Morton’s neuroma is an abnormal growth of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot (a benign tumor), commonly affecting the area between the third and fourth toes. But neuroma may also occur between the second and third toes depending on where you put much pressure on the ball of the foot.
Regardless of the location, Morton’s neuroma starts to occur when you have a collapsed transversal arch, which irritates the nerve in the ball of the foot. The transversal arch starts to give way when there is a collapse in the medial or lateral sides of the foot.
There are signs of inflammation and numbness, and movement is limited. This condition is more common in women than in men where the top culprits that aggravate the issue are shoes with narrow toe boxes like high heels, intense physical activity, and weight gain.
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While one of the best home remedies that work fast in alleviating the pain is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), getting back to your feet will require the right shoes that can take the pressure off the affected area.
What are the best shoes for Morton’s neuroma?
The best shoes for Morton’s neuroma have lower heel-to-toe drop, roomy toe box, soft upper material, and comfortable and supportive midsole with higher stack height and excellent cushioning. While there may not be a one-shoe solution to all the problems, the list below is very popular with patients suffering from Morton’s neuroma. And we hope they will work for you.
The Best Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma
Here’s a list of the best shoes for Morton’s neuroma (in no particular order):
Hoka Clifton 10
The Clifton 10 is Hoka’s best daily trainer. It offers a generous cushioning that helps absorb impact, reducing pressure on the forefoot and alleviating discomfort associated with Morton’s Neuroma. The upper design includes a wider toe box, allowing for natural toe splay and minimizing compression on the neuroma. Its lightweight construction reduces fatigue during walks or runs, promoting comfort over longer distances.
The supportive midsole provides stability while maintaining flexibility, crucial for those experiencing foot pain. It also features advanced shock absorption technology, which can help reduce the intensity of foot strikes and minimize pain. The upper mesh material promotes airflow, keeping feet cooler and more comfortable during activity, which can benefit sensitive conditions. Built with high-quality materials, the Clifton 10 is designed to last, providing ongoing support and comfort for daily wear.
Shop On ZapposHoka Bondi 9
The Bondi 9 is Hoka’s most cushioned neutral running shoe. It offers a thick EVA foam midsole that provides exceptional cushioning, reducing impact on the forefoot and alleviating pressure on the neuroma. Designed with ample arch support, it helps to stabilize the foot and distribute weight evenly, minimizing discomfort. The wide toe box also allows for natural toe splay, reducing irritation and pressure on the affected area.
Despite the thick cushioning, the shoe remains lightweight, making it easier to wear for extended periods without added fatigue. The durable rubber outsole enhances traction and stability, offering a secure grip on various surfaces. The mesh upper also promotes airflow, helping to keep the feet cool and comfortable throughout the day.
The shoe’s design effectively absorbs shock, providing additional comfort during walking or running. Overall, the Hoka Bondi 9 addresses key issues associated with Morton’s neuroma, making it a suitable choice for those seeking relief.
Shop On ZapposAsics Gel-Cumulus 27
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 offers support and comfort for moderate to severe symptoms of Morton’s neuroma. The GEL technology provides excellent shock absorption, reducing impact on sensitive areas of the foot. Enhanced arch support helps alleviate pressure on the metatarsal region, minimizing discomfort associated with Morton’s neuroma. The lightweight construction promotes comfort, allowing for longer walking or running sessions without exacerbating foot pain.
The engineered mesh upper offers breathability and a flexible fit, accommodating foot swelling and providing a secure yet comfortable feel. Made with high-quality materials, the shoe is built to withstand regular use, making it a reliable choice for daily activities. Its design also promotes stability, helping to prevent unnecessary foot movement that can aggravate neuroma symptoms. Suitable for various activities, from running to casual wear, the Gel-Cumulus 27 ensures comfort throughout the day.
Shop On ZapposNew Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
The Fresh Foam X More v5 is New Balance’s most cushioned neutral running shoe. It offers a Fresh Foam X midsole that provides superior cushioning, reducing impact on the forefoot and alleviating pressure on the neuroma. The shoe’s design includes a supportive structure that helps maintain proper foot alignment, which can minimize discomfort. Available in various widths, these shoes cater to different foot shapes, ensuring a better fit and comfort for those with Morton’s neuroma.
