Best Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma
- By Team Shoethority
After reviewing over 20 products, the Vionic Joey (women) and Skecher’s Go Walk Evolution (men) are the best shoes for Morton’s Neuroma.
We worked together with Dr. Tabinda Shah to figure out what Morton’s Neuroma sufferers need. She recommended wide toe boxes, soft and flexible uppers, and excellent cushioning in the mid and outer soles. We wanted a shoe that’s comfortable on an inflamed foot, and which makes weight-bearing easy on your body.
The Vionic Fresh Joey Lace-up is recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association. It has plenty of toe room and an incredible EVA midsole.
The Skechers model (for men) is breathable, well-cushioned, and has an ultra-comfortable upper. It’s easily our best choice for men.
To learn more about all our top product selections keep reading!
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Table of Contents
Best Overall for Women
99/100
Our Score
Vionic Women's Fresh Joey Lace-up Sneaker
Vionic Women's Fresh Joey Lace-up Sneaker
Why this product?
The design has plenty of room in the toe, cushioning to absorb shock, and a flexible upper that doesn’t crush toes.
99/100
Our Score
This sneaker is the best shoe overall for women with Morton’s Neuroma, and it’s even approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. The design has plenty of room in the toe, cushioning to absorb shock, and a flexible upper that doesn’t crush toes.
The perforated nubuck upper allows toes the space they need to move, and the wide toe box helps. The shoe has a sporty, trend-forward style but has an orthotic arch to offer the best support possible.
It has a footbed designed by a podiatric doctor, complete with a deep heel cup designed to keep your foot properly aligned. It has soft, breathable leather linings and memory foam cushioning throughout.
The EVA midsole is flexible but firm enough to support your feet. The rubber outsole is durable and shock-absorbing, and it has an even amount of height to reduce strain.
Pros
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Designed by a podiatric
- Allows toes the space they need to move
- Supportive
Cons
Best Overall for Men
99/100
Our Score
Skechers Men's Go Walk Evolution Ultra
Skechers Men's Go Walk Evolution Ultra
Why this product?
The insole has Air Cooled Goga Mat technology, a resilient, springy form of cushioning that absorbs shock.
99/100
Our Score
This slip-on is the best shoe overall for men with Morton’s Neuroma. It has a textile upper, lots of cushioning, and a flexible fit.
The breathable textile upper has durable overlays at high-stress areas like the toe and heel, and provides a comfortable fit for your toes. There are even elastic panels on the side to make this shoe fit as naturally as possible, which is useful for those with wide feet.
The elastic also comes in handy for slipping this shoe on and off, and there’s a loop at the back to help with pulling them on.
The insole has Air Cooled Goga Mat technology, a resilient, springy form of cushioning that absorbs shock and is breathable enough to cool down your feet.
The midsole has a unique lightweight cushioning called Ultra Go that combines flexibility with support. The chunky outsole uses Ultra Pillars to support your feet closely, with every step, and provides lots of grip.
Some people might need more support than the footbed provides, so consider replacing the footbed with your preferred type.
Pros
- Breathable
- Flexible fit
- Provides lots of grip
Cons
- Some people might need more support than the footbed provides
Best for Work Mens
97/100
Our Score
Vionic Men's Khai Casual
Vionic Men's Khai Casual
Why this product?
They have a Vio Motion feature. It creates stability at the heel, support at the arch, and cushioning for the toes.
97/100
Our Score
This is the best work shoe for men with Morton’s Neuroma. It has plenty of orthotic support, a flexible sole, and plenty of room for your toes.
This slip-on shoe has a sleek silhouette and elastic panels for comfort. The upper comes in natural leather and nubuck, both treated for resistance against the weather so they’re easy to take care of.
This brand is known for its orthotic support, and it even has approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. They have a Vio Motion feature that divides the EVA footbed into three zones. It creates stability at the heel, support at the arch, and cushioning for the toes. The footbed is removable.
The collar and toe box of this shoe are both roomy enough for comfort, but the elastic panel keeps the fit snug. This shoe has a durable rubber outsole with plenty of grip, and it cradles your feet all day while reducing stress.
Pros
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Creates stability at the heel
- Supports arch
- Has a durable rubber outsole
Cons
Best for Work Womens
97/100
Our Score
Vionic Women's Linden Slip-on
Vionic Women's Linden Slip-on
Why this product?
It has a stretch panel for maximum comfort, a trendy ballet flat style, and an endorsement from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
97/100
Our Score
This is the best work shoe for women with Morton’s Neuroma. It has a stretch panel for maximum comfort, a trendy ballet flat style, and an endorsement from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
The nubuck or leather upper on this shoe includes an elastic panel above the midfoot for a snug fit. The toe box has plenty of room for movement. These shoes slip on and off, and there’s a tab at the back to help with putting them on or removing them.
The shoe has a memory foam footbed designed to offer orthotic support for your heel, arches, and toes. The insole also offers plenty of cushioning. The midsole is a co-molded EVA to cushion your foot and reduce stress on the foot with each step.
