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Despite how painful bunions can be, wearing proper footwear can help alleviate some of the discomfort — and potentially prevent the common foot problem from worsening over time. That means ditching high heels and constricting loafers and shopping for the best shoes for bunions.
“A bunion is a dislocation of the big toe joint of your foot, specifically the first metatarsophalangeal joint,” says podiatrist Sondema Tarr, DPM. That’s the joint at the base of your big toe. “Essentially, the bone shifts, creating an angulation of the big toe joint and that noticeable ‘bump’ on the inside of the foot,” says podiatrist Alissa Kuizinas, DPM. Bunions can cause a range of symptoms including pain, stiffness, toe weakness, toe crowding, and potential issues like hammertoes and metatarsalgia (inflammation in the ball of the foot).
Bunions are one of the most common foot issues, affecting about a third of Americans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And they’re more common in older adults and women, especially those who wear heels and narrow dress shoes. Indeed, the wrong footwear could worsen your bunions over time and can cause pain and irritation in the short term. That’s why it’s important to wear shoes that stabilize the foot into the ideal neutral position, where weight is evenly distributed across the foot. One of the biggest keys for people with bunions is to look for a wide shoe fit and a roomy toe box. “Avoid straight or narrow toe beds, which can result in painful friction,” says Dr. Glenn Davison, DPM, a Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
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To help you find the right shoes, we researched countless styles, including women’s dress shoes for bunions, lifestyle sneakers, running shoes, and shoes for wide feet from popular brands. We also asked experts for the top picks they recommend to their patients. Read on to find the pair that works for you.
Materials: Knit material
Special features: Wide toe box; stretchy, breathable material; soft foam midsole
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “I walk or jog 60-70 km per week and these shoes never fail me! I have a wider foot and a bunion, and these stand up every day. I’m on my 6th pair (because I simply wear them out with the distance) and I will continue to purchase because I haven’t found a better style or brand than these for what I use them for.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Materials: Leather
Special features: Made of soft leather; available in wide, extra wide, and extra-extra wide; cushioned footbed
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “This shoe fits my bunions and hammer toes. It is the only shoe I can wear. I wear it every day. It has a deep toe box and comes in extra wide 4E.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Materials: Terrycloth
Special features: Adjustable closure; arch support; open-toe style
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “So warm and comfortable for my tailor’s bunion and plantar fascia! I wear it in the house all the time. I’m also happy that the velcro strap allows room for my wide feet (with a bunion on the side).”
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Materials: Leather
Special features: Adjustable straps; anatomic footbed; made with soft leather
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What reviewers say: “Fantastic sandal. well made, super comfortable, and very nice looking, I am rebuying more, so I never run out of them. Excellent buy! As good or better than Birkenstock.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Materials: Leather
Special features: Available in wide width; made of soft, flexible leather
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
DSW Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “Super comfortable and fit for wide feet! These shoes are so soft and comfortable that I have no problem wearing them all day teaching.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Cushioned midsole; available in wide and extra wide; made of breathable mesh
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Ghost 15s are the best shoes. I wear them every day for workouts, walking and daily business. I also wear orthotics and they fit no problem. I’ve been wearing Ghost shoes for years and have many pairs of Ghost 14 and 15.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Materials: Mesh
Special features: Wide, anatomically shaped toe box; made of stretchy and breathable mesh uppers; zero drop
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Similar style to Converse, which I wear all the time. And these have room for me to wiggle my toes and more support and comfort. Love them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Materials: Leather
Special features: Open sandal doesn’t put pressure on the toes; leather straps are soft and padded; cushioned midsole and arch support
What testers say: “I cannot even describe how comfortable these are. When you live your life with foot and knee pain then you find shoes that are not only attractive but also comfortable and comforting. These are those shoes. I purchased black and white. Heavenly.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $135
Materials: Mesh uppers
Special features: Low heel drop; roomy toe box; cushioned midsole
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “These are a perfect balance for me. I’m used to running in sneakers with a more narrow toe box which I learned is no longer good for my feet. These have a nice-sized toe box and are not overly big. My feet feel way better after long runs… These Altras check all the boxes for me: Comfort, the right amount of cushion, low drop, room for your toes to spread out, and most importantly my feet and body feel good after. I’d recommend these to my running buddies for sure.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Materials: Vegan leather
