Downward. Hammertoes can cause difficulty when walking or running and cause other issues, such as corns and calluses forming at the top of the toes as they rub against your shoes.
Wearing comfortable and accommodating footwear is vital when you have hammertoes to reduce pressure on the toes and to prevent hard impact on them.
Most athletic and Orthopedic dress shoes for hammertoes are ideal because they have a roomier and more accommodating fit and good support and cushioning features.
Hammertoes Explained
Hammertoes are progressive as the joints in one or more of your toes will change over time resulting in the joints in your toes pointing upwards rather than downwards and laying flat.
The deformity usually occurs because the muscles in your feet or legs become weak and cause the tendons in your toes to pull up in an abnormal position. With the toe deformity, you may also form corns and calluses at the top of your toes that can become painful. In time you may also find it close it impossible to move the affected toes.
Hammertoes sometimes get mixed up with a similar condition called Claw Toes and Mallet’s toes. When you have hammertoes, the toe joint will become bent in the second or the middle joint, whereas with Claw toes, the bend is in the first and second joints, and with mallet toes, the bend is in the third toe joint.
- Causes – There are a few things that could cause you to develop hammertoes. Mostly, there may be an abnormal muscle balance in your toe or toes, increasing pressure on the tendons and joints, which may lead to hammertoes. Hammertoes may be genetic or caused by wearing ill-fitting, narrow, or high-heeled shoes regularly. Some neuromuscular diseases may likewise contribute to the onset of hammertoes. Individuals who have diabetes are at risk of complications, including hammertoes.
- Symptoms – You may start feeling a joint in one or more of your toes that is becoming more rigid; there may also be pain at the top of the bent or in the ball of the foot area. You may also notice corns and calluses at the top of the toes due to the bent joints. Eventually, the toe joints may be restricted motion, swelling, inflammation, and a burning sensation. There may sometimes also be ulcers and sores from pressure on the toes.
- Types of Hammertoes – You initially get three stages or hammertoes. You have Flexible Hammertoes, which are hammertoes in their developmental stage where there is still some movement in the joint. Then there are the semi-rigid hammertoes which start to stiffen slightly, and lastly, you have rigid hammertoes that you will feel the toes are no longer able to move because all the tendons and soft tissues have become stiffened.
- Risk Factors – One of the greatest risk factors, and in turn causes of hammertoes, is wearing ill-fitting and narrow footwear, as well as high-heeled shoes, as they place unnecessary pressure on the forefoot and toe joints, hammertoes are generally found more in older women than men. When your second toe is much longer than your big toe, you may also be more prone to hammertoes. Some diseases, such as Arthritis and diabetes, can make you more prone to developing hammertoes, while in certain cases, Hammertoes are hereditary.
- Treatment and Prevention – When hammertoes start, but the affected toe or toes are still flexible, you can opt for more roomy fitting shoes and orthotic inserts or pads to relieve pressure and pain; some toe exercises may also help to loosen up the joints, In more severe cases of hammertoes, surgery may be your only option.
Choosing Shoes for Hammertoes
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Besides preventing and treating hammertoes alone, you can avoid many foot and ankle problems by investing in the right shoes and avoiding ill-fitting shoes and high heels.
Ensure your shoes have a wide, roomy toe box, and avoid pointy and narrow shoes. Look for shoes with a lower heel or solid sole rather than a high heel.
Shoes that you can adjust n fit, such as a lace-up or Velcro strap shoe, are easier when you have swelling or need to adjust the fit
Ensure that the shoe has proper underfoot cushioning and always be the proper size.
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Features of a Good Dress Shoe for Hammertoes
- Toe Box – Look for a dress shoe with a deeper, higher toe box with extra room and width to accommodate hammertoes.
- Fit – An extra depth and wider fit are always desirable when you have hammertoes, though the heel should be snug and not slip off.
