Shoes for Hammer Toes

A hammer toe is a toe that has an abnormal bend in its middle joint. The bend forces the toe to flex downward into the shape of a hammer, hence the name hammer toe (or mallet toe). Hammer toe usually appears on the 2nd or 3rd toe and while it can be present at birth, it usually develops over time as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes or arthritis. Hammer toes can be quite painful, but they are treatable.

What causes it? Hammer toe results from an imbalance of the muscles that surround the middle toe joint. When one of these muscles weakens, it becomes unable to bend or straighten the toe. When the toe stays bent for too long, the muscle becomes too tight and then the toe cannot be straightened. Hammer toe can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by wearing shoes that force the toe into a flexed position, such as high heels or overly tight shoes. Other causes include injury, certain diseases like arthritis and diabetes, and a middle toe that is longer than the big toe.

How is it prevented and treated? The very best way for men to prevent hammer toe is to avoid wearing shoes that are too narrow or too tight. Certain toe exercises like picking up small objects with your toe, and stretching and massaging the joint can also help. Treatment of hammer toes also means wearing special men’s shoes for hammertoes. Men’s hammer toe shoes should have a wide and deep toe box to accommodate the misshapen toes. Shoes for people with hammertoe should also have anatomical orthotic insoles that support the feet and can help prevent the progression of the deformity. If a corn or callus develops on the joint as a result of the hammer toe, a pumice stone after a warm foot soak can be used to gently file the toe. Toe exercises like curling, extending and spreading the toes are also useful treatment measures.