Special features: Wide toe box; soft and flexible upper; removable insole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “These are the best barefoot shoes I have found. I barely notice that they are on my foot during my run. I also love that they are a full shoe so that I can wear them for my work fitness test. I usually wear a 7.5 in running shoes which allows extra room for my foot expanding or swelling. In the Prio, I needed a size 8 to have the same space. So, be aware of that when purchasing!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Materials: Leather
Special features: Wide toe box; soft leather upper, anatomic footbed
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “The most comfortable boot I have ever worn! The longer I wear these boots the more comfortable they become. I have bad feet and boots are hard to find that are comfortable and stylish. … I will pay for quality and feel these boots are the best quality for my feet. I will be wearing this brand of boot for many years!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $240
Materials: Blend of Lycra and polyurethane
Special features: Flexible upper material; removable insole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Comfortable and cute, with much more cushiony support than expected. I walked 10-plus miles the first day out in these [without] sore spots. Breathable, too. The white/black is great for casual/jeans, but can also be dressed up. I love these shoes, [and] I hate almost all shoes. I’m barefoot whenever possible, but these are the next best. I have a bunion and fairly wide feet, and still these shoes worked.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Materials: Synthetic
Special features: Available in wide and extra wide; extra depth design; adjustable strap; anatomical arch support
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Orthofeet Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “Love these shoes!! I had severe SI joint pain, but these shoes do not cause pain even when I am on my feet all day! I have wide feet, and my spurs/bunions are smaller and do not hurt anymore. Highly recommend! Worth the money.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Materials: Leather
Special features: Wide toe box; zero heel drop; made of soft leather
What testers say: “Beautiful shoes for those who don’t want to sacrifice comfort or style in the fall! The shoes go with every outfit, even a skirt or a warm dress! It is recommended to measure your foot when ordering for the first time.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $179
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Bunions
If you have bunions, Dr. Davison says you may benefit from custom orthotics and shoe inserts for bunions, but you can also greatly alleviate the pain with your shoe choice. Here are the most important features to look for in good shoes for bunions:
- Wide toe box: The most important feature to look for is a wide toe box. “This means a toe box shape that is truly widest at the toes, and does not taper or become triangular in shape,” Dr. Kuizinas says. Having extra room in the toe area will prevent added pressure on your bunion, which could exacerbate the pain. “Avoid straight or narrow toe beds, which can result in painful friction,” Dr. Davison warns.
- Soft materials: If you already have a bunion, prioritize shoes made from softer material. Soft materials can stretch or give, and they won’t irritate your bunion from too much rubbing, say Dr. Tarr. “Since our feet need to be able to move and splay inside of the shoes, soft, expandable material is key to prevent restriction of the great toe joint while walking,” adds Dr. Kuizinas.
- Flexible sole: A flexible shoe sole allows for proper movement of the foot as you walk, particularly the movement of the big toe joint. Unfortunately, many shoes, even sneakers, have very stiff and rigid soles that completely block the necessary movement here. “You should be able to bend or flex the sole of your shoe easily,” Dr. Kuizinas says.
- Low or zero heel elevation: High heels don’t directly cause bunions, but they can certainly make your condition worse. “Even a small heel in a shoe will push the center of mass forward and interfere with foot mechanics, exacerbating bunions,” Dr. Kuizinas says. The best option is a shoe that is flat from heel to toe, allowing your foot to sit on a level surface.
What Causes Bunions?
There are a lot of misconceptions about bunions and what causes them, with many people citing genetics, or even high heels as the inciting factor. But it’s a little more complicated than that. “People with flat, flexible feet are most prone to developing bunions,” Dr. Kuizinas says. “Often, more severe bunions are associated with hypermobility syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos.” However, virtually any foot type can potentially develop a bunion.
“The bottom line is that you develop a bunion because of your biomechanics,” says Dr. Davison. When the foot’s arch drops, or pronates, this causes the muscles on the bottom and side of the foot to stretch. Pronation increases pressure on the foot’s inner area, and bunions occur when the muscles on the top of the foot try to compensate for this, pulling back and causing the bone to jut out. So, genetics do play a part in causing bunions, but not how most people think of it. “You didn’t get a bunion because your grandmother had a bunion. You got a bunion because your feet pronate, just like your grandmothers’ pronated,” Dr. Davison concludes.
