Hallux Rigidus. It’s a literal pain in the big toe. Whether it’s caused by arthritis, a sports injury, or plain old crappy genetics, we’re all in the same boat when it comes to finding comfortable shoes for hallux rigidus.
Respected podiatrist and foot/ankle specialist Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the condition well over at his wonderful YouTube channel. He states, “A shoe can make all the difference in the world.” When it comes to the best shoes for hallux rigidus he recommends footwear with a stiff heel, stiff midsole and a non-flexible forefoot.
Keeping Dr. Biernacki’s wisdom in mind, I’ve tried my best to round up the most comfortable (and stylish as possible) women’s shoes for hallux rigidus. Yours truly had a cheilectomy on my right big toe last summer due to hallux rigidus caused by rheumatoid arthritis, so I have first-foot experience with a few of these. Even if you have turf toe (a sprain or injury to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the big toe), you’ll find these women’s shoe recommendations helpful!
Athletic Shoes
My personal favorite fitness shoe is the Topo Athletic Atmos (or any of their styles with a thicker sole). I love this brand so much. The toe box is wide, the arch support is perfect (so is the cushioning), and the fit at the heel is snug–plus a rocker sole! I wore them pre-cheilectomy and post-cheilectomy. You can watch my video review to find out more about the Atmos style. I also wear the Magnifly model for every day walks and fitness classes (Zumba and Les Mills Body Pump at the Y).
• Sizes: 6-12 • Width: M • Price: $106-129 from Topo Athletic, Amazon & Zappos
Hoka fitness shoes: Hoka shoes (specifically the Bondi style) are one of the best running shoes for hallux rigidus on the market. The combination of rocker sole, thick outsole, enhanced cushioning and wide toe box means the big toe is protected from cramping and over-flexing. Find the most current Hoka Bondi 9 in a variety of neutrals and brights.
•Sizes: 4-12 • Widths: M, W, XW • Price: $175 from Hoka, Zappos & Amazon
If your hallux rigidus is severe, consider the Hoka Skyward with a carbon fiber plate that stiffens the forefoot area of the shoe preventing it from bending and protecting the big toe joint.
“A friend with hallux rigidus turned me onto these and they are fantastic… the lower drop puts less pressure on my big toe.” – Zappos customer
A generous toe box, gentle forefoot rocker sole, and plush but stable platform make the New Balance Fresh Foam x 1080 a great option for hallux rigidus sufferers.
• Sizes: 5-13 • Widths: XN, N, M, W • Price: $129-164 from New Balance, Zappos & Amazon
“I looked for and purchased several shoes to accommodate my Hallux Rigidus (rigid toe) and a bone spur. None worked. They usually were too tight across the ball of my foot where I have the bone spur on the top of my foot. These shoes are perfect. I got the wide because that is what my podiatrist recommended. Most wides were to loose fitting, but these were great. Also, they have just enough “rocker” to keep my rigid toe from hurting.”
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to fork over $170 for Hokas, consider the Skechers Go Run “Consistent” line of running shoes. Read this review from a happy Zappos customer!
• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $63-70 from Skechers & Amazon
Casual Shoes
Fitflop has diversified their footwear collection to the point it’s hard to know which footbed you’re getting. Good news! The F-Mode footbed features their original podiatrist recommended Microwobbleboard technology (three levels of targeted cushioning plus anatomical arch support). A generous toe box and sturdy yet lightweight flatform keep sensitive toes happy.
• Sizes: 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $80-130 from Fitflop & Amazon
If you have difficult-to-fit feet (narrow or even extra wide width), the Ros Hommerson Dannon is definitely worth a try! This comfortable loafer is another excellent recommendation from a member of the Hallux Rigidus Support Group.
We love the new Chelsea boot style of popular Ariat Fatbaby boot! A generous toe box, moderate arch support and thick outsole make this cute boot a excellent choice for hallux rigidus. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, sizes 5.5-12, medium and wide width (for some color choices) for $109.95 from Ariat, Amazon and Zappos.
Zappos customer Jennifer says all we need to know about the Taos Ultimate mary jane:
“I have the World’s Worst Feet. Hallux rigidus and no arches. Shoes that don’t make matters worse are really hard to find. These are wonderful. The arch support is fantastic and they have a nice wide toebox. The adjustable velcro gives a snug fit and they are super cute. Yay.”
The Taos Ultimate is available in sizes 6-11.5 for $185 from Taos Footwear, Zappos and Amazon.
I love these shoes. I own a pair and recommend them to everyone that suffers from plantar fasciitis to bunions to hallux rigidus. (see my Youtube review). The footbed is contoured to support arches, heel and metatarsals. The sole is thick and doesn’t overly bend (the name of the shoe is a misnomer), protecting the forefoot. The toe box is generous and foot-shaped. A+. Available in euro sizes 36-41 (6-10.5–I take a 41 for my size 10 feet) for $140-150 from Birkenstock, Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon.
“No pain with Hallux Rigidus and large bone spur. I’ve tried so many nursing shoes and other rocker shoes, but these with the cork sole are the ones. I will be getting another pair in another color.” – Zappos customer
The Alegria Orygin features a removable (and replaceable) cork, latex and memory foam footbed with excellent arch support. A slip-resistant rocker sole gently propels the foot through the stride taking pressure off painful toes and heels.
Sizes: 5-12 • Widths: M & W • Price: $54-130 from Zappos, Nordstrom & Amazon
Fitflop’s take on the chunky loafer includes their trademark Microwobbleboard midsole (triple-density cushioning follows three footstep stages–firm heel, soft middle, medium at toes). The substantial one inch platform sole means limited forefoot/toe bend during the stride–a win-win for hallux rigidus toes!
