Best Shoes for
Hammer Toes
Fabricated With Extra Depth and a Larger Toe Box
You probably suffer from frequent foot pain and other related problems like bunions and corns if you have hammer toes or mallet toes. But here's good news: you can beat these conditions and look fabulous while doing it—all thanks to KURUs' collection of stylish shoes that are specially designed for people with hammer toes.
KURU shoes are fabricated with extra depth and a larger toe box. This ensures optimum comfort and can help relieve pain caused by hammer toes, bunions, corns, and ball-of-foot issues.
Redness, inflammation, or a burning sensation around the toes, are common problems for people with hammer toes. Don't worry, KURU shoes are also designed to help with these issues. The soft and flexible materials used in our shoes will contour to your feet to alleviate discomfort, making them the best walking shoes for hammer toes.
Experts Guide to the Best Shoes for Hammer Toes
What are Hammer Toes?
Hammer toe is a contracture (bending) deformity of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes that affects one or both toe joints. When wearing shoes, this irregular bending can exert pressure on the toe, causing it to become inflamed and painful.
Hammer toe generally refers to a deformity in the middle joint of the toe. A similar issue in the joint closest to the toenail is less common and called a mallet toe. Causes and treatments for mallet toe are similar to those for hammer toe, and in either case the goal is to restore flexibility and stretch the joint.
Hammer toes are typically subtle abnormalities that worsen over time as the foot grows older. If left untreated, hammer toes can become more inflexible and may no longer respond to non-surgical treatment options.
Hammer toes should be treated as soon as possible because of the gradual nature of their progression.
Top Selling Shoes for Hammer Toes
Our Customer Favorites
"Comfortable Again
I have plantar fasciitis and have hammer toes. I've been limping around for the last few days because of the pain caused by the hammer toes. I put these shoes on this morning and voila, no more pain at all!! Comfy, comfy, comfy!"
-anonymous
"Plantar Fasciitis-Gone!
My feet are a mess. I have supination, plantar fasciitis, severe hammer toes and arthritic ankles. The Quantums have a deep toebox so my hammer toes aren't irritated. There is room for my prescription orthotics which takes care of the supination. And after a few weeks of walking around in them, the fasciitis is gone. Gone!"
-Joseph
Technology for a Natural Fit
KURUCLOUD
There's nothing like a relaxing stroll to make you feel connected with your surroundings, and the KURUCLOUD midsole provides just that. Made from high-grade foams inspired by performance running shoes, this midsole is perfect for those who suffer from chronic pain or road soreness. Its lightweight yet durable construction ensures plenty of bounce while keeping pressure off joints during each step taken.
KURUSOLE
Do we all know that feeling when our heels are hitting the ground? It's not fun, but this innovative technology takes care of everything. KURUSOLE flexes with every step to dynamically protect your heel and maximize body cushioning for an effortless walking experience! This support helps guide you toward a more natural posture while also helping to correct crooked gaits or uneven strides—making sure everyone has their best possible walk ever from day one, and beyond!
ULTIMATE INSOLE
KURU is here to make your life better. Our ULTIMATE INSOLES use advanced foams that adapt with you as they break in, providing custom support for every step and occasion! The first point of contact with your feet is crucial, which means we don't skimp on quality to give people what they need most: The best possible experience from start to finish. Enjoy arch support and total cushioning from heel to toe.
Hammer Toes Causes & Symptoms
Learn more about the causes and symptoms of hammer toes, as well as takeaways to help determine the best treatment option.
Common Causes of Hammer Toes
Hammer toes are a common foot deformity caused by many factors, and mallet toe has similar causes as well. These deformities often cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking in shoes.
Hammer toes are a joint deformity of the foot in which the toes curl downward and inward. Hammer toe occurs in the second joint, while mallet toe refers to the same issue in the joint nearest your toenail.
There are several causes of hammer toes, including:
- Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels: The pressure of tight shoes or high heels can cause the toes to curl and even dislocate.
- Excessive pressure on the toes: Athletes and dancers can experience hammer toe because of repeated foot stress. These individuals may wear shoes that do not offer adequate support to protect their feet from injury.
- Bones in the middle of the foot shifting too far forward during weight-bearing: A change in bone structure will often cause the second or third toe to curl up and in.
