What about Birkenstocks? Some Naot shoes are quite stiff but very comfy. Like Birks some of them have a cork footbed and they have great arch support and toe box comfort.Also check here:

Barking dog

I have quite a few pairs of shoes that have unbendable soles. I have danksos but I don't really wear them anymore-- they are comfortable but too clunky. I really like the Donald Pliner Rave-- in fact, I just pulled them out today. They are incredibly comfortable and are cuter than they look in the photo. I wear them with ankle pants-- love the little bit of patent leather. If you like them, look around! I paid $198 for them and I just saw a few places are selling them under 100 now (depending on size).

For summer, I have gotten a lot of mileage out of these yoga style Dirty Laundry Beebop sandals (I got them at amazon).

For a sneaker, these thicker soled keds don't have any bend.. but they have more cushioning than the similar style in converse. Some Coach sneakers also have a similar sole.. and Ralph Lauren.. and Calvin Klein.

Thanks everyone! She gave me a list of suggestions but said they were just generally suggested good brands and that I would need to seek out the stiffer soles among them. I ordered several of them already and most had more flexibility than the el naturalistas I kept and had on today. And she wasn't thrilled with those as they did have a bit of bend if you try hard. She seems to think I should be wearing something with no bend at all.

Naot was on the list, but the pair I ordered was just as flexible as the Chaco's she had previously vetoed and more flexible than the el naturalistas I had on. It seems like there is substantial variation within brands? So it seems to be a bit of a challenge. I'm just getting frustrated with the ordering and returning routine. I have been starting with the list she gave me and then reading the reviews and trying to guess which ones will have very stiff soles, but I seem to be failing way more often than succeeding. Good thing zappos has free returns!

I will check out the links and suggestions!

Zappos has the BEST customer service. I would call them and ask for recommendations. They might have to research and get back to you, but I'll bet they would. Same with Barking Dog...I don't know about them for sure, but I'd try her.

ETA, last night I sent for 6 pairs of Naot to try. Will be here tomorrow and I'll report back if any are stiff. I like them stiff, too, because it is easier on my arthritic knees. That's why I like Birkenstocks but I only wear them around the house. Too ugly otherwise :)

My podiatrist sells shoes in his office.

I'm a kaiser member (HMO). Definitely no shoes for sale.

I ordered four more pairs earlier today to try, brooks sneakers (dr said these would be a good bet), a third try at dansko's (first pair was too big, second pair had a lump in the lining), a pair of keen hiking boots (supposed to be water proof) and a pair of sanita ankle boots. I'll give those a try and see what I come up with.

Olychick, I will be eager to hear your report.

I am trying to think what my priorities are and then maybe I will try contacting zappos to see if they have suggestions to fill in the gaps. That's a good idea. I guess two pairs of everyday shoes that work with jeans, a pair of water proof hiking shoes or boots, and then a pair of dress shoes. That ought to have me covered for most any situation for a couple of months, right?

I have no suggestions, but wanted to say I'm sorry you're having trouble with your foot.

I recently had bunion surgery and the doc corrected my big toe with a screw in place. Second surgery is November 6th same foot for hammertoe (s) three of them to be exact. Good luck and let us know what type of shoe will help your problem.

I had a similar problem -- osteoarthritis in my left big (great? grand?) toe, which also caused plantar fascitis in my right foot (from the hitch in my gait). MBTs saved my feet! They take a little getting used to, because they have a "rocking chair" sole, but once you get over that, they are heaven! No bending the sore toe and all the pressure goes into supporting the arches. The only drawbacks are that they look a little Frankensteinish and they only come in European sizes, so not good for narrow feet. But oh my! What a pleasure to walk in! And my feet never get tired.

A warning, though: If you do a lot of walking on broken surfaces, they are not the best for that, because only a small portion of the sole touches the ground at any one time and the sole is thick, so rocks on the trail can be a problem. But if you're walking on paved surfaces, they are heaven.

