Do you have pain and stiffness in your Big Toe when walking? Do you have a bump on the top of your big toe joint that looks like a bunion, but on top of the toe instead of the side? You may have hallux limitus (or the more drastic hallux rigidus). There are a few causes of this degenerative condition from a congenital foot abnormality to an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, three readers have sent me emails requesting help in finding somewhat stylish hallux rigidus shoes to help their big toe pain. 

• Still searching for an attractive comfort shoe to accommodate my arthritis big toe. Most are ugly and I am frustrated…
• I have a closet full of stylish, and what I thought, decently supportive shoes. However, I have been diagnosed with Hallux Limitus (ballerina toe) and am looking for stiff soled, yet stylish casual shoes. This is such a blow to my vanity. Your website gives me hope there might be enough variety of shoes that fit the bill? Any suggestions from those in the same situation trying to save their big toe joints?
•  I have fibromyalgia, hallux limitus, plantar fasciitis and the start of tailor bunions. In otherwords, I’m pretty miserable! Any thoughts on shoes you’ve come across? Looking for anything from casual to walking/running.

Friends, I hate to say it, but hallux limitus will in fact limit us, as far as stylish shoes are concerned. We may have to redefine what we consider “stylish.” The best footwear for this condition will have a roomy and somewhat high toe box as to put undue pressure on the big toe joint. Also, a rigid sole keeps the big toe from bending past its limited range of motion…ouch. And you’ve probably figured out that heels are only a huge pain in the big toe. Here are five hallux rigidus shoes to try (with some honorable mentions at the end). Let me know if anything works for you! Also, if you’ve found a shoe that helps alleviate your hallux pain, do leave a comment and let us know. Thank you kindly. By the way, check out the Topo Ultrafly sneaker I just reviewed (the wide toe box and thick sole might be just what you need).

Hoka One One fitness shoes: Hoka shoes (specifically the Bondi style) are one of the best shoes on the market for providing relief from hallux rigidus. 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 styles in sizes 5-11, medium and wide widths from Zappos, and Hoka One One.

I hope to report back with a glowing review of this shoe as I just ordered a pair. The Asics Glideride 2 features a pronounced rocker sole and stiff plastic plate in the midsole. I’m hoping this combined effect will propel my feet forward through a slow jog/fast walk while taking the pressure off my forefoot, which could have beneficial effects not just for the arthritic big toe, but also painful bunions. Here’s an informative article about the Asics Glideride by an Australian podiatrist. Find the Asics Glideride in sizes 6-12 for $119-150 at Asics.com and Amazon.

Alegria Dayna  Alegria shoes: Launched in 2008, Alegria has taken the comfort shoe world by storm. All Alegria shoes feature a contoured footbed of cork and latex covered in a layer of memory foam (it’s removable too to accommodate orthotics), wide toe box and a rocker sole-the perfect combination for hallux limitus or rigidus (read our Alegria shoes brand review). Alegria has a style for you from sandals (be sure to try Alegria sandals with adjustable forefoot straps to get a good fit over painful big toe) to slip-ons and boots (check out our Alegria reviews and features). Find Alegria shoes (some in wide widths) at Zappos and Amazon. 

Recommended by a Facebook follower, the Sorel Kinetic line of firm-soled sneakers, boots and sandals may be the most stylish solution for your hallux rigidus! Find the Sorel Kinetic collection in sizes 5-12 for $75-135 from Sorel, Zappos and Amazon.

This modern bootie by Ecco came recommended by a member of the Hallux Rigidus Support Group on Facebook. She mentions that the thick platform provides the illusion of a high heel without undue pressure on the forefoot (heel measures 1.5″) . The leather is soft and forgiving and heel is snug for a good fit. The Ecco Shape Sculpted 35 bootie and other similar styles are available in euro sizes 35-42 (4.5-11.5) for $179-220 from US.Ecco.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.

If you swore you’d never wear Crocs, perhaps you hadn’t seen the Brooklyn Strappy Wedge sandal yet! Isn’t it cute? The thick platform made of lightweight yet supportive Croslite protects and cushions the forefoot. Find the Brooklyn in sizes 4-11 for $59.99 from Crocs.com, and Zappos.

Here’s a lovely business-casual oxford with a nice thick outsole that’s lightweight but shouldn’t over-flex at the forefoot. While the insole isn’t removable, the Clarks Sharon Noel features moderate arch support and superb cushioning. The toe box is round without looking bulky. Available in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $70 from Zappos, ClarksUSA.com, and Amazon.

You know it’s a good boot when it keeps coming back season after season. The Naot Oyster features super soft leather and suede uppers with a cozy technical lining, an anatomical removable footbed with enhanced arch support and a thick 1.25″ PU platform with a slight rocker motion to alleviate forefoot pain (and limit movement of the painful big toe). The Naot Oyster best fits a medium to slightly wide foot. Find it in euro sizes 36-41 (5-10) for $209.95 from Naot.com, Zappos, and Amazon. See Naot’s complete Shell collection of footwear with thick rocker outsoles.

 Dromedaris: Hard to find, but worth the hunt if you have hallux rigidus. The styles from their Nightingale collection work better than others for alleviating big toe discomfort due to their thick rocker sole and roomy toe box (see photo above for names of specific styles).  Find a retailer near you or buy online at Dromedaris.us,  and Amazon.

If there was ever a good time to have hallux rigidus, it would be during the chunky sneaker trend! The Fitflop Freya (recommended by a Facebook fan and the American Podiatric Medical Association) has it all: roomy toe box, firm Microwobbleboard cushioning, good arch support and a thick rubber outsole that keeps the forefoot stable through the stride. Find the Fitflop Freya in sizes 5-11 for $130 from Fitflop.com, and Amazon.

We’ve done a LOT of research on hallux rigidus shoes and hallux limitus shoes – check out our other posts with more information and many great recommendations!  You can find them all here.

What 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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