Remember when you have a fold in your sock or a tiny pebble inside your shoes and how uncomfortable and painful it is? Well, Morton’s neuroma feels somewhat similar — except there is no pebble inside your shoes and the pain is excruciating. Also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, it is a painful condition that occurs at the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toe.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma may be caused by wearing tight shoes or high heels that have a narrow toe box. Some foot conditions like flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, etc have a greater risk for nerve compression too. If you have similar symptoms, you should go see a podiatrist right away because an untreated case of Morton’s neuroma may lead to permanent damage in the nerves.
However, you can keep this painful condition in check or even completely get rid of it by wearing the right shoes (and visiting a podiatrist first). So, we went through endless options on Amazon and shortlisted some of the best shoes for Morton’s neuroma. Here, have a look!
Best Athletic Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma
Altra Escalante 2 Road Running Shoes
If your Morton’s neuroma makes you cringe at the mere thought of running again, the Altra Escalante 2 is going to change your mind. The FootShape™ toe box is spacious enough to splay all your toes in there comfortably. The EGO™ midsole is bouncy, springy, and offers high energy return. To help with moving the feet naturally, the FootPod™ technology in the outsole allows your toes to relax and gain some stability. Whether you want to run early morning or go to a casual brunch, these shoes are perfect to keep foot pain from Morton’s neuroma under control.
Pros
- Contour footbed insole
- Offers a step-in comfort
- A snug and secure fit
- Engineered knit upper
- Delivers high energy return
- Zero-drop to reduce foot pain
- Perforations to improve breathability
- Spacious FootShape™ toe-box
- Comfortable and bouncy EGO™ midsole
- Outsole with FootPod™ technology for stability
Cons
- Heavy for a running shoe
- Less arch support
Hoka One One Bondi 6 Running Shoes
If you are a sucker for long-distance running but your feet are literally keeping you stuck inside because of foot conditions, then you definitely need a pair of these shoes. Hoka One One Bondi 6 offers a smooth and consistent ride thanks to the full EVA midsole. The redesigned upper is a combination of engineered mesh and lycra that keeps your feet fresh even after long runs. It is, however, heavier than its predecessor although it does offer lasting comfort. The Bondi 6 is a workhorse in all aspects and is suitable for long runs and daily training.
Pros
- Breathable lycra and mesh upper
- High abrasion rubber outsole
- Wide toe-box for comfort
- Suitable for plantar fasciitis
- Provides great arch support
- Meta-Rocker technology for a consistent ride
- Great for recovery runs, daily training, and long runs
Cons
- Slightly heavier than that its predecessor
Altra Torin 4 Road Running Shoes
With a sleek and stylish design, the Altra Torin 4 offers a wide toe box and arch support — all that’s needed to combat the pain associated with Morton’s neuroma. The Altra Quantic™ midsole is plush but not too cushy, and it offers a stable and balanced ride. Although it is less springy than earlier models, the Torin 4 is great for speed and responsiveness. The FootShape™ toe box is comfortable enough for toe splay and the mesh upper further improves flexibility. The combination of knit and mesh upper not only improves breathability but also encourages a quick drying time.
Pros
- Dries fairly quick
- Breathable knit and mesh upper
- Wide toe box for toe splay
- Good for plantar fasciitis
- Offers a stable and balanced ride
- Comfortable Altra Quantic™ midsole
- Suitable for long-distance running
- Good ground feel
- Room to add custom orthotics
- FootPod™ outsole for natural movement of the feet
Cons
- Limited color options
New Balance 847V2 Walking Shoes
A deep toe box with plenty of room inside can hardly go wrong for people dealing with Morton’s neuroma. These lightweight walking shoes are favorite among people who want a smooth and stable ride without compromising style. With a high instep and narrow last in the heel, the New Balance 847v2 is great for people with high arches as well. The combination of synthetic and mesh in the upper promotes airflow and keeps unwanted moisture under control. Highly recommended for overpronators, these shoes have graphite rollbar, medial post, and TPU post which may make the shoes too stiff if you have neutral pronation.
