Crest Pads

Targeted Relief for Flexible Hammer Toes & Claw Toes

Crest pads are a podiatrist-recommended solution designed to gently straighten flexible hammer toes, claw toes, and mallet toes. Unlike rigid splints or toe sleeves, crest pads work by supporting the toe from beneath, encouraging proper alignment and reducing pressure on tip of toes and  painful corns 

How Crest Pads Work

These crescent-shaped cushions nestle under your toes to:

  • Gently extend contracted yet flexible toes back into proper alignment
  • Realigns toe joint where it meets the foot to decrease pressure at the metatarsal heads or ball of the foot
  • Takes pressure off corns on toe tips and between toes
  • Provide immediate comfort 

Who Benefits Most

Crest pads are ideal if you have flexible (not rigid) toe deformities that can still be manually straightened.  Not sure what crest pad is best , check out the table or video  below for help.

suede fabric crest pad seen on foot from bottom and from side and on table without a foot
5 Products
5 Products
Hammer Toe Splint - Suede Fabric Crest Pad - DrGaffneyBestFoot
Stay - Put Toe Spacer or Single hammer Toe Crest Pad - DrGaffneyBestFoot
adjustable gel  hammer toe splint on a foot with toes on a white background
Hammer Toe Splint - adjustable gel crest pad - DrGaffneyBestFoot

Make Your Toes Happy!

Crest Pad Comparison Guide
Type of Pad Best For Key Benefits Limitations
Adjustable Gel Crest Pads Flexible claw toes with toe tip pain, daily wear, corn at toe tip
  • Soft cushioning
  • Offloading washable
  • Durable
  • Wide soft loop adjusts for larger more sensitive toes
  • Slightly thicker in tight shoes
  • Slot for adjustment band can loosen over time
Loop Gel Crest Pad (non-adjustable) Flexible claw toes with toe tip corn or pain
  • Soft cushioning
  • Offloading
  • Washable
  • Stable loop to keep pad secure
  • Loop size may not fit larger arthritic or more sensitive toes
Suede-Fabric Crest Pads Flexible claw toes with toe tip corn or pain
  • Strong offloading
  • Lower profile for dress shoes
  • Elastic band for fit adjustment
  • Shorter lifespan
  • Elastic band may be uncomfortable in sensitive and/or arthritic toes
Single Toe Gel Crest Pad Flexible claw toe with toe tip corn or pain of a single toe
  • Soft, supportive, durable gel
  • Stretchy loop
  • Can also be used as a stay-put spacer
  • Static loop although stretchy must be sized properly

Answer:Crest pads are crescent-shaped cushions that sit under your toes to gently straighten flexible hammer toes, claw toes, and mallet toes. They work by supporting the toe from beneath, encouraging proper alignment while redistributing pressure away from the ball of your foot and cushioning painful corns.

Answer:Crest pads are most effective for flexible claw/hammer toe deformities—toes that can still be manually straightened. If your toes are rigid and cannot be moved into a straight position, you may need a different solution. Crest pads provide immediate symptom relief but do not permanently correct the deformity. They work best for pain at the tip of the toe.

Answer:Gel crest pads offer maximum cushioning and durability, ideal for all-day wear and athletic activities. Suede fabric pads are lightweight and breathable, perfect for everyday comfort. Suede Fabric crest pads and the adjustable gel crest pad are adjustable, offering a more customizable fit. The suede fabric crest pad is best for a more narrow toe box shoes like a dress shoe.

Answer:Yes, crest pads are designed to be discreet and work in most closed-toe shoes. The gel crest pads may be too bulky for dress shoes however.

Answer:Durability varies by material. Gel crest pads typically can last 6 maybe up to 12 months with daily use, Suede-fabric crest pads last 3-6 months, with proper care. Careful usage of the loop when sliding the crest pad on will increase longevity. Replace them when seem like they are flattening, the loop securing the device to the toe won't stay snug or the tip of your toe starts to hurt again.

Answer:Usually the gel comb or the adjustable gel crest pad

Answer:Yes the gel crest pads and gel comb can be trimmed with scissors for a better fit. The suede fabric crest pad cannot be trimmed.