I hadn't heard of mbt shoes so I googled them. I'm reluctant to go to rocker bottom shoes because I have read they can aggravate knee problems and I do have bum knees (they are put together wrong, but mostly don't bother me). I mentioned this to the podiatrist and she didn't comment one way or the other, so I don't know if that's really an issue or not.

I can recommend a couple stores with better quality shoes and good service. The Walk Shop in Berkeley (2120 Vine) and the Shoe Spot in Oakland (598 7th Street). I would never try to mail order shoes because I'm hard to fit (wide feet, little toe that sticks up), and these places have a great selection of sensible shoes.

I seem to remember that you aren't big on brick and mortar stores (I think that came up in a conversation about Ohmega Salvage), but this might be a situation where being able to touch the product would help a lot.

A pair of keens were in one of my zappos orders. I have worn them a lot in the past partly because they have a roomy toe box. But they were more flexible than the el naturalistas my podiatrist wasn't very happy with. I did order another pair of keens this go-around, these are hiking boots so I'm hoping they will be stiffer. But I'm not sure they will be because some of the other shoes I have tried including the Chaco's I had worn to a previous appointment were also billed as hiking shoes.

I think this is part of the problem, she seems to be advocating super extra stiff soles. Dansko's are the only thing I have ordered so far that fit that bill. And I'm feeling a little discouraged about a lifetime of nothing but dansko's--picture dramatic hand-wringing and sobbing here.

Thanks for the bricks and mortar options! I did try a local shop, but not much selection. If I can find the time to make it to Berkeley or Oakland, I will give those a try.

I really appreciate the help and sympathy!

You should be looking at corrective shoe stores or orthopedic specialty shoe stores not regular shoe stores. Did the doctor not provide any type of brace or support to wear on your foot and toe to aid in stability and stop bending? I have had to wear specialty corrective shoes in my life and I was always given the names and location of the shoe stores to find the kind of shoes that were needed. I would do some searching for corrective shoe sales stores in your area and Google. A shoe with a steel shank is going to be the best type for stiff soles. Some boots and hiking boots can have a steel shank.
Dr. Comfort shoes might have some that would work try that website.

I think these Georgia boot romeo's are cuter than a hiking boots they have a steel shank and thick sole.

Georgia boot

I don't think the flip flops above will do it as, thought the sole doesn't bend, your foot does when you walk in them so it doesn't accomplish what you need.

I don't have time to search through the site for stiff sole shoes but this blog focuses on shoes that work for particular foot issues. Hopefully she has a post about your problem.

https://www.barkingdogshoes.com

I looked in my shoe closet last night and found a pair of shoes in a brand that might be worth looking at...Think! brand. These are the ones I have and they do not bend AT all. I love the roomy toe box and they are super comfy but not cushy, good arch support. I'm in the PNW and I think we can tend to get away with an earthier look than some parts of the country - not sure about your style.

Think!

Dansko, Sanita and Swedish Hasbeen clogs have very stiff soles. I basically live in Danskos and swear by them. You buy one size up from your regular size as a rule. Zappos has the entire line and it's easy to return.

The other very stiff sole shoes that are made for comfort are Fit Flops. I have these Lulus.

They are super comfortable but still very stiff and stable. I've had Morton's Neuroma for years which means the balls of my foot pinch the nerves coming through and my feet get numb. I can't wear shoes with heels that put pressure on the front of my foot for very long.

Between clogs and Fit Flops, I'm set.

Rococogurl, what do you do for dress shoes? And do you have anything waterproof?

Thank you all!

Not much dressing up these days but when I need those I just use what I have and throw in an extra pad in front. These days open toe shoes tend to work best.

I do have one newer pair of suede gladiators that are super cute and qualify for dressier (though where I live dressy is definitely heels). But there are some styles from Gentle Souls that will work like that -- again Zappos has most.

If you ever get to NYC there is an excellent shoe store on 72nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus near the Museum of Natural History. Tip Top. It's been there forever -- as long as I can remember -- and they are super helpful in terms of fitting, orthotics and other needs.

But these days I mostly use Zappos.

