Best Shoes for Hammer Toes

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In Short: What to Look for in Shoes for Hammer Toes
What are the Best Shoes for Hammer Toes?
How to Pick Hammer Toes Shoes (Video)
Best Shoes by Use Case
What are Hammer Toes?
When to Seek Professional Advice for Hammer Toes

If you have any questions about finding the best shoes for your feet, please contact our Customer Care team who are highly knowledgeable and here to help!

Email Us:

customercare@solebliss.com

Call Us:

+44 (0) 1923 227400

Monday to Friday 6am - 12pm EST

get in TOUCH

Jump to contents

In Short: What to Look for in Shoes for Hammer Toes
What are the Best Shoes for Hammer Toes?
How to Pick Hammer Toes Shoes (Video)
Best Shoes by Use Case
What are Hammer Toes?
When to Seek Professional Advice for Hammer Toes

If you have any questions about finding the best shoes for your feet, please contact our Customer Care team who are highly knowledgeable and here to help!

Email Us:

customercare@solebliss.com

Call Us:

+44 (0) 1923 227400

Monday to Friday 6am - 12pm EST

get in TOUCH

Do you live with hammer toes and find yourself constantly searching for the most comfortable footwear?

Before you buy, it’s worth considering what makes the best shoes for hammer toes. Look for shoes, sandals and boots with a wide, deep toe box, soft uppers, a low heel and plenty of cushioning. These features may give bent toes more room, help reduce rubbing over raised toe joints and improve comfort when walking or standing.

We understand that hammer toes can make shoe shopping feel challenging, but your footwear doesn’t have to look clinical or compromise on style. The best hammer toe shoes can be every bit as stylish as standard footwear, but they should also feel roomy at the front while holding your heel securely. This helps stop your foot from sliding forwards and may reduce pressure on your toes.

In this blog, we’ll look at what hammer toes are and how they differ from claw toes and mallet toes. We’ll also explore what to look for in shoes for hammer toes, which styles are best avoided and how to choose everything from soft flats and supportive sneakers to sandals, boots and low heels.

In Short: What to Look for in Shoes for Hammer Toes

Looking for some quick guidance on choosing shoes for hammer toes? Here are the key comfort features to consider:

Deep toe box - Gives bent toes more vertical space and helps prevent the top of the shoe from pressing against raised toe joints.
Wide toe box - Provides more side-to-side space and helps reduce crowding around the toes.
Soft upper - May help reduce rubbing and pressure over raised or sensitive toe joints.
Stretch panels - Allow the shoe to adapt around bent toes and other sensitive areas.
Low heel - Helps reduce the forward pressure placed on the toes and forefoot.
Cushioned sole - May improve comfort and soften the impact of walking or standing.
Adjustable fastening - Allows you to adapt the fit and supports a more secure yet flexible feel.
Smooth lining - May help reduce friction over bent toes and raised joints.
Secure heel fit - Helps stop your foot from sliding forwards and placing additional pressure on your toes.
Room for toe pads or orthotics - Provides space for toe protectors, insoles or other supports if needed.

What are the Best Shoes for Hammer Toes?

If you are looking for the best shoes for hammer toes, there are several factors which you need to consider. While the idea of "shoes for hammer toes" may conjure up connotations of orthopaedic-looking shoes, fear not! Stylish shoes for hammer toes exist and there are plenty of fashionable options out there.

Wear Hammer Toe Shoes with a Wide Toe-Box

If you are looking for comfortable shoes for hammer toes, it is essential that they have a wide toe-box. The area at the front of the shoe needs to be spacious in order to accommodate those difficult joints and bent toes.

Look for shoes with plenty of volume at the front of the shoe. This will prevent your hammer toes from cramping, which can exacerbate the problem.

It is important to make sure that your hammer toes are not rubbing against the top of the shoe, as this can lead to painful corns which can be hard to get rid of once they have formed.

Although you may think it is difficult to find hammer toe shoes which will accommodate this awkward foot condition, there are plenty of comfortable and stylish shoes for hammer toes available.

