Bunions

Best Shoes for Bunions

Shoe shopping is challenging enough under normal circumstances. You have to find a style you like in the size and color you need, and somehow you have to figure out how to get a pair that fits your feet that are a half size different from each other. But when you have bunions, this shopping process becomes even more challenging.

Learn How to Fight Bunion Pain?

Finding the best shoes for bunion feet is important for keeping you as healthy and mobile as possible.

Best Men’s Shoes for Bunions: Men's Lace Walking Shoe - Black

Best Women's Shoes for Bunions: Women's Boss Runner Active Shoe - X-Last - Silver/Sea Blue

Best Walking Shoes for Bunions: Women's Lace Walking Shoe - V-Last - White/Periwinkle | Men's Lace Walking Shoe V Last - White/Blue

Best Dress Shoes for Bunions: Women's Dress Shoe Petals Janice - Pewter | Men's Cap Toe Oxford Dress Shoe Lexington - Black

Best Insoles for Bunions: A-Wave Orthotic Support Insole Unisex

Best Hiking Shoes for Bunions: Women's Trail Runner Active Shoe - Sierra Gray/Purple | Men's Ariya - Hiking Boot - Brown

Best Work Shoes for Bunions: Women's Dress Shoe Petals Janice - Black | Men's Boss Runner Active Shoe - Black

Best Slipper for Bunions: Unisex Orthopedic Moccasin Slipper Camel

What are Bunions?

Bunions, referred to in the medical community as Hallux Valgus, are one of the most common forefoot problems. A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. This bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. With the continued movement of the big toe towards the smaller toes, it is common to find the big toe resting under or over the second toe. This causes a common forefoot condition called overlapping toes. Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. The discomfort commonly causes a patient to walk improperly.

Are you Shoes Making Your Bunions Worse?

Another type of bunion which some individuals experience is called a Tailor's Bunion, also known as a Bunionette. This forms on the outside of the foot towards the joint at the little toe. It is a smaller bump that forms due to the little toe moving inwards, towards the big toe.

What to Look For

The best shoes for bunions feature extra room, so you can create your own comfy custom fit. They never pinch or pull your toes together, providing more than enough room for your bunions to heal. Plus, they feature high-quality design elements to avoid irritating sensitive skin.

A Wide Design and Extra Depth

Good shoes for bunions come in full and half sizes, offer multiple widths and feature adjustable straps or laces to accommodate unique foot needs.

Look for footwear with a cushiony removable insert that provides 3/16 inch or more extra space. That way, you can customize the fit of your shoe by adding or removing padding or inserting your own custom insoles. 

A Spacious Toe Box

Bunions happen when narrow shoes squeeze toes together. That's why you need to look for footwear with a rounded toe box. Rounded toe boxes give room for bunions to heal and prevent the current bone misalignment from getting worse.

A High-Quality Design

Walking with bunions is painful already. The last thing you need is to rub a callus, making matters even worse.

Instead, choose a shoe featuring flexible exterior materials, soft interior padding with smooth seams, and shock-absorbent soles. Combined, these design elements will reduce stress and minimize rubbing to keep feet as healthy and pain-free as possible.