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It’s sandal season! For those with bunions, selecting warm-weather footwear isn’t as simple as ordering a pair of slides or flip flops. The best sandals for bunions let your feet breathe without causing aches, sharp pain, or blisters on your adventures.
Bunions are bony protrusions that often occur “when the big toe joint loses its natural position, and over time, deviates laterally,” says Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist and owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania. The tip of the big toe ends up pulling toward the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out. Some people can also develop bunions on the base joint of the pinky toe; these are called Tailor’s bunions.
What’s to blame for this condition? Alongside biomechanics — how you walk and where the pressure goes — and good old genetics, those stylish yet unsupportive shoes you love could be one of the main culprits. According to an article published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, incorrectly fitting footwear is a contributor to structural foot disorders like bunions, as well as corns and calluses. Shoes that are overly tight in the toe box and/or that put your foot at a suboptimal angle (like super pointy pumps, for example), can cause or exacerbate bunions.
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In severe cases, some people may opt for surgery, where a doctor would remove swollen and painful tissue and realign the bone, according the Mayo Clinic. But, there are some non-invasive ways of alleviating bunion pain, like wearing more comfortable shoes and sandals that won’t irritate the painful protrusions. Ahead, our list of the best sandals for bunions, plus podiatrist-approved shopping tips.
Courtesy of Cole Haan
Materials: Leather and rubber
Colors Available: Black and ivory
Special Features: Flexible sole for comfortable walking
What reviewers say: “Great sandals – comfy and stylish. They run a tad big. I usually wear a 9, but the 8.5 fit better. These will be a summer staple, definitely recommend.”
Materials: Leather and rubber
Colors Available: Black, beige, gold, and leopard print
Special Features: Podiatrist-designed footbed; available in multiple widths
What reviewers say: “Unique flat with arch support. Really comfy and does not cut against my toes as this style often does. Picked up the nude and considering getting the black, too. Fits true to size.”
Materials: Fabric straps, foam midsole, and rubber outsole
Colors Available: Pink, blue, and gold
Special Features: Nike Air-Sole unit in the midsole
What reviewers say: “Comfortable is an understatement. They feel like a great quality shoe. I’m not a big fan of sneakers, so having these as alternative makes me so happy. Great for everyday wear or traveling.”
Related: Nike’s Jordan Sophia Slides Deliver Mermaidcore With a Barbie Twist
Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon, EVA footbed
Colors Available: Multi-color, cream, light green, tan, black, red, and more
Special Features: Durable outsole and adjustable straps
What reviewers say: “I’ve been wanting Teva’s forever and thought I would give this simple style a shot. I absolutely love them! I have more of a narrow foot and am between a 6-7 in shoes. I ordered a 6 and they fit perfectly! Definitely will order more colors and styles in the future!”
Courtesy of Kuru
Materials: Leather, metal hardware, and sheepskin lining
Colors Available: Walnut Brown, Jet Black, and Taupe
Special Features: Three layers of dense cushioning, designed specifically for those dealing with plantar fasciitis and bunions
What reviewers say: “I love the way these sandals look. I haven’t had warm weather yet to wear them but I will say that the footbed is perfect and I can tell that they will live up to the several other pairs of Kuru shoes that I have. I like the fact that I can adjust all the straps. I call Kuru my “miracle” shoes. I can’t live without them.”
Materials: Foam
Colors Available: Black, navy, green, slate, blue
Special Features: Designed for recovery from workouts and walking
What reviewers say: “I have neuropathy, flat footed with serious bunions. My feet gave been in constant pain for at least 6 years now. These sandals have made a remarkable difference. After a day of wearing these I have very little pain. This is a miracle for me. These sandals are incredibly supportive and hug my feet in all the right places. The spasms in my feet and calves has also subsided.”
Courtesy of Vionic
Materials: Synthetic leather
Colors Available: Black, Cream, Blue, and Orange
Special features: Footbed designed by podiatrists
What reviewers say: “I have a difficult time finding shoes. My feet are wide with bunions and I NEED arch support, which is why I often buy Vionic. As soon as I slipped these on, they were comfortable – especially because the straps are cushioned. I highly recommend these sandals.”