Pros
- Ortholite foam collar
- Breathable mesh upper
- Offers great motion control
- ABZORB cushioning for comfort
- Lightweight and durable
- Smooth and responsive ride
- Graphite rollbar and medial post for stability
- Synthetic and mesh upper for airflow
- Lightning dry wicking lining to prevent blisters
- Suitable for overpronation, high arches
- ROLLBAR stability posting system
- Replaceable insole to add custom orthotics
- Ortholite padding in the heel, collar, and tongue
Cons
- Neutral pronators may find it stiff
- Limited neutral color options
Best Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma Women’s
Orthofeet Springfield Women’s Mary Jane Shoes
Regarded as one of the best women’s dress shoes for Morton’s neuroma and other foot conditions, these mary janes from Orthofeet are hard to beat. The contoured orthotic insole provides anatomical arch support and softens every step you take. With an innovative Ortho-Cushion system, these shoes provide comfort in the forefoot like no other. Podiatrists love these shoes for people with bunions and hammertoes as they have a wide toe box and non-restrictive midfoot. You can wear these to work meetings, or casual dates, but rest assured that your feet will stay comfortable all through day and night.
Pros
- Contoured orthotic insole
- Offers a soft, springy feel
- Alleviates heel pain
- Ergonomic design
- Supportive Ortho-Cushion system
- Gel padding under the heel.
- Air vents for improved breathability
- Adjustable straps for a better fit
- Anatomical arch support
- Good for standing or walking long hours
- Suitable for diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, plantar fasciitis
Cons
- Size tends to run large
Birkenstock Bennington Leather Round Toe Ankle Boots
If you want to look like a million bucks without hurting your feet, the Birkenstock Bennington ankle boot is your answer. These leather boots have a round toe box with enough room to bring the best of both worlds — comfort and fashion. The removable, suede-lined, contoured cork footbed is designed to conform to your foot shape while providing optimal support. With classic black and brown color options, these low-profile boots will last for years thanks to the durable patina finish in the upper paired with a high-quality rubber outsole. Time to opt for these stylish ankle boots instead of full-length bootie, eh?
Pros
- Wide toe-box
- Excellent arch support
- Incredibly stylish design
- Durable rubber outsole provides traction
- 100% leather upper with a patina finish
- Smooth and breathable leather linings.
- Suede lined, contoured cork footbed
- Removable insole to add custom orthotics
- Zipper on the side for easy take on/off
- Great for wide feet, low arches, plantar fasciitis
- Suitable for all-day wear, long hours on feet
Cons
- Not as supportive as Birkenstock sandals
Vionic Flex Sierra Low Top Lace Up Fashion Sneakers
Why let your foot problems stop you from wearing stylish shoes when you can get Vionic Flex Sierra fashion sneakers? Vionic is the go-to brand when it comes to fashion-meets-comfort shoes and the Flex Sierra fails to disappoint. The footbed is made of mesh-covered EVA foam that provides superior comfort for long hours at work or to bust some moves on the dance floor. Moreover, the 1st Ray technology improves the range of motion under the first metatarsal while the engineered knit upper promotes air circulation. For style enthusiasts who need to keep their Morton’s neuroma under control, these sneakers are a perfect choice!
Pros
- APMA seal of acceptance
- Dual-density outsole
- VIO motion support
- Good metatarsal support
- Stretchable, engineered mesh upper
- Mesh covered full-length EVA footbed
- Offers decent arch support
- Durable rubber outsole
- Cradles natural foot shape for comfort
- Lightweight and breathable design
Cons
- Runs longer than expected
Best Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma Men’s
Orthofeet Sprint Men’s Casual Shoes
Orthofeet shoes are the answer to many foot conditions and well, the Sprint casual shoe checks all the right boxes. These shoes are ergonomically designed for maximum support and comfort. As one of the best men’s walking shoes for Morton’s neuroma, these shoes distribute weight evenly across the ball of your foot and gradually help alleviate pain completely. With air pockets on the outsole and soft, stretchable upper, these shoes have improved breathability that keep your feet cool and dry. Moreover, the smooth interior lining and extra foam padding cushions each step and absorbs shock, reducing impact on knees and joints.
