Hammertoes
Reading time: 4 min | Last updated: 9 December 2025
If you’ve got hammertoes, chances are you’d rather go barefoot. That’s because your toes are constantly rubbing against the inside of your shoes – ouch! Painful and frustrating, we know. The good news? There are ways to reduce the discomfort. From supportive shoes made for hammertoes to surgery – there’s a solution to suit your situation.
What are hammertoes?
Let’s start at the beginning: what exactly are hammertoes? It’s a common foot problem where one or more toes bend into a claw-like shape. They’re called ‘hammertoes’ because – you guessed it – they look a bit like little hammers. It usually affects the second, third or fourth toe. At first, you might not notice much, but over time the pain can become quite serious – especially when wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes.
What causes hammertoes?
Hammertoes don’t just appear out of nowhere. Usually, it’s a combination of things. Here are the most common culprits – which one sounds familiar to you?
Poor footwear: Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels can push your toes into unnatural positions. After a night in heels, your toes might already be complaining – and over time, that discomfort can lead to hammertoes.
Muscle and tendon imbalance: Your feet are a well-oiled machine, with muscles and tendons working together. If something’s too tight or too weak, your toes can start to curl.
Ageing and wear: We all age – and our feet come along for the ride. Muscles and joints lose their flexibility, making it easier for toes to cramp into a bent position.
Medical conditions: Arthritis, diabetes or nerve-related conditions can increase the risk. If this sounds familiar, make sure you’re getting the right foot care. (And read our blog on diabetes and footwear too.)
Genetics: Sometimes, it’s in your genes. If hammertoes run in the family, you may be more likely to get them too.
What exercises can help hammertoes?
Here are a few simple exercises to help improve or even prevent hammertoes. They’re a great starting point, but for more personalised advice, chat with your physiotherapist.
1. Toe stretches
Sit down and gently pull your toes upwards to stretch the joints. Hold for a few seconds and repeat.
2. Pick up small objects
Scatter some small items on the floor (marbles, for example!) and pick them up using your toes. It strengthens those smaller foot muscles.
3. Towel scrunches
Place a towel on the floor and use your toes to pull it towards you. Great for strength and flexibility.
4. Balance work
Standing on one leg helps improve overall stability in your feet and legs – which can help with hammertoes too.
Original price was: £229.95.£185.00Current price is: £185.00.
Can hammertoes be corrected?
In short: yes. But the right treatment depends on how severe the problem is. In the early stages, you might get good results with lifestyle changes and better shoes (Wolky to the rescue!) combined with regular exercises. If things are more serious, orthopaedic aids or surgery might be needed.
What treatments are available?
Here’s a quick overview of the options:
Orthopaedic aids: Think toe pads or silicone splints to ease pressure.
Physiotherapy: Focuses on muscle strength and circulation.
Anti-inflammatory meds: For more severe pain or swelling.
Podiatry: A podiatrist can create custom insoles to correct foot posture and relieve pressure.
What happens during hammertoe surgery?
If nothing else helps, surgery might be the next step. You’ll discuss the options with your doctor and agree on a tailored plan. During surgery, tendons or joints are adjusted – sometimes with tiny implants to keep the toe straight. Afterward, you’ll likely wear a special shoe or splint, and recovery can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the complexity.
Original price was: £229.95.£185.00Current price is: £185.00.
Are there shoes for hammertoes?
Absolutely – and they make a big difference! The right shoes can ease pressure, reduce pain and even prevent hammertoes from getting worse. That’s why we’ve introduced something new this season: Stretch2Fit. These shoes are made with a special stretch material in the toe area – they move with your feet instead of squashing them.
If you’ve ever felt pressure on your toes from regular shoes, you’ll love this! The stretch fabric adapts to your foot shape, making tight spots a thing of the past. Pop on a pair of Wolky shoes and step into comfort – hammertoes and all!
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