Hallux Limitus, Hallux Rigidus or Big Toe Arthritis are a common syndrome that effects many people. They all are essentially the same thing, which is arthritis in the big toe joint that reduces motion of the big toe leading to pain. This is characterized by moving your big toe and feeling pain during the Range of Motion or a grinding in the joint. There are multiple surgeries to deal with this condition. I wrote this article for people who have no interest in having the surgery. Now, I personally, think if you are under 50 you should have surgery for this problem. The surgery is simple and same day procedure. However if you do not want to have the surgery there are many options available to you as far as shoes.
Most of these shoes are not the most fashionable shoes around. However, they will reduce the pain caused by Hallux Limitus, and make it easier for you to move around. When looking for good shoes for Hallux Rigidus or Limitus, you want to focus on shoes with wide toe boxes and rocker bottom formation. The rocker bottom is important as it will ease the biomechanical distress place on your big toe joint by Hallux Rigidus. Without further ado the list.
The Rocker Bottom is key, because the rocker bottom takes stress off the big toe joint. The stress is removed because the rocker bottom now assists in the propulsion of the foot. Below is a video of a person walking with rocker bottom shoes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYCIkk8doSc
Best Shoes for Hallux Limitus Hallux Rigidus or Arthitis of the Big Toe Joint sufferers:
Rocker Action or PIVOT sneakers– These sneakers are flexible with a wide toe box as well as a rocker bottom formation. This will help relive the muscle strain. Additionally, the leather exterior will make the sneaker good for long term wear. The Heavy Padded collar and tongue will add extra support and protection for the person with arthritis of the big toe joint.
Extra Step Whirlwind Shoes- The extra step whirlwind shoes can be ideal for the person with hallux limitus as these all feature a rocker bottom shoe. Now they may not be the most fashionable but they make that up with the Rocker Bottom persona.
Aetrax Womens Classic Mary Janes Fashion Sneaker: Rocker Bottom construction as well (notice a pattern). This helps redistribute forces away from the metatarsal heads. The polyurethane midsole for cushioning. Video that gives further Details on the Mary Jane Aetrax shoe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91QyKPlKonc
MBT Women’s casual sandal— Really the only sandal on the market with a Rocker bottom for the hallux limitus sufferer looking to take stress of their 1st MTP joint.
Clarks Wave Men Oxford– One of the few Men’s dress shoes on the market using a rocker bottom to help reduce strain on the 1st MTP. The rubber sole brings extra traction to the area reducing pain in the region.
Ryn Womens Rose Mary Jane Walking Shoe– This shoe is fashionable while utilizing Rocker bottom technology for patients and people suffering from 1st MTP arthritis in the area. The EVA embedded graphite shank, also helps create a natural human heel strike during gait.
MBT Men’s Bosi Laceup Shoes– Another nice men’s shoe using Rocker Bottom technology to aid the Hallux rigidus sufferer.
Avia walking shoe– One more men’s walking shoe utilizing Rocker Bottom technology to help reduce the pain you are feeling while you walk due to your hallux limitus deformity.