Hammertoes affect nearly 7 million people in the U.S.
Here, two podiatrists weigh in on the most comfortable shoes suited for hammertoes.
What are hammertoes?
No surprise here: Hammertoes affect your toes.
Hammertoes are when you get a buckling or a contracture of one of your toes, saysDr.
Not all hammertoes are the same, asDr.
board-certified podiatrist and orthopedic surgeon atUMass Memorial Health
Frances J. Lagana, podiatrist atUMass Memorial Health, explains.
A hammertoe can be flexible, semi rigid, or rigid, she says.
What should you do if you think you have hammertoes?
Andersen recommends going to a podiatrist rather than a primary care doctor.
A podiatrist can also explain what to do to prevent the condition from worsening.
Andersen says that you dont need to see a provider immediately, however.
Its not like you have to rush out the same day.
Its not something thats urgent, so to speak.
What is the best treatment for hammertoes?
board-certified podiatrist and orthopedic surgeon atUMass Memorial Health
Shoe pads designed for hammertoes can help too, she says.
Surgery is sometimes the best solution, says Lagana.
(A foot ulcer is an open sore.)
What kind of shoes are good for hammertoes?
Some retailers, such as Nordstrom, make it easy tofind shoes with the seal.
What shoes should younotwear if you have hammertoes?
Andersen cautions against pointed-toe shoes and high heels.
It has the mesh upper that Andersen recommends for sneakers, so it wont constrict your toes.
This highly-cushioned shoe also cradles your ankle with memory foam.
The shoe is vegan and contains recycled materials, and it comes in sizes 5-12 in medium and wide.
Andersen likes that the brand offers multiple widths.
(Wondering about the unusual name?
Its namesake is a Brooks employee who liked to run at nightnothing supernatural about these sneakers.)
Much of the polyester contained in the shoe is recycled.
Topo has a very wide toe box, and its very nice and roomy, she says.
In fact, on its website, the brand emphasizes that its shoes dont restrict your toes.
Topo [shoes are] extraordinarily wide on their own, she says.
Theyre designed that way and are really good for people with hammertoes.
Its available in sizes 612.Find mens sizing and colorways here.
(It also offers a 60-day wear test and free returns.)
It features orthotic insoles, arch support, and adjustable straps.
This shoe is available in sizes 512 in medium and wide widths in black and camel leather.
Lagana finds them good for casual walks and approves of the low heel and adjustable strap.
This shoe comes in sizes 512 in medium, narrow, wide, and extra wide.
It has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
This cute Mary Jane style features interesting cutouts, along with a comfortable low heel and adjustable strap.
It also has a removable footbed that you’re able to replace with your own orthotics if needed.
Its available in sizes 411, mostly in neutral colors.
Note that half sizes should size up.
A lot of the Danskos have a really deep toe box, says Andersen.
Its not like Oh, this is a guarantee that this is for everyone, she says.
This shoe has a cushioned footbed, adjustable strap, and leather lining.
Sizes range from 5.5/6 to 11.5/12.
Aetrex Mia Adjustable Wedge $75.00
Andersen says that Aetrex is her favorite shoe brand.
A lot of them have the [APMA] seal, she says.
So theyre not going to put anything thats really egregious or really crowding your toes or anything like that.
Theyre incredibly comfortable, says Andersen.
Theyve got a huge, round toe box, the leathers very soft, and theyve got arch support.
), but it has a lot of features that make it a good choice.
Theyre very stretchy and very accommodative of my hammertoe, she says.
The shoe is also breathable and antimicrobial, and has an adjustable strap.
It comes in four neutral colors in sizes 512.
Orthofeet offers a 60-day wear test.
If you wear orthotics, you could remove the footbeds of this shoe and use those instead.
The Naot Kirei Mary Jane comes in several colors, mostly neutrals, in sizes 412.
Note that half sizes should size up.
Like all of Naots shoes, its ethically made in Israel with sustainable methods.
Its also received the APMAs Seal of Acceptance.
(Half sizes should size up.)
The boot is available in sizes 512 in brown and black and has Orthofeets 60-day wear guarantee.
), The Chaco Revel Chelsea V-Gore Boot has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Its available in sizes 611 in several neutral colors.
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