I wear insoles to avoid further problems in the same foot (and to prevent Morton’s neuroma in the other). As a young woman I have found finding stylish and comfortable shoes for Morton’s neuroma an absolute pain (pun very much intended), particularly as Morton’s is such a complicated condition and adding insoles can make this even tougher. In this article I’m going to give you a quick run down of the different shoes that have helped me on my Morton’s journey, in case they can help you too!

Donna wearing her Allbirds Pipers

First off, I have to mention my Allbirds. From a New Zealand company focused on sustainability, these trainers have been an absolute lifesaver during my lockdown walks. Made with soft merino wool and other natural fabrics, they’re more flexible than your standard trainer, Allbirds Pipers

Donna’s best shoes for Morton’s Neuroma:

First off, I have to mention my Allbirds. From a New Zealand company focused on sustainability, these trainers have been an absolute lifesaver during my lockdown walks. Made with soft merino wool and other natural fabrics, they’re more flexible than your standard trainer, giving plenty of space for insoles and wider feet. Combine that with their super soft soles, and you’ve got a top-notch trainer brand for those suffering from Morton’s neuroma.

Allbirds Pipers

With the recent addition of the Allbirds Piper that mimics the look of my Sam Smith’s, this shoe has become my go-to trainer for the classic midi-dress with white trainers look. The only slight downside for a devoted white trainer wearer is they get a lot grubbier in the rain (since they’re made of natural materials, not leather). However, they are super easy to machine wash and come up an absolute treat when you do! There are a variety of styles on the website, so there should be something for everyone too!

Whilst I wear my Allbirds for city walking, I needed a good pair of trail shoes for holidaying in the UK this year and that’s where I found my Merrells. I was pretty intimidated by the walking/hiking footwear collection, but managed to find a store and a salesperson who really understood what I was looking for. This is how I ended up with my MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX shoes which are so comfortable I still can’t believe I can walk so far in them! I tried on so many shoes that day, including shoes that were built more with comfort in mind (i.e. had special memory foam soles etc.) but these were by far the comfiest option. It’s a good reminder to listen to your feet over the marketing and see what works for you, as it might not be the specially designed shoes but instead a normal shoe that just fits right!

Merrell MQM Flex 2 GORE-tex trail/hiking shoes

Moving on from trainers to more ‘work-style’ shoes; I picked up these beauties when I was in Australia a few years ago. From Aussie brand Frankie4, which has recently launched a US website with a Seattle store coming soon, these shoes offer great flexibility whilst not looking at all ‘orthopaedic’, a real godsend to those of us with foot problems prior to our 80s! Whilst my cute rose gold style shoe is no longer available, the Olivia offers a similar look in a colour called wheat as well as black, and would be perfect for the office.

Frankie4s are designed by podiatrists and have their patented Sole Hero footbed which should be helpful for all manners of foot problems. What works really well for me though is the flexibility they offer in terms of the insoles, with a Sole Saver pack with every pair of shoes. This gives you the option to take the footbed out entirely (great if you have larger insoles), wear a half-footbed if you need more space at the forefoot, or layer an additional forefoot cushion in the front of the shoe for added comfort there. I can only hope that they make it over to the UK sometime soon as their shoes are far nicer than any similarly orthopaedic options we have here!

Donna wearing FRANKiE4 shoes

Finally wrapping up with a note on heels, which for a long time thought I would absolutely never be able to wear again due my Morton’s neuroma. But with the improvement since my surgery I’ve seen recently, and with a few weddings coming up, I put my trainers on and set off to Oxford Street and in particular the Clarks store. That’s where I found these beauties (Clarks Maritsa 70 strap sandal) and quickly bought them in two colours. Sadly, these are no longer available in the UK, but they do have some colours and sizes available in the US still, so if you’re out hunting for a good wedding shoe, snap these up (Find a few sizes left in silver from Nordstrom. Find the complete Clark’s Maritsa collection at Amazon).

FRANKiE4 Olivia

I originally went looking in Clarks at their Contoured Comfort and Cushion Plus ranges, but found all those shoes to be too thin in the forefoot to provide any comfort to a Morton’s sufferer. What I like about these Maritsa heels is that their thick, spongy sole provides a lot of protection between my poor foot and the ground, and the platform style gives them a heel like appearance (and me some much needed height!), without actually being a large heel to toe drop putting unnecessary pressure on my forefoot. The only thing worth noting about these shoes is I did find them a little tight initially on one foot on the toes, but I quickly sorted this out by stuffing them with socks overnight, and have now worn them to two weddings and danced the night away at both!