Waterproof for rain I'd look at Bogs and Hunter. I have older rain boots I picked up in the city and have used forever. Mostly, I'm just in and out of the car so I abuse the clogs.

many hiking boots would be waterproof... and comfortable!

have you also been to an orthopedist?

Thinking shoes w/ a low platform sole might work too....?

Annie, you are absolutely right about flip flop styles-- with the exception of the NOAT pair above. There's something about the elastic band across the foot that changes how they "walk". You don't have to curl your toes.

After reading the follow up, I realize some of my suggestions are "stiff" but do bend more than desired. So I actually went into the closet and tested my shoes against a Dansko standard.

Dansko/Sanita - a little bend but not much.I have the professional clogs-- they have a number of styles.

NAOTs bend less than even the Dansko/Sanitas, I have the style pictured above but they have many.

Timberland Euro Hiker - A little bend with pressure-- much less than the Danskos. Love this waterproof hiking boot. It's and "old school" hiking style but I've been wearing the same style for 20 yr. I just keep buying the same boot.

Donald Pliner Rave - a little bend with pressure- less than the Danskos. This is my current fav to wear. So comfy and breathable.

Calvin Klein Sneaker - a little bend with pressure- much less than the Danskos.. (I have a pair of 9 1/2 Fuchsia leather sneakers that were worn only once that you are welcome to have if you want to give them a try.)

Fit Flops - I love them but my fit flop thong style sandal had a lot of bend in them.

Other fails - None of my merrills or keens are "stiff".. converse and ked sneaker above have much more bend than the Danskos. The calvin kleins are about the same bend as Danskos.

crl, another brick and mortar store with a great selection is Shoes on Solano.

Funkyart, I am so touched that you went into your closet and did shoe tests for me.

I have not been to an orthopedist. This is my second podiatrist because I switched insurance. Both give the same diagnosis and the same initial treatment thoughts so that's consistent anyway.

Thank you all for the wonderful help!

I would definitely be going to a good orthopedic specialist. I would also look into splints that stabilize the big toe joint. This is similar to turf toe in that the big toe joint is the area of concern. Visit some sites with information about turf toe because you want the same recommendation for what you have. For example this site list some of the possible splints that can be used to immobilize that joint, a much better option than trying to find shoes that will do it. Even the stiffest soles won't help if the shoe allows flexing at the toe joint.

Splint options

Another option is a plate form worn in the shoes you have. Like this one.

Toe plates

I just wanted to thank you all again. My third zappos order came in last night. I finally have a pair of dansko's that fit and don't have any lining defects so I will be keeping them. The Santina boots I ordered are very stiff, but the heel is a bit high and they just don't seem to work. The keen hiking boots have too much flex. (I think that's the end of trying keens for me, much as I like the roomy toe boxes). The brooks sneakers are stiff enough but don't fit quite right. I ordered three more pairs of brooks in a combination of different styles and sizes last night to try.

So I have made a lot of progress on the shoe front and have leads on some of the holes in my shoe wardrobe. Now I think I will give it a few weeks to see how my foot does. If this is working, I will try the timberlands suggestion above for boots and work on sandals (I know that seems a bit off-season but on sunny days I wear them virtually year around here) and something dressy enough to get by for holiday work parties.

If the shot and super stiff shoes don't work, I will take my podiatrist's referral to a surgeon, but also make an appointment with an orthopedist as suggested above.

Thank you again for all of your help and support with this! You have been really generous with your time checking out your shoes and making suggestions.

I have metatarsal adductus and have only found one shoe that has a stiff enough soul to keep my bones from moving around and scraping together. I have found that the Wolky Jewel Sandles are the best. They are a little expensive, but they last longer than any other shoe I've had. Plus they accommodate very wide width another issue common to those with this issue. Also called skew foot or serpentine foot, large bunions, arthritis, bone spurs and tendon it is are just a few of the issues resulting from metatarsal adductor. I have not found a shoe suitable for inter yet, but I now have 5 pairs of Jewels and I can wear them from March to October. They have Velcro wraps but still manage to be stylish-sort of. Have a look.

