How to Treat Big Toe Joint Pain for Runners (Shoe Recs Included)

Our team answers a viewer question regarding toe joint pain!
Michael Lancaster (IG): I have a sore big toe joint on one foot (but not the other). I am able to run using stiff and rockered shoes (the Endorphin Pro works well) for anything other than short, easy runs. But the toe isn't getting better. What stretches and exercises should i do to help it heal? I would prefer to run in a shoe like the Kinvara (seems to allow me to move as my body wants to move) but it makes my big toe very sore. Thanks!
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Doctors of Running aims to use knowledge of human movement, clinical biomechanics and performance to bring you cutting edge reviews, science and knowledge. Featuring reviews of the latest shoes and shoe technology from the perspective of physical therapy professionals.

[@tatersncorn]

I just slowly pulled and lightly wiglled my toes and they popped. I'm no long in pain. I would have never guessed that it was a joint issue. Thank you.

[@nickwatts8300]

Great discussion and exercise advice, thanks guys 🙂. I have hallux limitus in one foot, plated shoes really help... one shoe I'd really recommend that's not plated from experience is the Hoka Mach 4. It's stiff enough, but feels good for longer runs. The trouble with plates is you have to hit a certain pace to get that roll through!

[@HH-gv8mx]

Are ASICS cumulus plated? How do you know if you’re running shoe is plated it or not?

[@diipadaapa2000]

Any other feedback you'd have regarding shoes? Learnings?

[@CovHairBarMosman]

That’s a hot topic for me I have been experiencing pain in one of my big toe almost a year ago and a few month ago it was the other one. An MRI confirmed Hallux limitus/rigidus. The shoe that have worked best for me are all the ASICS with Guidesole particularly the Noosa tri 13. On cloudultra and the Boston 10 as well. I have tried the rebellion but I found it “too” flexible on the very front/the curve in the outsole/midsole was directing me too much on my big toe. The one shoe that has cause immediate on purchase after only one run are the endorphin shift 1 and 2. Coincidentally I try the V1 and came home without being able to walk and same for V2. I strictly purchase shoes based on your review ever since I experienced those problems and I could thank you guys enough as it is extremely helpful !

[@HH-gv8mx]

I have been running with pain in my right big toe for a year now. It is gotten much worse in the last six months I can no longer do lunges and I feel like my limited mobility in that toe is causing me to have other joint pain because my gait is off. Are used to run in the ASICS gel Nimbus, but can no longer fit my foot into that shoe without being extremely uncomfortable..too tight foot too swollen. Now I have to run in the ASICS gel Cumulus but without socks on! Otherwise, they are too tight. How do you know? If the ASICS have guidesol? Have you tried the ASICS gel nimbus lite 2 or 3s? They have that rocker saw that seems to alleviate the pressure on the big toe. I don’t know if they work though.

[@critomian]

Hi. Does the first toe and first MTP both press down and flexion during toe off or just the first MTP press down during toe off? I find that by using just the first MTP to press down creates lots of stress for the joint.

[@getoutsidenow420]

Im looking for a shoe to help with this, thinking something with a stiffer plate to assist the big toe, i got the north face vectiv enduris and realized they make a kevlar reinforced mesh model and it was same price, i always tear apart fabric because i tend to mix in woods walks when i get off tbe highway, wondering of i should send the north face enduris back, and get the vective infinite with the tough mesh, anyone owned the regular enduris, any recommendations for a good stiff toe shoe? Wonder how the rocker will feel with the big toe, maybe i should be getting a more flat but padded shoe, need a lot of padding helps the knee, bum knee and gimp big toe, durability is a concern too, poor as shit make under mining wage for hard labor, Thanks

[@andydufrin2426]

I have pain on side of big toe since i was holding middle split position...should i stop running ?

[@libbyannstew8775]

I’ve been suffering with hallux limitus for years; this patient should either have a foot X-ray or MRI to diagnose exactly what’s going on with the foot. The joint distraction does feel good but it won’t solve the problem for the long term if there is arthritis or bone spurs.

[@suryopras]

I have.left big toe pain after using SC Trainer 70Km

[@rasocker]

I've found that my Adidas SL20 have been good for my toe joint pain. Couldn't whole July-August because of it so long walks in Mizuno and eventuelly running in stiff/wide shoes has been effectively keeping my pain away. I would love to hear about some other shoes that would fit that stiff/wide mold, it doesn't seem to be that much of a common combo. Btw my Gliderides haven't been too helpful because the they bend my toes even in a relaxed state so it hurt alot using those when I was having the pain - could be worth testing them now again when the pain is gone.

[@CovHairBarMosman]

The Noosa tri had really been the go for me if that helps. I think the shoes with a combo of very agressive toe spring or late rocker and really high are causing issues just like the really flexible ones. For example the Endorphin shift is the shoe that Brought the pain to me twice as I said above. Hope this helps !

[@echoecho5244]

Can get bad achilles leap frogging over the joint. Big question is keyhole or open cheilectomy?

[@Deltron6060]

PRP injections?

[@monstersofthemidw100]

Don’t work in flooring unless you want hallux rig turf toe. I have high arches so it’s Ruined my running

[@pgreenx]

Aren’t pts supposed to follow what t

[@getoutsidenow420]

Kicking shit when mad head on with your big toe, bites you when you get older, dont quit running though, he may have a little chip of bone fragment floating around if it comes and goes amd miraculously gets good at times

[@thenewreviewdotnet]

Question, I have no mobility in either of my big toes. I have to have surgery to have the joints fused on both feet. With that being said, what are the best shoes for me (seeing that I have to be on my feet all day)

[@sambyrne7542]

How was the surgery?

[@ilterisderici]

Hoka Clifton

[@ilterisderici]

Hoka Bondi

[@Deltron6060]

New Balance Men's FuelCell Supercomp Trainer V2 Running Shoe