Best Shoes Hallux Limitus Hallux Rigidus

Stiffness and pain in the big toe can limit your day-to-day activities. Right?

If you’re a ballet dancer, a soccer contestant or like to participate in track-and-field events like jogging you are at a high risk to Hallux Limitus/ Rigidus.

Hallux Limitus/Rigidus is an ailment of the big toe that causes severe pain. In this review, we’ll discuss the best shoe hallux limitus hallux rigidus that can help you manage big toe pain.

Hallux limitus/rigidus which entails the loss of motion – the first stage - in the big toe joint can have a significant impact in your life as it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe limiting how we walk, climb up/down, and standing.

Degenerative arthritis on the big toe causes stiffness and pain in the joint which is sometimes confused with a bunion that generally occurs in the same area.

Many times the condition first occurs between the ages of 30 to 60 years. According to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, the hallux rigidus arthritis affects 1 in 40 people with females being the most affected.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for hallux rigidus. Depending on the severity of the ailment, a surgical procedure may be the only way to treat hallux rigidus and increase the range of the motion.

Now, if you choose to live with the condition, you’ll have to test the success rate and the risks of these methods.

• Wearing supportive footwear – given the limited range of the toe, wearing stiff soled shoes with good ankle support and roomy toe box will minimize the movement of the toe and alleviate the pain when walking.
• Custom orthotics – the orthoses help limit motion at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP).
• Your podiatrist will discuss with you the best custom orthotics that you can use to manage hallux limitus/rigidus to make it easier to walk or run.
• Physical therapy- ultrasound therapy and other physical therapy provide significant relief to the hallux rigidus.
• Oral Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) – the medication prescribed by your podiatrist controls the pain and swelling. The doctor could further recommend corticosteroid injections.
• Joint mobilization exercises – this is a comprehensive therapeutic intervention which involves big toe reflector strengthening, toe, and MTP joint mobilization. The simple stretching exercises combat the progression of the disorder and offer temporary relief.
• Icing – foot soaks, and icing helps to reduce the inflammation and provides temporary results. With a good pair of shoes, you can comfortably manage the pain.

Due to the disabling nature of this illness, management is very crucial to avoid loss of function. These measures we’ve mentioned here will only help manage the pain associated with hallux limitus/rigidus but won’t halt the progression of the disorder.

In severe cases, where the bones are deformed, and depending on your activity level, a surgical procedure may be the only way to eliminate pain. An actual example as documented by Wikipedia is NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neil who was able to participate in basketball after his procedure.

What Causes Hallux Rigidus?

The exact cause of Hallux rigidus/limitus is not known.

However, it’s believed that the wear and tear of the first MTP joint cause the condition in both adolescents and adults.

The structural abnormalities coupled with faulty biomechanics is also associated with trauma in the turf toe joint particularly in people who are active in sports.

Another category of people who are at high risk of developing this disorder are those with fallen arches and suffer overpronation (excessive rolling in of ankles).

In some people, hallux rigidus is a hereditary condition that runs in the family.

In others, the ailment can result from overuse of the MTP joint and pressure exerted on the big toe.

Stubbing your toe against a hard surface can cause Hallux rigidus.

Early signs and symptoms

Remember what we said earlier if the condition is detected early, the better the chances of intervention.

Now:

Here are the signs to look out for

• Pain and stiffness in the big toe joint when pushing off to walk
• Swelling and tenderness around the big toe joint
• Difficulty in toe mobility
• A visible bump-like bunion or bone spur
• Dull pain in the hip, knee and lower back

When you notice these symptoms, it’s best to see a foot and ankle surgeon who will make an early diagnosis before the condition advances to the last stage of hallux rigidus which involves severe pain and loss of motion of the big toe.

As we had mentioned earlier, the first and most important intervention that a podiatrist is will recommend is wearing supportive shoes that will help manage the pain and give you mobility to do your daily activities.

Here are some key features to look out for before purchasing hallux- limitus-hallux-rigidus footwear.