- Uppers – Shoes with more stretchable and soft uppers, such as leather and fabric or knit shoe options that are gentler on your toes, offer much more comfort and place less pressure on painful toes.
- Cushioning and Support – The shoes should offer light and stable support with plenty of soft underfoot cushioning for comfort.
- Outsole – Look for shoes with a durable rubber outsole that is more rigid and has a lower heel.
- Options – The shoe models we have chosen are available in wider width fits, a few neutral color selections, and more size options.
Reviews: The Best Dress Shoes for Hammertoes
In our review section below, we have chosen some of the most comfortable and accommodating dress shoe models that are all ideal for hammertoes;
1
- The Dress Pump and Oxford style shoes from Orthofeet are Orthopedic dress shoes specially designed for issues such as hammertoes and bunions.
- They have a wide-width toe box and extra depth.
- There is good cushioning and arch support.
- The dress shoes are available in wider widths and more colors.
- They are also orthotic-friendly.
2
- The Pumps and loafers from Skechers have a roomy fit and wider width options for hammertoes.
- The shoe is lined and well-cushioned for comfort.
- They have a relaxed fit and a more formal style.
- Both shoes are available in a few more color options.
3
- The Escalade for men is a leather dress shoe, while the Cora has fabric and synthetic uppers.
- They are both comfortable with a roomy toe box for hammertoes.
- The shoe has an OrthoLite footbed and a supportive midsole for stability.
- The rubber outsole provides good traction with TPR materials.
- They are both available in wider widths and more colors.
4
- The Vionic Dress boots have soft and supple leather uppers for Hammertoes and a more adaptable fit.
- They offer good stability and plenty of supportive underfoot cushioning.
- The dress boot has a roomy toe box and a very comfortable fit.
- They are a less formal style, with adjustable laces for a customizable fit.
5
- Another Pair of supportive Dress boots with extra depth and a wider with-toe box, which is perfect for hammertoes.
- The dress boots are orthotic-friendly with removable layers.
- They have a well-supportive footbed cushioned and supports the foot’s arch, with a deeper heel cup for stability.
- The shoes are specially designed for Hammertoes and bunions.
6
- The Vionic Dress shoes feature Vio Motion here-Zone comfort and support with cushioning, good arch support, and a more stable midsole.
- They have a comfortable and roomy toe box fit and soft leather uppers.
- The shoes are stylish and elegant for all occasions.
- There are likewise a few more color options available to you.
Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for Hammertoes
No. | Shoe | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Orthofeet Women's Gramercy - Dress Shoe for Hammertoes |
| Orthofeet | 98 | |
2 | Skechers Women's Go Walk Lite Ballet Flat - Dress Shoe for Hammertoes |
| Skechers | 97.9 | |
3 | Clarks Women's Cora Daisey - Dress Shoe for Hammertoes |
| Clarks | 97.7 | |
4 | Vionic Women's Magnolia Shawna - Hammertoes Dress Shoe |
| Vionic | 97.3 | |
5 | Orthofeet Men's Arch Boost Boot - Dress Boot for Hammertoes |
| Orthofeet | 97 | |
6 | Vionic Men's Sullivan Loafer - Hammertoes Dress Shoe |
| Vionic | 97 |
Table of Contents
- Hammertoes Explained
- Choosing Shoes for Hammertoes
- Features of a Good Dress Shoe for Hammertoes
- Reviews: The Best Dress Shoes for Hammertoes
- Orthofeet® Women's Gramercy Dress Shoe for Hammertoes
- Skechers® Women's Go Walk Lite Ballet Flat Dress Shoe for Hammertoes
- Clarks® Women's Cora Daisey Dress Shoe for Hammertoes
- Vionic® Women's Magnolia Shawna Hammertoes Dress Shoe
- Orthofeet® Men's Arch Boost Boot Dress Boot for Hammertoes
- Vionic® Men's Sullivan Loafer Hammertoes Dress Shoe
- Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for Hammertoes