Editor’s Note: This post has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy on May 2022 and reflects an up-to-date selection of the best shoes for Haglund’s deformity.
Are you familiar with Haglund’s deformity and have you been diagnosed with it? Have you noticed a large bump on the back of your heels and are you experiencing staggering heel pain?
First off let me clarify what Haglund’s deformity is. It is a progressive condition where you have a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. This condition affects the soft tissue near the heel as well as the heel bone. Moreover, the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against your shoes, especially shoes that are too tight or too stiff.
Haglund’s deformity may often lead to painful bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone).
On the bright side, if you take the necessary steps you will be able to treat and prevent this condition, and it all starts by wearing the correct pair of shoes.
Although the source of this condition remains uncertain, it’s clear that ill-fitting shoes are often the main reason why women experience Haglund’s deformity. Women who have high arches or supination and walk on the outside of their heels are also more prone to develop this condition.
I am going to show you a selection of the best shoes for Haglund’s deformity, as well as give you other relevant information that will be useful for your decision-making process.
In the same way, let me first address a very important factor of fitting shoes – determining the correct foot and shoe size. You won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online if you don’t know whether you have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I can also help you figure out whether you have a high instep or not.
Determining Your Foot Size — Length, Width & Instep!
All women’s feet are different in size, shape, and width. To get the best suited shoes for you, it’s important to consider your own specific requirements. The very first thing to do is figure out your correct foot size, also accounting for any foot issues you may have. Hint: Haglund’s deformity.
When trying to find the correct shoe size, we are looking to figure out your actual foot width (remember that shoes come in different width such as narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide). It may be the case that you believe that you have extra wide feet and in reality, you just have wide feet.
Therefore, there are 3 things you need to consider:
✔️ The length of the foot
✔️ The width of the foot
✔️ The instep of the foot
Please start by reading an article I wrote that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your foot size from home. Please click on the link below:
How To Measure Your Foot Size – The Most Simple And Effective Way!
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common signs that will help you determine whether you have Haglund’s deformity or not.
Detecting Haglund’s Deformity – Common Signs
As a matter of fact, Haglund’s deformity can occur in one or both feet. There are certain signs that will help you determine if you have this condition or not.
✅ Pain in the back of the heel when you walk or run.
✅ Visible bump on the back of your heels.
✅ Swelling or redness on your heels.
✅ Calluses or blisters on your heels where the bump rubs against the shoes.
It is important to realize that in some instances you might just have one of these common signs and that the level of pain can vary. If you prefer, you can also visit your primary care doctor or a podiatrist.
Treating & Preventing Haglund’s Deformity – A Cushioned Heel Counter!
To treat Haglund’s deformity, I recommend that you wear shoes that don’t put pressure on your heels as often as possible. Wearing open-backed shoes is recommended when you are is walking around the house or if you live in an area where it’s nice outside. However, most formal shoes and everyday shoes don’t come with an open-back.
The most important feature that your shoes must have to help treat and prevent Haglund’s deformity is a heel counter with extra cushion and padding. Just to clarify, the heel counter is the back part of the shoes:
It’s really important that you don’t wear shoes that come with rigid or stiff heel counters, since those types of shoes can cause friction and aggravate the condition.
There are 2 indispensable features that your shoes must have around the heel counter:
✅ Extra padding
✅ Extra cushion
These features will keep your feet comfortable and help cushion and prevent your bump from rubbing against the back of the shoes.
You can rest assured that I only review shoe styles that I have fitted before since that is the only way for me to tell how well-made the shoes are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
The Best Shoes for Haglund’s Deformity ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Below you can find a selection of the best shoes for Haglund’s deformity. All of these shoe styles are available in different widths such as medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW), so please make sure that you choose your shoe width accordingly.
Sneakers
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodate high insteps
- An ENCAP midsole combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support
- Dual-density collar foam that offers support and comfort for your heels and ankles
- Suede and mesh upper
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- Cushioning outsole with a mild rocker adds spring to your step.
- Multiple cushioning layers provide pillow-like support that works wonders to enhance comfort and help ease pain on the foot and heel
- Soft, stretchable knit fabric uppers with extra foam padding ease pressure on the foot and provide superior comfort and protection for sensitive feet.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- Cushioning outsole with a mild rocker adds spring to your step.
