Running Shoes for People with Hallux Rigidus
Or, the shoes with stiff forefoot rockers.
One of the more commonly affected joints in the foot is the first toe. Also called the "Hallux", the major joint where the toe bends can be impacted by a variety of pathologies. Bunions (Hallux Valgus), gout, turf toe, and sesamoiditis are a few of the conditions that may impact this area. One of the more common problems is a stiffening of this joint, called Hallux Rigidus. This is a fancy term for loss of motion at this joint, which may be caused by a variety of things.
Written By Chief Editor Matt Klein
Edited by Content Manager Bach Pham
About Hallux Rigidus Syndrome
Hallux Rigidus refers specifically to a loss of motion at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe due to stiffening. This is often due to some form of osteoarthritis, although it can be caused by many other things including a progressive irritation of the joint capsule, gout or damage to the joint. It can either be painful or non-painful but without appropriate treatment, may cause problems with both walking and running gait.
The metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is essential for normal gait. 60 degrees of extension (toe going up) is required for walking gait and upwards of 90 degrees of extension at this joint is required for running. This maximal range of motion is required most at the terminal stance and pre-swing phases of gait, where the body moves over the weight-bearing foot and the naturally efficient forefoot rocker, the ability of the toes to extend, works to maintain forward momentum. The loss of the forefoot rocker mechanism increases the energy cost of gait, increases stress on other areas of the lower extremity (including the calves, ankles and knees) and may lead to compensations in the frontal/transverse planes (side to side) in order to get around the now stiff forefoot.
Treatment methods include both conservative and surgical options. The earlier this is addressed, the more effective conservative methods like joint mobilization and stretching may be to maintain or improve joint motion. A common technique to improve gait in those with Hallux Rigidus is to use a shoe that has a significantly stiff, artificial forefoot rocker to maintain forward motion. This can be helpful both to keep the individual active and to reduce stress at the big toe joint. Fortunately, in today's world of maximal shoes, there are many options out there for people to choose from.
Treatment methods include both conservative and surgical options. The earlier this is addressed, the more effective conservative methods like joint mobilization and stretching may be to maintain or improve joint motion. A common technique to improve gait in those with Hallux Rigidus is to use a shoe that has a significantly stiff, artificial forefoot rocker to maintain forward motion. This can be helpful both to keep the individual active and to reduce stress at the big toe joint. Fortunately, in today's world of maximal shoes, there are many options out there for people to choose from.
References
Neumann, D. A. (2024). Neumann's Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System-E-Book: Neumann's Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Zammit, G. V., Menz, H. B., & Munteanu, S. E. (2009). Structural factors associated with hallux limitus/rigidus: a systematic review of case control studies. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 39(10), 733-742.
Hallux Rigidus Pathology and Stiff Forefoot Rockers
A forefoot rocker in a shoe refers to the upward curve at the front of a shoe under the toes. This is different from toe spring, which refers to an extension of a forefoot rocker that moves beyond the foot bed and holds the toes in extension. For those with Hallux Rigidus, it is important to find a shoe that has a good stiff forefoot rocker but little to no toe spring so the toes are kept in a neutral position. Many maximal shoes have this now as their soles are too thick to provide any flexibility in the sole, so artificial rockers must be designed into the shoe to maintain forward motion and comfort. Of the three major rockers of the foot, the forefoot rocker is the most important in those with Hallux Rigidus.
Shoes with Stiff Forefoot Rockers for Hallux Rigidus
(Those looking for a stiff forefoot rocker with no flexibility will need either a maximal stack height and/or some kind of stiffening agent, often a plate, with a large forefoot rocker to maintain forward motion and eliminate the need for toe motion. Click the shoe to find a full review)
Neutral Trainers
Altra Via Olympus 2
ASICS Nimbus 27
Neutral Trainers
Altra Via Olympus 2
ASICS Nimbus 27
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v15
Nike Pegasus Premium
Puma MagMax
Stability Trainers
ASICS Kayano 32
Hoka Arahi 7
Hoka Gaviota 5
Topo Aura
Nike Pegasus Premium
Puma MagMax
Stability Trainers
ASICS Kayano 32
Hoka Arahi 7
Hoka Gaviota 5
Topo Aura
Performance Trainers
Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung 2
ASICS Magic Speed 4
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Hoka Mach X 2
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2
Nike Zoom Fly 6
On Cloudmonster Hyper
New Balance SC Trainer v3
Saucony Endorphin Trainer
Racing Shoes
Shoes Best for Mild Hallux Rigidus (Mild Flexibility)
(For those with mild Hallux Rigidus, ie still have some motion but are looking for stiffer shoes that still have mild flexibility, the following shoes may work. These are not the stiffest, but may work for some. Click the shoe to find our full review.)
(For those with mild Hallux Rigidus, ie still have some motion but are looking for stiffer shoes that still have mild flexibility, the following shoes may work. These are not the stiffest, but may work for some. Click the shoe to find our full review.)
Neutral Trainers
ASICS Novablast 5
Diadora Cellula
Hoka Skyflow
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v14
On Cloudeclipse
Performance Trainers
Adidas Boston 13 (review soon)
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
On Cloudeclipse
Performance Trainers
Adidas Boston 13 (review soon)
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
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