Best Fashionable & Practical Shoes for Bunions USA
You’ve got a throbbing pain at night in your big toe. And that pain extends into the ball of your foot throughout the day.
Yes, that's a bunion.
Whether it’s due to an injury, arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease, or even because of genetics – if you have one, that large painful lump makes it challenging to find a shoe that fits. It just quickly feels tight or stiff.
You might be tempted to keep wearing your favorite sneakers, but you’d better replace them with something comfier and more supportive.
Here are our top picks:
Best Shoes for Bunions
Here we go over the best bunion shoes by type and style:
Best Bunion Shoes with a Low Heel
Winner: Ava Low Heel Leather Shoes
Pros:
- Elegant kitten heel shoe
- Extra width and volume in the toe area
- Soft leather
- Cushioned and arch supported insole
- Non-slip sole
- Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
- Available in a range of colors
- Also available in suede
Best Bunion Shoes with a Mid Heel
Winner: Sara Mid Heel Shoe
Pros:
- Comfortable mid heel shoe
- Hidden stretch panel in the bunion area for comfort
- Kid leather lining
- Cushioned and arch supported insole
- Non-slip sole
- Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
- Available in a range of colors
- Also available in leather
Best High Heeled Bunion Shoe
Winner: Selena High Heel Shoes
Pros:
- Ultimate comfortable occasion shoe
- 3.5 inch heel
- Pointed toe with a vamp that comes high up
- Lamb leather upper and lining
- Cushioned and arch supported insole
- Non-slip sole
- Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
- Available in a range of colors
Best Trainers for Bunions
Winner: Extra Wide Fit Trainers
Pros:
- Extra wide fit
- Perfect for swollen feet
- Cushioned arch
- Supportive insole
- Fully lined toe box (no seams)
- Wider toe box
- Laces to adjust forefoot width
Best Flat Shoe for Bunions
Winner: Charlotte Flat Leather Shoe
Pros:
- Excellent comfort, with a wide fit that can be worn all day (and night!).
- 1 cm hidden heel for comfort.
- Leather upper and lining
- Cushioned and arch supported insole.
- Non-slip sole.
- Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
- Available in a range of colors.
Best Stylish Sandals for Bunions
Winner: Phoebe Flat Sandals
Pros:
- Wide fit for all day comfort
- Contoured footbed and cleverly positioned straps
- Kid leather upper and lining
- Cushioned and arch supported insole
- Non-slip sole
- Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
- Available in a range of colors
When the bone or tissue at the bottom of the big toe slides out of place, bunions occur. The big toe bends toward the other toes due to abnormal movements and significant strain on the joints, causing a lump to form. Bunions will not only ache worse if you wear shoes that irritate them, but they can also lead to other issues like bursitis or blisters.
How to Choose Shoes for Bunions
Choosing the appropriate footwear for bunions will help you avoid more discomfort. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Arch support: Footwear providing arch support, particularly on the inside of the foot, can help with metatarsal stability and bunions advancement.
- Slight heel: Since raising the heel helps the remainder of the foot spin in a more favourable posture, putting less pressure on the big toe joint, completely flat footwear is worse for bunions than 1-1.5-inch heels or platforms. On the other hand, high heels can aggravate bunions, so shoes with a minimal rearfoot to forefoot drop are also recommended.
- Wide forefoot: Footwear that allows appropriate toe flexion without crowding the toes will help keep the joints healthy. Look for toe boxes that are broad and naturally shaped, as these will not constrain the toes and will be less likely to emphasize the growth. It’s also vital to think about the toe box’s height since a taller toe box can help relieve pressure on the bunion.
- Straps: Open-toe shoes are generally preferable to closed-toe shoes if you have bunions. On the other hand, the sandal straps must be positioned such that they do not irritate the joint. It would be best to avoid sandals with more than three straps or thin straps made of abrasive material like PVC. And if you’re still unsure, put them on.
- Stretchable fabrics: Choose stretchy fabrics that will adapt to the curve of your foot and relieve discomfort. The best shoe for controlling excessive pronation is one with a soft upper and some stiffness in the bottom.
FAQs
What shoes should you avoid if you have bunions?
High heels put more strain on the bunion. Therefore, wearing shorter heels will alleviate the pain. You’d better avoid shoes that are overly narrow or tiny. Bunions show up when you wear too-small shoes for your feet.
What shoes should you wear if you have a bunion?
Shoes made of a stretchable material like leather or canvas are ideal. Look for shoes that you can adjust with laces or a strap to suit changes in the size of your foot or a bunion over time. You want to avoid shoes that are pointed, thin, or tight.
Can shoes aid in the treatment of bunions?
Footwear providing arch support, particularly on the inside of the foot, can help with metatarsal stability and bunions advancement.
If you have bunions, should you buy wide shoes?
Shoes should be wide enough to prevent your bunion from becoming inflamed. Give heels that are higher than two inches a miss. Any higher and your toes will be forced into the shoe’s end, putting pressure on your bunion.
Is it possible for bunions to regrow?
The chance of recurrence after bunion surgery exists. However, it is uncommon. Bunions recur but do not regrow when they come back. That’s because a bunion dislocates the big toe joint, not a bone growth.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best shoes for bunions.
Learn more about bunions and foot conditions by reading our related articles below:
Author: Jennifer Bailey
Jennifer Bailey is the founder of Calla Shoes, and has suffered from bunions for over 20 years. She specialises in footwear designed for people with foot problems, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, and swollen feet. Linkedin | Twitter