A checklist of Hallux-Limitus-Hallux-Rigidus Shoe Features

The unique footwear recommended for people with hallux rigidus helps to minimize the bending of the big toe joint in a gait cycle. The features that you should be on the lookout for include:

• Stiff, sturdy soles

A stiff thick sole provides less bending to the toe joint when walking. The sole distribute your weight evenly and helps in shock attenuation. Additionally, very flexible shoes can increase the pain in the toe.

• Medial Arch Support

If you have high arches and your ankles tend to roll inwards, you’ll need a shoe with arch support to help distribute weight more evenly and alleviate pain.

• Wide toe box

What you should look for is a shoe with a roomy toe box to avoid squashing your toes together.

Your big toe will need to be to wiggle freely; therefore, high heels are a-no-no!

• Rocker Soles

Where pain is unbearable, rocker soles are often recommended to alleviate some of the pain. The rocker sole is rounded and helps the painful toe joint not to bend.

The shoe can also feature a metal brace to limit the flexibility of the sole as much as possible reducing the overall MTP joint motion

Changes to your footwear will help you walk with less pain. For that reason, we have rounded up seven the latest edition of the best hallux limitus/rigidus for both men and women. 

Best Shoes Hallux Limitus Hallux Rigidus

1. HOKA ONE ONE Women's Clifton 4 Running Shoe with Toe Support and Alignment

The Hoka One One brand is fast catching up with footwear versions that are not only fashionable but offer support to various foot ailments.

The women's Clifton 4 features an ultra-lightweight seamless SpeedFrame stiff sole that offers toe support and minimizes the likelihood of foot irritation making it the best hiking shoe for hallux rigidus and limitus.

The product features a molded ortholite footbed that offers foot alignment best for long distance running and fitness training for women with degenerative arthritis on the big toe.

Hoka One One features a wide fitting forefoot that provides tremendous support and comfort in the MTP joint area.

The sneaker also features a high-abrasion lightweight rubber sole that improves traction on wet and dry surfaces for enhanced grip and improved heel-to-toe transition.

The full-length EVA on the midsole engineered with a transition zone behind the metatarsal encourages more efficient running mechanics and improves the responsiveness and overall durability of the footwear.

The upgraded engineered breathable synthetic and mesh fabric lining in the Hoka One One running sneaker offers in-shoe support for extra comfort. The upper features lightweight materials and lasts longer than the Clifton 3 version.

Clifton 4 features a molded Ortholite Sock liner that provides a premium in-shoe cushioning for a comfortable environment and helps to wick moisture away.

The footwear is available from regular to large width measurements for both men and women.

Pros

• Ideal for hiking and long distance running
• Very durable
• Fits true to size
• Offers superior comfort
• Supports neutral to high arches
• Incredible cushion
• A spacious toe box that keeps the pressure off the toe

Cons

• Some users with high arches feel the arc on the midfoot felt too high
• A few expected the cushioning to be better than the previous version

2. Dansko Women's Professional Mule – Work Clogs with Wide Width and Large Toe Box

The Professional clog of the Dansko brand with unbeatable comfort and all-day extended support are fantastic working shoes for women with hallux rigidus who stand for long hours.

The clog features a stiff sole with polyurethane material with a rocker bottom and a roomy toe box making it the best footwear for women with a triangle feet.

The comfort-minded professional mule features a reinforced toe box that offers protection against toe injury on hard surfaces for a less painful toe.

The rocker bottom sole helps to propel the foot forward and aids in shock attenuation at the same time evenly distributes weight on foot lifting off pressure from the painful MTP joint.

Dansko’s professional mule features a wide heel strike that provides greater stability for better foot mobility during a gait cycle.

The PU inner frame in the Dansko’s professional mule reduces torque to offer more stability while the memory foam footbed provides maximum cushioning and support.

Dansko's clog approximately measures 0.75 inches while the heel measures about 2 inches. The footwear is handcrafted with leather material and can be cleaned using a damp soapy cloth to remove surface dirt.  

