It’s uncomfortable, painful, and stressful to run or carry out some of your best activities with a painful toe joint. Those who’ve gone through this can testify to how painful Hallux Rigidus can be. It feels like a big part of your brain is not performing as expected.
The good news is that being diagnosed with this condition is not the end of your athletic career or your hiking hobby. There are good shoes that can protect your big toe from the strides that elevate the pain.
Take a look at this review with the best shoes for running, walking, and hiking. Altra Men’s Torin 3 Athletic Shoe is top in the list because it comes equipped with all the comfort features desirable for hiking shoes as well as speedy healing.
Let’s dive into the review to see what all these 7 best shoes for Hallux Rigidus have to offer.
Best Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
1. Altra Men’s Torin 3 Athletic Shoe
When Hallux is threatening to stop your running career, you should not give it a chance. Get yourself a beautiful pair of Men’s Torin 3 Athletic Shoe, which is among Altra’s bestselling running shoes. The shoe ensures you have everything you need to speed up recovery as well as keep you moving.
Torin 3 comes with neutral, high cushion features like the Zero Drop platform with FootShape toe box. This works together with EVA midsole, Inner Flex, and A-Bound Top Layer. The results of all these features narrow down to durability and support.
It features a more breathable upper that holds your foot with no slippage. The FootPod outsole is also designed to mimic the placement of your bones and tendons, hence, enough flexibility. It fits well on foot to give you a comfortable ride.
The “middle of the road” shoe type is easy on your pockets. You don’t have to browse through all other expensive running shoes if you can get all the features you need, Torin 3. The look is neutral to capture the attention of male runners.
Pros
- Perfect cushioning: not too spongy and not insufficient
- Durable enough to serve you better
- The shoe fits perfectly; hence’ no slippage
- The cushioning helps speed up recovery
- Has breathable upper for comfort
Cons
- It has a narrow toe box causing blisters
- Doesn’t have enough springiness for better running
Overall, Torin 3 is the ideal shoe for those who want breathability, comfort, and good fit all in one shoe. This is a multi-use shoe that performs well in all situations. The cushioning ensures you’re comfortable enough and speeds up recovery from Hallux Rigidus.
2. Skechers Women’s Shape Ups 2.0 Fashion Sneaker
The fitness journey is not an easy one, especially if it adds the pain of Hallux Rigidus to it. You need something that will get you covered and increase your fitness efforts. The Sketchers Women’s Shape Ups come with a unique design to give that and more.
This is a combination of leather, sneakers, and sketchers in one shoe. The powerful combination gives you a unique design, durability, and affordability. The sketchers will not strain your pockets as they are one of the most comfortable shoes in the market.
For women who are enthusiastic about staying shape, burning calories, and losing weight, Sketchers Women Shape-Ups are with you. They come in a unique design that encourages you to work out. Hence’ give you the best experience and wonderful results that an ideal girl shoe can offer.
And if you’re buying them because of Hallux Rigidus, they will not disappoint. They have a super-thick upper with a cushioned midsole for maximum comfort and pain-free workout. The combination of leather and synthetic also encourages flexibility and supportive ride.
Pros
- They are pocket-friendly shoes
- They are attractive to the eye to appease women
- Provides different muscle workouts for maximum calorie burn
- Enough comfort thanks to thick cushioning
- Features Sketch-Knit Mesh for breathability
Cons
- Not ideal for women who wear larger sizes
- It can take you time to get used to the shoe
The Shape-Ups are designed to give you enough comfort and flexibility as you go through your workout routine. It comes with a unique curved sole for muscle toning. They provide a unique feeling similar to working out in soft sand with a classy, sporty look.
If aerobics is your thing, here is a list of other best shoes for high impact workout.
3. MBT USA Inc Men’s Colorado 17 Walking Sneakers
You probably love taking some soul-searching nature walk, and then all of a sudden, Hallux Rigidus comes knocking. Are you forced to sit back home bored and in pain while your friends are still out there enjoying themselves?
Not if you have MBT USA Inc Men’s Colorado 17 Fitness Walking Sneakers. These are unique athletic men’s fitness walking shows made for your active lifestyle and recovery process. Don’t feel sorry for yourself when you have the solution made just for you.
