Sure, ingrown toenails are painful, but for someone like me, who loves spending time outdoors - it is a disaster!
A few months ago, I felt a sudden throbbing pain in my big toe. It was shocking, as I have always worn well-fitting shoes when walking my dog or taking care of my yard. As it turned out, the toenail had curved inwards and started growing into the tissue.
So, I looked into what kind of shoes could help ease the walking experience with an ingrown toenail. Over the course of a few weeks, I tested the following trainers to see if they could help with an ingrown toenail.
As a result, I decided to review the best shoes for ingrown toenails for my dear readers. Let’s find out which of these is the definitive winner!
Top 5 Shoes For Ingrown Toenails Reviews
1. New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
The New Balance Sneakers are leather shoes with rubber soles for optimum grip. It has an injection-molded midsole to cushion your feet. The trainers are lined with minimal seaming for reduced irritation. Designed to be used for a long time, these sneakers were the first ones I reviewed.
Product Highlights
New Balance Athletics has put out a pair of sneakers on the market that has received widespread acclaim for its comfort and versatility. The 608 V5 shoes are made purely out of leather with a premium finish. It features an ABSORB midsole for top-of-the-line cushioning. The injection-molded midsole is explicitly designed to support your foot-arch well. Plus, these sneakers are specifically targeted for comfort with a PU Foam insert.
As for other features, the rubber outsole has a good number of grooves for excellent traction on any terrain. The 608 V5 has a faux leather and mesh upper that helps slip the shoe in easily. The insole is made out of a breathable material to keep your feet dry and cool.
Lastly, the shoes are available in several styles for men and women, making it a versatile pick for anyone looking for a comfortable pair of shoes.
What’s There To Like About It?
The size chart was accurate, and the shoes fit my feet to the T. The midsole is something that could fly under people’s radars, but it makes a massive difference with the arch support it offers.
Upon testing these in my garden, I found that the grip and fit they offered were delightful. Pavement, mud, or grass - they had little trouble maintaining traction on most terrains.
Bonus points for the 608 V5 being designed with custom orthotics in mind.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
Out of the box, the 608 V5 caused some discomfort, especially around my toes. It was confusing, but upon looking into this issue, I found that the shoes need a break-in period. This was not a pleasant experience, to begin with.
Having said that, the sneakers were quick to turn my opinion around once broken in properly.
Pros and Cons of New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
Pros
Cons
- ABZORB midsole technology absorbs impact through a blend of cushioning and compression resistance in these mens cross training shoes for comfortable, all-day wear.
- A suede upper gives these new balance 608 men a classic look with a snug, supportive fit that feels broken in from day one.
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam in the midsole keeps these casual comfort shoes men cushioned without adding unnecessary weight.
2. ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
ASICS has launched the Gel-Venture 8, made specifically for the trails. So, they are designed to be durable and perform well on all terrains. Plus, the variety of colors available is staggering and will surely catch your eyes.
Product Highlights
The Gel-Venture 8 running shoes are made with simplicity in mind. They are crafted entirely out of breathable synthetic material.
Utilizing GEL technology for cushioning, the shock absorption offered by these shoes is quite impressive. The outsole is made of Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) for excellent gripping. Note that AHAR is derived from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, the same material used in cars. So, it is bound to offer excellent traction.
The running shoes feature a synthetic water-resistant upper that will cushion the top of your feet. The midsole has decent cushioning and will adapt in response to the terrain you tread on. All-in-all, the shoes are breathable yet have excellent padding and support for your feet from all angles. Priced reasonably, you may consider picking the Gel-Venture 8 for your training sessions.
What’s There To Like About It?
What I noticed the moment I put the Gel-Venture 8 on is that they don’t need a break-in period. It was a pleasant surprise, as the New Balance Sneakers had a brief but rough adjustment period. The Gel-Venture 8 remained comfortable right from the word go and for as long as I wore them.
