Stretching a toe box upwards?

I pushed tennis balls in some sandals to stretch the toe box upwards.

The only parts of my body that one can call ‘pretty’ are my feet. 😂 - sadly, they are never seen because I wear socks all the time.

My suggestion would be to take your shoes /boots to a good cobbler and ask for advice re deepening the toe box.

I have recently purchased a lovely pair of Skechers boots, but the toe box isn't quite deep enough to leave room for my ingrown big toenails.

Has anyone got homemade ideas for stretching the toe box so it is deeper?

I can't wear sandals all winter!

Have you heard about Barefoot shoes? Almost all Barefoot shoes have a wide toe box and many more benefits for healthy feet. There is an article describing proven brands barefoot-brands.com/the-best-womens-barefoot-dress-shoes/. I would personally recommend Softstar and Anisha Shies. But perhaps you will find something there that suits your needs better.

ExDancer

Its the height of the box that's the problem, not the width, and there doesn't seem to be a firm that understands this simple fact.

Yes, Widerfit shoes do.

Elegran and I both suggested that firm and Elegran has posted a link twice
www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/pu+information+fittingadvice+1

Most of their shoes have two removable insoles too so your own can be used, or you can remove one of their insoles if you require even more depth.

Elegran

Shinamae But they are the right shape for standing firmly on! You have a good solid base that won't let you down. Get shoes that fit, support and look good, and don't slop around barefoot in front of people likely to criticize - or tell them their dainty slender size 3s in narrow tight-fitting 4-inch heels will cost them in foot pain later on.

Don’t worry, very few people ever see my feet!! 😁💐💐

Shinamae But they are the right shape for standing firmly on! You have a good solid base that won't let you down. Get shoes that fit, support and look good, and don't slop around barefoot in front of people likely to criticize - or tell them their dainty slender size 3s in narrow tight-fitting 4-inch heels will cost them in foot pain later on.

Elegran

Shinamae My second toe is longer than the big toe, and kinks up in the middle. The big toe bends toward it, The side of the big toe nail is wider than the flesh, digging into the second toe. It needs to be filed smooth every week or so, or the edge cuts in and has the same effect as an ingrowing toenail, but on the next toe. Having wide feet (EEEE) doesn't help.

I have wide, flat ,horrible feet 😬

In fact, when he was about six, my eldest son said “mummy, why have you got witches feet”. 🥹

Shinamae My second toe is longer than the big toe, and kinks up in the middle. The big toe bends toward it, The side of the big toe nail is wider than the flesh, digging into the second toe. It needs to be filed smooth every week or so, or the edge cuts in and has the same effect as an ingrowing toenail, but on the next toe. Having wide feet (EEEE) doesn't help.

oh silly me.... what has that got to do with a toe box

I've asked for it to be deleted so I can put it where it belongs!!

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ExDancer

Its the height of the box that's the problem, not the width, and there doesn't seem to be a firm that understands this simple fact.

Some firms have been mentioned on this thread. I would recommend trying out DB Shoes.

for ££
DB Shoes, www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/pu+information+fittingadvice+1 These are the shoes that I have bought for twenty years.
Sole Bliss, solebliss.com/collections/shoes-for-hammer-toes.
Shoes with a wider toe section and made of soft leather can accommodate the toe vertically as well as allowing space horizontally.

also online (but I have no experience of them) are:-

thefitville.uk/collections/womens-hammer-toe www.footsolutionsrichmond.co.uk/foot-problems/hammer-toes/
www.webstershoes.co.uk/orthopaedic-shoes/hammer-toes.html
(For $$ see www.barkingdogshoes.com/shoes-hammertoes-19-amazing-shoes-reviewed/ )

How strange to come across this thread just as I’ve put bunion correctors on my feet. I also have a hammer toe which does its best to hide itself under the toe next to it. There’s only one pair of shoes that hurt it but the foot generally looks such an odd shape that I do sometimes wonder whether it’s worth an operation.

tennis ball

Shinamae

Not sure if I have a hammertoe, but for years, I have had a bunion on my left foot and the toe next to the big toe crosses over the big toe, none of it is painful yet and I buy toe spacers but they don’t really work
I would post a photo, but don’t want to put anybody off their lunch..😬

The encroaching toe actually pushes the nail down on my big toe into the left-hand corner, so I’m sure that will get painful at some point
A few months ago, my doctor asked me to send a photo which I did. He sent it to the hospital and they said at the moment there is no need to do anything

Not sure if I have a hammertoe, but for years, I have had a bunion on my left foot and the toe next to the big toe crosses over the big toe, none of it is painful yet and I buy toe spacers but they don’t really work
I would post a photo, but don’t want to put anybody off their lunch..😬

Its the height of the box that's the problem, not the width, and there doesn't seem to be a firm that understands this simple fact.

tattygran14

I think mine were caused by Dr Scholls clumpy sandals in the 60s. In desperation in the past I’ve rammed shoe toes with a potato forced in with a wooden spoon, and left overnight. It helped a bit. Otherwise, I always have some toe protectors in my bag, soft tubes, lined with silicone.

I completely misread that 😲
Don't ask!

That could work, pushing something rounded into the toe of the shoe, you could then spray the leather with shoe stretcher spray.

I think mine were caused by Dr Scholls clumpy sandals in the 60s. In desperation in the past I’ve rammed shoe toes with a potato forced in with a wooden spoon, and left overnight. It helped a bit. Otherwise, I always have some toe protectors in my bag, soft tubes, lined with silicone.

Sole Bliss make shoes for bunions and hammer toes with a wider toe box. They seem to get good review too.

cornergran

My hammer toes, 2 on each foot with me from birth, are protected by foam cushioning called toe protectors. It’s enough to take the pressure off for me. I find Skechers soft shoes excellent for comfort. Aren’t the wretched hammer toes painful Ailidh. What I’d give for attractive feet. My parents were refused treatment for me as I was able to walk. Immobility being the only criteria for surgery back then apparently. Fortunately it’s different now.

An orthopaedic surgeon once said to me he wasn't going to operate on my feet because he wouldn't know where to start.
I bet if I'd had any money in my teens and twenties to pay privately he would have found a way.

My hammer toes, 2 on each foot with me from birth, are protected by foam cushioning called toe protectors. It’s enough to take the pressure off for me. I find Skechers soft shoes excellent for comfort. Aren’t the wretched hammer toes painful Ailidh. What I’d give for attractive feet. My parents were refused treatment for me as I was able to walk. Immobility being the only criteria for surgery back then apparently. Fortunately it’s different now.

On not of.

I buy Widerfit shoes too, Callistemon and they are excellent for people with non-standard toes and other difficult feet. They have advice and a fitting guide at www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/pu+information+fittingadvice+1 They frequently have Special Offers - there is one of just now.