Claw Toe Pads - Which one is best for my needs?

When treating claw toes, what's a better choice; a toe straightener or a crest pad? This article discusses the pros and cons of each of these hammer toe pads and the indications of their use.

Which hammer toe pad is best for claw toes?

Crest pads, Budin splint or toe straighteners – which one is best for my needs?

Last week I discussed my go-to pads for hammer toes.  This week, let’s talk a bit about claw toes and the pads that are used to treat claw toes.  Claw toes are usually a flexible deformity that affects all three joints of the toe.  This means that potentially you may have a problem on the top of the toe or on the tips of the toes. 

My first choice for claw toes is to use a Single or Double Toe Straightener to help pull the toes down away from the shoe and to get the toes to lay flat.  Toe Straighteners are also called Budin splints.  There's plenty of padding in the pad of the toe (opposite side from the nails) but there's hardly any padding in the tip of the toe.  So using the Toe Straightener actually accomplishes two things; straightens the toes and gets pressure off of the tips of the toes.

The other way to approach the treatment of claw toes is to use a crest pad.  A crest pad helps to lift the toes a bit, relieving pressure on the tips of the toes.  If you're having problems on the tops of the toes, a crest pad really isn't the right choice for you.  But if the claw toes are having problems on the tips of the toes, a crest pad is the tool to use.  We offer a foam, gel or adjustable red rubber crest pad.  I prefer the foam due to the leather cover and comfort.

Next week we'll talk a bit about the correct pads to choose for mallet toes.

Thalia

Thalia Oster, JD
Founder and COE (Chief of Everything)

Updated 4/15/2021

Helpful Products

Toe Straightener - Single Toe

The Toe Straightener - Single Toe aligns overlapping toes, crooked toes, hammertoes, claw toes, mallet toes, and fractured toes. The adjustable elastic loop applies a constant, gentle pressure to the toe, pulling it back into place comfortably. Latex-free. One size. Universal right/left. By PediFix. 1/pkg.

As low as $8.46!

Hammer Toe Crest Pad - Foam

Foam Hammer Toe Crest Pads feature an adjustable elastic loop to support curled toes, ease pressure on the tips of toes, and eliminate forefoot pain. Made of soft, felt with a foam center to cushion and correct hammer toes, mallet toes, and claw toes. By PediFix. 1/pkg.

As low as $6.76!

Toe Straightener - Double Toe

Toe Straighteners - Double Toe gently guide toes back into proper alignment. Perfect for correcting overlapping toes, crooked toes, hammer toes, claw toes, and mallet toes. Great as a splint after hammertoe surgery. Easily trimmed with scissors for a precise, comfortable fix. One size. Universal right/left. By Pedifix. 1/pkg.

As low as $9.31!

Hammer Toe Crest Pad - Gel

The Hammer Toe Crest Pad - Gel is made of soft, durable, medical-grade silicone. Great for lifting and supporting curled hammer toes, relieving stress on metatarsal shafts, easing pressure on toe tips, and eliminating forefoot pain. Latex-free. One size. Right/left specific. By Myfootshop.com. 1/pkg.

As low as $8.46!

Hammer Toe Crest Pad - Adjustable Gel

The Hammer Toe Crest Pad - Adjustable Gel treats hammer toes, claw toes, and mallet toes. Our easy-to-use, adjustable design straightens toes and relieves pressure points on the tops and tips of toes. Right/left specific. Latex-free. One size. By Myfootshop.com. 1/pkg.

As low as $8.46!