Most often, hammer toes are caused by wearing shoes that fit too tightly. Because women are more likely to wear high heels that exert pressure on the feet and shoes with narrow, pointy toe boxes, the problem is more common among ladies than men.
Accidents that cause the toe to be jammed or stubbed can cause lingering injuries that make a person more likely to develop a hammer toe. The condition can also be caused by muscle imbalances that are genetic or that develop due to a medical problem.
Individuals whose second toes are naturally longer than their big toes are more vulnerable to pressure from shoes and more at risk for hammer toes. Arthritis and diabetes can also put a person more at risk for the condition.