Hallux Rigidus is a joint disorder of foot that affects the big toe. The pain and stiffness that it causes can make it difficult for a person to run, walk or even stand.
Hallux Rigidus does not have a cure other than surgeries which not everyone can afford. Few exercises, foot movements can help tone it down a little. It’s important to wear the right footwear in Hallux Rigidus too.
There are various shoes that are designed to help in Hallux Rigidus. Here are 5 best shoes for Hallux Rigidus you can buy in 2021.
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Comparison of Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
Best Shoes For Hallux Rigidus
ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak 4.5
The Lone Peak 4.5 is an upgrade to the Lone Peak 3.5. Its design is perfectly ideal for women suffering from Hallux Rigidus.
The shoes have a wide FootShape toe-box that rests the big toe and does most of the work against Hallux Rigidus. The wider space reduces the discomfort and pain that Hallux Rigidus causes to the big toe. There is a zero-drop platform which mimics the natural stance of a human’s feet. The heel and the ball of the foot are at the same height which does not put unwanted pressure on any part of the foot. Zero drop shoes are proved to be effective in preventing foot pain and help people suffering from Hallux Rigidus.
To make things better, the platform is fully cushioned to provide more comfort to the toe and the whole foot. The soft cushion is comfortable to the foot and reduces the pain. The cushioning is moderate and does its job without making the shoes heavy. The insole has a 5 mm contour footbed which combined with the wider toe-box can be the perfect solution for Hallux Rigidus. It is accompanied by a dual-layer EVA midsole.
The outsole is made of MaxTrac rubber built with TrailClaw technology that provides the grip required for hiking and trekking. The upper has a mesh design that leaves some space for airflow. The shoes have a 4-Point GaiterTrap technology that keeps dirt and gravel out of the shoes. The shoes feature StoneGuard Rock Protection as well.
The colors might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it serves its purpose of providing equal comfort and protection. These are also maybe the best running shoes for Hallux Rigidus.
- Weight: 8.7 oz / 247 g
- Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
- Midsole: Dual Layer EVA / A-Bound with StoneGuard
New Balance Women’s FuelCoreNergize V1
With the Nergize V1, New Balance has aimed at achieving maximum comfort which makes them ideal for any woman suffering from Hallux Rigidus.
The shoes have the New Balance’s signature REVLite cushioning that provides a great amount of comfort to the foot. The foam keeps the big toe and the rest of the foot at ease while walking or running. The foam is ultra-light and thus does not make the shoes heavy.
New Balance’s own Memory insert sole lies inside to provide even more amount of comfort. The insert sole also provides support to the foot. The insert is removable and replaceable.
The shoes are slip-on but feature laces that are to be used for tightening or loosening the upper. Speaking of the upper, it is totally synthetic and comes in a textured mesh design.
These shoes are made for comfort. While they do provide some support, they might not be ideal for people suffering from Hallux Rigidus to wear for intense exercises. Walking, running and other mild exercises would feel comfortable with the shoes.
The shoes are available in 23 different colors and have a size range of 5 to 12 Wide.
- These shoes have a performance fit. We recommend ordering a 1/2 size bigger than your typical NB size.
- Midsole Cushioning: These New Balance sneakers feature a REVlite midsole that delivers incredibly lightweight cushioning and provides a responsive ride for comfortable all-day wear
- Underfoot Comfort: With an NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert that offers a plush feel with every step, this everyday shoe for women was made for wearing anywhere and everywhere
Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk
The Mighty Walk are women’s sneakers that are built for pain-relief. They feature the VersoShock Technology which is a patented spring system. It absorbs all the shock from the ground and converts it into renewed energy which returns in the form of extra cushioning.
There is an extra-wide toe box that provides sufficient room for the big toe. The big toe is the area that gets affected by Hallux Rigidus. The pain can get worse if the shoes are too tight. This is accompanied by a front rocker sole that is effective against Hallux Rigidus.
The insoles are removable and replaceable. The shoes come with free orthotic insoles that can be used in place of the insole. These orthotic insoles are specifically designed to help with foot problems. On the bottom, there is a seamless interior designed for sensitive feet and diabetic neuropathy.
On the inside, the lining is kept soft so that it does not irritate or cause any discomfort to the foot. Along with Hallux Rigidus, the shoes are beneficial in disorders like Plantar Fasciitis as well. The shoes weigh just 15oz which is pretty light. These shoes are made for comfort and they are not intended for power activities full-blown workouts or trekkings.
There are 6 color options along with a size range of 6 to 11-X Wide.
- VersoShock Patented Technology: shown to relieve pain in the knees.
- Roomy Toe Box extra room for comfort and better blood circulation.
- Front Rolling Design designed to reduce foot stress by isolating 28 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles from harm.
