Published on September 19th, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink

Best Shoes for Sesamoiditis: Facebook Fan Favorites

The things that can go wrong with the foot never cease to astound me. Did you know that you have tiny bones below the big toe called sesamoid bones? They’re connected to the big toe flexor tendons and they act like pulleys providing a smooth surface for the tendons to slide over–fascinating! But the sesamoids can fracture and the surrounding tendons can become inflamed causing sesamoiditis–it’s a form of tendonitis and it is painful! First, see a good podiatrist or foot/ankle orthopedist then get yourself into a shoe that will help you heal. That’s where BarkingDogShoes.com comes in!

A Facebook follower asked for recommendations of specific shoes for sesamoiditis from those suffering from the condition. Within a few hours, fellow sesamoiditis sufferers chimed in with their favorite pair of shoes. Understanding custom orthotics go along with alleviating the discomfort of sesamoiditis, you may want to order up a half size to accommodate them. Here we go!

1. HOKA: Podiatrists, orthopedics and physical therapists commonly recommend this brand. But which style works best? There are so many! Physical therapist James McCormack who specializes in sports injuries, insoles and running shoes recommends the Hoka Bondi model in this video (along with Topsole insoles). The Hoka Bondi 9 is the most recent iteration in the Hoka family of lightweight yet super-cushioned running, walking and lifestyle footwear. And don’t forget to checkout Hoka’s recovery sandals for an easy-to-slip-on option for warmer weather.

2. Saucony Endorphin collection: If you’ve tried Hoka and for one reason or another they just don’t work for you, consider a shoe from Saucony’s Endorphin collection. Their trademarked Speedroll technology acts as a rocker sole, propelling the foot forward through the stride and taking pressure off the forefoot. Find in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths from Saucony.com, Zappos and Amazon.

3. Fitflop F-Mode series: Recommended by a Reddit user with sesamoiditis, the F-Mode series of boots, sneakers and loafers might be just what you’re looking for with their trademark Microwobbleboard insole, enhanced arch support and flatform outsole (plus, they’re APMA approved). Available in sizes 5-11 from Fitflop, Nordstrom and Amazon.

sesamoiditis shoes haflinger — Haflinger clogs

4. Haflinger clogs: For around the house, it’s hard to beat the comfort and support of Haflinger. I’ve heard that the metatarsal ridge on Birkenstocks can actually irritate the sesamoid area. Haflinger provides the same enhanced arch support as Birkenstock but without the metatarsal ridge. Just make sure you get the cork-latex clogs instead of the flimsier slippers. Find a pair in sizes 5-11 from Zappos.

5. Mephisto Hannel: Another Facebook follower mentioned that her Mephisto Hannel sandals “fix me everytime.” If you find Birkenstock bothers the sesamoid area due to the metatarsal support, try Mephisto cork sandals–awesome arch support without the metatarsal ridge. Find a pair in sizes 6-12 from Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon.