Turf toe. need inserts for dress shoes. what otc material is best? gel, foam? pain exacerbated recently.

Semi ridgid: For turf toe you want a material that will stop the great toe from lifting up during toe off. We usually use a thermo-plastic plate.

No gels or foams: What you need is called a morton's extension. A rigid plate (such as a tongue depressor) placed under the great toe joint will limit extension and flexion of the toe if the injury is turf toe. Also, the more severe the injury, the higher the role that ground stress forces play in how the joint functions.