Hammer toes can turn even short walks into a challenge. The bent joints rub against shoes, causing corns, blisters, and constant irritation. While exercises and other treatments can help over time, the fastest way to ease discomfort is by choosing the best shoes for hammer toes.
The right footwear makes all the difference — shoes that give your toes room to straighten, reduce painful pressure points, and cushion each step. In this guide, we’ll look at the best shoe features for hammer toes, why the wrong shoes make things worse, and how to keep your feet comfortable day to day.
When bent toes rub inside shoes, it often leads to calluses and hard skin — here’s how to stop it happening again.
Many people find relief with wide-fit designs — see our complete wide fit shoes guide for how to pick the right style.
📌 At a Glance
All the key facts on Hammer Toes in one place — no scrolling, no searching.
Jump straight to 20 Common Questions & Answers.
What Are the Best Shoes for Hammer Toes?
When shopping for shoes that ease hammer toe discomfort, focus on these features:
- Wide and deep toe box – gives your toes space to rest without rubbing against the top or sides.
- Soft, stretchable uppers – materials like leather or mesh adapt to toe shape and reduce pressure.
- Low heels – high heels force the toes downwards, making the bend worse. Stick to flats or very small heels.
- Cushioned insoles – reduce impact under the ball of the foot, where hammer toe pain often builds.
- Adjustable fastenings – laces, straps, or Velcro help fine-tune the fit so the shoe works with swelling or changing foot shape.
- Removable insoles – so you can slot in custom orthotics or metatarsal pads for extra relief.
👉 Wide-fit trainers, orthopaedic sandals with adjustable straps, and stretch-top casual shoes are often the most forgiving.
For instant relief across the knuckles, see how a shoe toe box stretcher can help create more height and comfort.
Why the Wrong Shoes Make Hammer Toes Worse
Shoes that are too narrow, shallow, or stiff can:
- Force the bent joint against the top of the shoe, causing corns and blisters.
- Increase swelling and pain in the toe joint.
- Accelerate deformity by pushing toes into unnatural positions.
This is why choosing shoes designed for comfort and width isn’t a luxury — it’s a must for anyone with hammer toes.
Causes of Hammer Toes
Hammer toes don’t just appear overnight. They develop over time, often from:
- Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes.
- Imbalances in foot muscles and tendons.
- Bunions, flat feet, or high arches that alter toe mechanics.
- Arthritis or other conditions that weaken toe joints.
- Genetics — sometimes, it just runs in the family.
Hammer toes and bunions often go hand-in-hand — bunion pressure can worsen toe curling and joint discomfort.
Symptoms to Look Out For
- Toes bent at the middle joint.
- Pain or irritation when wearing shoes.
- Corns and calluses on the tops of toes or under the ball of the foot.
- Swelling or redness around the affected joint.
- Difficulty straightening the toes fully.
At-Home Care and Relief
Shoes make the biggest difference day to day, but you can also support your feet by:
- Toe exercises – gently stretching and strengthening the toes to slow progression.
- Toe spacers or pads – to reduce rubbing between toes.
- Soaking feet – warm water baths with Epsom salts help ease soreness.
- Protective padding – cushioned plasters over corns or pressure spots.
- Using a shoe toe box stretcher – this can lift the toe box slightly and reduce pressure on bent toes.
When to Seek Professional Help
See a podiatrist if:
- Pain persists even after switching footwear.
- Corns and calluses return quickly.
- Toes become rigid and won’t straighten.
- You have diabetes or circulation issues (higher infection risk).
Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe or rigid cases, but for many people, shoes remain the first and most effective line of defence.
Living Well With Hammer Toes
Hammer toes don’t mean giving up stylish or supportive footwear. With today’s options, you can find shoes that look good and give relief. The right pair can mean the difference between avoiding outings due to foot pain and walking comfortably throughout the day.
Some fashionable shoes may look great but can cause serious discomfort if worn for long periods. It’s wise to prioritise foot health and save narrow dress shoes for very short occasions—if at all.
Many retailers now offer virtual fitting tools or sizing charts to help guide your purchase. If you’re between sizes, it’s usually best to go half a size up to avoid toe crowding.
For overall advice on easing foot discomfort and improving mobility, visit our Complete Guide to Foot Pain Relief.
20 Questions on Hammer Toes
Q: How do you define hammer toes in simple terms?
A: Hammer toes are toe deformities where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like shape.
Q: What usually causes hammer toes to form?
A: They can develop from wearing tight shoes, muscle imbalance, genetics, or conditions like arthritis.
Q: Are hammer toes painful?
A: Not always, but they can become painful if corns, calluses, or pressure from shoes develop.
Q: Can hammer toes be corrected without surgery?
A: Yes, in early stages. Stretching, toe exercises, splints, and wide-fitting shoes often help.
Q: Which shoe features help relieve hammer toe pain?
A: Wide-fit shoes with deep toe boxes, soft uppers, and cushioning are best to relieve pressure.
Q: Are sandals good for hammer toes?
A: Supportive sandals with adjustable straps and open fronts can be very comfortable, as long as they provide stability.
Q: Can orthotics help hammer toes?
A: Yes. Custom or off-the-shelf orthotics can reduce pressure and improve foot alignment.
Q: Do hammer toes get worse with time?
A: Without treatment or proper footwear, they often stiffen and become more painful.
Q: Can exercises improve hammer toes?
A: Toe stretches, towel scrunches, and picking up objects with toes can help maintain flexibility.
Q: Are hammer toes permanent?
A: Mild, flexible hammer toes can sometimes be improved, but severe or rigid ones usually require surgery.
Q: What’s the difference between hammer toes and claw toes?
A: Hammer toes bend at the middle joint, while claw toes curl at both the middle and end joints.
Q: Do high heels cause hammer toes?
A: High heels with narrow toe boxes increase risk by pushing toes into unnatural positions.
Q: How do I prevent hammer toes from getting worse?
A: Wear wide shoes, avoid high heels, use orthotics, and keep toes flexible with exercises.
Q: Can children develop hammer toes?
A: Yes, though it’s less common. Genetics and muscle imbalances can cause early onset.
Q: Do hammer toes only affect the second toe?
A: They most commonly affect the second toe, but any of the smaller toes can develop the condition.
Q: Can hammer toes cause balance problems?
A: Yes, severe cases may alter walking patterns and reduce stability.
Q: Do toe splints work for hammer toes?
A: They can help in early, flexible cases but won’t correct rigid hammer toes.
Q: When is surgery needed for hammer toes?
A: Surgery is considered if pain is severe, deformity is rigid, or conservative measures fail.
Q: How long is recovery from hammer toe surgery?
A: Recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks, though swelling may last longer.
Q: Are hammer toes linked to bunions?
A: Yes, bunions can push the second toe out of alignment, leading to hammer toes.
📌 Summary
Hammer toes can be painful and frustrating, but the right footwear offers real relief. Look for wide, cushioned shoes with deep toe boxes and soft uppers. Combine that with protective pads, toe exercises, and professional advice when needed, and you’ll keep discomfort under control.
If you would benefit from some further information, my Wide Fit Shoes Guide is very helpful.