If you have hammer toes, you may have already noticed certain shoes cause discomfort more than others.

The best shoes for hammer toes allow you to move more freely and avoid pain.

Not sure which design features to seek out and which to avoid?

Renee Cherry

Keep reading to find your perfect fit.

Cushioning orthotic insoles and a faux-fur lining make these a comfy choice that won’t cause pain or restriction.

The shoes have extra depth in the toe area to eliminate pressure on bunions or hammer toes.

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Theyre meant to be less restrictiveand these hiking shoes feature the roomiest of the brands three widths.

The shoe is made from water-resistant fabric, with enough traction for any conditions.

Instead, our experts recommend opting for a lower heel or (ideally) flats.

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What’s more, it comes in three roomy widths, with extra wide and extra-extra wide options.

They come in regular and wide widths and half sizes, making it easy to find your perfect fit.

These sneakers are designed for running or walking.

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Theyre cushioned-yet-lightweight, weighing in at 7.3 ounces.

It comes in several attractive colors ranging from teal and dusty pink to more subdued black and white versions.

The Altra Escalante 3 has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance and features the brands signature wide toe box.

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What’s more, the brand offers free spike replacements for life.

They feature a moderate cushioning and a modest heel-to-toe drop of 3mm.

The shoes are also suitable if you also have plantar fasciitis, since their orthotic insoles provide arch support.

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They feature a wide toe box that allows you to splay your toes naturally without restriction.

The soles incorporate injection blown rubber, which is more lightweight and flexible but less durable than full rubber.

As such, theyre better suited to errands and everyday activities than running or hiking on rugged terrains.

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What are hammer toes?

Hammer toes describe when a toe becomes bent, similar to the shape of a hammerhead.

Some genetic disorders can also predispose people to hammer toes.

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In some cases, severe trauma can cause muscle imbalances that lead to hammer toes.

Age:With age, the ligaments and tendons of your foot can become weaker and less flexible.

In some cases, this causes the toes to bend into a hammer-like position.

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Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled can push the toes into a bent position.

Over time, the toe muscles can become unable to straighten, leading to a permanent change.

Wide-toe box:It’s important to look for shoes with a wide forefoot.

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Per Cunha, hammer toes can become compressed and irritated if they don’t have enough wiggle room.

Shoes that are too tight will eventually become painful.

What shoes should you avoid for hammer toes?

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Customer reviews helped us determine whether these shoes really hit the mark.

We prioritized those with feedback from people who have hammer toes.

That said, we looked for shoes that fit a range of budgets.

We chose shoes with high-quality, durable materials that will last for a long time.

As always, we prioritized those made with sustainable materials.

What do podiatrists recommend for hammer toes?

Podiatrists recommend looking for shoes with a wide toe box and low heel elevation if you have hammer toes.

How do you wear shoes with a hammer toe?

Is going barefoot good for hammer toes?

Otherwise, its best to wear shoes to avoid a foot ulcer.

The shoes on our list meet podiatrist guidelines, with options for every foot bang out and activity.

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