How to Fix Shoes for Hammer Toes

Hammer toe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toe where the toe bends in the middle to somewhat resemble a hammer. This condition can be painful and debilitating if left untreated, but making a few modifications to your shoes can help resolve the issue if you catch it early. In addition to the following suggestions, you should also talk with your doctor to rule out other issues.

Instructions

Healing Hammer Toe

• 1

  Examine your shoes. Are they narrow and pointy near the toes? If so, this could be the culprit, since narrow shoes can force your foot into an unnatural position and cause the toes to bend and rub. You may need to purchase new shoes that are one-half inch longer than your longest toe to accommodate your injury. Make sure you try on shoes at the store to ensure comfort and fit.

• 2

  Try stretching any current shoes with a shoe horn or other widening device to create a wider "toe box" at the top. You can also visit a shoe repair location if your at-home efforts aren't yielding good results. You want to make sure your feet can rest comfortably in your shoes and that your toes are long and loose, rather than tight and scrunched up, which can result in hammer toes.

• 3

  Finally, wear sandals, running shoes and low-heeled or flat shoes as much as possible. These place the foot in a better position and can help prevent future hammer toes from forming. Talk to a podiatrist about other options if needed.