The clog has an APMA seal of acceptance with a staple construction designed to protect the big toe and the feet from the pressure of walking and standing.

The clogs are available for both men and women.

Pros

• Features a rocker bottom sole
• Broad width
• Roomy toe box
• Good arch support
• Ample support
• Very comfortable

Cons

• Some users noted that the leather cracked due to dryness. A leather conditioner and medium weight oil help the leather to stay firm and shiny.
•  Clunky-looking but very comfortable

3. Propet Women's TravelActiv Fashion Sneaker with a Removable Footbed

The Propet's well-thought-out women's footwear TravelActive Fashion shoe aims at giving you healthy pain-free feet, elegance and comfort to a sore big toe.

Propet TravelActive features a removable footbed that allows customs orthotics for a comfortable fit suitable for overweight women with flat feet and hallux rigidus/limitus.

Unlike the Dansko’s mules, this footwear is a plus in your wardrobe and features a carefully constructed upper available in a variety of colors that offers a stylish look for happy, healthy feet. With women’s TravelActive sneakers, you should expect a lot of comments.

Additionally, the mesh upper and the mesh lining allow the feet to remain breathable for dry and comfortable feet.

The women’s TravelActive shoe is innovatively engineered to provide you with ample comfort and support. The cushioned collar and tongue on this product aims to give you a plush feel.

This product features a flexible, lightweight EVA outsole with extra cushioning insoles for added comfort and stable footing. 

Furthermore, the rubber outsole is specially formulated for traction making it a light, comfortable shoe to wear even on rainy days.

Pros

• Great traction
• Lightweight travel and walking shoe
• Allows for custom orthotics
• Durable
• Ample comfort
• Stylish
• Provides toe splay

Cons

• Offers moderate arch support for women with overpronation
• You can replace the laces with elastic ones to minimize pressure around the toe joint

4. Alegria Women's Caiti Boot with Mild Rocker PU Sole that Reduces Heel and MTP Pressure

Stay one step ahead of fashion with Alegria Women’s Caiti boot that features a rich printed leather upper with a gunmetal buckle and Velcro closure system that for easy entry and precise fit.

The Alegria features a mild rocker polyurethane outsole engineered to minimize heel and metatarsal joint pressure for reduced pain in the big toe great for high arches and women with overpronation.

This fall and winter boots feature structures outsoles that offer reduced stress on your big toe and promote perfect posture.

The memory foam footbed with cork and latex materials mold to the natural contours on your foot that provides cozy and comfortable wear that keeps you grounded on all surfaces for a perfect fit. Furthermore, the insoles are removable and replaceable providing room for custom orthotics.

The soft, roomy toe box in this footwear offers ample space for your toes an overall excellent boot for hallux limitus/ rigidus.

The Alegria Caiti ankle boot features a synthetic sole that provides traction even on very wet days.

The boot is available in medium and wide widths for women with hallux limitus/rigidus in the UK (sizes 35-42) and US (sizes 5-11)

Pros

• Spacious toe box
• Mild rocker sole
• Extremely comfortable
• Terrific footbed for high arches
• Well supported arch
• Can be worn in most workplaces

Cons

• The fit could turn out to be a bit big for some forcing you to wear thick socks for a better fit
• Some users feel the leather on the shoe is very stiff, but the stitching is great
• Not enough heel and arch support for Plantar fasciitis through the Velcro straps hold on very well

5. Altra Men's Torin 3 Athletic Running Shoe for Men with a Cushioned Zero Drop Platform

The Altra Torin 3 features all the feature that a person with hallux limitus/rigidus would be looking for in a running shoe.

The Altra Torin 3 men’s shoe features a fully cushioned zero drop platform helps to align your feet, back and body at the same time provide better natural propulsion on a gait cycle.  

This running shoe for men features an EVA midsole with an A-bound top layer with InnerFlex that allows the foot to bend and flex for increased performance, speed, and support.

The updated foot pod outsole maps the tendons and bones on your feet and helps alleviate pain on your MTP joint.

