Any kind of foot pain is annoying and something people don’t like or want to deal with. But cuboid syndrome? Ever heard of that? That one is particularly scary, if you ask me. It’s no wonder many people are looking for the best shoes for cuboid syndrome to ease the pain they’re dealing with every day.
Finding the right pair of footwear to help you deal with this nightmare of a foot condition is not an easy task. But we have made it (somehow) and are happy to share our results with you.
If you’re wondering what this syndrome even is, let’s first have a quick foot lesson before we move on to our top 7 pairs of shoes that can help you walk with less pain.
What is cuboid syndrome, actually?
The human foot has served tarsal bones, and the cuboid bone is one of them. It is located sideways on the distal row of the tarsus and forms the center of the lateral column. It has a cubical shape with a “bump” on the sole’s surface.
Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition caused by the dislocation of the cuboid bone. This syndrome causes severe pain on the outer side of the foot, usually underneath, opposite the highest point of the arch.
This syndrome is common with ballet dancers and athletes, and it is believed to be caused by the extreme inner twisting of the ankle. Apart from the cuboid bone, the pain can be felt in the neighboring joints and ligaments that support the bone.
Cuboid syndrome can also be caused by an acute injury, excessive body mass, running or training on uneven surfaces, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or simply having flat feet.
The best way to treat this condition usually involves a combination of different physical therapies to strengthen and support the joints and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone.
A great way to deal with cuboid syndrome is to choose supportive shoes, opt for custom orthotics, and do safe and prescribed stretches and exercises on a daily basis.
What are the best shoes for cuboid syndrome?
1. Adidas Men’s Ultraboost Shoes
Of course, we have to start with an esteemed brand such as Adidas. Ultraboost is an exceptionally soft, comfortable, and lightweight model that you’ll never wish to take off once you put it on your feet.
These shoes feature PRIMEKNIT and textile upper, making them perfect for both summer and winter temperatures. They also come with high-quality continental rubber outsoles to ensure exceptional traction.
The collar and tongue are padded and generally well-cushioned, which is a feature many people who suffer from cuboid syndrome are looking for.
These Adidas Ultraboost shoes come in 16 different colors, and you can expect to pay approximately $190 a pair.
2. ASICS Women’s GEL-190 TR Cross-Training Shoes
Second in line are these cross-trainers by ASICS. Made out of 100% synthetic materials and featuring dual-density rubber outsoles, these lightweight shoes are your perfect everyday walking shoes that do an amazing job at shock absorption.
They’re equipped with the Trusstic System Technology which reduces the weight of the sole while at the same time preserving the integrity of the shoes.
These shoes are fairly wide and roomy, which means that your toes have enough space. They are also very comfortable, supportive, and highly breathable, due to the Airmesh technology used in the design of the upper.
This ASICS model is truly one of the best shoes for cuboid syndrome, and they are pretty affordable, too. They can be found for around $23.
3. Birkenstock Arizona Shoes
We gotta have a sandal option for cuboid syndrome for all those hot summery days, right? And Birkenstock Arizona is the perfect candidate!
This Arizona model is a timeless Birkenstock design that never seems to go out of style. The sandal upper is made out of suede leather, the footbed material of cork, and the outsole of high-quality, lightweight, and elastic EVA foam, providing a good amount of traction.
These sandals are super comfortable and supportive. They are also highly adjustable as they come with two straps with metal pin buckles to be tightened or loosened to your personal liking.
The suede upper can be found in three neutral colors – taupe, mocha, and thyme – and is pretty easy to clean and maintain.
All in all, this is a decent open-toe option for people with cuboid syndrome. It costs around $130 a pair, which can come across as a tad on the pricey side for sandals. But think of it as a form of investment for your precious feet and overall well-being.
4. Brooks Glycerin 15 Running Shoes
if you’re on a budget, Brooks Glycerin 15 is said to be the perfect running shoe for cuboid syndrome.
They feature a plush fit, which means that the upper “hugs” your feet while still providing enough room to move and expand with your stride. They also feature Super DNA midsoles which give you exceptionally soft cushioning.
These shoes offer great arch support, too. With them, you’ll be able to walk for miles on any kind of terrain, feeling comfy, supported, and protected.
Brooks Glycerin 15 running shoes come in five colors, and cost around $105.
5. Merrell Women’s Gridway Moc Shoes
Every worthwhile shoe list simply has to include a slip-on model for all those people who every once in a while don’t want to be bothered with laces.
These Merrell Gridway Moc Shoes are made out of 100% recycled yarn knit upper, and they feature rubber soles that ensure a decent amount of traction. They come with removable EVA footbeds which can be easily replaced with other types of insoles for better shock absorption.
These shoes are very lightweight and breathable. They have medium to high arch support and are suitable for both narrow and wide feet.
This moccasin model is available in 3 neutral colors and will only set you back around $67.
6. Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 14 Shoes
Next, we have Wave Inspire 14 by Mizuno, which just so happens to be perfect for someone who struggles with cuboid syndrome.
These shoes are made out of 100% synthetic materials and are very lightweight and breathable. They feature a high-quality and durable rubber sole that provides the best traction on any type of surface, so you can walk or run fairly comfortably.
They come with responsive cushioning, a roomy toe box, and dual-density midsoles which absorb the shock and relieve you from any cuboid syndrome-related pain you may be feeling.
All in all, with a price tag of $130, these are some pretty good men’s shoes.
7. Nike Air Force 1 Lv8 Leather Casual Shoes
Finishing off our list with another well-known brand many people love – Nike. Its Air Force 1 Lv8 model is not only comfortable and very stylish, but also another great option for cuboid syndrome.
These casual shoes are made out of high-quality flexible leather, and they come with non-marking rubber outsoles which ensure protection and great traction over slippery surfaces.
They feature a snug fit and a low-cut and padded collar that looks sleek and feels great on the feet. They also boast full-length air soles for exceptional cushioning.
Nike Air Force 1 Lv8 might be a tad bit too bulky to some, but no one can argue that they have a timeless look. And they can be purchased at $130, which is pretty affordable for such an esteemed brand.
What to look out for when buying shoes for cuboid syndrome
If you happen to dislike the shoes for cuboid syndrome we have selected for you, there’s a solution for that, too!
Below, we have listed the most important features you should look for. Make notes so you can find the perfect pair on your next shopping spree.
1. Comfort
Any kind of shoes you wear simply have to be comfortable, let alone ones for certain foot conditions like cuboid syndrome or bunions. So, comfort is non-negotiable!
Look for shoes that are well-cushioned and supportive, and have a snug fit suitable for your feet. This will reduce the pain in the cuboid bone area and ensure you walk or run without much trouble.
2. Durability
When you’re on the lookout for shoes for cuboid syndrome, remember to go for quality – you need your shoes to be durable. These shoes will perform better and will generally last you much longer.
3. Flexibility
Flexibility is another key feature when choosing shoes for this foot condition. Flexible shoes will provide your feet with enough space for movement, and they will be more breathable.
Shoes that are too stiff can make your pain ten times worse, and can even increase the probability of fracturing your cuboid bone.
4. Breathability
And lastly, shoes for cuboid syndrome also have to be made out of high-quality, breathable material. It’s always good to keep your feet fresh, dry, and moisture-free, therefore breathability should be another essential feature to look for in your next shoes.
Read more: 5 Best Shoes For Extensor Tendonitis: Get Back On Your Feet
