Hallux rigidus is a condition of the feet that causes stiffness in the big toe. People with hallux rigidus conditions have had a lot of difficulties when choosing the best shoes for them. Most of them have ended up buying shoes that end up worsening the situation and causing more pain. If you can relate to the scenario, this list is for you!
This list shows you the best running shoes for the hallux rigidus condition. Additionally, the list highlights what you should consider when buying running shoes if you have the condition.
Best Running Shoes for hallux rigidus
This list gives you insights on the best running shoes for hallux rigidus (men and women) from the user’s side. The list also highlights why we think you will love to have one of these shoes when running. Let’s see first quick view and you can also find the deep review every shoes by scrolling down.
Best Women’s Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
- Gravity Defyer – Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Running Shoes
- ASICS GT-2000 8 – Women’s Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
- New Balance – Women’s Fresh Foam Evare V1 Running Shoe
Best Men’s Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
- HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 – Best Men’s Shoe Made For Feet with Pain
- HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 4 – Excellent Shoe for Those Needing A Lot of Arch Support
- Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 – Good for Flat Feet, Overpronators
Best Women’s Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
1. Gravity Defyer – Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Running Shoes
Gravity Defyer describes this shoe as the women’s mighty walk for pain-relieving shoes. Indeed, these are mighty. They combine the best available shoe that will not just give you comfort but also mind your health.
Gdefy features a fabric and Defy synthetic upper. Being recommended by orthopedic, this shoe is among the best shoes women’s shoes for hallux rigidus. Remarkably, they are arthritic friendly and diabetic friendly to ensure you stay on your health no matter where you go. What is more, they are enhanced to protect you from plantar fasciitis.
The midsole features some of the most complicated technologies in the shoe. The VersoShock technology embedded in the rearfoot enhances shock absorption. The patent spring system ensures the perfect landing of the shoe whenever you are running. Similarly, the Front Rocker sole supports the midfoot. As a result, this sole prevents and relieves pain, which hallux rigidus might be causing.
Additionally, the insole is removable to enhance orthotics support. The insole is made of foam, which enables cushioning for buoyancy and comfort. Similarly, the lining is antimicrobial-treated to keep your feet off bacteria as much as possible.
Why we like it
- The shoe guarantees 8+ hours of comfort.
- The seamless interior keeps your sensitive legs healthy.
- It has a lightweight and breathable insole.
- VersoShock Technology at the heel pad is very comfortable.
Related: 6 Effective Hallux Rigidus Exercises
2. ASICS GT-2000 8 – Women’s Running Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
GT 2000 8 is one of the best women’s running shoes for hallux rigidus because of its enhanced cushioning. The midsole features a rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning system, which absorbs shock at the most crucial impact. This technology also helps the foot by allowing foot transition in multiple planes.
On the other hand, the FlyteFoam midsole technology ensures the bounce-back effect when you’re walking and the shoe’s responsiveness during a crucial moment. This technology uses super organic fibers, which are softer and made from low-density foam.
Additionally, the Dynamic Duomax Support System featured in the shoe enhances support and stability by reducing your weight when running. Also, the Trusstic System technology reduces the weight sole without interfering with the shoe’s structural integrity. This system significantly helps the toes by ensuring they exert a lot of weight, leading to hallux rigidus and other injuries.
You’ll particularly love the synthetic mesh used in the upper part of the shoe. The mesh is multidirectional, a factor that improves ventilation and stability of the shoe. Your toes can now be healthy when inside a shoe more than ever.
Why we love it
- Enhanced responsiveness
- Its support system
- It is lightweight
- The mesh is very breathable
Also Related: Hallux Rigidus Treatment Options | Non-Surgical & Surgical Treatment
3. New Balance – Women’s Fresh Foam Evare V1 Running Shoe
New balance has mastered the art of making some of the best women’s running shoes for hallux rigidus. This particularly evident in the women’s fresh foam Evare V1 Running shoe.
First, is the durable rubber sole featured in the shoe. This sole is long-lasting, and therefore, you don’t have to worry if you usually run on tarmac or cobblestones. The outsole rubber is blended with Ground Contact EVA. As a result, the shoe is lightweight, durable, and supportive of comforting and improving your stability whenever you’re on different planes.
