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Hallux Rigidus Shoes – 15 Solid [and Stylish] Options For Fitness, Casual and Dress
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.
Athletic Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
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, stiff outsole, enhanced cushioning and wide toe box means the big toe is protected from cramping and over-flexing. James McCormack, a knowledgeable physical therapist and ankle, foot and knee expert recommends the Hoka Bondi for hallux rigidus in this video, “this is an excellent option if you’ve got mild symptoms of Hallux Rigidus and you’re looking for a day-to-day shoe.”
• Sizes: 4-12 • Widths: M, W & WW • 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.
If you’ve tried Hoka and still find the toe box to be too narrow, consider Topo Athletic shoes (my personal favorite and they accommodate my orthotics well).
“I now have Hallux Rigidus and walking in almost all my shoes is painful. I started researching the shoes I should wear and SAS shoes are favored by podiatrists. These have changed my life. I bought a size 8W. I often buy an 8.5 for more room in the toe box. The 8W fits like the shoe was custom made for me. The rigid sole prevents my big toe from bending upwards but not in an unnatural way.”- Zappos customer Brigitte
The American-made SAS 7eventy 6ix sneaker features a rounded toe, extra cushioning where it counts (ball of foot and heel), dense achilles padding, removable Ortholite footbed and an overall great fit.
• Sizes: 5-11 • Widths: N, M, W, WW • Price: $244.95 from SAS Shoes & Zappos.
“I looked for and purchased several shoes to accommodate my Hallux Rigidus 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. Also, they have just enough “rocker” to keep my rigid toe from hurting.” – Zappos customer
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 detailed review from a happy Zappos customer!
• Sizes: 5-11 • Widths: M & W • Price: $47-70 from Zappos & Amazon.
Yours truly recommends the APMA-approved 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! I wore them pre-cheilectomy and post-cheilectomy. You can watch my informative video review of the Topo Athletic Atmos to find out more about fit and feel. 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 • Widths: M & W • Price: $165 from Topo Athletic, Zappos and Amazon.
Casual Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
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 (run a little wide) • Price: $69-160 from Fitflop, Zappos, Nordstrom & Amazon.
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.
We love the new Chelsea boot style of popular Ariat Fatbaby boot! A generous toe box, moderate arch support and thick outsole with lightweight shank for stability 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.
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 full review here). 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.
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! Find a pair of Fitflop F-LUMA loafers in sizes 5-11 for $105-169 from Fitflop and Amazon.
10. This sandal came highly recommended in a post over at the Hallux Rigidus Support Group Facebook page. The price is right and reviews are positive! Find a pair in sizes 6-10.5 for $39.95 from Amazon.
“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. . Cute little platform lug soles.”
I was waiting for Ugg to release the Goldenstar in prettier colors and here we are with this lovely misty lavender shade called “Bay Fog.” Read this review from a Zappos customer about her new Goldenstars–or hop on over to my review! Available in sizes 5-12, medium width only for $120 from Ugg, Zappos and 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. Find a pair in sizes 6-11 for $140 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. Find a pair in basic black or a variety of colors and patterns in sizes 36-44 (5.5-12.5) for $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.
Volatile Platform sandals
I had forgotten about this brand for a few years but was reminded recently when saw a recommendation over at the Hallux Rigidus Support Group. Volatile platform sandals are both foot-friendly and affordable. The particular style referenced is the Volatile Picnic platform (left photo above) with elasticized straps, cushioned footbed and 2″ lightweight platform. Find the Volatile Picnic in whole sizes 6-11 for $79.99 from Nordstrom and Amazon. The similar style on the right is the Volatile Biloxi available for $59-69 from Nordstrom and Amazon.
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.
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!
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9 Responses to Hallux Rigidus Shoes – 15 Solid [and Stylish] Options For Fitness, Casual and Dress
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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.)
I’ve mentioned them before, but the Gaitlines have literally changed my life. I love my Silver Mid Trek boots. They are not available in the States right now, but you can order them directly from Norway, and they offer free shipping. They have a very rigid footbed and rocker bottoms.
For sandals, I wear Wolky Jewels. They’re not perfect, but they are the best sandal I’ve found.
I recently found Clark Sharon Dashers, which were recommended on this site.
Super helpful–thank you, Susan.
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!
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.
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!
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!!!
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.
I have hallux rigidus and finally had arthrodesis surgery (plate and pins) on my right big toe. It took a long time for the toe to settle down and now my right foot is wider than my left. What really helped with the healing were Haflinger slippers with cork in the soles and a soft wool upper. I continue to wear Topos Ultrafly for exercise class, Presidio One shoes by Keen, Muck chore boots and hiking boots and New Balance WW928GR3 walking shoes.
Thanks for your website. Its helped my painful feet many times!