Consistently wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box can increase your chances of developing a bunion, too. “To be able to fit into these shoes, your foot has to squeeze and toes have to come together more than they naturally should,” says Dr. Tarr. While this may not cause a bunion in every person, those with a predisposition to increased mobility or instability of the middle part of the foot are at a higher risk. “Therefore, choosing shoes that are overly rigid, extra narrow (although almost all modern shoes are too narrow), or high heels will force extra pressure and torsion into the great toe joint,” says Dr. Kuizinas, adding that these types of shoes can also irritate a bunion that is otherwise pain-free.
Bunions are preventable, but early intervention is key. “If you take a kid whose muscles are young, flexible, and adapting, and you put them into orthotic footwear that doesn’t allow for pronation, their feet will develop in the correct position,” Davison says. He advises that even people without foot issues should spend at least 50 to 60 percent of the time in supportive shoes to “greatly reduce the chance of developing bunions” in the future. By the time patients arrive in his office, they are usually far past that point and experiencing significant pain.
Are There Fashionable Shoes for Bunions?
Footwear brands are prioritizing functional features now more than ever before, making it that much easier to find bunion-friendly shoes that are fashionable. Basically, so long as your shoe is made with proper biomechanics in mind — meaning, it’s not narrow or constricting, especially around the toe box, and is made of adjustable materials — it can be appropriate for bunions.
Take the recent Gorpcore trend, which marries comfort with cool and has fueled never-before-seen mashups like the Chloe x Teva collaboration. Supportive soles, chunky shoes, and arch support have never looked so good. Even classic orthopedic shoe brands like Vionic and Clarks create a variety of styles that are in line with today’s trends, making it that much easier to build a better footwear rotation that protects and corrects your feet. Whether you’re shopping for boots, sneakers, sandals, or dress shoes, you’re bound to find a shoe that doesn’t compromise comfort for style.
The Best Shoes for Bunions and Different Foot Types and Conditions
Bunions often contribute to other foot problems. Here’s what to look for according to your foot type and condition:
- The best shoes for bunions and hammertoes: Having bunions puts you at a higher risk of developing hammertoes, a condition where toe joints bend rather than laying flat. If you have bunions and hammertoes, Dr. Tarr recommends wearing wide-fitting shoes for bunions that are deeper to fit the bunion and hammertoe. This reduces the risk of painful rubbing. “The material should be soft to avoid irritating the bunion, too,” she says.
- The best shoes for bunions and flat feet: People with flat feet are more likely to have bunions, which is why both of our podiatrists recommend wearing wider shoes with a soft material that won’t irritate the bunion. “People with flat feet can benefit from additional arch support in their shoes, which can be achieved with an insole inside of a flat, flexible shoe,” Dr. Kuizinas says.
- The best shoes for bunions and wide feet: People with bunions fit best in shoes for wide feet to begin with, so look for a wider toe box (or shoes that are available in multiple widths) to accommodate for more space. Dr. Tarr also recommends looking for anatomically shaped shoes, which follow the natural shape of the foot.
- The best shoes for bunions and plantar fasciitis: If you have both conditions, look for a shoe with a wide toe box, soft and flexible upper materials, and a flat, flexible sole, Dr. Kuizinas says. Dr. Tarr also recommends shoes that are wider and are made of soft materials to fit the bunion. You also might want to look for an added heel cup to “take pressure off of the plantar fascia insertion while healing,” she says.
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Bunions
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To choose the best shoes for bunions, we spoke to two top podiatrists for insight on what look for in supportive footwear, as well as brands and styles they recommend to patients with bunions and related foot conditions. We also researched many different styles from popular brands, including New Balance, Naot, Kuru, and more, and compared hundreds of customer reviews to narrow down our picks. FN editors also personally tested several pairs to include in this shopping guide. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Glenn Davison, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist and the owner of Advanced Podiatry in New York City and New Jersey. He’s a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Sondema Tarr, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and owner of her private practice, Direct Podiatry Arizona. She’s done medical volunteer work at JFK Medical Center in Liberia.
Alissa Kuizinas, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist who specializes in natural foot function. Her passion is seeing her patients transform their feet without surgery, such as through proper footwear.
Meet the Author
April Benshosan is a health journalist and editor who’s interviewed countless doctors and other medical professionals as well as tested many pairs of orthopedic sneakers and shoes throughout her career, including bunion-friendly shoes. She’s dedicated to arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Her work has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Women’s Health, SHAPE, VeryWell Fit, Health.com, LIVESTRONG.com, and more.
