2026 ABC Certified Pedorthist (C-PED) Practice Exam – Comprehensive Test Prep

When a shoe is too tight over a hallux valgus deformity, the goal is to increase the forefoot space specifically where the bunion sits. A ball-and-ring stretcher is designed to widen the toe box in that area, expanding the shoe to reduce pressure on the bunion and improve comfort. Simply adjusting laces doesn’t add any extra volume, and while sandals remove the constraint altogether, they don’t provide the support or stability many wearers need. A toe spacer doesn’t widen the shoe and may not alleviate the pressure from the tight forefoot.