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According to the Cleveland Clinic, around one third of Americans suffer from bunions, so suffice to say that these bony protrusions are a common foot concern. There are a number of treatment options to consider, and finding the best socks for bunions can help relieve everyday pain and discomfort.
A bunion is a bony growth that forms at the base of your big toe on the inner side of your foot. According to Saylee Tulpule, DPM, the big toe then leans over toward the second toe, which puts extra stress on the big toe joint. Bunions are often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, standing on your feet all day, foot mechanics, genetics, or health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Athletes, especially long-distance runners, tend to have a higher risk of developing bunions due to injuries or repeated pressure on the toe joint over long periods of time.
Gender is also a factor with this foot condition. “Women develop bunions far more commonly than men (most likely shoe related) and certain studies show that genetic causes factor in 70 percent of the time”, explains Tulpule. Bunions cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and numbness. They can make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes and can lead to other conditions like hammertoes, corns, or calluses.
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If you suffer from bunions, there are several ways you can find relief. Wearing good shoes for bunions or sandals for bunions with plenty of room in the toe box, while not a treatment, will relieve pain and discomfort. Bunion pads can provide some extra cushion, and orthotic inserts or splints can help keep your toe in the correct position and reduce further aggravation. Physical therapy or corrective surgery may be needed in more advanced cases.
Over-the-counter socks for bunions are a great option for pain relief. While they will not correct the foot concern, these top socks for men and women can definitely provide some needed comfort. The best socks for bunions provide cushion, relieve friction, and some can even provide gentle straightening capabilities. You can find bunion socks to support a variety of activities and needs from gym socks to hiking socks and dressy knee-high socks.
After getting expert input on what features to consider, we researched bunion socks for a variety of activities, needs, and price points. Ahead, the best socks for bunions for every activity.
Colorways: Gray, Black, Denim, Putty, Charcoal
Material: Wool, rayon, nylon, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $20.99
Colorways: Black, Gray, White
Material: Nylon
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
is a company built on its founders’ experience in the medical device and sports industries, so their socks are perfect for runners. Dr. Tulpule recommends this brand for their great split-toe design, which features extra targeted padding near the big toe joint. Four separate medical grade compression zones provide arch support and aid circulation. Seamless fabric is infused with silver ion technology that helps prevent odor and moisture, and the thin fabric minimizes irritation that can cause blisters and keeps your feet cool. Note that for durability and longevity, these socks should be hand washed.
Price upon publish date of this article: $24.99
Colorways: Black, White
Material: Rayon, cotton, polyester, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $26.95
Colorways: Black
Material: Wool
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $30.00
Colorways: Black, Charcoal, Teal
Material: Wool, rayon, nylon, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.99
Colorways: Black, Brown, Coyote, Foliage, Mustard, Neon, Orange
Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.00
Colorways: White, Black
Material: Acrylic, Nylon, Elastic
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
Colorways: Black, Gray, Coffee, Green, Purple, Pink, Black, Tye dye
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.59
Colorways: Ash, Black
Material: Wool, Rayon, Nylon, Spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
Colorways: Nude and black
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.77
Colorways: Black, Charcoal, Nude
Material: Polyester, cotton, lycra
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $15.99
What to Look for in the Best Socks for Bunions
There are several key features to consider when shopping for the best socks for bunions. Your personal needs and comfort level should be the top priority but in addition to those things, look for bunion socks with the following features:
- Cushioning: Bunion socks with more cushioning, particularly around the bunion area, will help minimize pressure and friction from the shoe. Look for socks with extra bunion pads or extra padding in the toe area. Additional padding in the sole or heel of the sock will aid overall comfort as well.
- Toe protection: “A key feature to a bunion sock is the split-toe design. This essentially separates the big toe from the second toe, which can help reduce muscle tightness and spasms and provide more cushion,” says Tulpule. A good sock for bunions will often have a pocket or sleeve for the big toe to separate it from the remaining toes. This helps avoid blisters and calluses from the toes rubbing together. Look for socks with minimal or no seams around the toe.
- Materials: You’ll want socks for bunions made with materials that minimize friction and are also soft on tender feet. Cotton socks are not the best choice as they can cause a lot of friction on already sore skin. Moisture-wicking or antimicrobial materials are also a good bet for keeping your feet comfortable.
- Correct fit: Making sure your socks fit correctly will go a long way to relieving discomfort. Socks that are too big will bunch or slide down and cause chafing, pinching or irritation. Be sure to check the sizing guide before purchasing.
How We Chose the Best Bunion Socks
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 bunion socks, we first got expert input on how the proper type of bunion socks can help and the most important features to look for. We looked for bunion socks suitable for a variety of activities like running, hiking, and yoga. We also considered socks that supported other foot ailments such as hammertoes or plantar fasciitis. We then researched the best options in each category based on top-rated brands and user reviews, paying special attention to bunion support, cushioning, quality materials, and cost. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Saylee Tulpule, DPM is a podiatrist practicing in Maryland and Washington, DC. She specializes in general podiatric medicine, sports medicine, biomechanics, and elective forefoot surgery. She is a physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Meet the Author
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a freelance writer specializing in health and fitness topics and product reviews. As a fitness professional and someone who has worked with clients suffering with foot conditions, including bunions, Zeltwanger knows how all types of socks, shoes, and footwear can affect your feet, and knows what to look for when shopping for quality socks for bunions and other foot ailments.
