Your feet ache more than they used to. Your usual shoes feel tighter than they did a few years ago, and you've noticed you're a little less steady on uneven ground. None of that means giving up on shoes you'd actually want to wear.
We design every Calla shoe for women with bunions and wide feet, handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers. The range covers flats, sneakers, boots and heels, all built with a roomy toe box over a standard-width heel, so the shoe fits where your foot is widest without slipping off at the back.
Please remember that the advice below is general, and if you are experiencing foot pain you need to see your podiatrist.
The Cosmos is the chunky trainer Calla's founder built because the dad-trainer trend kept squeezing her bunions, and black is the wear-with-everything one. A chunky cushioned outsole adds height, while the wider, deeper toe box and removable insole give the forefoot room and take your orthotics. Fits EE-EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black leather upper with textile side detail, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat with chunky outsole
Closure
Lace-up
Fit
Wide fit, EE and EEE width feet, standard fit around the heel with additional width and depth in the toe box
Insole
Removable moulded footbed with arch support, swap for own orthotics
Browse more images of the Cosmos - Chunky-Sole Black Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
Black is the Cosmos I reach for most, because a chunky trainer usually crushes my forefoot and this one was designed by someone with bunions to do the opposite. The wider, deeper toe box means my bunion has room inside a sporty shape, and the insole lifts out for my orthotics. The chunky outsole gives me a bit of height and a lot of cushioning on hard pavements without any forefoot pressure. In black it goes with jeans, joggers or a midi without a thought. True to size in a wide fit, EE-EEE.
Pros
Chunky outsole gives lift and stride length without putting pitch through the forefoot
Removable footbed accepts the wearer's own orthotics
EEE width cap with extra toe-box depth accommodates wider forefeet and Morton's neuroma
Lace-up closure adjusts across the instep
Cons
Chunky-sole silhouette is heavier on the foot than a standard trainer profile
Leather upper needs conditioning to keep the side panels looking fresh
Sporty trainer styling means it will not slot into smart workwear or occasion outfits
The Estella zip-up trainer in clean white leather, the easy white you step into without tying a lace. The side zip gives quick on and off, while the wider fit and removable moulded footbed give the bunion room and take your orthotics. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal, designed in the UK
Material
White leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Width cap
Fits up to EEE width feet
Toe box
Wide toe box
Closure
Side zip instead of laces
Footbed
Removable moulded footbed, swap in your own orthotics
Press
Voted one of the best stylish trainers for wide feet by Hello, Good Housekeeping, The Independent, The London Evening Standard
Browse more images of the Estella - White Leather Zip-Up Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
White is the Estella I wear when I want a clean trainer with none of the lace-tying, since the side zip lets me step in and go. It keeps a tidy, polished look in white leather, so it works with jeans or cropped trousers. The wider fit gives my bunion room and the moulded footbed lifts out for orthotics. The zip gives the same secure fit each time without fiddling. True to size, up to EEE.
Pros
Side zip means you slip the trainer on without retying laces
Removable moulded footbed for own orthotics
EEE width fitting accommodates wider feet than most trainer brands
White leather pairs with most outfits in a way coloured trainers do not
Cons
White leather marks and scuffs faster than darker colours
Zip is a moving part that adds a wear point lace-ups do not have
No laces means no further width adjustment beyond the fixed zip line
A clean white grain-leather trainer with a removable moulded footbed, so you can drop in your own orthotics, and a fully lined seam-free toe box that gives the bunion a smooth surface. Lace-ups let you open the forefoot towards an EEE width, and the cushioned arch-supported insole carries a full day of walking. True to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
White grain leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Colour
White
Fit
Fits EE-EEE width feet
Toe box
Wider toe box with extra depth, fully lined with no internal seams
Footbed
Removable moulded footbed with arch support
Closure
Lace-up for forefoot width adjustment
Press
Selected by Hello, Good Housekeeping, The Independent and The London Evening Standard among stylish trainers for wide feet
Browse more images of the Star - White Grain Leather Wide Fit Sneakers:
Our Review
The Star is the trainer I recommend to anyone who wears orthotics, because the moulded footbed lifts straight out and my own insole drops in, which almost no white fashion trainer lets me do. The toe box is fully lined with no internal seams, so nothing rubs across my bunion on a long walk, and I can loosen the laces to open the forefoot when the joint swells later in the day. It runs wide to an EEE but reads as an ordinary white sneaker, so it goes with jeans and a blazer or a shirt dress without looking like a comfort shoe. I have walked through whole city days in them without the forefoot ache I used to expect. True to size for me.