The shoes feature synthetic leather/mesh upper finish for durability and breathability. They not only provide value for your money but ensure you’re comfortable all through your walking time.
The footbed is also made with mesh material and comes with a non-marking rubber outsole and MBT’s signature rocker sole. At the Dynamic level, the shows ensure you get a mid-rock level. This is all thanks to its medium-strong sole curve, medium-high midsole, and the Pivoted Axis.
The high abrasion rubber ensures you get enough strength without maximizing on the weight. They come with a unique sensor technology that combines with the rocker outsole to ensure you move efficiently and comfortably.
Pros
- Minimal seams and overlays preventing blisters
- Gentle rocker design for an easy transition
- Pivoted axis for a stable mid-foot strike
- PU component for soft heel landing
- MBT Sensor technology for efficient movement
Cons
- The arch support is not so comfortable
- You need time to get used to them
These are some of the best shoes for those who are looking for some technological enhancements. You can benefit from the removal of insoles, which allow you to add your own orthotic insoles. This pair of shoes can also join the list of other comfortable dance shoes.
4. KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
KEEN Men’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe is made to help those who in love with leather. The shoes are 100% leather offering enough durability without straining your pockets. The pair comes in handy to ensure Hallux Rigidus does not interfere with your hiking escapades.
They do not add extra weight to your hiking journey as they come in lightweight designs suitable for 2 to 3 seasons every year hiking. They come with that masculine technical look that quickly gets the attention of male hikers. They also come in autumnal colors for aesthetic appeal.
You don’t have to worry when it suddenly rains in the middle of your hike. Targhee II is ready to cover you with their waterproof nubuck leather. The outsole features some aggressive lugs to give you maximum grip in the trail which every hiker needs.
The insoles ensure maximum comfort as they come with removable metatomical dual density with EVA footbed. They give you the desired arch support and cradle the natural curves of your foot. It also features durable shock absorbers that protect your foot from the rough hiking trail.
Pros
- Removable insole and footbed for easy maintenance
- Thick and padded collar for support
- Good layer cushioning for comfort
- Good lacing system for a perfect fit
- Ragged and solid look desired by men
Cons
- Only designed for men
- The laces eyelets can break
Everything about Targhee II is aggressive enough to give this shoe the solid feel and good look suitable for all men. The KEEN logo is placed at the side, rear, and on the sole of the boots away from your face. They come with up to five color choices.
5. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Clifton 4 Running Shoe
You have a lot to expect from an award-winning running shoe made specifically to quicken Hallux Rigidus’ recovery. The HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Clifton 4 Running Shoe gives you all the reasons to choose it.
To ensure it fits the consumer desire, this shoe model continues to undergo changes every day. The upper materials and overall fit experience continuous improvements to make everything better. The midsole material is also exposed to some minor tweaks every year.
The fourth Brand of HOKA ONE ONE Clifton now comes with the best updates with the consumer interests given priority. It comes with a new mesh material with an improved form for both comfort and longevity.
The biggest highlight of Clifton is the marshmallow-soft like ride. This ensures you get a good ride with this running shoe with an improved midsole. It maintains the standard cushioning of the previous models that give you that desirable soft feel.
The midsole comes in one piece of CMEVA foam. It has a narrowed based, which is quite an improvement from the previous models. The RMAT material also comes in handy to ensure you get the maximum rebound properties for a more responsive ride with a smooth, soft feel.
Pros
- Increased rebound rate for a better ride
- Durable enough to add value
- Comfortable upper for speedy healing
- Increased foam for comfort
- Widened midfoot fit for longevity
Cons
- Adds you an extra weight
- The upper is a little stiffer limiting flexibility
Everything in Clifton 4 reflects a lot of updates from the previous versions. The mesh material also gives an added advantage and breathability. Keep reading for long distance walking shoes.
6. Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat
Women’s shoes mostly come in small sizes, which limit those with a wider foot. Alegria probably noticed that the market gap and decided to cover the women who always miss out on good shoes. They designed Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat that features a very wide toe box for easier fitting.