Explore Our Best Shoes for Hammer Toes

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Track-Fur: Black Leather

$379

Track-Fur: Bordeau Patent Leather Shoes Sole Bliss

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Track-Fur: Burgundy Patent Leather

$379

NEW IN

Track-Fur: Cream Leather

$379

Star: Navy Suede & Glitter Shoes Sole Bliss

Star: Navy Suede & Glitz Shoes Sole Bliss

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Star: Navy Suede & Glitz

$349

Shoes Hero: White Leather Sole Bliss USA

Hero: White Leather

$349

+ 2 More

Best Sole Bliss Shoes for Hammer Toes by Use Case

Best overall Hammer toe-friendly shoes

We recommend: Hammer toe-friendly shoes such as Fame: Black Leather - £199

Elevate your look to celebrity status with Fame. Handcrafted in Italy, these luxurious leather loafers feature traditional penny slot detailing and removable tassels, allowing you to switch between classic and minimalist styling.

The buttery-soft, seam-free leather lining may help reduce rubbing over raised toe joints. Underfoot, Triple Layer Cushioning and a 4.5cm shock-resistant platform sole provide comfort and support, while built-in Miracle Comfort Technology and the innovative Bunion Bed™ stretch panel offer additional cushioning around sensitive areas.

Shop Hammer toe-friendly shoes

Best flats

We recommend: Wide-fit flats such as Lola: Red Suede - £149

Lovely Lola is back and ready to put a little pep in your step! Handcrafted in Spain from bold red suede and finished with chic matching bows, these versatile pumps add the perfect pop of color to any outfit. From your go-to summer shoe to a dance-floor favorite during the festive season, Lola is ready to shine all year round.

Lola’s wide toe box may give bent toes more room, while the full soft leather lining and innovative Bunion Bed™ stretch panel feel gentle around sensitive joints. Full-length Triple Layer Cushioning and a shock-resistant heel piece provide additional comfort underfoot, while the elasticated back supports a secure yet flexible fit.

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Best sneakers

We recommend: Perfect wide fit sneakers such as Pixie: Navy Leather & Suede - £189

Pixie Perfection! Lightweight and sporty, these gum sole sneakers offer a fresh look just in time for the new season. Made in Italy from nifty navy leather & suede, the metallic side zip offers easy entry while the low sole offers effortless wear. Chic and easy to wear, Pixie will bring a bit of magic to your everyday look!

Designed for days on the go, Pixie combines an anatomically contoured footbed and built-in Miracle Comfort Technology with luxurious cushioning beneath the entire foot. The rubber shock-resistant sole may help soften the impact of each step, while the laces support a secure fit. At the front, the wide toe box can help accommodate bent toes, with a full soft leather lining and Bunion Bed™ stretch panel providing additional comfort around sensitive areas.

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Best sandals

We recommend: Comfy open-toe sandals like Bailey: White Leather - £149

Meet Bailey, your new summer sole mate! Handcrafted in Italy from luxurious white leather and finished with a matching bow, these effortlessly stylish sandals will take you from poolside relaxation to seaside adventures.

When your toes need a little breathing room, Bailey’s open design and wide forefoot can help reduce crowding and pressure. An anatomically contoured footbed with luxurious cushioning may improve comfort underfoot, while the lightweight sole keeps every step feeling easy. A full leather lining, built-in Miracle Comfort Technology and the innovative Bunion Bed™ provide additional softness around sensitive areas.

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Best boots

We recommend: Wide-fit ankle boots just like Eleanor: Black Leather - £249

Step with confidence in Eleanor. Handcrafted in Italy from smooth black leather, these boots feature subtle panelled detailing for a fuss-free look that goes with absolutely everything. everyday ease. Practical, comfortable and effortless to style, Eleanor is the staple boot you'll wear everywhere, with everything!

Eleanor's roomier fit can help accommodate bent toes, while the soft suede upper and full leather lining may help reduce rubbing around sensitive areas. A contoured footbed with luxurious underfoot cushioning and built-in Miracle Comfort Technology may improve comfort, while the elasticated side panels adapt around the foot. An inside zip also makes these boots easier to slip on and off.

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Best low heels

We recommend: A chic low-heel such as Orla: Black Leather - £169

Step into polished style with Orla. Handcrafted in Spain from versatile black leather, these sophisticated Mary Janes feature an on-trend square toe and adjustable double straps.

Low heels are generally more suitable for hammer toes than high heels because they place less forward pressure on the forefoot. A lower heel can also help prevent your feet from sliding forwards and pushing bent toes into the front of the shoe. Orla’s 3.8cm block heel provides a stable base, making it a more practical choice than a towering heel or narrow stiletto.

The square toe shape is less restrictive than a pointed style, while the adjustable straps support a secure fit and help limit forward sliding. Make sure the straps feel comfortable and do not press against raised toe joints. A soft leather lining, Triple Layer Cushioning and shock-resistant heel piece provide additional comfort, while anti-pronating arch support, Miracle Comfort Technology and the innovative Bunion Bed™ offer further support around the foot and sensitive areas.