Secondly, you will love the Fresh Foam midsole cushioning. The cushioning integrates with the stack height at the heel of the shoe. As a result, the underfoot of the shoe is soft and comfortable. The foam also comes to your rescue when you need it; it gives you the perfect foot transition from heel to toe.
Thirdly, is the lightweight engineering in the mesh. The mesh design ensures the optimization of the breathability of the shoe and a perfect fit. The molded sock liner the shoe features compliments the comfort. You’ll fall in love with the fierce exterior of the Fresh Foam Evare that activates your style.
Why we love it
- It has versatile uses.
- The rubber and EVA blend outsole is very durable.
- It has a lightweight engineered mesh
- It is stable and cushioning
Related: 6 Best Running Shoes for Clydesdales
Best Men’s Running shoes for Hallux Rigidus
1. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 – Best Men’s Shoe Made For Feet with Pain
Being amongst recommended by therapists, Bondi 6 is one of the best running shoes for hallux rigidus. The shoe provides you toe with the right comfort and room you need.
On the upper part of the shoe, it features a mesh construction for maximum breathability and airflow. The mesh gives you that comfortable fit you need for your toes. Consequently, you experience a lot of flexibility when wearing the shoe. The modified overlays give you a customized fit, whereas the Lycra comfort frame soft and a supportive heel wrap.
On the other hand, the midsole features an EVA midsole, which offers more cushioning and shock absorption. Also, the midsole features Meta-Rocker, which boosts your heel to toe geometry for a smooth ride. The responsive cushioning in the shoe grants your toes enough space to move around in. therefore, hallux rigidus will remain a thing of the past
The outsole is a combination of durability and flexibility. The outsole is made of rubber that is lightweight and enhances durability. Moreover, the beveled heel lessens your impact whenever your feet land on a hard surface.
Why we love it
- It is comfortable
- The Meta rocker design is ideal for hallux rigidus
- Highly durable
- Wide toe box
2. HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 4 – Excellent Shoe for Those Needing A Lot of Arch Support
The distinguished Clifton 4 is amongst the best men’s running shoes for hallux rigidus. This shoe comes in a midsole that aims at providing comfort whenever you are working out. The Meta-rocker engineering in the shoe ensures you a heel to toe transition. More to that is the wide toe box and seamless construction. Together, the toe box and the Meta-Rocker design keep your big toe away from the hallux rigidus. More to that is the responsive cushioning.
Similarly, the upper features mesh engineering. Therefore, your toes have a healthy time because there is proper airflow in the shoe. Additionally, the mesh is elastic that conforms with the shape of the foot. Talking of conforming, there is an ortholite sock liner that hugs your feet. The sock liner absorbs sweat and moisture. Also, the mesh is lightweight and durable, unlike the sock liner antecedents.
As an enhancement to stability, the 3D Puff Print Frame locks your foot. As a result, the frame prevents wobbling, an unsteady movement of the foot inside the shoe.
Why we love it.
- It has a wide toe box.
- The meta-rocker enhances the heel-to-toe transition.
- The sock liner is superb
- The shoe is breathable
3. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 – Good for Flat Feet, Overpronators
Anyone looking for the best men’s running shoes for hallux rigidus must be looking for this shoe. Adrenaline GTS 19 combines technologies to give you the best definition of a perfect running shoe.
Unlike its predecessors, this shoe combines two materials to give you the highest possible level of cushioning. It combines BioMogo DNA and LOFT DNA to provide you with the softness you need when running. It does this perfectly without losing its perfection on responsiveness and stability. The two materials are engineered using Foam and GEL technologies.
On the other hand, the upper is a mesh engineering that ensures the shoe is fitting and breathable. Also, the 3D Fit Print technology offers the structural enhancements witnessed in the shoe. A streamlined look that keeps your toes comfortable and gives an appealing external.
Most importantly, the GuideRails Holistic Support System design keeps your leg engaged from the shin, knees, and hips. As a result, the support system prevents injuries in your lower and upper limb.
Hey, I can’t forget to mention that the sole is made of carbon rubber. You will love this shoe!
Why we like it.
- Incomparable support system for overpronators
- Enhanced stability using the heel to toe transition
- The carbon sole is very durable.
