Best Shoes For Capsulitis Of The Second Toe (2024)
Shoes that constrict the toes can be problematic – placing the foot in unnatural positions.
The best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe have 2 main features:
- A wide toe box – allowing the toes to naturally splay out
- Zero (or low) foot drop between the heels and toes – Reducing and redistributing excess pressure away from the second toe.
Capsulitis of the second toe is caused due to the faulty bio-mechanics these tight contraptions, place on our feet. Making simple changes to your footwear and providing support through taping can drastically improve the plight of your second toe.
Below are some the best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe for both men and women.
Top Rated Shoes For Capsulitis Of The Second Toe (2023)
BEST WALKING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE (MEN)
Altra Via Olympus
BEST WALKING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE (WOMEN)
Altra Via Olympus Road
BEST RUNNING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE (MEN)
Altra Paradigm 6
BEST RUNNING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE (WOMEN)
Altra Provision 7
BEST HIKING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE (MEN)
Altra Olympus 5
BEST WALKING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE (WOMEN)
Altra Lone Peak 7
BEST WALKING SHOES FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE
2. Altra Via Olympus
The Altra Via Olympus is specifically designed to keep forefoot pain and bunions at bay.
This automatically translates into the shoe having wide toe-box and a zero-drop footbed from heel to toe.
Having a zero-drop footbed specifically makes all the difference, as this means you will be distributing weight evenly between heel to toe.
Most zero-drop shoes compromise on cushioning under the foot. But Altra’s maximal cushioning technology does an even better job at providing cushioning to the feet than most traditional shoes.
The upper on the Altra Via Olympus is constructed of a breathable upper mesh making ultra lightweight.
The insole is removable and can be swapped out for more supportive orthotics for those who tend to overpronate a lot.
This is another versatile walking shoe by Altra. It can easily be paired with a pair of jeans for a walk to work or a short hike on the trail.
The outsole is constructed with Altra’s foot-pod technology which maps the bones and tendons of the feet, thus providing excellent feedback and traction.
They are also made of an extremely durable rubber that will last the test of time.
The Altra Via Olympus is a versatile piece of foot wear that is great for capsulitis of the second toe.
BEST HIKING SHOE FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE
1. Altra Olympus 5
The Altra Olympus 5 is a category defining hiking/trail running shoe.
It offers a smooth cushioned ride that will take you long and far on the trail.
For many with pain in the forefoot, trail hiking can seem like distant dream. But with the Altra Olympus 5, Altra has brought the comfort of a running shoe into the hiking world.
As you can see, the cushioning in the sole of this boot is maxed out. It is designed with what is known as Altra’s active foot-pod frame, which allows the wearer to sit deep within the mid-sole as opposed to on top of it.
This provides excellent stability while keeping comfort levels exceptionally high. The sole of the Altra Olympus 5 is also designed for maximum traction in both wet and dry conditions.
The front of the shoe also has a rocker design which will ensure you aren’t placing too much pressure on that second metatarsal joint. While the upper is made of a soft comfortable leather.
The heel to toe drop is minimal at 0 mm. This is a huge step down from the higher heel to toe drops on traditional hiking boots. This will also ensure reduced load on the second metatarsal joint.
This hiking shoe also provides excellent stability for those of you who tend to overpronate. While the wide toe-box ensures your toes are allowed to splay out, thus distributing pressure evenly across the forefoot.
These features are what make the Altra Olympus 5 the best hiking shoe for capsulitis of the second toe.
BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR CAPSULITIS OF THE SECOND TOE
1. Altra Paradigm 6
The Paradigm 6 by Altra is one of the most versatile shoes for capsulitis of the second toe.
It can be used for walking, hiking and running and ticks all the boxes for the being the best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe.
The Altra Paradigm 6 has a patented extra-wide toe box and a 30 mm stack height. This ensures ample space and cushioning for your toes and feet.
The zero heel-to-toe drop gives your second toe the relief it requires from the excessive loads being placed it.
The sole of the Paradigm 6 is made of a dual density EVA foam with lugs for extra grip. This ensures that the shoe will last through the rigors of long walks. While the upper is made of a quick dry reinforced mesh and does an excellent job at keeping sand, dust and dirt out of the shoe.
The heel cups on these shoes need special mention, as they really lock your heel in place. They reduce slippage and faulty weight distribution through your toes and feet.
1. Altra Provision 7
As you’ve probably realized by reading this article, Altra is known for their zero-drop running shoes. This means that your feet sit on a level plain, with no height difference between your toes, metatarsals and your heel.
This is an important feature because heels on shoes force an excessive amount of pressure onto the forefoot. Which is something you want to avoid if you have capsulitis of the second toe.
Another common feature on all Altra shoes is their ultra-wide foot shaped toe-boxes. These wide toe-boxes are great for those with capsulitis because it allows the toes of the feet to splay out, thus evenly distributing load across the forefoot area.
And the Provision 7 has all these features and more. Altra has used their special ‘Abound’ top layer on the midsole, which compresses significantly less than a traditional cushioned foam.
This means that the cushioning on the Provision 7 lasts longer over the entire lifespan of the shoe.
Also, the insole is removable which means you can add your own orthotic or metatarsal pad underneath your second toe for added pressure reduction.
The upper is made of a quick dry air mesh that provides good ventilation even on those hot days on the road.
This is a durable, versatile do-everything running shoe that also happens to provide excellent cushioning for capsulitis of the second toe.