Shop low heels

Best for wide feet

We recommend: A Miracle sneaker like Hero: Black Leather - £189

Every closet needs a Hero. Made in Italy from luxurious black leather, this versatile sneaker combines everyday styling with clever comfort features designed for bunions and wider feet. Simply adjust the laces to find your preferred fit, then use the metallic side zip for quick and easy entry.

Hero’s innovative Bunion Bed™ stretch panel provides additional space around sensitive joints, while the full soft, seam-free leather lining may help reduce rubbing. An anatomically contoured footbed with luxurious cushioning may improve comfort underfoot, and the 3cm shock-resistant platform sole helps soften the impact of each step.

Shop Wide Feet Shoes

Eleanor: Black Leather - Deep Toe Box Boots For Hammer Toes

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What are Hammer Toes?

If your toes are bent and often cause pain or discomfort, you may be suffering from a common foot condition known as Hammer Toes.

Hammer, Mallet and Claw Toes are all commonly referred to as Hammer Toes. Hammer Toes occur when the joints of the toes are bent upwards, creating an inverted ‘V’ shape. There is a difference between these conditions. A hammer toe refers to a bent middle joint. A mallet toe occurs when the joint closest to the tip of your toe is bent upwards. A claw toe occurs when the joint at the base of the toe is bent upwards.

Hammer toes are often accompanied by calluses and corns; small lumps of hard skin which can be very painful too.

Some of the main causes of hammer toes are foot structure, trauma to your toes, medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, and wearing poorly-fitting footwear. If you suffer from this condition, it is very important to wear comfortable shoes for hammer toes.

Orla: Black Leather - Low Heels For Hammer Toes

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Hammer Toes vs Claw Toes vs Mallet Toes

Although they can look similar, hammer toes, claw toes and mallet toes affect different joints. A hammer toe usually bends at the middle joint, while a mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail. A claw toe typically bends upwards at the base of the toe and downwards at the middle and end joints, creating a claw-like shape.

All three conditions can cause raised or bent areas to rub against footwear. Shoes with a wide, deep toe box, soft uppers and plenty of space around the toes may help reduce pressure and improve comfort.

Flexible vs Rigid Hammer Toes

Flexible hammer toes can still be gently moved or straightened, while rigid hammer toes remain fixed in their bent position. Flexible hammer toes may be easier to accommodate with roomy shoes, toe pads or suitable splints, although these measures cannot permanently correct the position of the toe.

Rigid hammer toes may need even more depth at the front of the shoe, along with soft, flexible materials that may help reduce rubbing over raised joints. If a rigid hammer toe becomes painful, gets worse or makes walking or finding suitable shoes difficult, speak to a doctor or podiatrist.

Hammer Toes, Corns and Calluses

When a bent or raised toe repeatedly rubs against the inside of a shoe, the friction and pressure can contribute to the development of corns and calluses. These areas of thickened skin may form over raised toe joints, between the toes or beneath the foot and can become uncomfortable.

Soft uppers and smooth linings may help reduce rubbing, while a deeper toe box provides more vertical space above raised joints. If you use toe pads or protectors, make sure there is enough room inside your shoes to accommodate them without making the fit too tight.

Pixie: Navy Leather & Suede - Wide Sneakers For Hammer Toes

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Can Shoes Help Hammer Toes?

Yes, the right shoes may help reduce some of the rubbing, pressure and discomfort associated with hammer toes. Well-fitting footwear with a wide, deep toe box, soft upper and cushioned sole can make daily walking and standing more comfortable.

Additional depth helps prevent raised toe joints from pressing against the top of the shoe, while smooth linings may reduce friction. Roomier shoes can also provide space for toe pads, insoles or orthotics if you use them.

However, shoes cannot permanently straighten or correct hammer toes. If your symptoms persist, become worse or begin to affect your ability to walk, speak to a doctor or podiatrist for professional advice.

What Shoes Should You Avoid with Hammer Toes?

You may have noticed from our shoe suggestions that it’s best to choose styles with extra width. Bent toes need additional side-to-side wiggle room, as well as more vertical depth at the front of the shoe. This is because the raised toe joint sits higher and may rub against the top of a shallow toe box. With this in mind, it’s best to avoid pointed styles and narrow or shallow toe boxes, as these may crowd bent toes or press against raised joints.