Birkenstock “Gizeh” thong sandals.
MBS Nuernberg GmbH
Anna-Maria St
Materials: Acrylic and polyamide felt, cork, and suede
Colors Available: Black, gold, pearl, silver, white, brown, navy
Special Features: Arch support; sustainable materials
What reviewers say: “I love/loved everything about these…they’re comfortable, mold to my feet and provide great support. However, they only lasted two summers before cracking on the sides and the sole is completely worn down. I’ve worn Birks for years. I have pairs that have lasted for years. None have have ever cracked on the sides like this pair. The quality has gone straight down the tubes. It’s upsetting because it use to be a great supportive shoe.”
Courtesy of Clarks
Materials: Leather and suede
Colors Available: Black, Dark Tan, Grenadine, Light Sand, and Silver
Special Features: Responsibly sourced leather; perforated suede footbed for breathability
What reviewers say: “I am thrilled with these shoes having despaired over finding anything to fit a high instep without rubbing. The sole is really cushioned. They are light. I highly recommend them.”
Courtesy of Amazon
Materials: Leather and synthetic
Colors Available: Beige, Blush, Navy, Cream, Tan
Special Features: Ergonomically designed footbed
What reviewers say: “I had a bunion surgery and broke my toes this year. My doctor recommended this brand because I don’t want to live in my hokas when I go out. Wide enough and no blisters. I was doubtful but wore them I full day (over 12 hours) with no issues. Definitely worth a shot!”
Courtesy of Eileen Fisher
Materials: Leather and synthetics
Colors Available: Brown, gunmetal, black
Special Features: Lug sole
Materials: EVA, rubber, recycled webbing
Colors Available: Black, blue, herringbone, yellow, sky multi
Special Features: Extra support in Dansko Natural Arch technology
What reviewers say: “If you have heel pain, issues with walking due to poor knees and/or heels. This is the shoe for you. For me the only shoes I buy are Dankso. Basically “ortho” shoes that are cute.”
Materials: Leather, synthetic leather, microfiber and foam
Colors Available: Smoke
Special Features: Built-in orthotic arch support
What reviewers say: “I have very bad feet and walking around all day is just miserable for me with most shoes. I went on vacation and spent 3 full days walking and my feet didn’t hurt at all. I will be ordering more of these shoes.”
Materials: Cork, latex and suede
Colors Available: Black, beige, olive, maple brown, slate, navy, brown
Special Features: Slip-resistant
What reviewers say: “These sandals fit my foot perfectly and were comfortable from the start–no break in period required. Yeah!! I have been wearing them for a month and the footbed feels like I’m walking on a cloud and is already taking the shape of my foot. The padded ankle strap feels so cushy. I’m ordering another pair in a different color today!”
Courtesy of Amazon
Materials: Jacquard webbing, rubber,
Colors Available: Black, moss, tie dye, lavender, clay, navy, brown, red, green, blue, and more
Special Features: Fully adjustable straps allow a custom fit
What reviewers say: “I have wide feet and I was pleasantly surprised to see that these came in a wide! I have another pair of wide Chacos but the straps go around my toe and sometimes it feels uncomfortable and is harder to slip in an out of. These don’t have the toe loop and it makes them easier to put on and take off. This is an original footbed, meaning there will be a break in period, if you don’t want to have to break in your Chacos, buy one with the cloud footbed. I got the tie dye and I couldn’t be happier with them!”
Courtesy of DSW
Materials: Leather, cork and suede
Colors Available: Black, brown, navy, blue, tan, khaki, iron
Special Features: Wide sole accommodates bunions
What reviewers say: “Most comfortable sandals ever! I got the suede and they are the softest of the styles. I have a pair of the other kind and they are nowhere near as comfortable. The regular width size is way to wide for me. I have the buckle on the last hole tightened all the way and they are still too wide. so unless you have really fat feet…get the narrow size.”
