Many people suffer from bunion pain, which occurs when the bone on the side of the big toe swells. These bunions make shoes uncomfortable and painful, especially if you spend a long time on your feet. To avoid this pain, experts recommend wearing wide and comfortable shoes that allow your toes to breathe.
Best Overall Bunion Shoe: Hoka Ora Recovery 2
This shoe features a wide toe box that allows your toes to move without any friction. It is made from flexible and lightweight materials, making it extremely comfortable. It also has a modern and sophisticated design. Although the color options are limited, this shoe is considered the best for bunions overall.
Best Walking Shoe: Keen Women’s WK400 Leather Walking
This shoe features a cushioned pad that does not cause any irritation and feels stable while walking. However, it may take some time to get used to the arch support and the curved outsole design. Nevertheless, the comfort and relief from bunion pain are worth the effort.
Best Stability Shoe: Kuru Women’s Quantum
This shoe features a sturdy foam sole that provides a strong and secure base without putting pressure on the toes. Although it may cause some irritation on the outer side of the foot, it is considered the best overall for bunions.
Best Everyday Shoe: Toms Fenix Platform Chelsea Suede Sneaker
If you’re looking for a stylish shoe for cold weather that won’t irritate your bunions, the Toms Fenix Platform Chelsea is the perfect choice. Although it is not specifically designed for relieving bunion pain, it features a wide toe box and a thick sole that provides support and comfort.
Best Slip-On Shoe: Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip On Sneaker
This shoe offers plenty of cushioning and support for a simple slip-on shoe. However, it may take some time to adjust to it, especially if you wear it without socks.
Best Formal Event Shoe: Sole Bliss Cadence
This shoe features a design that allows you to wear heels without irritating bunions. Although the price is high for shoes that people don’t wear every day, it is worth the investment if you love wearing heels daily.
Most Comfortable: ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Low Boot
This shoe features an extra-wide toe box that allows your toes to move freely. Although the price is high for trendy shoes, it is worth the investment if you live in an area with long winters or if you have some extra cash to buy a collection of wide and comfortable shoes.
Best Back-Open Shoe: Vionic Arlette Mule
This shoe features a slanted sole that provides arch support and alleviates heel pain. Although it may cause some initial arch pain, it can become comfortable after a short period of use.
Best Bunion Shoes for the Side of the Foot: ECCO Soft 7 Slip-On Sneakers
This shoe features flexible leather that provides the necessary support for bunions on the side of the foot. Although it may take some time for the leather to stretch and adapt to your foot, it is considered a stylish and comfortable option for both types of bunions.
Best Bunion Shoes for the Outer Side of the Foot: Kuru Atom Sneakers
This shoe features an extra toe box and flexible mesh material that prevents friction against bunions. Although it may be a bit loose for long walking or running, it is a great option for keeping bunions comfortable.
Best
Bunions-Friendly Shoe: Kuru Stride Move
This shoe features a sleek design and lightweight construction. Although it may be a bit tight for larger bunions, it is considered a comfortable option for everyday wear.
Best Shoe for Newcomers: Vionic Cheryl II Loafer
This shoe boasts a design that offers excellent arch support, especially for those with very high arches. While it may be somewhat snug for larger bunions, it is a good choice for those looking for a chic and polished appearance.
How to Test Shoes
We consulted experts such as Dr. Igbogah and Dr. Pincus for advice on what to look for in shoes, what to avoid, and how to test them for the right fit. After that, we narrowed down hundreds of options based on comfort, fit, arch support, material quality, design, and value to find the best 12 shoes for bunions.
What to Know About Shoes for Bunions
Toe Boxes: Shoes with tight, pointy toes should be avoided. Instead, experts recommend choosing designs with wide toe boxes, such as round or square-toed shoes.
Size: It’s important to buy shoes in the correct size to ensure proper support for the feet. Therefore, do not purchase shoes that are larger just because you have bunions. Instead, you need shoes with a wide toe box. If the shoe is too big, you may increase the internal movement of the foot, making bunions worse over time.
Orthotic Footbeds: Many shoes designed for bunions come with removable or built-in insoles for additional arch support. While they can provide comfort, the benefit is usually minimal. Therefore, don’t rely on orthotic footbeds to solve all your bunion issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bunions?
Bunions occur due to genetics, excessive friction, or wearing tight shoes that compress the foot and force it to twist. High heels can also be a cause of bunions as they put more pressure on the base of the toes, contributing to misalignment.
Can I stretch my shoes if I have bunions?
Yes, cobblers and shoemakers can stretch existing shoes to accommodate bunions.
Do bunion correctors work?
Yes, but only temporarily. Bunion correctors can provide temporary relief when worn by correcting toe misalignment. However, once they are removed, the bunions will return to their original position.
Why Trust Shape
Shannon Alaman is a former editor for Healthline and Medical News Today. She now focuses on writing articles about health, wellness, and fitness topics. She often covers stories related to shoes and fitness. You can find Shannon running in nature or walking on a treadmill while listening to her favorite podcasts.
Source: https://www.aol.com/12-best-shoes-bunions-tested-080000350.html
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