One brisk morning jog later, I found that these running shoes are robust and grippy. Their grip on tarmac, muddy trails, and wet surfaces was excellent and worth commending.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
The toe section is a bit narrow, which can cause discomfort for severely ingrown toenails. It can end up being a deal breaker if your toes hurt too much while wearing them.
Also, being synthetic, these running shoes can produce a lot of heat on summer days. So, you may want to use them on cooler days because of this.
Pros and Cons of ASICS Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
Pros
Cons
- GEL Technology: Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption
- Re-engineered outsole lugs for better off-road traction:
- Reduced amount of overlays around the forefoot without sacrificing durability:
3. Reebok Classic Nylon Sneakers
Reebok’s Classic Nylon Sneakers are stylish shoes that have been touched with suede overlay accents. With a wallet-friendly price tag and excellent quality, the Classic Nylon Sneakers may be a solid contender among the best shoes for ingrown toenails.
Product Highlights
Reebok has crafted these sneakers with completely synthetic material for breathability. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles that will go well with your wardrobe. The suede accents and a low top give them a unique look in the segment.
Further, these shoes feature an EVA midsole for cushioning that is comfortable and light as a feather. The high abrasion rubber outsole offers superb durability and responsive support. Overall, the quality of these sneakers is very high.
Available for men and women, the Reebok Classic Sneakers are very budget-friendly and provide an excellent running experience. It should be of no surprise that these have received acclaim from users for their design and versatility.
What’s There To Like About It?
Right away, it’s noticeable that the Reebok Sneakers are crafted well. The design is appealing and has a sort of retro look to it.
Unlike the ASICS Gel-Venture 8, I didn’t find the sneakers running too hot, even on a hot summer day. I also like how despite the thick padding, the shoes are fairly light. The outsole has a decent grip as well.
Overall, Reebok’s Classic Sneakers are a no-brainer if you want a high-quality pair of shoes that is light on your wallet.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
The arch support is not as good as I would have liked. It can be comfortable at times, but then again, it can also be the opposite.
Another issue I found was the size, which can feel a bit narrow and cause discomfort in your toes.
Pros and Cons of Reebok Classic Nylon Sneakers
Pros
Cons
- Men's Sneakers with Signature Style: Featuring a comfortable and supportive synthetic upper with a classic leather look, all these men's fashion sneakers are missing is your fierce game face
- Durable and Efficient Tennis Shoes for Men: These stylish sneakers for men feature a lightweight yet supportive die-cut EVA midsole designed to withstand many strolls and jogs
- Walking Shoes with Comfort and Style: These men's tennis shoes feature a low-top design that offers enhanced ankle mobility, so you can keep moving all day long; A padded foam sockliner adds extra cushion
4. Brooks Glycerin 19 Neutral Running Shoes
Brooks has created what can only be described as the softest shoe in the segment. The cushioning provided by the Glycerin 19 is its most unique selling point, and for good reasons, too. Here’s what the Glycerin 19 brings to the table.
Product Highlights
The Glycerin 19 is a marathon runner's pick for running shoes with a midsole incorporating DNA LOFT cushioning for a smooth and responsive running experience. Comfort is at the forefront of the design philosophy behind these shoes.
The shoes feature an interior liner that fits the form of your feet nicely. Their upper is made out of a mesh to accommodate airflow. The gusseted tongue, like the rest of the shoe, is cushioned and extends quite far. These come with a plush transition zone that makes your feet move softly and smoothly.
With all the comfort and stability that comes with the Glycerin 19, they provide a great grip on surfaces like asphalt and pavement as well. They are available in small, medium, or wide fits for women and the latter two for men.
What’s There To Like About It?
If I had to use one word to describe the Glycerin 19, I’d call them “plush.” It’s padded everywhere and won’t cause any discomfort in the toe section. Like the Gel-Venture 8, the break-in period for the Glycerin 19 is non-existent.