Dansko Women’s Paisley
These shoes are intended to be more of walking shoes that provide ample amount of comfort to the foot. These shoes have a wider design that proves beneficial for people suffering from Hallux Rigidus. A wider space provides more room for the bigger toe to rest.
The shoes have a padded tongue and collar that provides comfort to the toe. The lining inside is soft and forgiving to the foot from inside. There is a removable EVA footbed on the inside. The footbed’s intensity is increased up to three times to make the shoes even more comfortable. The footbed is laced with Dansko’s Natural Arch technology.
The technology consists of an arch stabilizer that provides support and comfort to the foot with moderate cushioning. As the footbed is removable it can be replaced with custom orthotics that can help in Hallux Rigidus.
The sole is completely synthetic and built for comfort. The shoes are built with DuPont Sorona fibre for moisture control. Along with that, there is CleansportNXT technology for odor control. The upper is made of waterproof leather. The outsole is made of long-lasting vibram rubber which can withstand a lot of traction of all kind of surfaces.
There are 7 options in color range while the size range goes from 5.5 to 13.
- SPORT-INSPIRED SHOE: Our Paisley walking shoe is a practical outdoor sneaker with moisture management, and stain resistant waterproof leather uppers for added protection.
- COMPLETE COMFORT: The triple density footbed includes Dansko Natural Arch technology and shock absorption, and a built-in shank offers stability and support; removable footbed accommodates most orthotics.
- BREATHABLE MATERIALS: These lightweight sneakers are treated for moisture management and Reduce Odor, for your active lifestyle.
ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak 4
ALTRA makes the second appearance on the list with the Lone Peak 4. These shoes have a wider design than standard shoes which is ideal for women dealing with Hallux Rigidus. The Footshape toe box keeps the toes relaxed and free. The toes are not packed tight and are given space to relax which can tone down the complication caused by Hallux Rigidus. There is a sandpaper textured toe cap that not only supports the big toe but also stimulates it due to its texture.
Moderate cushioning throughout the floor keeps the big toe and the feet at comfort. The shoes feature A-bound cushioning that converts all of the impact energy into equal positive energy. This energy is returned in the form of bounce to the foot that provides more comfort while running.
The cushion is kept at a moderate density so that it does not increase the weight of the shoes. As a result, the shoes weigh just 8.5 oz which is really light.
The shoes have a zero-drop platform which keeps the heel and the forefoot at the same height. This design gives the feet a natural form and the impact caused by running is low.
The outsole has TrailClaw lugs that make the shoes usable on rough surfaces. That combined with the MaxTrac technology makes these shoes ideal for hiking and trekking. Stoneguard technology is present here as well which protects the feet from outside impact.
How To Treat Hallux Rigidus
Hallux Rigidus is a real issue and it can interfere with a person’s daily life. That’s why it is important to fix this issue. There are various options that are effective against Hallux Rigidus.
Surgeries provide a permanent fix to this problem. There are various joint surgeries that can be done to get rid of Hallux Rigidus.
However, not everyone can afford surgery. In that case, there are other solutions like physiotherapy, exercises and designated footwear.
There are various range-of-motion exercises that can help relieve the pain. One such exercise is gently pulling the big toe back until it faces some resistance and then holding it in that position for around 20 seconds.
Those suffering from Hallux Rigidus should use special insoles that provide comfort and pads that limit the big toe’s movement.
How To Buy Shoes For Hallux Rigidus
Toe Space
As the bigger toe is what’s affected by Hallux Rigidus, it should be a priority while buying shoes. Shoes that provide room for the toe are very effective in Hallux Rigidus. They allow the toe to relax and limit its movements. Shoes with smaller toe space force the toe to move along with the rest of the foot which causes pain and discomfort.
Cushioning
The right type and the right amount of cushioning can be a blessing in Hallux Rigidus. Cushioning that absorbs all the impact and converts it back into energy are easier on the feet. Too much cushioning, however, can not only make the shoes heavier but also cause more discomfort than comfort.
Support
Shoes that provide extra support for the toe can tone down the pain and the discomfort. The support keeps the feet locked in the right position. Softer support pads provide comfort as well as support to the toe.
Material
Hallux Rigidus causes the toe to swell due to which it is more sensitive to pain. If the inner material of the shoe is hard it can worsen the condition. People suffering from Hallux Rigidus should buy shoes that are made of softer material.
Sole
Shoes with sturdy and supportive soles are better for Hallux Rigidus. A sole that is too thick can cause more discomfort instead.
Rocker soles are effective in various joint disorders. These soles are curved in shape and provide support to parts where they are curved at. For Hallux Rigidus, people should buy rocker soles curved in front.
Final Words
Hallux Rigidus is a stubborn problem but it does have a solution. Hallux Rigidus can be toned down with various exercises & therapies and correct footwear. We have listed the best shoes you can buy if you are suffering from Hallux Rigidus. Patients should try various combinations of exercises along with correct footwear to see what works best.
