The 5 best shoes for Morton’s neuroma, according to podiatrists

Of all the pesky pains you can feel, one of the most debilitating is the one that affects your feet. After all, you put constant pressure on your feet and rely on them to support the weight of almost anything you do throughout the day.

One of the most common foot conditions, Morton’s neuroma, affects about one-third of American adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It’s inflammation of a bundle of nerves between the toes, most commonly the third and fourth toes, notes Tim Oldani, DPM, chiropodist at Missouri Foot and Ankle in St. Louis.

“With continued inflammation and entrapment, nerve tissue can thicken and widen, which can lead to a painful burning sensation with the weight-bearing which is usually felt more on the lower or sole of the foot,” he told LIVESTRONG.com. “There may also be associated numbness or tingling radiating to the toes.”

Unlike other conditions of the foot, Morton’s neuroma is not inherited, nor is it linked to a specific injury. This is often the result of wearing narrow or ill-fitting shoes, says Dr. Oldani. “Often, people with neuroma will experience relief and less pain just by removing their shoes,” he says.

It is true, however, that certain types of feet are more prone to Morton’s neuroma, namely people with congenital flat feet or high arches. Additionally, Dr Oldani points out that running and walking can cause repetitive pressure on the sole of the foot which can trigger or worsen neuroma pain.

The good news: More often than not, a change of shoe is enough to relieve the pain and discomfort of Morton’s neuroma. Here, podiatrists reveal the best shoes to buy if you have the condition.

We brought in four podiatrists, who offered product recommendations and detailed what to look for in shoes for Morton’s neuroma. We have selected these products based on their criteria, including:

• Wide toe box
• Arch support
• Cushioning on the sole of the foot

This brand of footwear comes highly recommended by podiatrists, other physicians and chiropractors for all kinds of body ailments, from knee and hip pain to back and foot problems.

People with Morton’s neuroma can especially benefit from the shoe’s unique anatomical sole. Crafted from natural cork and latex and covered with a soft, soothing layer of suede, this footbed is specially designed to relieve some of the pressure points that aggravate Morton’s neuroma.

The shoe also has a raised center that reduces pressure on the ball of the foot, notes Dr. Oldani, which provides excellent shock absorption. Plus, he says, it’s a lightweight, comfortable sneaker that can be worn all day.

This brand offers a line of shoes called Posture Plus which is specially designed for people with foot deformities and conditions such as Morton’s neuroma.

The best and most unique aspect of this line is that they have an orthotic integrated directly into the shoes. According to Louis Acquino, DPM, a podiatrist at the Foot Health Center in Maryville, Illinois, an integrated orthosis like this is the best way to properly realign the foot, which ultimately reduces pressure on the sole of the foot and helps resolve and prevent neuromas.

While these sneakers are great for everyday wear, this brand also offers more on-trend styles like ankle boots, heels, and sandals.

Specifically designed for walking, this shoe offers maximum support as well as soft cushioning that takes the pressure off each foot as you take a stride. “This helps reduce the impact on the sole of the foot, which will directly decrease the irritation of the neuroma and allow you to stay active without irritating it,” says Dr. Oldani.

The insoles themselves provide enough support to be worn without orthotics, but some reviewers note that the shoe takes time to wear out if you plan to use your own shoe inserts. This is even the case if you remove the insoles, so it is a good idea to prepare for an adjustment period before you find optimum comfort.

Whether you are an avid or casual runner or someone looking to start a running program, this is a great running shoe for relieving the discomfort of Morton’s neuroma.

Not only is it versatile, it’s also great for most types of feet, says Dr. Oldani. “Specifically for neuromas, this shoe provides extra cushioning from heel to toe, which helps absorb shock with each stride, reducing irritation to neuromas,” he says. “He also has a wide toe area, which is essential when buying a shoe to reduce neuroma pain.”

Another advantage of this shoe is that it is durable. Reviewers note that even with everyday use, this shoe is durable and maintains its shape throughout its life – a definite advantage when it comes to running shoes.

Najwa Javed, DPM, Silicon Valley Podiatry Group chiropodist and founder of E’MAR Italy, is a fan of this all-terrain hiking boot, which is not only lightweight but has a built-in rocker in the forefoot. which absorbs shock and rubber soles that keep you strong on the go.

With a firm and stable grip, this pair of hiking boots are ready to help you out on any terrain, whatever the conditions, without interrupting your range of motion in any way. No matter what the weather is on the day you hike, the waterproof design of this shoe keeps you protected, keeping your feet dry and comfortable no matter the weather.

You can wear orthotics inside this boot, making it customizable for people with additional foot issues.

Here are some features to keep in mind when shopping for the best shoes for relieving symptoms of Morton’s neuroma.

While buying the right size is essential to ensure a proper fit and prevent pain or discomfort from getting worse, Dr. Javed actually recommends that people with Morton’s neuroma buy shoes from half a size larger than they would normally buy. This, she explains, can prevent unnecessary pressure from being put on the nerves in the foot.

Width is important when buying a pair of shoes if you have Morton’s neuroma, as Dr. Hendizadeh notes that it can reduce the pressure that causes pain. “Less pressure on the foot means less compression of the metatarsals (the five long bones of the foot in the foot) and, therefore, less pressure on the nerves moving between them,” he says. “As the metatarsals are squeezed harder and harder, the nerves become irritated and form a bundle of nerves which can be irritating.”

Since people with high arch feet are more prone to Morton’s neuroma, according to Dr. Oldani, it may help to have a shoe with arch support.

“The support of the arch of the foot reduces the pressure on the sole of the foot, especially in the heels, [so] any shoe that can accept or has built-in arch support is best, ”says Dr. Javed. “Relieving pressure on the metatarsals is one of the easiest ways to reduce pain in the sole of the foot. “

People with Morton’s neuroma should look for shoes that provide cushioning under the metatarsal heads (the sole of the foot), says Dr. Oldani, as this will help reduce pressure when the foot hits the ground.

“Those with arched feet don’t absorb shock well, which is why a cushioned shoe or a more neutral shoe is more important than motion control,” he says.

If you are currently being treated for Morton’s neuroma or have a history of it, choosing the right footwear is not something you should take lightly.

To maximize your comfort when wearing your shoes, Dr. Oldani recommends choosing a shoe based on the specific activity you will be using the shoe for as well as taking your foot type into account before purchasing a shoe.

“There are shoes specifically designed for pronators, which tend to promote movement control, and those for supinators, which will provide more shock absorption,” he notes.

If you are still having trouble finding the right shoe to ease your discomfort, he recommends that you ask your podiatrist for shoe recommendations.