After testing them in my yard, I felt that these are at their best when used on even, dry surfaces. They are made for jogging in urban environments, after all.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
The Glycerin 19 shares yet another similarity with the ASICS Gel-Venture 8 - they can run hot on summer days, making them well-suited for colder regions. I suppose all that padding was sure to produce some heat.
There was also the issue with sizing, as the shoes tend to run smaller.
Pros and Cons of Brooks Glycerin 19 Neutral Running Shoes
Pros
Cons
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 19 is perfect for runners who think there is no such thing as too much cushioning. The plush internal fit and soft transitions keep runners surrounded by softness. This Brooks Women's Glycerin 19 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- NEUTRAL SUPPORT: Provides neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Glycerin 18. Look for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 for the same style with added Support.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: The ultimate in softness and supreme comfort, designed for runners who want pillowy soft cushioning. The Glycerin 19 with DNA LOFT offers our most plush underfoot experience yet — so runners enjoy comfort that goes the distance.
5. Saucony Kinvara 12 Running Shoe
Saucony’s Kinvara series of running shoes has introduced a new entry with the Kinvara 12. It’s a versatile jack-of-all-trades that finds its home in the daily running segment. With a competitive price tag, the Kinvara 12 is here for the long haul.
Product Highlights
Lightweight and flexible, the Kinvara 12 will surely surprise you with its fast and comfortable ride. It’s a reliable and responsive pair of shoes that will last several miles every day for a long time.
The impact your feet make while running is softened considerably, thanks to the rubber outsole. Further, the outsole is flexible yet sturdy, making ground contact soft and fast.
The shoe supports wider feet and provides a consistently reliable experience. With it, Saucony has brought back the tried-and-tested PWRRUN cushioning, improving upon previous iterations for superior comfort and durability. As for the shoe upper, it is a feather-light mesh designed for maximum airflow.
Kinvara 12 has the expertise that extends beyond just function, available in a wide selection of colors. These neutral running shoes didn’t have to trade off looks for performance, and neither should you.
What’s There To Like About It?
For ingrown toenails, I appreciate the accommodation for wider feet. This makes these shoes quite desirable for the purpose. They fit nicely right out of the box and remain consistently impressive throughout testing.
The flexibility of Saucony Kinvara 12 stands out amongst its competitors. When walking at a brisk pace, the shoes cushioned my feet very well. The comfort they provide is excellent as well.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
Since the Kinvara 12 are so breathable, I realized that my feet would freeze if I were to wear them on cold days.
It’s a minor gripe, but something I could not shrug off as easily was its relative lack of cushioning compared to, say, the Glycerin 19. So, Kinvara 12 could have benefited from a little extra padding.
Pros and Cons of Saucony Kinvara 12 Running Shoe
Pros
Cons
- Weight: 7.5 oz (213 g)
- Cushioning: PWRRUN
- Offset: 4 mm (28.5mm / 24.4mm)
Buyers Guide
If you’ve developed an ingrown toenail, it can be quite painful to wear shoes that are too tight or not wide enough for your feet. Breathability is also a significant factor in what shoe you’d be able to wear comfortably, as a dark, moist environment is sure to promote bacteria growth. This narrows down the selection of footwear you can don comfortably by a large margin.
Luckily, there are a few options on the market that you can purchase to circumvent this issue. Here, I’ve listed a few criteria you could watch out for when buying a pair of shoes if you have an ingrown toenail or two.
1. Toe Box
Putting excessive pressure on your toes is the last thing you’ll want. Shoes with a broader toe box should leave your toes flat and easy to move around. With a pair of shoes that have a toe box slightly wider than your regular set, you’ll find it easy to slip in and out of them painlessly and quickly.
I found that the Saucony Kinvara 12 has the best wide feet support of the shoes I reviewed for this article.
2. Fit
It’s also important to note that your feet need to fit snugly into your shoes. This is so that you don’t have to worry about the sneakers slipping out every time you take a step forward. An ill-fitting pair of shoes can cause them to slide around your foot and may lead to worsening your ingrown toenail.