- Poor foot mechanics: If you walk with your feet turned out or drag your feet as you walk, this can cause the toes to curl and make hammer toe symptoms even worse.
Symptoms of Hammer Toes
Most people experience pain and swelling in their toes, because hammer toes exert pressure on the joints and bones. This pain becomes worse when wearing shoes, which usually exacerbate the problem due to tight fits or abrasive materials. People with hammer toes may experience additional symptoms, including:
- Skin irritation
- A burning sensation along the bottom of your foot
- Thickening of the skin on top of or between your toes
- Difficulty walking in shoes
- Numbness in your feet
- Tingling sensations in your feet and toes, which are often worse at night
The best treatment option depends on the severity of your hammer toe symptoms. You may need to wear supportive shoes or splints, or with severe cases of hammer toe, surgery may be the only option. Your podiatrist can diagnose your hammer toe symptoms and recommend a specific treatment plan to help you reduce your pain.
Continue reading the Treatment section below for more information on the various treatment options for hammer toe.
Hammer Toes Facts and Stats
We take a look at some facts and stats you might not have known about hammer toes.
Read on to find out more!
- 80% of the population has a foot type that predisposes them to deformities such as hammer toes, bunions, flat feet, etc.
- Hammer toe is more common in women since they tend to wear narrow shoes with more aggressive angles, like high heels.
- Excessively long toes may increase the possibility of the toe being twisted or squashed by too-tight shoes, or having a heel that rises too high.
- Hammer toes sometimes come back, as often as 10% of the time, and that recurrence is more common in the second toe than the third or fourth.
Hammer Toes Treatment
Learn how to treat hammer toes, a frequent issue for many people.
1.) Wearing supportive, well-fitting footwear can be an effective way to treat hammer toes. Wear shoes with low heels, soft insoles, and plenty of toe room.
2.) Get regular exercise. Focus on low-impact activities such as swimming or walking if you don’t feel up to more intensive activities like sports or running. The best tennis shoes for hammer toes will give your toes room to recover even as you exercise.
3.) Stretch your calf muscles regularly to reduce tension on your feet. Make sure you are stretching correctly. Here is one stretch you can add to your routine:
- Stand with your toes and forefoot on a step and rise onto your toes. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly lower yourself back down to the floor. Repeat ten times twice a day.
4.) If your hammer toe is caused by arthritis, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling.
5.) See your doctor to correct the problem permanently. Surgery is often used as a last resort for treating severe cases of hammer toes, because it requires you to take time off of work and can be expensive.
6.) Wear a shoe with the cushioning and support you need. KURU's built-in ULTIMATE INSOLE is perfect because they are designed to keep your arch aligned for better foot stability, making KURU's good shoes for hammer toes.
Why Others With Hammer Toes Love KURU
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Us
"Best shoes ever!!
I have had issues with my feet due to many years of retail work in heels all day. Hammer toes, heel bone spurs, bunion's, plantar fasciitis and big toe arthritis. In many of my walking shoes my hammer toes would rub on the top of the shoe and socks made it feel worse. I thought I'd have to wear flip flops and Sandals forever. These shoes are the absolute best ever. I admit when I first put them on I thought one side of my foot heel area felt higher than the other side but on no time the shoe conformed to my foot and they are so comfortable and light. They feel as comfortable as slippers. Please try them!"
-Wendy Hagan
"Relief
As the aging process kicked in, so did plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, tendonitis and Morton's neuromas. Visits to podiatrist and Cortisone. PT as well. I went through the usual shoes to no avail but stumbled onto Kuru. I've just ordered my third pair, so that should be a clue. The heel of the shoe is wonderful. Arch is great. Toe box is nice and wide. I showed them to my doctor and he had heard of them but never seen a pair. He took out the liner and examined the shoe. He was impressed! Shoes are very comfortable and look good too. Takes some time to break them in but well worth it. Price is right and shipping is super fast. Give them a try!"