•Sizes 5-11 • Width: M • Price: $105-169 from Fitflop & Amazon
The Dansko Frankie Chelsea boot comes recommended by a few members of Kristi Ferguson’s wonderful resource, The Hallux Rigidus Support Group. Featuring a rocker sole, generous toe box and cushioned footbed, the Frankie propels the foot gently through the stride taking pressure off the forefoot.
Sizes: euro 36-42 (5.5-11.5) • Width: M • Price: $180 from Dansko, Zappos & Amazon
Sandals
“Saved me. I have Hallux Rigidus aka Turf Toe aka Big Stiff Toe from arthritis and a bone spur on top. Flat feet and low volume feet. These are pretty stiff; soft but supportive with no high arch support that feels like a rock. They are adjustable. They are perfection”
I ordered a pair after reading the good reviews and while they look a little clunky on my size 10 feet, I love the fit and feel–so I wear them with confidence! See my video review here.
• Sizes: 5-12 • Width: M • Price: $84-120 from Ugg, Zappos & Nordstrom
I wore these all over the place last summer from a Canadian camping trip, to long walks down the river path near our home, to North Carolina beaches. Next stop–Akumal, Mexico. I love the Taos Super Side for its enhanced arch support, thick outsole and mild rocker, soft wateproof neoprene straps that adjust over the toes (and bone spurs). See my complete review here. (By the way, I wore these pre-cheilectomy and post!)
• Sizes 6-11 • Width: M • Price: $89-160 from Taos Footwear, Amazon and Zappos.
The Wolky Jewel sandal has been around as long as I can remember and shows no sign of retiring–I used to have a pair and sadly donated them! The firm yet shock-absorbing rocker outsole gently propels the foot forward through the stride taking pressure off the forefoot. The three adjustable straps offer a good fit for narrow to wide feet and a removable anatomic footbed provides good arch support.
• Sizes 36-44 (5.5-12.5) • Width: M • Price: $189 from Amazon and Nordstrom.
Dress Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
Recommended by members of the Hallux Rigidus Support Group, the Aerosoles Cosmos (and similar platform heel iterations) could be the golden ticket for getting through a special occasion without wincing in pain all night. The 3″ stable block heel and 1.25″ platform work together elevate the foot without the drastic toe to heel angle. An Ortholite footbed provides good cushioning to sensitive feet. Available in a variety of colors/textures in sizes 5-12, medium and wide width for $99-135 from Aerosoles, Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos.
Thank you, Abeo, for giving us a comfortable dress sandal with a modest 2″ block heel that looks modern (dare I say svelte?). The forefoot strap adjusts to accommodate big toe bone spurs or a wider forefoot. The footbed offers arch support and is available in a metatarsal option with a met pad to alleviate forefoot pain. Find the Abeo Avenue in six colors, sizes 5-11 for $149.95 from The Walking Company.
If you must dress up for a special occasion and can manage a heel for a few hours, the Pammy heel by Ros Hommerson is one of the kinder ones. This comfortable heel features a round toe box, cushioned insole and 1/2″ platform and 3″ heel. Both buckles adjust for a great fit over the instep. Find the Ros Hommerson Pammy in sizes 5-13, medium and wide widths for $159.95 from Walking Company and Amazon.
Another closed toe dress option for hallux rigidus toes, the Aerosoles Soir features a 1″ platform and 2.5″ block heel. An Ortholite footbed keeps sensitive feet cushioned well.
• Sizes: 5-12 • Width: M • Price $51-175 from Aerosoles, Nordstrom, Amazon & DSW
Which hallux rigidus shoes (or hallux limitus shoes) have we missed? Please leave a comment and let us know if you’ve found shoes that work for you!
7 responses to “Best Women’s Shoes for Hallux Rigidus & Hallux Limitus: 19 Stylish Picks”
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I love my Hokas BUT am not sure they’re the best shoes for Zumba. I have been doing Zumba through my gym’s Zoom classes throughout the pandemic and wearing Ryka Vida RZA training shoes since they’re good for both lateral and forward/back motion BUT they do irritate my poor feet some. Has anyone found a good sneaker for Zumba that supports Hallus Rigidis AND is orthotic-friendly? Hokas were made for tuning so they’re not good for lateral movement. I would also love advice on what to wear for barre classes. Going barefoot is not for me! (PS: Owing to bunions/narrow heels/wide toes, I often need wide shoes.)
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I have Hallux rigidus in both big toes .Whats the best dress shoe that you have worn. With an upturned front? I need shoes for dress when I am working on V and commercials . Liek with a dress or pantsuit. Thanks so much. I am in agony after working on a movie set with the wrong shoes. and I have a herniated disk. Ouch!
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I ordered the Abeo Avenue for my son’s wedding based on this review. It was the first pair of shoes that I felt were pretty enough for dress since I was diagnosed with hallux limitus and bunions ten years ago. AND THEY WERE SO COMFORTABLE!! I’m going to be ordering more colors soon. I was on my feet over eight hours in them and zero pain. Thanks for what you do.
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I am SO glad to hear this. That is one day when you certainly don’t have time for foot pain. Congrats to your son!
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I suffer from Hallix Limitus and have also had two excruciating bouts of Plantar Fasciitis in the past. I bought the Birkinstock Bends on the recommendation of this site and I’m over the moon that I did! They are perfect in every way! Due to the two surgeries I had for HL, my right foot is now wider. However, because the toe box of the Birks is so roomy, my baby toe has never been happier! These Birks are so comfortable, I don’t even have to wear my orthotics, which until now, I’ve worn in every pair of shoes I’ve owned in the past 35 years. I am so, so happy with my new Birks I can’t say enough about them. Highly recommend!!!
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Hi Tammy. They are wonderful shoes. You just can’t beat the Birkenstock footbed for heel, arch and metatarsal support. Glad they work so well for you.
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