The rubber outsole is durable, and the sole is grooved so it will flex along with your foot. The brand recommends wearing the shoe for just a few hours during your first few wears, which will allow your feet to adjust to the new style.
Be aware that the footbed in this shoe isn’t removable, unlike other models from this brand.
Pros
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical
- Has a memory foam footbed
- Reduces stress on the foot
Cons
- Footbed isn’t removable
Best for Running Mens
98/100
Our Score
ALTRA Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe
ALTRA Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe
Why this product?
They have the FootShape feature that mirrors the natural shape of your foot and provides extra room in the toe box.
98/100
Our Score
Altra Paradigm sneaker is the best shoe for men and women running with Morton’s Neuroma. It has a roomy fit, supports your arches, and provides cushion with every step.
The knit upper on these running shoes is comfortable and soft against your foot, and has a perforated section for breathability.
These shoes are especially notable for their cushioning. They also keep your feet balanced by placing both your heel and forefoot at the same height. This feature reduces strain on your toes. They also have the FootShape feature that mirrors the natural shape of your foot and provides extra room in the toe box.
The midsole is cushioned, but designed for a responsive feel that promotes forward motion. The GuideRail technology means the insole is grooved to keep your feet in place, and StabiliPods add extra stability to your gait at the heel and midfoot.
The sole has a medial flaring design that counteracts pronation, and the outsole is a durable rubber.
The outsole is made of a durable rubber, and it has a flaring section at the midfoot that reduces pronation.
Pros
- Breathable
- Durable
- Reduces strain on toes
- Keeps feet balanced
Cons
Best for Running Womens
95/100
Our Score
ALTRA Women's Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe
Why this product?
This shoe is especially notable for its cushioning. It supports the arch with a quality footbed, but has a cushioned insole.
95/100
Our Score
ALTRA sneaker is the best women’s shoe for running with Morton’s Neuroma. It has a roomy fit, supports your arches, and provides cushion with every step.
It has a breathable knit upper, complete with perforation for coolness. The relaxed fit and FootShape feature provide plenty of room to accommodate natural toe splay as you walk or run.
This shoe is especially notable for its cushioning. It supports the arch with a quality footbed, but also has a cushioned insole. The midsole is designed for a supportive, cushioned feel that is still responsive.
The Paradigm 4.5 has GuideRail technology on the insole that keeps your foot in its optimal placement, while StabiliPods on the outsole add extra support at your heel and midfoot.
It has a Zero-Drop feature that ensures your heel and forefoot are both at the same distance from the ground, which is an important part of reducing stress on your toes.
The outsole is made of a durable rubber, and it has a flaring section at the midfoot that reduces pronation.
Pros
- Relaxed fit
- Supportive
- Durable
- Reduces pronation
Cons
Best for Trail Walking (Men & Women)
Available for both women and men, the Merrell Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe is the best shoe for trail walking. It has a wide fit, a thick sole, and great grip.
The waterproof suede of these shoes means that they’ll hold up in any kind of terrain. They have a comfortable pigskin lining and the M Select Dry membrane to prevent water seepage. On both sides of the shoe, there are elastic gussets, and that feature makes these shoes easier to put on and take off.
These shoes have a supportive EVA footbed designed to reduce odor and absorb shock on a bumpy trail. The footbed provides good arch support for most wearers. For those who need extra support, it’s completely possible to add an orthotic insole.
These shoes have zero heel drop and take the strain off your toes. An air cushion in the heel absorbs shock, a useful feature out on the trail.
The signature M Select grip on the outsole provides traction across terrain, whether wet or dry.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Supportive
- Takes the strain off toes
- Provides good traction
Cons
Best Boots for Morton’s Neuroma (Men & Women)
97/100
Our Score
Dr. Martens, Unisex 1460
Dr. Martens, Unisex 1460
Why this product?
They have the trademark Dr. Martens air cushioning, along with memory foam pods at high-impact areas of the foot.
97/100
Our Score
Dr. Martens unisex boots are the best option for men and women with Morton’s Neuroma. These boots lace up past the ankle with eight eyelets, have a Goodyear welted sole, and have cushioned insoles.
These boots are designed for a work environment, but are versatile enough to wear anywhere. They have the trademark Dr. Martens air cushioning, along with memory foam pods at high-impact areas of the foot. They come with Softwair insoles that have extra arch support, a breathable double-layer construction, and cushioning at the heel pad.
The full-grain, water-resistant leather keeps your feet dry in wet conditions and is easy to clean. The collar and tongue are padded to provide a more comfortable fit.
The 1460 boots have flexible soles attached with Goodyear welting for extra durability. The unique textured GRIP-TRAX outsole prevents slipping and makes it a good option for work on smooth surfaces.
If you usually need more arch support, you can add orthotic insoles to these boots for more targeted support.
