I can’t think of spending a single day without running at least a mile in the morning.
Not only does it help improve my cardiovascular health, but it also helps me stay in shape while strengthening my muscles. But the harsh reality is that no matter how much you try to stay fit, your athletic performance is bound to deteriorate with time and age.
Recently I was diagnosed with sesamoiditis, a medical condition where the foot tendons are inflamed.
Although I was a little frustrated initially, I was not letting it stop me from running and being physically active. I realized I needed a pair of medically-approved shoes, so I went on the Internet and spent hours searching for the best shoes for sesamoiditis.
Howdy! I am Stacy Smith, and I will share my top recommendations for shoes for sesamoiditis to help you make an informed purchase. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Top 5 Shoes For Sesamoiditis
1. Skechers Performance Go Walk 3
Let me start this list by introducing you to the Performance Go Walk 3 from Skechers, one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality footwear globally. Equipped with breathable mesh or cooling comfort, this pair of shoes can help you get the desired results.
Product Highlights
Straight off the bat, you get Goga mat technology with top-quality cushioning, which helps keep your feet energized and comfortable. Further adding to the comfort is the breathable mesh on the upper and a memory foam fit design, ensuring you can walk athletically for prolonged periods without any difficulty.
The spongy and thick outsoles deserve special mention as they help offer adequate protection against impact. And while they are not as durable as rubber, they are incredibly lightweight and offer a barefoot experience, which is truly commendable if you ask me.
Another thing I liked about this pair of shoes is that they are available in 23 size options. So, rest assured that you will get a size that fits your feet snugly.
Not only that, but the shoes are also available across nine different color options, including black, charcoal, stone, and gray, allowing you to choose a color as per your preference.
What’s There To Like About It?
There are many things that I love about these shoes. However, what caught my attention right from the get-go was the breathable mesh material, which ensures that your feet receive adequate airflow and keep them dry and cool. I also liked the memory foam footbeds, which offer full support and comfort to the foot, ensuring adequate arch support and enhancing stability.
Other than that, I truly appreciate the highly affordable price of this pair of shoes, which ensures it is a top choice for many people with a modest budget.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The Performance Go Walk 3 shoes are undoubtedly one of the best shoes for sesamoiditis, given the extra amounts of high-quality cushioning they feature. That said, my only gripe with this pair of shoes is that they tend to squeak now and then, depending on the surface. Barring this minor issue, I couldn’t find any other drawbacks to these.
Pros and Cons of Skechers Performance Go Walk 3
Pros
Cons
- Radically lightweight
- Full length go mat energy return insole
- Memory foam cushioned heel and vamp
2. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20
ASICS has been manufacturing the best sports apparel and footwear for 50 years, so I thought of including the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20 on my list. Whether you are someone suffering from sesamoiditis or a seasoned runner, you can’t afford to miss out on these shoes, thanks to the revolutionary lightweight cushioning.
Product Highlights
One of the best things about these shoes from ASICS is the Flytefoam midsole, which provides a decent bounce back against the ground, enhancing comfort in every step. In addition, the upper portion of the shoes features a stretchy mesh material, which is incredibly flexible and fits your feet snugly.
The shoes come with thick and durable arched rubber soles, providing your feet with quality arch support and protecting them against impact. It’s worth noting that the soles feature three layers that work in cohesion to absorb the shock before it reaches the foot. So, you don’t have to worry about pain and discomfort with these on.
From 5 to 37.5, the shoes are available across different sizes in wide and narrow options that can help users ensure an ideal customizable fit for their feet. What’s more, they come in 18 different color options, which gives them an edge over other running shoes in terms of color options.
What’s There To Like About It?
For me, the key highlight of the shoes is the Flytefoam midsole technology, which helps the shoes to offer a powerful bounce back against the ground. Even after walking and running for extended periods, my feet felt comfortable in them.
Another thing that I liked about these shoes is their availability in 18 color options. Thus, it means there is a high chance that users will be able to pick their favorite shoe color. I must also mention that I liked the arch support of these shoes.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I felt that the laces were oddly distributed, which was slightly disappointing, and that’s why I have ranked these shows below the Skechers Performance Go Walk 3. And since ASICS is such a popular brand, the shoes are a bit on the expensive side, so they might not be an ideal choice for those on a budget.
Pros and Cons of ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20
Pros
Cons
- DISCRETE EYELETS: Independently placed eyelets disperse lace tension, creating a customized fitting environment and enhanced upper comfort.
- REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL BRAND TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING SYSTEM: Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- FLUIDFIT UPPER: FLUIDFIT upper technology combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the athlete's foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit.
3. ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4
Since ASICS is one of the leading names in the footwear industry, I thought it only made sense to add yet another quality option from the brand to this list. Meet the ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4 that can provide your feet with sufficient arch support. Now, of course, there’s a lot more to these shoes, so keep reading.
Product Highlights
Perhaps, the best thing about these shoes is the soles, which are made using high-abrasion rubber for durability. So, you can walk on a wide range of terrain without worrying about them wearing off. It is also worth mentioning that the rubber offers extra support to your feet and helps protect them from impact.
In addition to that, the shoes are equipped with high-quality gel pads in both forefront and rearfoot areas, which delivers comfortable and soft cushioning for your lovely feet. The pads are efficient at absorbing shock as you move, jump or run and keep your feet protected, which is seldom the case with ordinary running shoes.
As far as the mesh material is concerned, I am pleased to inform you that it is highly breathable and helps keep your feet dry and cool. The shoes are available across different sizes and in different color options, which should come as no surprise, given they are from ASICS.
What’s There To Like About It?
The shoes provide your feet with adequate arch support, thanks to the arched sole. So, you can keep them on for prolonged periods without feeling uncomfortable. Another feature that deserves special mention is the breathable and comfortable mesh material, which helps keep your feet dry and cool even in a hot climate.
I also liked the Trusstic System technology that reduces the weight of the sole while keeping the structural integrity of the shoes intact. Understandably, this pair of shoes is one of the highest-rated running shoes on the market.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
A few customers have complained that these shoes run smaller, so keep that in mind and choose a size accordingly if you decide to go for these. And while the shoes are available in different color options, the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20 offer a lot more variety, which is why I have ranked the latter higher.
Pros and Cons of ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4
Pros
Cons
- Seamless upper reduces irritation for a comfortable, distraction-free fit
- Solyte midsole for lightweight cushioning with every step
- Rearfoot and forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems absorb shock and create a smooth transition from heelstrike to toe-off
4. Hoka One One Clifton 4
Hoka is a brand that I am sure most runners and fitness enthusiasts would be familiar with, given its impressive track record of manufacturing high-quality yet reasonably priced running shoes. And the One One Clifton 4 is yet another notable addition to its coveted repertoire because of its consistent cushioning and famed midsole geometry.
Product Highlights
To begin with, the upper portion of the shoes features seamless construction and consists of a thin mesh material, both of which make them incredibly breathable and comfortable. The toe box is quite similar to its predecessors and will fit most people with an average foot width.
While the previous versions have offered extra cushioning, there were complaints about the material deteriorating and eventually wearing off. But, that’ll not be the case with these shoes because everything that I’ve seen so far suggests that they are more durable, be it the midsole or outsole material.
The looks of these shoes also deserve mention as they are quite aesthetically pleasing and are certainly a massive upgrade over the previous versions. Rest assured, they are bound to turn quite a few heads. It is also worth noting that the shoes are available across different sizes, so you won’t have any problem picking the right fit.
What’s There To Like About It?
Worried about making movements due to sesamoiditis? The Clifton 4 has got you covered as the high-quality midsole of these athletic shoes can help keep you moving without any pain or fatigue in the feet whatsoever.
Plus, to offer a stable walking experience, they feature a soft yet durable rubber outsole that allows maximum traction regardless of the type of terrain you’re walking or jogging on. Another thing that I am sure you’ll like is the thin mesh material on the upper, which makes the footwear incredibly comfortable and breathable.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Unlike the ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4, the Hoka One One Clifton 4 does not feature gel pads in the rearfoot and forefront areas. So, the cushioning of the Hoka shoes might not match the level of the ASICS shoes. Also, the Hoka shoes are not available in different color designs like the other shoes on this list, which is slightly disappointing.
Pros and Cons of Hoka One One Clifton 4
Pros
Cons
5. Apex Women’s Athletic
Quite frankly, this list would have remained incomplete had I not included the Women’s Athletic from the house of Apex. Equipped with two removable layers for a flexible fit, it’s a perfect choice for women looking for a supportive and comfortable pair of shoes for a balanced body and mind.
Product Highlights
First things first, the upper portion of the shoes features full-grain leather for top-notch breathability and comfort and helps keep your feet cool and dry. This means you can wear them in the hot climate without worrying about your feet getting sweaty.
Other than that, the shoes come with detachable Apex Orthotic, featuring several layers of anatomical cushioning, which make them ideal for sesamoiditis.
Another thing that I loved about these shoes is the rugged rubber sole that helps minimize shock. Not to mention, the shoes come with two removable layers for a better and more flexible fit, allowing you to keep them on for prolonged periods without any issues.