Materials: Leather and EVA
Colors Available: Almond, brandy, black, bone, black and bone, rose and bone, rose
Special Features: Cushioned insole
What reviewers say: “Very comfy sandal!!! Fit true to size and good width.”
Materials: Synthetic leather
Colors Available: Brown, green, black
Special Features: Water-resistant material
What reviewers say: “I have purchased this brand before- doesn’t disappoint . Well crafted and the sole is comfortable – no need to break in.”
Materials: EVA
Colors Available: Black, brown, blue, green, pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, and more
What reviewers say: “Bought these shoes after seeing them all over TikTok and they really are great! The most comfortable shoes I own, it really is like walking on clouds! I usually wear a 8.5 and I got the 7.5-8.5 size and they fit perfectly. Highly recommend and way cheaper than the name brand!”
Materials: Memory foam, mesh, textile lining
Special Features: Upper contains 50 percent recycled materials, hook and loop straps
What reviewers say: “These are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. No need to wear in; great straight from the box. I usually wear a women’s 7 and the 6 was a better fit for me. Super stylish and tons of compliments!”
Materials: Leather and rubber
Colors Available: Black, Off-White, Light Brown, Dark Brown
Special Features: Responsibly sourced leather
What reviewers say: “I bought these sandals to wear on a European vacation, lots of walking! They are extremely comfortable from the first day, did not need to be broken in.”
What to Look for in the Best Sandals for Bunions
- A solid fit: By their nature, sandals have less meat to them and generally have to work much harder to provide the kind of support that something like a sneaker can. Sandals are fine to wear periodically, says Mendeszoon, but make sure they fit your foot well both in length and width. This gives your foot room to spread out and keep your toes from cramping up together.
- Flexible fabrics: Materials with some give, like soft leather or stretchy fabric, won’t put excess pressure on bunions. Soft interior materials also help reduce irritation. Additionally, Mendeszoon recommends looking at cork materials, which mold to your foot over time.
- A supportive footbed: As with any other comfortable shoe you’d buy, look for sandals with supportive footbeds that help minimize fatigue, stress and strain on the whole foot and won’t dig into areas of pain, Dr. Mendeszoon says. If you also suffer from additional foot conditions like high arches or flat feet, Mendeszoon recommends wearing sandals periodically rather than all the time. Look for shoes for flat feet, shoes for wide feet, and walking shoes for high arches with cushioned, supportive footbeds. As a rule of thumb, hiking sandals are usually great warm-weather options, as they’re built to provide lasting, durable support.
- A neutral heel-to-toe drop: High heels put pressure on the front of your foot, which can exacerbate bunions and cause them to feel more painful throughout the day. If you’d like a little height, look for platform sandals rather than three-inch-tall wedges.
The Different Types of Sandals for Bunions
- Orthopedic sandals for bunions: For those who deal with bunions on top of other concerns like plantar fasciitis or knee pain, or back pain, orthopedic sandals are a bulletproof choice. Expect orthopedic sandals for bunions to have supportive features like firm midsole cushioning, arch support, and added features like adjustable straps and soft uppers.
- Hiking sandals for bunions: With water-resistant, easy-to-wash materials and extra grippy outsoles, hiking sandals for bunions are a durable choice. And most hiking sandals, like options from Teva and Chaco, are designed to keep your feet neutral and comfortable on uneven terrain. The Gorpcore trend means you can wear these off the trails and in your everyday life.
- Walking sandals for bunions: Any sandal that lends support and has a secure fit will be comfortable to wear on walks in your day-to-day life. If you’re standing all day or walking particularly far, be sure that the upper or straps aren’t rubbing the sides of your feet. Options with adjustable straps are a nice choice for longer days and distances, as you can calibrate the fit to your unique foot shape.
- Wedge sandals for bunions: Stilettos and pointed-toe pumps are your bunions worst nightmare — these heels increase pressure on your forefoot and cram your toes, leading to pain and foot issues. For those with bunions who crave a little lift, wedge sandals are the safest choice. Seek out options with supportive features and no more than two to three inches of a heel-to-toe drop. Many wedges have platform-style designs that lessen the drop, improving the overall feel and functionality of the shoes.