5 Things to Consider When Buying the Best Shoes for Hallux Rigidus
Fitness
A perfect shoe for you should be fit for your legs. You should not take this issue lightly as most people have. A fitting should always leave enough space for your toes to move in freely. As a result, a condition like a hallux rigidus will remain in the archives of history. Always go for the shoes with a wide toe box.
A small-sized shoe squeezes your toes together, affecting the feet’ metatarsals, thereby leading to hallux rigidus. On the other hand, an oversize shoe could have even more adverse effects. Oversize shoes cause a lot of friction at the back of the heel. As a result, you’ll have a lot of blisters and wounds in the leg. Always test a shoe before buying.
Cushioning
If you want even more comfort, this is one of the features you should look out for. Cushioning defines how hard or how soft your feet will land on a surface. Different companies in the footwear industry use different materials to enhance cushioning in shoes. Some of the most visible ones are foam, EVA, and GEL, among others.
Cushion materials absorb the force after impact. Also, using cushioning, heel to toe transition is enhanced in the shoe. Similarly, cushioning materials increases the stack height, and as a result, you can easily walk on uneven surfaces. Cushioning is key to preventing hallux rigidus as well as relieving the pain you experience. It prevents hallux rigidus by reducing the amount of force that reaches the metatarsals.
Insoles
The best running shoes for hallux rigidus must enhance the insole aspect. Orthopedics and therapists always recommend particular insoles that relieve your pain if not prevent the condition. Insoles with a midfoot technology that provides cushioning at the arch should be your priority. This is because the overstretching of the arches will, in return, affect the metatarsals. As a result, the hallux rigidus may be affected.
Additionally, such soles have antimicrobial chemicals that ensure your feet stay healthy and comfortable. Also, some are breathable to ensure airflow in the feet.
A stiff and Durable Sole
In your list of check-ins, a stiff sole is essential. A shoe that moves with your shoe’s mechanics could cause pain to your big toe if you’re suffering from a hallux rigidus. A shoe with a stiff sole that does not cause a toe join junction might be a liability to your feet. However, checking how flexible your big toe is essential. If the big toe is a bit flexible, you could get a sole that is flexible to ease the movement of your toes in the toe box.
Also, ensure that your sole is made using durable material. No one loves spending money on shoes every month. The durability of rubber soles is the best you could get in a shoe.
Stability
With a condition like a hallux rigidus, stability could be an issue for you due to the big toe’s stiffness. Therefore, a shoe that compliments your stability is perfect. To ensure a shoe is stable, look at the surface of contact between the sole and the ground. The wide the surface of contact, the higher the stability. The stability of the sole is very vital, especially if you’re running on uneven surfaces.
FAQs
How do I know the shoe has a wide toe box?
Always ensure you test shoes by wearing and trying to move around with them. This is the only way through which you can tell actually how wide the toe box is. However, shoes with a wide toe box have a large front and a flexible mesh.
If I have hallux rigidus, should my shoes be slip-on or lace-up?
Slip-on shoes are not entirely secure for people running with hallux rigidus conditions. On the other hand, a lace-up system can be ideal if you tighten the laces. However, tightening would lead to the exertion of pressure on the metatarsals of the big toe. Therefore, using shoes with elastic laces on a lace-up closure system is ideal for your condition.
What worsens the Hallux Rigidus condition?
This condition worsens due to several factors. Below are some of them;
- Exerting a lot of pressure on the big toe joint
- Doing push-ups
- Running on hilly terrains
Are zero drop shoes good for hallux rigidus conditions?
Yes. Zero drop shoes are suitable for hallux rigidus conditions. When the toes and the heel are on the same level, no pressure is exerted to the toes. As a result, the big toe is not affected in any way.
Can shoe inserts help in reliving hallux rigidus pain?
Yes. Shoe inserts can reduce the pain caused by hallux rigidus. Inserts help in reducing the movement of the big toe. The most recommended shoe inserts are carbon fiber insoles. These inserts are stiff and do not bend. This limits the movement of the big toe within return preventing pain.
Final word
To sum up, the hallux rigidus condition can be a pain in the neck. However, with this list of the best running shoes for hallux rigidus, you get to know the best shoes in the market. Additionally, if they don’t please you (why shouldn’t they anyway?), you can use the buyer’s guide to choose the best shoes for your feet.