The shoe features classic styling combined with comfort to bring out the best footwear for a modern woman. The shoe features cork and latex footbed for maximum comfort. The arch support and memory foam ensure you feel comfortable all-day.
Paloma flat also comes with rocker bottom outsole that reduces stress on the legs, feet, and overall body to help you forget the pain of Hallux Rigidus. It is easy to maintain as it comes with a stain-resistant upper. It gives you an optimal fit with its loop instep strap and adjustable hook.
Pros
- Optimal fit with adjustable fit and loop strap
- Arch support for comfort
- Rocker bottom outsole reduces stress
- Patented leather upper for durability
- Made with 100% leather
- Enough room for maximum comfort
Cons
- You need to purchase the inserts separately
- The inserts wear off with time
This is an easy wear shoe for a modern woman who loves flat walking shoes and needs something for quicker healing. The unique hardware is more than what you’ve ever seen on other flat shoes.
7. Sanita Women’s Professional Cabrio Clog
You should be able to maintain the professional look even if you’re experiencing some pain in the feet. Sanita Women’s Professional Cabrio Clog ensures you don’t get in trouble at work with some unprofessional sandals. You can experience less pain and still look good with these shoes.
Women worldwide love these shoes thanks to their unbeatable comfort and beautiful design. They will offer you all-day support and ensure you get value for your money thanks to their durable leather material.
Forget about the blisters and pain you get with other shoes on rough terrain. Sanita Women’s Professional Cabrio Clog comes with maximum shock absorption to protect your foot. The comfort is enhanced further with the reinforced toe box protection, which ensures your toes get enough room.
The shoe comes in attractive styles released every season so that you always have something stunning and new to wear. It doesn’t have any shiny colors or extravagant designs; hence, keep a professional look that is easy on the eyes.
Pros
- Padded collar for comfort
- Reinforced toe box to provide enough room
- Leather sock lining for long wear
- PU frame for stability
- Protective TPU heel for lateral stability
Cons
- Needs 2 to 3 days to get used to them
- Has a slight snag
This is one of the best professional design healing shoes in the market. It incorporates all the comfort and cozy designs of Sanita brands. You can concentrate on your work all day because you’ll have a shoe for maximum comfort and ease.
Click to learn more about the best shoes for walking, standing, and working on concrete.
Consideration Before Buying Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
Hallux rigidus can be defined as a condition that affects the joints of the big toe by limiting its movement and also causing pain. With time, it becomes hard to bend the toe, and that can be disabling since you use this foot digit to walk.
However, all is not lost. Hallux rigidus shoes can compensate for your toe’s stiffness. Nevertheless, you have to consider various factors before you make a purchase. These will include the following.
Wide Toe Boxes
When shopping for Hallux Rigidus shoes, go for those with wide toe boxes. There is a common belief that Hallux rigidus develops as a result of wearing too-tight shoes. So, a broader toe box will allow your toes to spread as you take a step down. Moreover, it can also help in relieving the pain.
Therefore, if you are suffering from Hallux rigidus, these kinds of shoes are more suitable than those with a pointed toe. Also, if you are utilizing orthotics, then consider footwear with a greater height from the shoe’s top to its sole.
Size
Another factor to consider when shopping for hallux rigidus shoes is the size. Do not look for your shoe size. Instead, search for your foot size. That way, you will stop assuming that your previous shoe size is the same as the present one; footwear manufacturers use different foot forms to make shoes.
Wearing a boot that is too small for your feet can add extra pressure to your toe joint, and that can worsen your condition. So, judge footwear by how it feels on your feet and not by its size.
Supportive Fit
You need to consider more than just fashion if you are searching for the best shoes for hallux limitus. For that matter, get supportive fit shoes if you want to keep your feet in good shape. Ensure that the thumb tip fits between the end of the boots and the end of your longest toe.
Comfort
When it comes to shopping for the best shoes for hallux limitus, comfort is a significant factor. Footwear with soft uppers and correct shoe size is the best when you want your toe joints to get comfortable. With that in mind, you will no longer complain of pain as a result of the pressure caused by uncomfortable shoes.