Interesting to see this pop back up. I have now been to two regular podiatrists, two podiatrists who are surgeons, and an othropedic surgeon. All agree on hallux limitus as the diagnosis. One of the podiatrists wanted to do surgery ASAP. The other one and the orthopedist were opposed to surgery at this point, saying that the odds were that it wouldn't improve the situation right now. I'm taking their advice and not having surgery now

Best shoe I have found for me is the dansko marcelle. I have two black pairs, a red pair and a teal pair. Turns out a rocker bottom is essential. And the strap (it's a Mary Jane) is also key in holding the shoe on my foot without my foot doing any work. Hoka One Ine hiking boots are good. And their sneakers work reasonably well.

They have all agreed that there is no point in inserts or custom orthodic as the sole of the shoe itself needs to be correctly designed. I have had zero luck with bricks and mortar stores, except REI for hiking boots but Zappos has been a boon Huge selection, free shipping and free returns has been a lifesaver for me.

So far nothing else has really worked very well unfortunately. Some other dansko shoes have been tolerable if I'm not walking more than a couple of blocks. I tried a bunch of Dansko ankle boots this last fall with no success. I just ordered a pair of dansko Josie shoes from zappos. They look to have a similar sole to the marcelle and look like they might be a tiny bit dressier. Fingers crossed as I could really use something that looks better with skirts and dresses

I will check out the wolkys. Thanks!

Try Alegria sandals also. There are several styles with a very stiff sole. I’ve had a hemicap implant in one of my big toes due to hallux rigidus and it has failed and now I need fusion. Alegria has really helped me with their rigid soles sandals and removable foot bed. Good luck

jinxxycat, so sorry to hear of your foot woes. Your current situation is what a couple of the surgeons have described to me as a possible/likely outcome of surgical options. Thank you for the suggestion!

PodiatryShoeReview is a blog by a podiatrist that has specific recommendations by brand and style with info on which condition it is good for.

So glad this thread popped back up. I have the same problems but in the beginning stages. Last night I was in a fair bit of pain and realized it was time to get serious about good foot wear. The best I have found is a pair of Alegria Mary Janes that I have replaced the Velcro on twice. I knew they worked for my feet but didn’t know why. You’ve identified for me that it’s the stiff sole and rocker bottom. Just wish good shoes weren’t so ugly and so expensive.

daisychain01, it is very shallow of me but I hate the ugly shoes and the lack of options. I’m not very stylish, but I used to have some cute shoes at least. I wish you luck on finding shoes that work because much as I hate giving up the cute shoes, I hate being in pain more.

I also have OA of the big toe. I find Birkenstocks are helpful.

Of course the podiatrist wanted to operate immediately with a fusion. The ankle and foot orthopedic doc said give a wait and see. He has had some success with the newer surgeries and I am hoping in time there are better options.

I still hit the gym hard with boot camp and P 90 x. I wear Asics brand shoes and have orthopedic inserts I wear in them as well. I also find it useful to tape my first two toes together with medical tape to restrict movement.

I can’t do plank runs and jacks very well. Also back lunges are tricky.

Funny about what several have said about the podiatrist/surgeons wanting to operate. My dad was a doctor and he always said that due to their training, surgeons usually went to the surgical solution first. He always advised to get a doctor's opinion in addition to a surgeon's as often a non-surgical response to a problem can work and saves you having unnecessary surgery.

I've also used these sorts of devices and find they help, but I lost them when we moved and haven't replaced them.

I had bunion surgery March of 2017. Doctor shaved the bone. To date June 2018 I still live in pain. Worse when weather is rainy. Doctor has advised to wear stiff souled shoes. I live in my Naot shoes and slippers. I have many pairs, mostly closed toe. I have also found a pair of Gentle Souls shoes which I wear for more dressy occasions and have found Adidas Alphabounce with the continental rubber bottom to be the most inflexible sneaker soul. I try to get shoes with support around the ankle so it takes pressure off the front of the foot holding on to the shoe. I also stay away from any inclines which forces too much pressure on the ball of the foot. I am looking for a slip on and off rainboot or bootie if anyone can make a suggestion. Thank you all.