Clarks Maritsa 70 strap

Hopefully some of these recommendations help you to find stylish shoes to work with your neuroma, and might even give you some options outside of trainers! My key takeaway from the last few years of trying and failing to find shoes is that it’s best to always listen to your foot. If my neuroma gives me a twinge now when I’m trying on shoes, no matter how ‘comfy’ they purport to be, I would not buy them, I’ve done that too many times to count! Now we’re going into autumn (fall), I remain on the lookout for good boots having tried and failed to find any I can wear for a day of walking so far, so any recommendations from other sufferers would be most appreciated!

Thank you, Donna! Your reviews are valuable to our achy-footed community. For a few more ideas of footwear that may work with Morton’s neuroma, check out this article. 

Donna in her Clarks Maritsa 70 strap sandals

The post Donna’s Top 4 Stylish Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.

Hoka One One Bondi  

Best fitness shoes for Morton’s Neuroma:

Hoka One One shoes (particularly the Bondi style):

The Hoka Bondi collection is considered a maximum-cushioning running shoe (pretty obvious from the photo) and receives the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance. Hoka describes their meta-rocker sole as “wheels for the feet,” as it propels the foot forward through the stride taking pressure off the forefoot, which is welcome relief for neuroma and hallux rigidus sufferers. While the arch support is moderate, you can always add your favorite insole with metatarsal support. The thick EVA midsole absorbs shock to feet and knees, doubling as a running and walking shoe.

An anonymous Zappos customer recommends the Hoka Bondi:

I have a neuroma and achilles issues with my left foot. So, I am Ms Fussy Feet. These shoes have been great so far. They have an ample toe box, which I need for the neuroma, and good support/padding for my achilles area. The sole cushioning is fantastic.

Find the Hoka Bondi in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $149.95 from Zappos, and Hoka.

Altra Torin 4

Altra is known for its foot-shape toe box that allows toes to move freely about. Take it from me, this is the roomiest toe box you’ll find in a fitness shoe, yet the heel fits snugly. Altra footwear also features a zero-drop platform that places the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground, which may provide relief from forefoot discomfort. The Torin 4 is lightweight and breathable with moderate arch support.

Altra customer Kristen says this about her Torins:

The Torin 4 shoes are very comfortable on my wide flat feet. Due to wearing narrow shoes I have Morton’s neuroma on one foot. These shoes have eased my nerve pain. Can’t wait to get back to running without shooting nerve pain!!! Been wearing these during my 12 hour shift and i feel great at the end.

Find the Altra Torin in sizes 5.5-12, medium and wide widths for $150 for Altra Running, Amazon and Zappos.

Other recommended fitness shoe brands for neuroma: Ryka (made for women’s feet with wider forefoot and narrow heel), Abeo fitness shoes with metatarsal insole.

Naot Terehu

Best Casual Shoes:

Naot is an Israeli brand that incorporates supportive cork and latex footbeds into even their most stylish shoes, sandals and boots! Even better, many styles feature removable footbeds to accommodate your own orthotic.

The Terehu style works well for this Zappos customer with Morton’s neuroma:

Finally a shoe I can wear! With plantar fasciitis and Morton’s neuroma, it’s difficult to find shoes that have enough support or have room for my own orthotic. This one does the trick. The toe box is nice and wide, making Mr. Morton very happy. 

Find the Naot Terehu in euro sizes 35-43 (4-12) for $189.95 from Zappos.

Naot Kata

The Naot Kata is a super smart style. The open sides allow feet to breathe in warmer weather while the closed toe and heel keep a full-length orthotic in place. Brilliant.

Zappos customer Mandy says this:

I am so happy with these shoes! I have Morton’s Neuroma, so I need shoes with a wide toe box and I wear custom orthotics. Mine fit in perfectly and the shoes are so comfortable. They’re very stylish and go with a variety of outfits. There was no breaking in period.

The Naot Kata is available in euro sizes 35-43 (4-12) for $160-185 from Naot and Nordstrom.

Dansko Franny

If you’re looking for a classic closed-toe shoe for work, consider the Dansko Franny. It’s a no-frills slip-on with a great fit and feel. While Dansko clogs provide excellent arch support and a rocker sole, there can be a tendency to roll an ankle since the fit is loose at the heel. The Franny won’t do that!

The toe box is generous, yet doesn’t look clown-like. The footbed, while supportive on its own, Is removable to accommodate your own orthotic.

We noted quite a few reviews mentioning the good fit at the heel–cushioned with no slippage. A hook and loop strap ensures a good fit at the instep.

Find the Dansko Franny in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-12), medium and wide widths for $134.95 from Zappos, and Dansko.

See Donna’s review of four more stylish shoes for Morton’s neuroma!

Dansko Franny in navy

The post Comfortable, Stylish Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma [9 shoes] appeared first on Barking Dog Shoes.