The New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X More V4 Running Shoe is New Balance’s lowest drop running shoe. Running in zero-drop shoes can be quite different and challenging as the mechanics force you to run with a lighter gait.
This of course is excellent for your feet as it reduces the risk of injury. But changes in walking and running styles can take some getting used to.
This is where low-drop shoes like the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X More V4 Running Shoe come in.
The heel to toe drop measures 4 mm, which makes it an excellent transition for those moving from high heeled shoes to zero-drop.
This shoe is extremely comfortable as you can tell with the beefy maximally cushioned mid sole. And this is what makes this shoe a good long distance training shoe.
The upper is made of a seamless soft synthetic fabric that will reduce irritation from protruding stitches, while providing ample ventilation.
The midsole is made from a material that is lighter than the EVA or SPEVA used on other Asics shoes. This makes the shoe lightweight given the amount of cushioning it offers.
The toe-box is wide too, so it does not constrict your toes. All excellent qualities for a running shoe for capsulitis of the second toe.
3. Hoka One - One
The Hoka One One is the latest iteration of Hoka’s oldest road shoe running. It has gone through many changes, that have refined it’s pedigree to what it is today.
The One One is the plushest most protective Hoka you can take out on the road with you today. And that is what makes it so good for capsulitis of the second toe.
The One One is a premium top of the line road shoe that has excellent impact protection and can be used over both long and short distances.
It comes with a 4mm heel to toe drop which will help redistribute pressure away from the second toe.
This is by far the most cushioned shoe on this list. It also offers excellent stability for a neutral running shoe, with its dual heel technology.
The heel unit puts the wearer in proper alignment by guiding the foot into a more neutral line.
While the upper is made from a breathable engineered mesh with stability overlays. This is an excellent feature for those with bunions as the lack of stitching negates any irritation on the feet.
All of this, along with a relatively wide toe-box make the Hoka One One one of the best road running shoes for capsulitis of the second toe.
How To Choose The Best Shoes For Capsulitis Of The Second Toe
Picking the best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe can be quite a task. Especially given the fact, that today’s shoes come with all the bells and whistles that worsen the condition.
Staying away from the pitfalls of today’s fashion will help you easily pick a shoe that will help with recovery.
The following tips will help you identify the best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe.
Types Of Shoes To Avoid For Capsulitis Of The Second Toe
- Shoes with high heel counters – High heel counters on running and walking shoes contribute to capsulitis of the second toe. High heel counters (yes, even in men’s shoes) put unnecessary pressure on the front of the forefoot. They elevate the heel, thereby shortening and tightening the calf muscle. This places the foot in an unnatural position that adds further pressure the the ball of the foot.
- Shoes with narrow toe-boxes – Narrow toe boxes bunch the toes together, placing more pressure toward the middle of the forefoot. The toes were designed to splay out in order the evenly distribute pressure throughout entire foot. This unnatural bunched up position of the toes provides an unstable platform upon which to walk. Thus reducing the balance and stability achieved by a proper foot tripod.
Features To Look For In The Best Shoes For Capsulitis Of The Second Toe
The best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe are those shoes with a ‘zero heel-to-toe drop’.
Zero drop in a shoe means; there is no drop in height between where the heel and the toes sit .
Having the heel and toes sit within the same plane within the shoe ensures; even distribution of weight between the 3 points of the foot tripod. This reduces unnecessary pressure on the second toe/ball of the foot.
Wide toe boxes allow the toes to splay outward while standing, walking or running. This also spreads the pressure more effeciently throughout the foot. Thus reducing pressure hot spots and allowing the foot to heal.
Cushioning is also of utmost importance, especially when suffering from capsulitis of the second toe or ball of the foot pain. But cushioning is a double edged sword as the more cushioning you see in a shoe, the higher the heel-to-toe drop could be.
The shoes mentioned on this list were specifically chosen keeping the aforementioned criteria in mind. The all have a zero heel-to-toe drop, a wide toe-box and have maximal cushioning.
These shoes will offer the best recovery for capsulitis of the second toe.
Conclusion
Companies like Altra, Merrell, Hoka and New Balance are waking up to the fact that shoes with a more natural stance are healthier for the feet.
The shoes mentioned on this list are the best shoes for capsulitis of the second toe as they check all the boxes required for optimal recovery.
How about brands and models for women with capsilitis of the second metatarsal? Altra Torrin 3.0?
Hey Victoria,
Yes, Altra is an excellent brand for capsulitis. So is Hoka, some of the Merrell shoes, Inov and so on. The shoes mentioned on this list are some of the best from these brands. The Torrin 3.0 is just an upgrade from the 2.0’s so feel free to check them out if you like them!
Feel free to ask any further questions that you may have!
Cheers,
Jason
I would like to thank Victoria for bringing up women’s shoes. Are there other brands, styles or shoe options available for women ?
Thank you for your information and the video on taping is a life saver!!!
Best Regards,
D. Barnett
I’m having an impossible time finding women’s dress shoes that I can wear to work with this condition. Any ideas?
i have splayed toes, hammer toes, one big toe may be slightly turning inwards, and various other toe issues that i cant identify, and i am running out of shoes they will fit in. i want to know if there is any chance the shoes you recommend for capsulitis of the second toe will be bad for other problems, or am i safe in choosing them if they seem to fit properly and not cause any discomfort.
Thank you for post about this. My podiatrist just suggested I wear stiff soled shoes and left it at that.
What about the Hoka One M Speed Instinct 2.