The mesh upper allows for better airflow, helping to keep feet cool and dry, which can enhance overall comfort during wear. The lightweight construction reduces fatigue during longer walks or runs, making it easier to stay active without exacerbating symptoms. Built with durable materials, the Fresh Foam X More v5 can withstand regular use, providing long-lasting support and comfort.
Shop On ZapposNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
The Fresh Foam X 1080v14 is New Balance’s best daily trainer. It offers a Fresh Foam X midsole that provides exceptional cushioning, reducing impact on the forefoot and alleviating pressure on the neuroma. The shoe features a spacious toe box, allowing for natural toe splay and minimizing pinching, which can exacerbate symptoms. The engineered mesh upper offers a snug yet comfortable fit, ensuring stability while accommodating foot swelling.
The lightweight construction helps prevent fatigue during long periods of wear, making it suitable for daily use. The outsole is designed for optimal shock absorption, further protecting the feet from harsh ground impacts. Ideal for various activities, including walking and running, it makes a practical choice for those with active lifestyles.
Shop On ZapposAltra Paradigm 7
Altra Paradigm 7 is a stable, max-cushioned running shoe with a roomy toe box and the Altra EGO MAX midsole foam that offers excellent support. This new midsole feels lighter, more cushioned, and more responsive than its predecessor. It has a heel-to-toe drop of 0mm and a stack height of 30mm, which is ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers.
Having a zero differential, this shoe will require more calf flexibility and ankle mobility. But you can always raise your heel by using an insole. The Paradigm 7 also has GuideRail technology, which offers medial support and foot alignment for those who crave guidance. But GuideRail is a support that will only be there if you need it.
The redesigned engineered mesh upper provides all-day breathability and a secure, comfortable fit that doesn’t irritate the forefoot.
Shop On ZapposAltra Escalante 4
Altra Escalante 4 is one of the most comfortable mid-cushioned Altra running shoes. It’s an APMA-accepted neutral shoe that offers a soft, responsive ride through the Altra EGO midsole foam. It has a stretchy new engineered mesh upper that fits much better than its predecessor.
The toe box is roomy and has Altra’s signature FootShape fit, allowing natural movement and space through the midfoot. Like the Paradigm 7, this shoe has a 0mm heel-to-toe drop but has a lower stack height of 24mm. It is lighter than the Paradigm 7 by 24 grams, which makes it ideal for road running, speedwork, and walking.
Shop On ZapposSkechers Max Cushioning Elite 2
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2 offers maximum cushioning from a very comfortable, supportive, and responsive midsole foam called ULTRA GO. This midsole is also excellent at absorbing shock especially because of the added cushioned comfort from its high-rebounding insole called Goga Mat.
The Max Cushioning Elite 2 has a 6mm heel-to-toe drop with a Natural Rocker Technology (NRT), which helps in smooth heel-to-toe transitions. It has a spacious and breathable mesh upper, which provides comfort and lockdown that doesn’t irritate the toes.
Note: Another very popular Skechers midsole foam among patients of Morton’s neuroma is the Memory Foam.
Shop On ZapposBrooks Addiction Walker 2
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is one of the most popular modern walking shoes for people with foot problems. It is slip-resistant and now offers BioMoGo DNA midsole, which is an enhanced version of the MoGo midsole from the previous version of the Addiction Walker. Although BioMoGo DNA is not as soft as the DNA LOFT, Brooks’ softest and plushes foam, it provides long-lasting cushioning.
It also has an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB), which provides progressive pronation control. The leather upper is supple and has a breathable mesh lining and a roomier fit that conforms to the shape of your foot over time.
Shop On ZapposFinal Thoughts
Having reviewed the most popular shoes for patients with Morton’s neuroma, it is now easier to spot all the similar features that these shoes offer. The best shoes for Morton’s neuroma have a soft midsole with a higher stack height (but lower heel-to-toe drop) that provides long-lasting cushioning, a rocker ride, a roomy toe box that allows the toes to splay comfortably, and a soft upper that doesn’t compress the toes against each other.
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