Flexion
If you have Hallux Rigidus, look for that pair of shoes that best appeals to you. Once you find it, try to wear it and check the flexion, particularly near the big toe. Some of these shoes have low movement, while others have a high one. Nevertheless, with Hallux Rigidus, you will need a stiffer shoe.
A stiffer sole will limit the bending of the big joint toe and eliminate the pain. The bottom should also be thick to prevent the stones from pressing your toe. So, rocker bottom shoes for hallux rigidus are an excellent pick if you want to avoid pressing your foot.
Upper
The right shoe should have the ability to eliminate pain that comes with a hallux rigidus. In respect to that, consider footwear whose upper material is soft to avoid injuring your big toe. The most comfortable upper to try out when you have this condition is leather.
Hallux Rigidus can cause a lot of pain to your joint toes. However, with the right shoes, your problem can come to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hallux Rigidus is a common disorder of the joint located at the big toe. Therefore, most people wonder how it’s possible to wear shoes with such a disorder. Technology has made it easier for people living with Hallux Rigidus to walk around in shoes.
Consequently, questions are being raised. Keep reading to learn the frequently asked questions about shoes for Hallux Rigidus and their answers.
Q. Are they comfortable?
A. Comfort is an essential aspect to anyone who has a dysfunctional toe. These special shoes are made with a high abrasion rubber outsole and a high-quality midsole, which makes the shoes offer high-end comfort.
Q. Are they heavy?
A. Nothing is as stressful as dealing with a painful toe. Shoes for Hallux Rigidus are lightweight, which means that you can move easily in them.
Q. Is it painful?
A. Bone spurs usually develop during the growth of Hallux Rigidus. This development is painful, so it can be disturbing to wear shoes that rub your big toes.
The best shoes for hallux limitus have a slightly wider toe box than normal shoes. For this reason, the toes do not touch the shoes, which means that you will not experience pain.
Q. Do they pose pressure on the toes?
A. Shoes that work for people with Hallux Rigidus have a raised foot shape. This means that pressure is kept away from the toes. The raised shape also allows the other toes to spread out naturally.
Q. Is it possible to run in them?
A. People with Hallux Rigidus are advised to have a fitness routine, which includes running. These shoes have a foot pod, which increases the stability of the shoes allowing you to run without harming your big toe. Since the toe box is wide, as mentioned earlier, your toes will relax even when you are running.
Q. Can I wear them anywhere?
A. You are probably wondering if you can rock these shoes anywhere. Yes, you can wear these shoes when running your errands, as they are stylish and versatile. They come in a wide range of styles that you can choose from and match with your outfit.
You can even wear these shoes for work, and you will not look out of style. Many color choices exist; therefore, there is a high chance of you wearing your best color.
Q. Are they unisex?
A. Unless customized, most of the shoes for Hallux Rigidus are unisex. Most women with Hallux Rigidus have their best shoes customized, but all sneakers found in the market are unisex.
Q. How many hours can I wear them?
A. These shoes can be worn all day without causing any kind of discomfort on the joints.
Q. Is it possible to wear shoes for hallux rigidus during the rainy season?
A. The tread in the best shoes for hallux limitus is firm, meaning that you can walk through mud and water. Also, the material used to make these shoes is strong. Therefore, no water will get into the shoes affecting your toes.
Q. Is it possible to wear socks?
A. This type of shoe has a raised foot shape to keep pressure away from the big toe. Socks usually press toes exerting pressure, which will be painful. It is vital to wear these shoes without socks.
Conclusion
The key features to consider when buying the best shoes for Hallux Rigidus are a thick sole and rocker bottom. The depth and width in the toe area are factors that you shouldn’t overlook.
You can reduce pressure on your toe by choosing shoes with a soft toe area. Also, shoes with stiff soles prevent your foot from cramping and squeezing. Therefore, it’s advisable to go for shoes with stiff soles that’ll discourage any flexing motion.
Finding the best shoes for hallux limitus can be a daunting task, but wearing shoes that do not help deal with the pain in your toes is quite frustrating. The shoes you wear for all activities, including running, walking, and hiking, play a key role in minimizing the impact of your toes.
You now have all the information you need to buy the ideal shoes for Hallux Rigidus. Buy any pair of shoes from the above list and say goodbye to Hallux Rigidus problems.