- Dressy sandals for bunions: For special occasions, wedge sandals and platform sandals are your friends — seek out options no more than two to three inches tall. Flat sandals can also read dressy; look for pairs crafted with luxury materials like leather or suede.
Are There Fashionable Sandals for Bunions?
Although words like “bunions” and “orthopedic sandals” don’t exactly scream New York Fashion Week, brands are prioritizing comfort across their sandal styles, meaning you don’t have to settle for clunky, unstylish shoes just to work around your feet. Brands like Vagabond and Birkenstock are of the moment, and they make fashionable sandals for bunions in a variety of styles — celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Katie Holmes have been spotted wearing bunion-friendly Birkenstocks, for example.
Functional footwear is a whole fashion trend unto itself — just take Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance MM6 x Salomon sneakers, Hailey Bieber’s Nike Air Max 95 shoes, or the recent Chloé x Teva collaboration. In the realm of sandals for bunions, you can find cute summer sandals with flirty and fun details to wear to work or out to brunch, and plenty of platform wedge sandals for dressier occasions. There’s no shortage of sandals that leave enough room for your toes and support your feet.
The Best Sandal Brands for Those With Bunions
Our list highlights top-rated pairs sandals for bunions — if you’re looking for additional options, peruse options from the best sandal brands for bunions. Mendeszoon suggests Chaco, Teva, Birkenstock, and Fitflop. These shoe labels have a few things in common: Footbeds that support healthy foot alignment, sandals available in multiple widths, and high-quality materials that won’t disintegrate underfoot. Chaco and Teva have the added benefit of highly adjustable straps, which means you can loosen or tighten the straps near your bunions to prevent a squeezed or cramped feeling. And Birkenstock sandals tend to adapt to your feet the more you wear them, molding to the contours of your feet rather than rubbing against them. Other top orthopedic shoe brands to consider when shopping for bunion-friendly sandals are Vionic and Kuru — these brands rely heavily on podiatrist insight to develop comfortable shoes.
What Causes Bunions and How to Get Rid of Them
Genetics are a major contributor to developing bunions — according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 70 percent of people with bunions have a family history of the foot condition. The jury’s still out on high heels: Regularly wearing high heels (particularly the pointed-toe variety) could be a contributor to developing bunions, but more research is needed to draw a definitive conclusion. For those already experiencing bunions, high heels won’t help — the shoes tend to cause pain by pressing on the protrusions. Bunions are also associated with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Bunions are a structural foot concern involving muscles, bones, and ligaments. So getting rid of them isn’t as simple as treating a topical foot issue like a callus. To prevent bunions from worsening, wear well-fitting footwear, ice your feet after a long day of standing or walking, and talk to your podiatrist about other courses of action. If your pain is severe, your podiatrist might recommend over the counter pain relievers, a cortisone shot, or bunion surgery in extreme instances.
How We Chose the Best Sandals 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 select the best sandals for bunions, we started out by interviewing a top podiatrist. Using the podiatrist’s picks and shopping tips, we scoured the market to find sandals with a roomy toe box, flexible fabrics, supportive footbeds, and a neutral heel-to-toe drop. We made sure to choose sandals in a variety of styles for different occasions. We also included sandals that feel comforting for other foot conditions, like high arches or flat feet. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Mark Mendeszoon is a multi-board certified podiatrist who treats all surgical and non-surgical conditions of the leg, ankle, and foot in both adults and children. He specializes in trauma, sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including Total Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery. Dr. Mendeszoon also owns Achilles Running Shop, which caters to runners, walkers, and athletes of all levels.
Meet the Authors
Christine Flammia writes about style, grooming, and more; she is the former associate style editor of Esquire and is currently pursuing a PhD in communications at Columbia. When Flammia is not at school, she can be found testing the latest and greatest footwear, including comfortable sandals for bunions. Flammia wrote the original version of this best sandals for bunions story, interviewing experts, conducting research, and cross-checking customer reviews to select the very best.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, sandals included. Sullivan wrote the update of this best sandals for bunions story with new the product selections to reflect new technology and styles on the market this season.
