Hammer toes can make wearing shoes a real challenge—especially if the top of your toes rub uncomfortably against the inside of the shoe. I have had a similar experience with toe rubbing because my toes are quite chunky (for want of a better term)
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is increasing the height of the toe box with a shoe toe box stretcher.
This stretching can make a huge difference to comfort and mobility, giving your toes some much-needed breathing room without splashing out on custom made shoes.
If you have quite a few pairs of shoes, it is definitely worth buying a toe box stretcher / raiser, I say this because to be honest the shoe toe box stretcher / raiser devices are not cheap, nor are they easy to find.
What Is the Toe Box and Why Does Height Matter?
The toe box is the part of the shoe that houses your toes. While width is often talked about—especially on our site—height is just as critical for those dealing with foot conditions like hammer toes, claw toes, or mallet toes. These conditions cause the toes to bend abnormally, often upwards, leading to painful pressure points against the top of the shoe and sometimes wearing orthotics can push toes up towards the top of your shoes.
How Does a Taller Toe Box Help Hammer Toes?
When the toe box is too shallow, it compresses the raised joints of hammer toes, causing:
- Skin irritation and corns on the knuckles of your toes
- Inflammation or swelling
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Stretching the height of the toe box relieves this pressure, allowing the toes to sit more naturally inside the shoe. This improves comfort, reduces rubbing, and makes footwear wearable again—without pain or resorting to sandals in winter.
How to Stretch the Height of the Toe Box
Unlike traditional shoe stretching (which usually focuses on width or length), stretching the height of the toe box requires a specific tool and method. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use a Toe Raiser or High Toe Box Stretcher
These specialist devices are shaped to fit the forefoot of a shoe and are adjustable vertically. They lift the top of the toe box area gently over time. Look for wooden or metal models for durability, and make sure they are designed for vertical toe clearance, not just width, (they typically look like a beak).
Some shoes may need two, or even three goes depending on the amount of extra room required. Don’t be disappointed if the first attempt isn’t quite enough. Slow and steady gets the best results.
2. Apply Shoe Stretching Spray
A good quality stretching spray softens the material of the shoe (especially leather), making it more pliable. Spray the inside top of the toe box generously before inserting the stretcher, and leave it in for 6–12 hours. This combination works wonders, especially on leather or suede footwear.
3. The Damp Cloth and Spoon Method (DIY Alternative)
If you don’t have a shoe toe box stretcher, wrap a metal spoon in a damp cloth, then use the curved end to gently push upwards on the inside of the toe box. Pack out the underside of the spoon with a cloth to hold it in place, and again, leave overnight. While this is less precise than a shoe stretcher, it can sometimes be as effective and can provide mild relief in softer shoes.
4. Use Heat With Caution
Heating the shoe with a hairdryer while stretching can help soften the material. But beware: too much heat may cause leather to crack or synthetic materials to warp. Always test first and keep the heat source moving.
Best Types of Shoes to Stretch
Shoes that respond best to vertical toe box stretching include:
- Leather dress shoes and boots
- Canvas trainers
- Soft suede or nubuck shoes
Avoid trying to stretch plastic, stiff synthetics, or shoes with a hard internal cap over the toe box, as they won’t give and could crack, split or crease. Certainly do NOT attempt steel toe capped footwear as you are likely to damage the shoe stretcher.
When to Consider a New Pair
If you’ve tried using a shoe toe box stretcher and still feel pressure, on rare occasions the shoe may simply not be deep enough to accommodate your foot shape. Wide fitting shoes with a naturally high toe box are ideal. Look for words like “extra depth,” “orthotic-friendly,” or “therapeutic” in product descriptions.
Additional Tips for Hammer Toe Comfort
- Use silicone toe caps or soft sleeves to cushion toe knuckles
- Choose shoes with adjustable closures to reduce pressure
- Alternate shoes daily to allow stretched pairs to “rest”
- Stretch slowly over several days for the best results
Increasing the toe box height is one of the simplest hacks for dealing with hammer toe discomfort—and often saves shoes you’d otherwise discard. It’s relatively affordable, practical, and it works. Your toes will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I stretch the height of any shoe?
A: Not all shoes respond well. Leather, canvas, and suede work best. Shoes with hard synthetic uppers or reinforced toe caps are usually not stretchable vertically.
Q: How long should I leave the toe box stretcher in?
A: For best results, leave it in overnight or for at least 6–8 hours. Repeat the process over a few days if you need more height.
Q: Will a toe box stretcher fix my hammer toe?
A: No, it won’t fix the underlying condition, but it will relieve symptoms by reducing pressure and improving comfort inside your shoes.
Q: Do I need to use shoe stretch spray?
A: It’s highly recommended, especially for leather shoes, as it softens the material and makes the stretching more effective and longer-lasting.
In Summary
I would usually provide reviews for items that I recommend but at the moment, there are only two devices available, one of which is considerably more expensive and more suited for commercial use.
I would recommend the cheaper of the two based on my own personal use. There is no compromise on quality and I have had superb results.
Please note that I always use Foot Matters shoe stretcher spray . I particularly like this one as it is very effective and it has never left any water marks on either my suede or nubuck shoes and is often available in multipacks.
My choice for the best Shoe Toe Box Stretcher is the Footfitter professional
