Ever felt that sharp, burning pain in your foot and wondered if your shoes are to blame?
If you’re dealing with Morton’s neuroma, your footwear can seriously influence your symptoms. I know firsthand how frustrating and painful this condition can be, so I want to share some insights on which shoes you absolutely must avoid—and what footwear can actually help you.
Why Are Certain Shoes a Problem?
Morton’s neuroma is caused by nerve irritation between your toes. The worst shoes tend to squeeze your toes together or shift too much pressure onto the balls of your feet. Wearing shoes that don’t give your toes enough room is like stepping on a bruise over and over again.
The Shoes You Need to Ditch Now
High Heels
Those stylish stilettos might look amazing, but they force your body weight onto the front of your feet. High heels dramatically increase pressure on your neuroma, causing sharp, unbearable pain. Trust me, ditching heels can feel disappointing, but it’s essential for long-term relief.
If you’re regularly wearing heels, you might find relief by getting a detailed gait analysis assessment to see how your shoes impact your stride.
Pointed or Narrow Toe Shoes
Shoes with pointed or narrow toe boxes are often stylish—but they can wreak havoc on your foot health. These shoes squash your toes together, aggravating your neuroma. Instead, choose shoes with a spacious, rounded toe box. I’ve personally found shoes with a wide toe box like Altra or Topo to be absolute lifesavers.
Here’s more on why narrow shoes hurt your feet.
Thin or Hard-Soled Shoes
If your shoes have thin or hard soles, your feet absorb every step, worsening your nerve pain. Look for shoes with cushioning and shock absorption to ease the strain on your foot. Brands like Hoka offer great cushioning—I’ve personally noticed relief from symptoms after making the switch.
Shoes That Actually Help With Morton’s Neuroma
It’s not all doom and gloom—there are shoes that can genuinely help. From personal experience, footwear with a zero or minimal heel-to-toe drop can dramatically reduce symptoms.
Zero Drop Shoes
I discovered zero-drop shoes (where your heel and forefoot sit at the same level) through my own search for relief. Brands like Lems and Altra have made a significant difference for me, keeping my toes spread naturally and reducing pressure on my neuroma.
We provide custom orthotics that can also help enhance the comfort of these shoes.
Wide Toe Box Shoes
Shoes that offer more space around the toes significantly relieve neuroma symptoms. I can’t recommend highly enough the relief you get from shoes like Altra or Birkenstock sandals. They allow your toes to spread naturally and help reduce pain over time.
You might also benefit from our functional feet service, designed specifically to restore natural foot function.
Cushioned Shoes and Metatarsal Pads
When the pain is especially intense, shoes with extra cushioning such as the Hoka Bondi can be incredibly soothing. Pairing these shoes with a metatarsal pad (a small pad placed under your forefoot) can significantly relieve nerve pressure.
Here’s further research supporting metatarsal pads for neuroma relief.
Extra Steps to Keep You Comfortable
Beyond changing your shoes, incorporating some simple practices can help manage your Morton’s neuroma. Calf stretches, toe spacers, and even a regular foot mobilisation treatment can help reduce tension and improve comfort.
What If the Pain Persists?
Sometimes footwear changes alone aren’t enough. If you’re still struggling with ongoing discomfort, treatments such as radial shockwave therapy or a comprehensive sports biomechanics assessment might be needed.
We’re dedicated to helping you move pain-free again. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable book a consultation today.
Your Next Steps
Choosing the right shoes is vital in managing Morton’s neuroma. Give your feet space, cushion them well, and listen to your body. By making these simple changes, you’ll notice relief and get back to enjoying life without constant foot pain.
If you need any extra advice or personalised recommendations, please get in touch with me here. I’m always happy to help!