With shoes that fit, you’ll prevent exacerbating the pain in your ingrown toenail as well as avoiding further issues with your feet in general. Keeping your feet stable is key, and with a well-fitting shoe, you’ll minimize the risks mentioned earlier.
For maximizing comfort, I’d recommend the Brooks Glycerin 19 Running Shoes with all the padding it has to offer.
3. Heel and Foot-Arch Support
The shoes must have proper support for your foot-arch and heels so that they don’t slip around. With proper support, you can prevent getting an ingrown toenail or stop it from getting worse.
It’s essential to keep your feet aligned as much as possible, and arch support will achieve this goal well. With the New Balance 608 V5, I’ve found that it has the best foot-arch support among the shoes reviewed here.
4. Purchase Timing
It may sound outlandish, but the time of day matters when buying a pair of shoes. If you purchase a new pair of athletic sneakers in the morning, you may find them too tight in the evening. This is because our feet swell as they get warmer. Buying trainers in the afternoon is ideal for this reason.
Try walking around the store with your new pair to understand the comfort and the pressure your toes experience. Be sure to try it with a sock on as well, so it doesn’t cause issues later on.
5. General Tips
When walking on uneven surfaces, the shoe must be ideal for tackling the task. Your feet should be able to move comfortably in the shoes, and your toes should ideally have a gap of half an inch between them and the edge of the shoe.
As such, high heels are some of the worst shoes you can choose if you have an ingrown toenail. Avoid them at all costs and select the shoes that keep your feet flat and do not apply undue pressure on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your shoes have a narrow toe box or are too tight, the chances of developing an ingrown toenail increase significantly. Worn consistently enough, the toenail will curve and grow into your skin instead of going outwards.
But the reason is not strictly limited to shoes. Some of these are:
- If you’ve cut your toenails too short or in an uneven way, you’ll face an increased risk of them growing improperly.
- If your toenail is injured while running or kicking, it may grow back curved and deformed.
- Nail infections and certain medical conditions like diabetes may also be responsible for this.
- Heavy perspiration in the feet can cause your nails and feet to soften and increase the risk of an ingrown toenail.
- Adolescents have an increased susceptibility to ingrown toenails since their feet produce more sweat.
Getting yourselves a pair of light athletic shoes would be ideal for your toenails. The support and breathability they offer are crucial to allowing your toes some relief when compared to ordinary office shoes.
If all you’re looking for is a pair of shoes with a wide-toe box and a good fit, the Saucony Kinvara 12 will suffice just fine. As for overall design and comfort, the Brooks Glycerin 19 wins out in the end.
Wearing shoes that fit well is vital to preventing ingrown toenails. With ill-fitting shoes, you'll increase the risk of the nail curving and growing into the tissue. With just a little bit of care, you'll prevent ingrown toenails altogether.
Other ways of preventing ingrown toenails are:
- Wear protective footwear, such as toe caps
- Trim your toenails straight
- Avoid cutting them excessively
It’s essential to consult a medical practitioner when dealing with an ingrown toenail. Before that, you can try a few basic remedies to soothe the pain.
- Soak your feet in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes, up to thrice a day.
- Try using cotton under the toenail, so it doesn't grow into your skin.
- Use vaseline and bandage.
- Use pain relievers.
My Final Recommendation
Selecting the best shoes for ingrown toenails is a difficult choice to make, especially since each of these trainers has merits that set them apart in their own unique way. But there can only be one winner!
The Brooks Glycerin 19 excels in every field with relatively minor drawbacks. These sneakers will bring you the comfort and grip required during your everyday walks while being pretty to look at. I think it has a plush feel that really sets it apart from the competition.
Having said that, every pair of shoes I tried for this article has been an absolute delight. The Saucony Kinvara 12 and New Balance 608 v5 stood out among others.
The vital thing to note here is to get a pair that fits your feet just right. By doing this, you’ll have nothing to worry about.