-Eugene
"Great shoe
I have it all. P.F, hammer toes,bunion,high arch,sore heel. Luckily just in my left foot, but gone through years of pain, Doctors, Physical therepy,chiroprator,who does pop & stretch my foot with quite a bit of relief i, Did a lot of research,re shoes, and upon reading what other folks have said . Kuru is top of the line. I purchased this style, and they felt great, I usually wear 7.1/2,but upped it to a size 8. With socks they fit fine , and without they are just as comfy. We do a lot of Rving, and previously I spent a lot of time in parking lots due to not walking so well So now I'm looking forward to keeping up with my hubby and 2 border collies , at 76 I am ready to start enjoying my senior years with more activity & KURU's."
-Carole
"Best shoes ever!!
I have had issues with my feet due to many years of retail work in heels all day. Hammer toes, heel bone spurs, bunion's, plantar fasciitis and big toe arthritis. In many of my walking shoes my hammer toes would rub on the top of the shoe and socks made it feel worse. I thought I'd have to wear flip flops and Sandals forever. These shoes are the absolute best ever. I admit when I first put them on I thought one side of my foot heel area felt higher than the other side but on no time the shoe conformed to my foot and they are so comfortable and light. They feel as comfortable as slippers. Please try them!"
-Wendy Hagan
"Relief
As the aging process kicked in, so did plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, tendonitis and Morton's neuromas. Visits to podiatrist and Cortisone. PT as well. I went through the usual shoes to no avail but stumbled onto Kuru. I've just ordered my third pair, so that should be a clue. The heel of the shoe is wonderful. Arch is great. Toe box is nice and wide. I showed them to my doctor and he had heard of them but never seen a pair. He took out the liner and examined the shoe. He was impressed! Shoes are very comfortable and look good too. Takes some time to break them in but well worth it. Price is right and shipping is super fast. Give them a try!"
-Eugene
"Great shoe
I have it all. P.F, hammer toes,bunion,high arch,sore heel. Luckily just in my left foot, but gone through years of pain, Doctors, Physical therepy,chiroprator,who does pop & stretch my foot with quite a bit of relief i, Did a lot of research,re shoes, and upon reading what other folks have said . Kuru is top of the line. I purchased this style, and they felt great, I usually wear 7.1/2,but upped it to a size 8. With socks they fit fine , and without they are just as comfy. We do a lot of Rving, and previously I spent a lot of time in parking lots due to not walking so well So now I'm looking forward to keeping up with my hubby and 2 border collies , at 76 I am ready to start enjoying my senior years with more activity & KURU's."
-Carole
FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions are just a click away.
Avoid high heels and other shoes that crowd your toes together (like pointy-toed shoes). Shoes with a wide toe box should also be worn to give the toes plenty of room. Wearing comfortable shoes for hammer toes with plenty of space is very important. Stiff shoes should be avoided, as they can lead to hammer toes.
Hammer toe rarely goes away without treatment. If you have a flexible hammer toe, your doctor can show you simple exercises for stretching and straightening the toe. But if the muscles and tendons in your feet are tight, your toes won't be able to straighten out well enough to relieve the pressure on the affected joints. Your doctor may recommend an orthotic device, or a specially designed shoe in those cases. These can take the stress off the toe joints and relieve pain.
- Some people find success with a toe stretcher, which you wear across your toes to stretch them gradually back into position.
- Avoid wearing tight or pointy shoes. Try to wear wide, well-cushioned shoes.
- Don't wear high heels. Wear the best athletic shoes for hammer toes with good arch support and a roomy toe box.
- When sitting down, flex and extend your toes and wiggle them to stretch them out.
We offer several styles in wide widths, and the others are supplied in medium (Standard). Fit notes and width measurements are also included on each product page to help guide you.
If you aren’t sure what size you wear, we highly recommend getting your foot measured. Most shoe stores use a metal measurement plate called a Brannock device, and that standard is what we base KURU sizes on as well.
Women's
Medium: B
Wide: C+ (Other brands may label their wide shoes as CC, 2C, W, or just C.)
SHOP WOMEN'S WIDE
Men's
Medium: D
Wide: E+ (Other brands may label their wide shoes as E.E., 2E, W, or just E.)
SHOP MEN'S WIDE
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Metatarsalgia is a condition that affects the ball of the foot. It can cause pain and discomfort in the region. There are several treatments for metatarsalgia, including wearing orthopedic shoes for hammer toes, shoe inserts, and medication.
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Shop Our Full Collection of Shoes for Hammer Toes
KURU provides a wide selection of shoes for those with hammer toes, including various widths and styles.