- Multiple cushioning layers provide pillow-like support that works wonders to enhance comfort and help ease pain on the foot and heel
- Soft, stretchable knit fabric uppers with extra foam padding ease pressure on the foot and provide superior comfort and protection for sensitive feet.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- The DNA LOFT cushioning provides a soft, luxurious feeling underfoot without losing responsiveness or durability
- GuideRails support keeps you moving comfortably by keeping excess movement in check
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet and also accommodates high insteps
- VERSARUN cushioning absorbs impact and reduces pressure for comfortable strides at every level of walking and running
- Added heel support for a more comfortable, secure hold.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- DNA LOFT offers incredibly soft cushioning that now extends beyond the heel, allowing for an easy transition from landing to toe-off.
- Removable foam insole for excellent underfoot comfort and support.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) midsole delivers lightweight, durable, responsive cushioning
- Strategic high-abrasion rubber zones to reduce weight
- Soft, stretchable knit fabric uppers with extra foam padding ease pressure on the foot and provide superior comfort and protection for sensitive feet
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
What Shoe Size Should You Order?
Take a look at the description below the shoes that I recommended to find out what shoe size you should order.
Mary Jane/Casual Shoes
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Extra deep
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Breathable construction and light padding
- Two removable insoles
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Extra deep
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Extra deep
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% Leather
- Padded collar and single-strap closure system
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Breathable construction and light padding
- Two removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Supportive outsole
- Insole provides extra cushion and padding
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- The footbed is designed to comfort all three pressure points: the inside ball, outside ball and heel for all-day support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your foot size
What Shoe Size Should You Order?
Take a look at the description below the shoes that I recommended to find out what shoe size you should order.
Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?
If you happen to need a different pair of shoes please reach out to me directly and I will send you specific shoe recommendations:
comfortablewomenshoes@gmail.com
Please note that shoes can run short, long, narrow, or wide, and depending on how they run you will need to adjust the size that you get for yourself.
I always suggest wearing half a size longer than the size that you measure in the shoe measuring scale to prevent your toes from rubbing against the side or the front of the shoes.
However…
If you measure a foot size 10 and the shoes fit “short”, then you will need to choose the shoe size 11 to allow enough wiggle room (a whole size longer instead of half a size longer). On the other hand, if the shoes fit “long” then you will need to pick the same shoe size instead of going half a size longer (since the shoes already fit long).
In the same way, if you have a kid with Haglund’s deformity and want to provide him/her with a pair of shoes, then you can take a look at an article I wrote where I describe the best kid’s shoes for Haglund’s deformity. Just click on the link below:
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Haglund’s Deformity – Soft Heel Counter with Extra Cushion!
All things considered, kindly let us know if you have found a particular shoe style that has been effective in treating and preventing your Haglund’s deformity so we can all benefit from your feedback.
I am unable to see the list of shoes for Haglund’s. Even though I refreshed.
Hi Heidi,
Let me know if you can see the options below:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
I hope this helps!
Hello! I suffer from Haglund’s disease and I do a lot of walking. The bump on the back of my heel is large and very painful. I wear a size 10 in women’s and have wide feet. What would be the best shoe for me?
Thank you,
Kristi
Hi Kristi,
It can be tricky to find the correct type of shoes as we want shoes that don’t put a lot of pressure on the bump (we need padded heels), and they need to come with a soft instead of firm heel counter. The heel support must come with the bottom of the shoes.
Below you can find two styles I recommend in your size 10 that are available in wide widths:
Option 1
Option 2
I hope this helps.
Hi, I need help to find a pair of women’s walking shoes that I can wear and won’t be painful when I walk. I’ve got Haglund deformity on my left foot and I’ve tried every shoe I can find that say they will work for me, but the they don’t. I need a shoe that has a higher heel vs. flat shoe. It’s painful to walk in a flat shoe and a shoe that rubs the side and back of my heel and ridges. I wear clogs but even with an open back I get pain. I’m not sure if the clogs heels are soft enough? Any help is most appreciated. Thank you, Robin
Hi Robin,
I hope you are well.
What shoe brands/shoe styles have you tried so far? Before I can send you specific shoe recommendations I need to know your exact foot shape. Do you know whether you have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet? Do you know if you have a high instep or not? If you are unsure of your exact foot shape take a look at the article below:
How to Measure Your Foot Shoe Size – The Most Simple and Effective Way!
Is all of your foot pain concentrated around your heels or are you experiencing general foot pain?
Hello,
I have Haglunds and am looking for a good trail running shoe. Have always used Salomon speed cross which has a very rigid heel that has contributed. I really would like a waterproof gortex shoe that is good for mixed terrain. Size 7.5 and fairly high arch.
Hello Cheryl,
To recommend specific shoes for your feet I also would need to know your exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide).
My feet are medium.
Many thanks!
