8 mm drop / Charged Cushioning	–
4	New Balance 860V15	Running	Lace-up	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	Fresh Foam X	–
5	New Balance 608 V5	Casual sneaker	–	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	ABZORB	–
6	Under Armour Charged Assert 10	Shoe	–	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	10 mm drop / Charged Cushioning	9.5 oz
7	New Balance MW928v3 / WW928v3 (women's)	Walking	Lace-up	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	ABZORB	–
8	Propet Stability Walker	Walking	Lace-up	Medium, Wide, X-Wide	–	–
9	adidas X_PLR Path	Running	Lace-up	Medium	Cloudfoam	–
10	Skechers Go Walk Flex Grand Entry	Walking	Slip-on	Medium, Wide	Ultra Go	–
11	Cobb Hill Aubrey	Sandal	Buckle	Medium, Wide	–	–
12	Franco Sarto Bocca	Dress	Slip-on	Medium, Wide	–	–

– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.

Reviews: Shoes for Hammertoes

Here are our picks. Each pair is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

Running Shoes for Hammertoes

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Walking Shoes for Hammertoes

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10
The Skechers Go Walk Flex Grand Entry is a hands-free slip-in sneaker for women.

• A molded heel panel and stretch laces make it easy to put on, and Heel Pillow technology with a bungee closure holds the foot in place.
• Ultra Go cushioning and an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole cushion each step.
• The flexible outsole grips for walking, and the shoe is machine washable.

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Sandals for Hammertoes

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The Cobb Hill Aubrey is a leather sandal with an adjustable ankle strap.

• The full-grain leather upper has a buckle ankle strap that adjusts the fit.
• A leather and fabric-covered footbed cushions the foot.
• The rubber outsole grips the ground.

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Dress Shoes for Hammertoes

12
The Franco Sarto Bocca is a slip-on loafer with a 1-inch block heel.

• The upper is leather, crinkle patent or faux leather made from recycled materials, with soft linings.
• The slip-on design goes on easily, and the round toe has subtle stitching at the vamp.
• The 1-inch block heel gives a small lift.

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Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Hammertoes

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Conclusion

Choose a shoe with a wide, deep toe box and a low heel, and leave room beyond your longest toe.^[1][2] Use the shoes above as a starting point, and see a podiatrist if a toe will not straighten or the pain continues.

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. Hammertoes. Accessed October 27, 2026.
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Hammer Toe. Accessed October 27, 2026.

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Update History

• Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around Cleveland Clinic and AAOS (OrthoInfo) guidance, added a disclaimer, takeaways, How We Chose section and FAQ, removed the claim that shoes eliminate hammertoe symptoms, and regrouped the shoes under correct headings (the dress shoes group held sneakers)
• Oct 2026: Replaced Brooks Ghost 15 with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; replaced Orthofeet Sprint with New Balance 608 V5; replaced Dr. Comfort Performance with Under Armour Charged Assert 10; replaced Birkenstock Gizeh with adidas X_PLR Path; replaced Orthofeet Avery with Under Armour Charged Surge 4; replaced Aravon Bonnie-AR with Franco Sarto Bocca; replaced Vionic Bella with Skechers Go Walk Flex Grand Entry; updated New Balance 860V12 to 860V15
• Oct 2026: Removed Skechers Afterburn and Drew Barcelona (unavailable)
• Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
• Feb 2018: Published

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