The shoe allows you to keep running with its lightweight stiff soled and well-cushioned outsole perfect for heavy running, hiking, walking, and cross-training.

The foot-shaped toe box allows your toes to splay out minimizing foot compression a common issue with other shoe manufacturers.

Altra Torin 3.0 features an improved ventilated upper with a Quick-dry Air mesh for better breathability and comfort.

The Torin 3.0 features a rubber outsole for traction and a natural ride system that provides a smooth ride suitable for handling light trail running.

Pros

• Exemptional midsole cushioning
• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Durable with heavy use
• Maintains neutral running patterns
• Zero heel drop
• Decent price

Cons

• Some users have issues with parts of the shoe coming off

6. New Balance Men's Mx608v4, Workout Shoe with EVA Footbed for Hallux Limitus

The all-day, all-star package New Balance Men’s Mx608v4 with enhanced features and various color options truly reflects a love of the game.

The Mx608v4 features an absorb midsole and an enhanced heel cushioning for comfort and support best workout shoes for men with hallux limitus.

Most Zero drop footwear is beneficial for metatarsal joint pain but not good for hallux limitus. The New Balance Mx608v4 IMEVA midsole features a 10mm drop that keeps the weight in the center of the foot at a push off for reduced pain.

The Mx608v4 training shoe features a suede upper with a dual-density collar and a padded tongue that provide cushion and support.

The non-marking rubber outsole in the Mx608v4 offers traction and durability to keep your feet safe when moving.

The lace-up closure system in this trainer offers comfortable wear and provides a perfect fit for extra support while the pull-tab at the heel makes it easier to wear and remove the shoe for added stability.

The fabrics in this footwear are undoubtedly breathable with a textile lining that offer air circulation for cool feet during a workout.

Pros

• Ample comfort
• Great shoe for training
• Durable outsole
• Excellent support
• Well cushioned
• Roomy toe box
• No need for a break-in period
• Great traction

Cons

• We wish the shoe were light for overweight runners
• We hope the next version will improve the padding around the heel notch area

7. Propét Men's Stability Walker Sneaker with a Removable Cushioned Orthotic Insole

The Propet Stability Walker shoe is a popular Diabetics choice designed for a wider forefoot and heel base that keeps you going on various terrains.

The Stability Walker features a removable padded insole that provides cushion and support to the MTP joint suitable for men with Diabetic feet and hallux rigidus.  

The PU insole features a heel pad with an internal heel stabilizer and a full bottom for stability.

On the other hand, the external heel counters reinforce the heel cup to increase stability for feet that overpronate when standing or walking.

The lightweight EVA foam in the Propet Stability Walker helps with shock attenuation and minimizes fatigue on the feet.

This product features genuine full-grain leather and nubuck uppers that are perforated for air circulation while the D-Ring speed-lacing offers an adjustable and personalized fit.

Unlike the New Balance Mx608v4, the padding offered in the tongue and collar of the Propet Stability Walker protects lace bruising and blistering.

This footwear is imported and features a durable rubber outsole that provides superior traction and grip.

The Stability Walker features a moisture-wicking lining, is lightweight and available in medium, X-wide, and XX-wide widths.

Pros

• Available in extra-wide widths
• An extra roomy toe box
• Offer excellent comfort for diabetic neuropathy
• Soft cushioned sole
• Very comfortable
• Wide base for extra stability
• Durable upper

Cons

• You may have to order a ½ size bigger for an accurate fit.
• We wish the shoe provided much support under the arch

The goal of orthotic footwear recommendation is to control pain. In addition to changing your footwear, your physical therapist could advise you on minimizing physical activities such as jogging, ballet, training, and other high-impact activities.

Other alternative activities could help you maintain cardiovascular fitness while allowing the toe pain to settle.

These include water aerobics, stationary cycle, rowing machine, and other low-impact exercises.

It's also possible to continue with a weight program while in a standing or a sitting position.

If the problem seems to get worse, you may need to see a podiatrist who may advise a surgical procedure