Hello Cheryl,
Below you can find my shoe recommendations:
Option 1 I selected the shoe size 7 1/2
Option 2 I selected the shoe size 7 1/2
Option 3 I selected the shoe size 7 1/2
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I’m looking at some Skechers running shoes with a higher heel do you suggest these ? I now have the new balance you suggested and I’m walking on pavement more so I’m having a lot of pain and stiffness again. Thank you
Hi Mary,
The New Balance I recommended did not work for your feet? Which specific Skechers style are you looking to get? Do you know whether you have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet?
I have haglund’s deformity, size 10 AA foot and high arches. What walking shoes would you recommend and what orthodics do you redommend? My haglunds doesn’t hurt while I walk but causes swelling and tendontis.
Hello Judy,
I saw your email and I will be in touch shortly.
Hello, I have Haglund’s deformity and need some suggestions of work shoes. I work in a school and have been told I’m not allowed to wear trainers however brogues or pumps are causing me a lot of pain. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hello Kirsty,
In order to know what specific shoes will work best for your feet I first need to know whether you have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. If you are unsure of your exact foot shape I suggest that you follow the instructions here: How to Measure Your Foot Shoe Size – The Most Simple and Effective Way!
I’m a guy . What do you think about the brooks adrenaline gts , I have my own orthotics to put in? Vs the brooks glycerin gts ?
Hello,
It really depends on how much space your orthotics take inside of the shoes.If you are wearing a full length orthotic that takes extra space then I suggest getting the Adrenaline as it’s deeper and available in extra wide widths.
Hi there,
I am looking for advice on a good walking shoe and also a sandal. I have Haglund Deformity on my right heel. I wear a size 8.5 wide because I really like a wide toe box. I walk on the outside of my feet, have a hard heel strike usually, high arch, and high instep (maybe they are the same thing). I think I said it all correctly lol. I am 5’5″ and am quite a bit overweight, but I do enjoy walking a lot. Thank you
Hello Connie,
The arch and the instep are not related, so having a high arch doesn’t mean that you will automatically have a high instep, and vice versa.
As far as sneakers are concerned, below you can find the walking shoes that I recommend:
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Keep in mind that the shoes recommended above are available in extra wide widths (“XW”, “EEEE”) as well
As far as sandals are concerned, take a look at the options below:
Option 1 (Choose X-Wide)
Option 2
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I am a nurse with haglund’s deformity where most shoes rub at the edge or top of the heel, I have wide feet and flat feet, what shoe would you suggest
Hello Beth,
What shoes have you tried so far? Most women I have helped with Haglund’s deformity prefer shoes with extra padding around the heels. Soome other women can only wear shoes that don’t put any pressure on the back of her feet. Since you are a nurse and have flat feet I suggest that we look for a pair of supportive shoes with good cushioning and support:
Option 1 This shoe provides good support and good cushion around the heels
Option 2 This shoe provides good support but minimal cushion around the heels
Hello!
I have Achilles Tendonitis on top of Haglund’s Deformity. I have come to realize, I need a shoe for the Deformity with a heel drop of at least 9mm. I would love to wear sneakers, but it’s difficult. I have tried so many shoes only to realize they were the wrong type. Could you recommend sneakers/shoes for this? I would LOVE to wear sneakers again.
Warm regards,
Cris
Hello Cris,
I am happy to recommend specific sneakers for your feet, but first I need to know your exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide), as well as the country that you are contacting me from to check what specific shoes you might be able to order.
Hi there, My 10 year old daughter has haglunds on both heels. I noticed them a few years ago but cant remember if she’s always had them or if it happened over time seeing she’s only young. She, however, is a dancer (ballet)since she was little and trains a lot as she wants to become a ballerina so I’m guessing the ballet shoes will have something to do with it. She is not on pointe yet but will be next year. She hasn’t complained about any discomfort until recently after a school athletics practice and she hurt her heel and the lump turned blue and was tender. (they ran barefoot) The physio gave her some achilles strengthening exercises to do and a friend told her not to wear any shoes like vans or all-stars (much to her horror as they are all the rage right now over here in New Zealand) I was just wondering if you have any recommendations for her. She has narrow long feet and a highish arch. Kind regards, Lisa
Hello Lisa,
It’s important to avoid shoes that are too tight or too stiff. Wearing open-backed shoes is recommended when your daughter is walking around the house or if you live in an area where it’s warm out.
The most important feature that your daughter’s shoes must provide to help treat and prevent Haglund’s deformity is a soft heel counter that comes with extra padding and extra-cushion, that’s one of the main reasons why your medical professional advised against Vans or Converse shoes. I think this resource might help, even though I am not sure if these same shoes are available in New Zealand:
The Best Kids’ Shoes for Haglund’s Deformity – Soft Heel Counter with Extra Cushion!