What is Hallux Rigidus?

Hallux rigidus is a form of toe arthritis. If you are suffering from stiffness in your toe, you may be wondering: Do I have hallux rigidus?  

Hallux rigidus is the stiffness of your big toe (hallux = big toe; rigidus = stiffness). The stiffness of hallux rigidus manifests itself as a lack of movement in the big toe. Hallux rigidus can be very painful and uncomfortable, and this limited motion can turn everyday tasks, such as walking, into a chore. Symptoms of hallux rigidus include: stiffness in the big toe, swelling or inflammation around the big toe joint and difficulty walking or running.

We will soon move on to finding the best shoes for hallux rigidus because believe it or not, hallux rigidus shoes do exist! Stylish hallux rigidus shoes too! But first let's discuss the causes of hallux rigidus.

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What are the Causes of Hallux Rigidus?

There are several causes of hallux rigidus. Hallux rigidus is a form of toe arthritis which is often the result of wear and tear. This joint degeneration generally happens later in life, although younger people can also suffer from hallux rigidus. Injuries such as stubbing your big toe can cause hallux rigidus.

Studies have shown that hallux rigidus may also be genetic. You can inherit a certain foot type from your parents. If you have a predisposition for foot issues such as over-pronation or fallen arches, you may be more susceptible to hallux rigidus too.

If you have particularly high arches, you may end up with hallux rigidus too. People with high arches place too much pressure on the front of their feet which can causes issues with the toe joints. Long toes can cause similar issues due to the pressure on your toe joints. 

Wearing the wrong shoes can contribute to hallux rigidus. You should avoid ill-fitting shoes, which put pressure on your toe joints. You should avoid heels over 3 inches too. Fortunately there are still stylish options for hallux rigidus shoes.

Demi: Denim Snake Print Leather - Sneakers for Hallux Rigidus

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What are the Best Shoes for Hallux Rigidus?

If you are looking for the best shoes for hallux rigidus, there are several factors which you need to consider. You may think that "shoes for hallux rigidus" are all orthopaedic-looking shoes. But fear not! There are plenty of stylish shoes for women with hallux rigidus. You just need to know what to look for!

Here are our Top Tips on finding shoes for hallux rigidus:

1. Choose Shoes with a Roomy Toe-Box

2. Choose Shoes with a Rigid Sole

3. Choose Shoes with Shock Absorption

4. Choose Shoes with Arch Support

5. Choose Shoes with Soft Uppers

1. Choose Shoes with a Roomy Toe-Box:

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When you're looking for shoes for hallux rigidus, you should look for shoes with a deep and wide toe-box. Most wide-fitting shoes will have a wide toe-box, but if you don't have wide feet, you will need to look for specialist shoes. Sole Bliss shoes are all designed to incorporate a wide toe-box, while the rest of the shoe fits neatly in proportion. If you have slimmer feet but need a wide toe-box, we would recommend browsing our collection of regular fit shoes.

The best shoes for hallux rigidus have this wide toe-box because it prevents putting undue pressure on the big toe joint. It also prevents your toes from overlapping, squashing or cramping, which would otherwise cause unnecessary pain on your hallux rigidus.  

Wide-fitting shoes for hallux rigidus can be stylish! Just make sure your footwear fits properly and doesn't put any pressure on that painful big toe joint. 

2. Choose Shoes with a Rigid Sole:

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The best shoes for hallux rigidus will have rigid soles. Yes you want your hallux rigidus shoes to be soft and cushioned, and we agree, comfort is key! But the soles of your shoes need to be rigid so that your big toe cannot bend past its limited range of motion.  

There are very few flexible shoes which are good for hallux rigidus. This is because the flexible sole does nothing to limit the movement and pronation of your foot. If you over-flex the big toe joint, this can cause further pain and erosion to your arthritic joint.

Hallux rigidus shoes with a thick sole don't have to be ugly! You may be thinking of clumpy and old-fashioned school shoes, but fear not! There are stylish shoes for hallux rigidus. In fact, chunky platform soles are back in fashion, especially on sneakers. Check out our new miracle sneakers! 

3. Choose Shoes with Shock Absorption:

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The best shoes for hallux rigidus will have great shock absorption. Shock absorption protects your feet (and your big toes) from the impact of hitting against the ground when you walk or run.  

Hallux rigidus shoes with shock absorption help redistribute the weight and pressure on your feet. By evenly distributing your weight, you spread the pressure rather than putting force on one area of your foot. It is really important to make sure that this pressure is not applied to your big toe joint, as this will cause more hallux rigidus pain. 

Sole Bliss shoes feature a cushioned and anatomically contoured footbed which provides triple-layer support and shock absorption. Read more about what makes our hallux rigidus shoes so comfortable.

4. Choose Shoes with Arch Support:

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If you suffer with hallux rigidus, you need to look for shoes with arch support. Much like a supportive footbed with shock absorption, arch support can help redistribute the weight and pressure on your feet.

We previously mentioned that high arches or fallen arches can be a cause of hallux rigidus, so it is important to wear shoes with arch support for these conditions. If you have high arches, shoes without arch support can cause your weight to land on the front of your foot and your big toes. This is to be avoided, so make sure you look for comfortable shoes with arch support.

5. Choose Shoes with Soft Uppers:

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The best shoes for hallux rigidus are crafted from the finest, softest leather. Always look for hallux rigidus shoes with soft and comfortable uppers because this will prevent putting additional pressure on the big toe joint.

While the shoe itself (especially the sole) should be sturdy, you don’t want stiff and uncomfortable uppers on your shoes. Stiff shoes can also be difficult to take on and off.

We would recommend opting for soft leather shoes. When the weather heats up, you don't need to worry about your feet sweating as much in leather shoes. Leather is durable, flexible and soft.

Browse our Full Collection of Shoes for Hallux Rigidus.