Hammer toes are a common foot deformity where the toes become bent in a claw-like position, causing pain and discomfort. This condition can impact the way you walk and stand, leading to additional foot problems such as calluses, corns, and blisters. The correct footwear can help alleviate the symptoms of hammer toes by providing adequate support, cushioning, and room for your toes to move freely.
When it comes to finding the correct shoes for hammer toes, there are several top brands that offer comfort footwear that provides support and relief for this condition. These brands have a reputation for producing shoes that are specifically designed to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with hammer toes. In this blog, we will be discussing the best brands we stock that can help with your hammer toes. We will detail why each brand is good for hammer toes, and give examples of some of their shoe styles that are suitable for this condition.
A brief overview of hammer toes.
Hammer toes are a condition where one or more toes bend downwards at the middle joint, resembling a hammer shape. This condition can occur in any of the toes except the big toe. Hammer toes can cause a range of discomfort and pain, as well as affect the way you walk and stand. It is important to understand the underlying causes and symptoms of hammer toes to determine the best course of treatment.
The most common cause of hammer toes is wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow, leading to the toes being cramped and bent for extended periods of time. Other contributing factors include genetics, nerve damage, arthritis, and muscle imbalances. Individuals with flat feet, high arches, and other foot conditions are more likely to develop hammer toes.
The symptoms of hammer toes include pain and discomfort in the affected toes, corns and calluses on the tops and tips of the toes, and difficulty fitting into shoes. In severe cases, hammer toes can also cause balance problems and difficulty walking. If left untreated, hammer toes can lead to more severe foot conditions and the development of painful sores.
It is important to seek treatment for hammer toes as soon as you notice symptoms. Treatment options include wearing shoes that fit properly and provide enough room for your toes, using orthotics and padding to reduce pressure on the toes, and physical therapy to improve muscle strength and flexibility. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity.
You should always consider consulting a podiatrist when it comes to anything to do with your foot health. A podiatrist can offer a professional opinion, diagnose your condition, and prescribe you with the most effective treatment plan for you.
Things to consider with your footwear.
When looking for shoes for hammer toes, the most important thing to consider is the fit. Wearing shoes with a good fit will support the natural function of your feet, and prevent your condition from getting any worse. It is important with hammer toes that your feet are allowed to remain in a neutral position, and in order to do this they need to be in a stable and supportive shoe.
With that in mind, the main things to consider when looking for shoes to help with your hammer toes is the structure. Wearing a shoe that is too soft or too flimsy will just contribute to the development of other foot health conditions. Try to wear shoes that have a firm heel support to help with overall stability, and good midfoot support to help your feet relax.
Additionally, it’s important to look for shoes that provide enough room for your toes. We understand this is not the easiest thing given the unique shape hammer toes leave your feet with, but there are some common footwear features you can look for that will help.
For example, shoes with a wider toe box, and shoes that have a soft upper that does not rub against the toes. it’s also important to look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to help relieve pressure and strain on the toes. It’s also important to consider the style of the shoes, whether you need them for everyday wear, work, or outdoor activities.
Our brands.
With that in mind, let’s talk about some shoes! Everything we stock at ShoeFit.uk has been tried and tested with hands on shoe-fitting experience. These brands are ones that we have recognised can help with pain and discomfort you may be experiencing as a result of hammer toes. We’ll also give some style recommendations from each, so you know what you are looking for when you visit us.
Asics.
Asics is a very well-known brand, but not necessarily for footwear that helps with hammer toes. However, there is one shoe from Asics that we absolutely recommend to anyone with this condition, which is the MetaRide. We have been using this shoe for years to help relieve symptoms and pain caused by hammer toes, due to its unique shape, design, and features.
The Metaride features a rocker sole that helps to offload forefoot pressure, which can be a major cause of pain and discomfort for those with hammer toes. The shoe’s shape is also designed to provide ample room for the toes to move freely and comfortably, which is often a problematic area if you have this condition. The Metaride also has a soft upper that does not rub against the toes, which can be another super common problem. The only issue with Metaride is Asics no longer produce it, so stock is a bit limited. If we have your size however, it’s definitely worth considering.
Waldlaufer.
Waldlaufer is another brand that is known for its comfortable and supportive shoes. They use high-quality, sustainable materials that go into durable footwear that will last. One of the top recommendations for hammer toes from Waldlaufer is the Henni. This shoe is a great option for those with hammer toes due to its soft upper and lack of friction over the toes.
The Henni features a soft upper that does not rub against the toes, which can be a common problem for those with hammer toes. It also provides ample room for the toes to move freely and comfortably, which is crucial for those with hammer toes. Additionally, the Henni is a great shoe to use with your own orthotics, as it has a removable insole and extra depth, which can provide even more support and relief for hammer toes.
Waldlaufer is a brand that is committed to using sustainable materials and producing durable footwear that will last. The Henni is just one example of the shoes that Waldlaufer offers for those with hammer toes. If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe that is also environmentally friendly, Waldlaufer is a great brand to consider.
Xsensible.
Xsensible is a brand that is known for its comfortable and supportive shoes, particularly for those with hammer toes. They are a great alternative to Waldlaufer for those who are looking for a more robust shoe that can withstand more walking and activities. One of the top recommendations for hammer toes from Xsensible is their cleverly designed Golden Gate.
These shoes feature a unique stretch upper, which is designed to provide a comfortable and snug fit without compressing or constricting the toes. This stretch upper allows for ample room for the toes to move freely and comfortably, which is crucial for those with hammer toes. Additionally, the stretch upper is durable and can withstand more walking and activities, making Xsensible a great option for those who are looking for a shoe that can keep up with their active lifestyle. There’s also a lot of styles, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style and lifestyle preferences!
Additionally, the Xsensible shoes have a supportive midsole, which provides stability and support to your feet. Furthermore, the shoes have cushioning in strategic areas to help relieve the pressure on the painful areas. This makes them perfect for those who want to be comfortable and active at the same time. The stretch upper is also durable and can withstand more walking and activities, making Xsensible a great option for those who are looking for a shoe that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Remember...See a podiatrist!
It’s important to note that while choosing the right shoes for hammer toes can provide relief, it’s essential to seek professional advice from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can perform x-rays and other assessments to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A podiatrist may also choose to prescribe you with orthotics, which can provide extra support for your feet and help relieve symptoms.
Seeing a podiatrist is especially important if you’re experiencing severe pain or if your hammer toes are causing difficulty walking or standing. We would strongly recommend that you contact a podiatrist if you have any concerns about your hammer toes, or any other condition that may be affecting your feet.
Final thoughts.
Hammer toes is a common condition that affects the toes and can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Finding the right shoes for hammer toes is essential to managing this condition and reducing pain. As outlined in this blog, there are several top brands that offer comfort footwear that provides support and relief for this condition.
Asics, Waldlaufer, and Xsensible are three of the best brands for hammer toes. Each brand offers a range of shoes that are designed to provide support and relief for hammer toes, and each brand has its own unique features that make them stand out.
We hope this blog has been helpful in providing you with information on the best brands for hammer toes in 2023. Remember, the right shoes can make all the difference in managing the pain and discomfort associated with hammer toes.
If you want to know more about the different options available, or you need personalised recommendations, we suggest booking a free personal shopping appointment with one of our expert shoe-fitters.