Pros
- Provides good cushioning
- Breathable
- Water-resistant
- Flexible
- Prevents slipping
Cons
Buyer’s Guide - Choosing Best Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the sole of the foot. It is usually characterized by progressive thickening of foot nerves due to repetitive minor trauma to the forefoot. It is in most times manifested by pain, burning sensation, or electrical-like feeling in the tip of the foot.
Occasionally, the pain might radiate to the tips of your toes causing a needle bricks-like sensation. Moreover, you can feel as if there is a stone or a lump stuck between your toes. Women’s shoes, such as high heels have a major contribution to the development of Morton’s neuroma.
Another known cause is having Splayfoot. Having Splayfoot is to have a mal-positioned foot with an increased divergence of the space between your toes’ bones.
Moreover, wearing very tight shoes is a strong factor involved. When you Overuse your feet i.e. by long-standing and intensive running, you put your nerves at great risk of developing a neuroma.
Many people will feel relieved when they start wearing specially made shoes like flat-heeled shoes. Morton’s Neuroma can be controlled with multiple measures including no-surgical ones.
These include the use of specifically engineered shoes to allow for a smooth ride. In this guide, we will help you choose the best shoes for your Morton’s neuroma.
A Wide Toe Box
A toe box is a whole area that surrounds the forefoot and toes, normally you choose a shoe with a wide enough toe box to help your little toes wiggle freely inside.
They say that you should be able to wiggle and flex your toes at the knuckles for a shoe to be will-fitted. Hereby, when you have Morton’s neuroma, you already have sore toes, you have much pain and discomfort on the front side of your foot.
Therefore, You should look for shoes that are designed with an ample toe box and have extra space to offer you a relaxed, comfortable fit, and eliminate pressure on your Morton’s Neuroma.
On the contrary, having too much room around your toes will more splaying, more shifting, and discomfort. The ideal way to tell if a shoe is perfect for you is to have approximately a space for a thumb width between your toes and the tip of the shoe.
A Soft, Flexible Mesh or Similar Upper
The upper is the main determining factor of shoe space.
Having a stretchable, soft upper will help your toes to move really freely. An upper made of malleable materials like mesh or leather will be taking the shape and contours of the foot, lessening the pressure on the toes.
A Cushioned Outsole
When walking while Morton’s neuroma can be really bothering and painful.
This can be explained as we strike our foot on a heavy ground a surge of force is transmitted through your sensitive foot, making walking painful and stressful.
To reduce this effect, you need to get a shoe with soft, bouncy, and neuroma-friendly.
A Supportive, Comfortable Footbed/Insole
Specially made insoles are important for you to consider, they will offer you more cushioning and support for foot arches.
Collapsing arches are troublesome for your nerves. They will put extra pressure on the forefoot causing more deterioration. Hence, supporting footbeds are designed specifically to alleviate the pressure applied over the nerves of mid-foot and forefoot.
They work by putting the foot in a relieving posture that evenly distributes weight. We can safely say that as long as you are wearing the insole, you will not experience any pain or discomfort.
However, whenever you take off the insoles, the discomfort can be quickly experienced again. Therefore, we recommend that you get yourself enrolled in some relieving exercise programs, maybe while wearing the insoles.
If you stick to a strict program while wearing the insole, your foot will be held in the comfort position, insuring less pain over the long run.
An Even Sole
An even sole is critical to reduce and redistribute pressure away from the forefoot. On the other side, using the popular elevated soles or heel drops moves the pressure point toward your toes, which is so harmful to your condition.
In addition to that, heel drops will shorten your Achilles tendon causing more ruined posture leading to more pathological conditions. In the end, you need to choose an even sole to allow for comfortable movements.
Removable Insoles
Many people are dependent on wearing removable insoles for treating Morton’s neuroma. When choosing a shoe, you should assure the ease of insoles use, which plays an important role in the management.
The desired shoe model should offer sufficient space to ensure wearing comfort. Some manufacturers offer special shoes for loose insoles, others are set to suit preferences with sufficient space inside the shoe and become the right shoe choice even without orthopedic intent.
Removable insoles compensate for weak collapsing arches in the individual foot, which will produce greater stability with every step.
In the same way, shoes for loose insoles should help to be able to use the orthopedic support optimally and thus to find a natural running shoe.
If you squeeze your insoles into a less suitable shoe model, you often achieve the opposite effect and in the long term, you will experience greater pain in your feet and joints.
This is precisely why high-quality shoes for loose insoles should be selected, ensures the desired walking and wearing comfort.
Conclusion
Morton’s neuroma is a chronic foot condition characterized by pain and discomfort. This condition can affect your daily life activities.
You can take good care of your feet to reduce the symptoms of the condition and to delay any medical intervention. One of the most important measures to take is a good, suitable shoe for your Morton’s neuroma.
A good shoe must not be tight or snug, it must have a wide toe box as well as a stretchy and breathable upper. Using custom-designed even insoles and cushions can cause dramatic relief for you.