The shoes are available in many sizes, between 4.5 and 15, and in three color options. And lastly, you will be pleased to know that they sport an incredibly modest price tag, which makes them a go-to choice for many users.
What’s There To Like About It?
Truth be told, I was quite impressed with the pricing of the shoes. They come at a budget-friendly price, yet they are packed with nifty features like the full-grain leather or the rugged rubber sole, which ensure they offer great value for money.
It is also worth noting that they are available across various sizes, so you won’t have any problem finding the right fit for your feet. Having used these shoes myself, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with them.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
At 2.65 pounds, this pair of shoes are heavier than the other options on this list, including the ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4 and the Skechers Performance Go Walk. This means they are certainly not the right choice for those looking for a pair of lightweight shoes. But given the affordable price point and advanced technological features, I would recommend these any day.
Pros and Cons of Apex Women’s Athletic
Pros
Cons
- V-last for superior stability
- 2 removable layer provide fitting flexibility
- Mozaic pressure relief layer for customized comfort
Buyers Guide
Now that you have gone through my list of the top five shoes for sesamoiditis, will you be able to make the right choice? Well, it’s not that simple. In order to make an informed purchase, there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind.
Fret not; I have discussed all these factors in this section so that you don’t have trouble selecting the shoes of your choice.
1. Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors that you need to keep in mind while choosing a pair of shoes for sesamoiditis. Let’s face it, cheap shoes that feature low-quality materials won’t stand the test of time and affect the overall performance. Not to mention, they are likely to be flimsy and thin, worsening your sesamoiditis.
On the other hand, shoes made from high-quality materials tend to be a bit expensive but last longer and provide much-needed relief from sesamoiditis. It’s also worth noting that you get better value for money as you won’t have to make additional expenses buying a new pair of shoes anytime soon.
2. Size
Before placing the order, you would want to be sure of your feet’ size. Remember that shoes that fit too tightly are not necessarily the best for those with sesamoiditis as they exert unnecessary pressure on the balls and the toes of the feet. Because of this, it could worsen the discomfort and pain that comes with sesamoiditis.
I strongly recommend choosing a pair of shoes that are wide-fitting or those with a wider or larger toe box. This is because they could provide you with adequate comfort and enable you to walk freely without much difficulty.
3. Arch Support
Make sure that you go for shoes with built-in arch support to keep your feet in the proper position, thereby minimizing the pressure exerted on the sesamoids.
Note that this is especially crucial for people with flat feet and high arches. This is because such conditions, more often than not, exert greater pressure on the balls of the feet, putting them at a higher risk of developing sesamoiditis.
4. Soles
Another crucial factor that most people often tend to overlook while purchasing shoes for sesamoiditis is the quality of the soles. You would want to go for shoes with thick soles as they usually provide better protection and support to your feet against shock when moving on uneven terrain.
On that note, I highly suggest that you select soles that are made using rubber, as rubber is spongy and absorbs shock better compared to other materials.
5. Cushioning
Shoes with decent cushioning pads help support the sesamoids better as the pads tend to absorb shock when you walk, thereby safeguarding the sesamoids from impact and minimizing pain. The ideal materials for pads are often foam or gel since they provide high shock absorption while feeling comfortable and soft beneath your foot.
6. Color Design Options
Although you are purchasing shoes for sesamoiditis, it is always a good idea to go for a pair that features your favorite color. This way, you will be able to add a touch of character to your overall look. Not to mention, choosing a product of your favorite color means that there is a high chance that you won’t get bored of them anytime soon.
7. Mesh
Last but not least, keep an eye on the mesh material while choosing shoes for sesamoiditis. You would want to make sure that it is breathable so that your feet stay dry and cool despite wearing them for prolonged periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best brands for shoes for sesamoiditis are the following:
- ASICS
- Skechers
- Hoka
- Apex
- NewBalance
The overuse of the sesamoid bones usually causes sesamoiditis. It is common in runners, dancers, and athletes who exert weight on the balls of the feet.
My Final Recommendation
That brings me to the end of my guide, and I hope that you will be able to choose the best shoes for sesamoiditis now. But before I call it a day, I would like to let you in on my favorite picks from the list to help accelerate your decision-making.Â
In my opinion, the Skechers Performance Go Walk 3 is the best overall, as these shoes are highly affordable and offer top-notch stability and arch support. Closely following the Skechers shoes is the GEL-Nimbus 20 from ASICS because these shoes are available in 18 different color designs and absorb shock quite well.Â
However, if you are looking for a durable and long-lasting pair of shoes with quality cushioning, I strongly recommend giving the ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 4 a try.Â
On that note, it’s a wrap. Hope to see you soon.Â