Rondom is collaborating with Erasmus MC on research into osteoarthritis of the big toe

The Department of General Practice at Erasmus MC has launched the “Shoe Study: does a customised shoe help with osteoarthritis of the big toe?”. This study investigates whether modifications to a person’s own shoes result in less pain when walking for people with osteoarthritis of the big toe (MTP-1 joint). This research aligns with Rondom’s mission to help everyone walk more comfortably through life. Rondom is therefore helping to raise awareness of the Shoe Study and to recruit participants.

Why is this research important?

People with osteoarthritis in the big toe often experience pain when walking. There are various treatments available to help these people. However, it is not yet known which treatment is most effective in relieving foot pain caused by osteoarthritis of the big toe. Adjustments to one’s own shoes may well be an effective treatment. Erasmus MC is set to investigate this through the Shoe Study.

What does the research involve?

Participants have their own shoes fitted by an orthopaedic shoemaker in their local area or continue to receive their usual care from their GP. This is determined by a random draw. For one year, all participants complete a digital questionnaire every month about pain, health and their use of medication and healthcare. This allows the results of the questionnaires to be compared between participants with and without customised shoes.

What does a customised shoe like this look like?

The modified shoe is also known as an ‘Orthopaedic Modification to Ready-to-Wear Footwear’ (OVAC). Many shoe styles are suitable for modifications, such as Gabor and Mephisto. In most cases, the shoe modifications consist of a stiffened sole, a roll-off support and an insole. This reduces the pressure on the big toe whilst walking. The shoe ends up looking slightly different.

How is Rondom contributing to this research?

For this study, Erasmus MC is looking for people with osteoarthritis in the big toe who regularly experience pain when walking. Rondom is helping to recruit participants through social media posts and by distributing leaflets and posters at various Rondom Podotherapeuten locations.

Want to know more?

For more information about this study, please visit Any questions or ideas? Please email or call 010-703 5882 (option 6).