Pros
- Contoured orthotic insole
- Alleviates heel pain
- Ergonomic design
- Padded heel collar
- Ortho-cushion system for stability
- Removable insoles for custom orthotic
- Gel padding under the heel
- Air pockets for improved breathability
- Excellent arch support
- Helps alleviate Corns and Calluses
- Reduces pressure on the bottom of the foot
- Good for standing or walking long hours
- Suitable for diabetic neuropathy, arthritis, plantar fasciitis
Cons
- Durability issues
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Leather Sandal
If you look at sandals and assume ‘I can’t wear that because of Morton’s neuroma’ then think again! Although these sandals are notorious for ‘ugly’ fashion — admit it, you still love them and wear them for every occasion. And if you don’t, you’re missing out on one of the most comfortable shoes. Birkenstock’s signature cork footbed molds to your feet as you walk and provides cushion needed to alleviate pain. Further, this evens out the weight distribution across the feet and offers optimal support. The straps have adjustable metal pin buckles that promise a snug fit. Lastly, the endless color options for these leather sandals will definitely add oomph to your closet regardless of what you pick.
Pros
- Comfortable suede lining
- EVA midsole cushioning
- Adjustable straps for improved fit
- Durable rubber outsole
- Lots of color options
- Excellent arch support
- Suitable for flat feet, plantar fasciitis
- Comes in regular and narrow fits
- Gorgeous metallic color options
- Raised toe bar for better grip
- Deep heel cup cradles sensitive heels
- Oiled nubuck leather upper
- Anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed
Cons
- These sandals can be pricey
Vionic Men’s Bowery Bruno Oxford Shoes
With contrast stitching and brogue details on premium leather, the Vionic Bruno Oxford not only looks great but also provides support with every stride. The classic design is versatile enough to go from serious work meetings to a fun dinner in the evening. These shoes incorporate a removable EVA footbed designed by podiatrists, to reduce heel and foot pain. The VIO motion support technology stabilizes your feet from the ground up and the soft lining keeps your feet comfortable all through. Moreover, these shoes hug your arches and the deep heel cup gently cradles your feet for ultimate comfort.
Pros
- Classic and versatile design
- High-quality leather upper
- Promotes stability in the feet
- Tough rubber outsole
- Deep heel cup cradles your feet
- Removable insole for custom orthotics
- VIO motion support technology
- Podiatrist-designed EVA footbed
- Adjustable lacing system for a better fit
- Suitable for overpronation, plantar fasciitis
- Reduces knee and lower back pain
Cons
- Difficult to keep clean
Things To Consider Before Burying Morton’s Neuroma Shoes
Roomy toe box
If you want the pain at the ball of your foot to stop, wear shoes with a wide toe-box. If you can’t splay your toes, change out of the shoes immediately because this will only worsen the pain. Wearing narrow shoes that are too tight will squeeze your toes together and not only is that uncomfortable but also increases the chances of getting Morton’s neuroma even if you don’t have it. And, in all cases, avoid shoes, especially heels, that have a pointy toe box.
Good arch support
Another factor that makes good Morton’s neuroma shoes is arch support. Shoes that offer arch support reduce pressure on ankles and joints and offer a stable ride. If you suffer from other foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, then having good arch support is a must.
Sizing And Adjustability
To alleviate the discomfort from various foot problems, look for shoes that offer an adjustable fitting, whether it is through a lacing system or some other media. This allows you to have an improved fit in case the shoe is a little tight or loose for your liking. Morton’s neuroma can go away if you are wearing comfortable shoes with the right fit.
Zero-drop or low drop shoes
High heels normally have a pointy toe box where your toes are crushed together and this is one of the main reasons how people develop this condition. (And this is why women are more prone to developing Morton’s neuroma). While zero-drop shoes could be a little tricky to adjust to initially, they offer better support and comfort.
Custom orthotics
Consider going to a podiatrist and getting custom orthotics for your feet if you love wearing shoes that aren’t necessarily APMA approved. Custom orthotics are a blessing in disguise for people with various foot problems. Always consider getting shoes with enough room to add orthotics or with a removable insole.
Conclusion
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition but it can go away with proper exercises and right shoes. From professional shoes, casual sandals, to athletic shoes — we hope you find a comfortable pair of shoes that you will love to wear every day!