Stiff leather uppers, rigid toe caps and hard seams over the toes may also increase rubbing and discomfort. Be careful with tight straps that cut across bent toes, as well as any shoes that rub the raised joint or allow your foot to slide forwards. High heels can compound the problem by shifting your weight towards the front of your feet and pushing your toes further into the shoe.

It is also best to avoid thin or unsupportive flat shoes, which may not provide enough cushioning when walking or standing. If you use toe pads, insoles or orthotics, make sure there is enough room inside your shoes to accommodate them without creating additional pressure.

Deep Toe Box vs Wide Toe Box: What Do Hammer Toes Need?

Wide and deep may sound like the same thing, but they describe two different parts of a shoe’s fit. A wide toe box provides more side-to-side space, helping to prevent the toes from feeling crowded or squeezed together. A deep toe box offers more vertical space between the toes and the top of the shoe, which can help accommodate raised or bent toe joints.

People with hammer toes often need both width and depth. A shoe can feel wide across the forefoot but still be too shallow, causing a raised toe joint to press against or rub on the upper.

Look for shoes for hammer toes designed with generous space at the front, or explore our collection of wide-fit shoes to find styles that suit your feet.

Hammer Toe Shoe Fit Checklist

Now we’ve covered all the key features, run through our Hammer Toe Shoe Fit Checklist before choosing your perfect pair:

Your toes have plenty of space above them.
The toe box provides enough vertical depth for raised or bent toes.
Raised toe joints sit comfortably inside the shoe without rubbing.
The toe box gives your toes enough width and wiggle room.
Your heel feels secure and your foot stays comfortably in place.
Any straps rest comfortably without pressing on bent toes.
There is enough room for toe pads, insoles or orthotics if needed.
The shoes feel comfortable from the very first wear.

Lola: Red Suede - Wide Flats For Hammer Toes

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When to Seek Professional Advice for Hammer Toes

We’ve given you plenty of tips on choosing more comfortable footwear, but sometimes your feet need a little expert attention too.

We recommend speaking to a doctor or podiatrist if:

Your toe pain is getting worse or continues despite changing your footwear.
The affected toe has become rigid or increasingly difficult to move.
Pain or discomfort is beginning to affect how you walk.
Finding shoes that fit comfortably is becoming more difficult.
Those pesky corns or calluses keep coming back.

Don’t wait to seek medical advice if you notice an open sore or possible signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling or discharge. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, speak to your doctor, podiatrist or specialist foot-care team about any new or worsening foot problem, even if it appears minor.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to get it checked by a qualified healthcare professional. Your feet will thank you!

Posted

Jul 09, 2026

Author

Lisa Kay

When it comes to comfort, Lisa Kay knows it all! Lisa has been a Shoe Designer for over 30 years. She has used her own experience dealing with bunions to create Sole Bliss - the shoe brand dedicated to women with bunions, wide feet and sensitive soles. Lisa has worked with Italian and Spanish artisans and the world’s leading podiatrists to create the best shoes for women with bunions and wide feet. Every pair of Sole Bliss shoes contains an award-winning, podiatrist-approved Comfort Technology.

Contributor

Dr Schaeffer

Dr Brad Schaeffer is a Certified Foot Surgeon with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He trained at Hoboken University Medical Center with a 3 Year Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgical Residency.

After residency, Dr Schaeffer has continued training and crafting his skillset in cutting edge surgical techniques and regenerative medicine.

Dr Schaeffer was also discovered for the hit TV show, My Feet Are Killing Me. He is known for bringing his eye of aesthetic medicine and attention to detail to every patient that he treats.

Best Shoes for Hammer Toes

Jump to contents

In Short: What to Look for in Shoes for Hammer Toes

What are the Best Shoes for Hammer Toes?

Wear Hammer Toe Shoes with a Wide Toe-Box

Explore Our Best Shoes for Hammer Toes

Track-Fur: Black Leather

Track-Fur: Burgundy Patent Leather

Track-Fur: Cream Leather

Star: Navy Suede & Glitz

Hero: White Leather

Best Sole Bliss Shoes for Hammer Toes by Use Case

Best overall Hammer toe-friendly shoes

Best flats

Best sneakers

Best sandals

Best boots

Best low heels

Best for wide feet

What are Hammer Toes?

Hammer Toes vs Claw Toes vs Mallet Toes

Flexible vs Rigid Hammer Toes

Hammer Toes, Corns and Calluses

Can Shoes Help Hammer Toes?