I have not found any rain boots that work for me. My hooka one one hiking boots are waterproof, but they lace up. I used to have a pair of keen slip on boots that were water proof. They did not have a rocker bottom and I can’t comfortably wear them anymore, but maybe they would work for you, Lizzy B?

Alos, thank you to candr2001, wolky jewels have worked out for me and I am very happy to have a pair of sandals in my shoe line up.

Hello everyone. I'm a bit late to the party but I have the exact same problem as originally described. I found Taos' 'Trulie' Wedge Sandal super stiff and good for summer. My podiatrist ok'd them. I'll be checking out all the other recommendations people made here. Thanks!

This thread popping back up prompted me to take a look at Zappos again for another pair of sandals. The wolkys are great—wore them traveling in China—but after less than one summer they are looking a little beat up. I’m not sure I can complain because I have worn them nonstop. But a second pair of sandals seems to be in order.

Some of the Alegria sandals are currently on sale at Zappos so I decided to give them a try.

I picked this pair:

https://www.zappos.com/p/alegria-kleo-wrapture/product/7907170/color/736290?ref=pd_vh

The taos sandals Annette mentioned look really pretty for casual sandals and I will have to keep them in mind for future reference.

Thanks again for all the commiseration and suggestions!

The Taos are casual that's true. I found a metallic silver color that Zappos doesn't seem to have in stock and they look good with silver jewelry. The navy color are nice with jeans... The Alegria look good too - will check them out! Based on your recommendation I just bought the Dansko Marcelles. :)

I’m casual pretty much all the time so that works for me. And the Taos look less orthopedic than some of the other options out there. I will definitely keep the navy in mind for future reference. Hope you like the Dansko Marcelles.

Hi,

Feet issues can really cramp one's activities. Have you tried pool therapy? Such as working with a PT in a swimming pool?

I started about 18 months ago --- for a hip/knee issue (right side) that brought tears to my eyes. Stunned me that a foot issue (left side) that doctors said there was no hope for has nearly disappeared. That foot used to really limit what walking I could do, and needed much by way of orthotics. No more.

I guess the term is 'aquatic therapy'.

I love my Alegrias! I've acquired five pairs and wear them all the time around the house; never go barefoot, as it's not good for my feet or legs. Alegrias do not need any time for "break-in". I remember trying on my first pair out of the box and ten hours later was still wearing them. They have the most comfortable footbed!

I get mine on QVC, which usually has a large selection of styles and colors, and cost, for me, is reasonable.

Just wanted to report that the alegria sandals I ordered have worked out well. Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to this thread!

I have sesamoiditis that causes massive pain (like walking on glass) shooting into my big toe. Podiatrist and pediatric surgeon were not helpful. BUT the shoe store owner in NY was wonderful. Try the men's equivalent of NB Fresh Foam slightly rocker sneaker the most rigid one. My women's is light grey mesh top with orangey neon accents. I added my usual GreenFeet orthotics for my high arches. THEN I discovered carbon steel (super thin!) inserts online (Amazon) that would make my OTHER shoes/sneakers RIGID. Very proud of that discovery - made for those who work construction sites and needed a puncture-proof sole. Finally, step two of shoe therapy was to add a dense foam pad with a cutout for the sesamoid area, to my standard orthotic..again by the terrific shoe store owner. This definitely helped even more. Note that I would not get a cortisone shot, which podiatrist had strongly urged. (Note that they treat the pain and not the cause, which a PT figured out.) I then discovered DANCER'S pads (amazon) that are similar. I hope that helps. Let me know if you can't find any of the above.

i have the same thing. Finally had the surgery on both feet.

no bull trainers and dansko clogs were the only things I cuu i uck find with thick enough soles

I know this is an old thread but I have the exact same issues as the OP so wanted to post! I'm desperately looking for good walking shoes to take on vacation in Madrid in November. It's not going to be sandal weather.

But for sandals I wanted to say check out ABEO metatarsal sandals from The Walking Company. I have the Gusto ones and had to cut out the toe loop but I wear them around the house.