Pros
Grain texture on the leather hides minor scuffs better than smooth white leather
Removable moulded footbed lets you slot in your own orthotic
Seam-free toe box lining over the bunion area
Lace-up forefoot adjusts from EE to EEE
Cons
White leather still marks in wet or muddy conditions
The Meredith is Calla's chunky loafer on a 2.5cm heel, and black leather is the do-everything one. The slight heel and cushioned sole carry a day from the office to dinner, while the wide-enough toe box gives the bunion room a slim loafer wouldn't. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal, designed in the UK
Material
Black chunky leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
2.5cm
Width cap
Fits up to EE width feet
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Meredith - Black Leather Loafers:
Our Review
The black Meredith is the chunky loafer I wear when a flat feels too slight for tailoring, since the 2.5cm heel and the heavier sole give it some presence under trousers. It takes me from the office to dinner without changing, and the cushioned sole means my feet aren't aching by the evening. The toe box is cut wide enough that my bunion has room rather than being pressed by a narrow loafer. I wear it with trousers or straight jeans. Fits up to EE, true to size.
Pros
2.5cm heel adds height without losing the loafer's flat-shoe ease
Hidden stretch panel flexes over the bunion joint
Cushioned sole takes the impact out of pavement walking
Fits up to EE width feet
Cons
Width fitting caps at EE so EEE feet will be tight
Chunky silhouette sits heavier on the foot than a slim loafer
Slip-on construction means no width adjustment if your foot swells through the day
The Charlotte is Calla's crossover ballet flat, the one customers keep coming back to, here in soft black nappa leather. The leather crosses over the toes and stretches across the bunion, with a panel that gives both bunions and tailor's bunions room. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Soft black nappa leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat ballerina
Colour
Black
Fit
True to size, fits up to EEE width feet
Toe box
Stretch panel across the toe box for bunions and tailor's bunions, crossover design that stretches to the foot shape
Footbed
Enhanced arch support, extra cushioning at the heel
Browse more images of the Charlotte - Black Leather Ballerinas:
Our Review
Black Charlotte is the ballet flat I reach for most, because the crossover design stretches gently over my bunion instead of pressing a hard line across the joint. The soft nappa leather gives where my foot is widest, and the stretch panel handles both my bunion and the tailor's bunion on the little-toe side. Enhanced arch support and extra heel cushioning mean it carries a full day rather than leaving my feet flat and sore. It is the flat I'd recommend to anyone after a bunionectomy who needs softness and width over the scar area. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Stretch panel across the toe box gives over both the bunion and the tailor's bunion sides
Nappa leather softens with wear
Extra heel cushioning eases the back of the foot
Fits up to EEE width
Cons
Flat ballerina sole has limited grip in wet weather
Crossover stretch design relies on the panel rather than laces so cannot be tightened
The Ophelia is Calla's classic brogue in a mix of smooth black leather and soft suede, with the brogue detailing across the toe. A hidden stretch panel in the toe box gives the bunion room and flexibility, on an EEE toe width. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region, designed in the UK
Material
Smooth black leather and soft suede upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Flat
Fit
True to size
Width cap
Fits up to EEE toe width
Toe box
Wide Calla last with hidden stretch panel in the toe box
Browse more images of the Ophelia - Black Leather Brogues:
Our Review
Black Ophelia is the brogue I reach for when I want a smart flat that goes with everything, since the leather-and-suede mix and the brogue detailing look polished with trousers or jeans. The hidden stretch panel in the toe box gives over my bunion so the brogue doesn't press the joint. The shape leaves extra room and flexibility through the forefoot. It is the flat I wear most through autumn and winter. Fits up to EEE, true to size.
Pros
Hidden stretch panel in the toe box flexes over the bunion joint
EEE width cap accommodates wider forefeet
Mixed leather and suede upper takes both office and weekend outfits
Flat heel suits all-day standing and walking
Cons
Suede panels need weatherproofing before wet-weather wear
Black suede shows salt marks in winter
Lace-up entry takes longer to put on than a slip-on flat
The Abbie is Calla's chunky flat winter boot in black nubuck leather, lined with a plush faux-fur interior for warmth. A 4.5cm chunky sole and cushioned arch-supported insole keep you steady and cosy, with an EEE fit for the bunion. Fits EEE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal, designed in the UK
Material
Black nubuck leather upper, lamb leather lining
Lining
Faux-fur interior
Heel
Flat with 4.5cm outsole
Width cap
Fits EEE width feet
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Abbie - Black Nubuck Leather Boots:
Our Review
Black Abbie is my winter boot, the one I pull on for cold, wet days because the faux-fur interior keeps my feet warm and the chunky 4.5cm sole keeps me off the cold ground. The flat, wide EEE fit gives my bunion room with a thick sock, and the cushioned arch-supported insole means I can walk in them all day. The black nubuck goes with jeans and a winter coat. Fits EEE, true to size.
Pros
EEE width fitting accommodates wider feet than most boots on the market
Faux-fur lining adds insulation through winter
4.5cm chunky outsole raises the foot off cold pavement
Nubuck has a soft brushed surface that hides minor scuffs
Cons
Nubuck absorbs water and needs weatherproofing before wet wear
Faux-fur lining runs warm so less practical for indoor office days
The Bella is Calla's knee-high riding boot in smooth black leather, on a chunky treaded sole with a low 2cm block heel. Inside, a hidden stretch panel opens the toe box to EEE while the heel stays standard, and an inside zip makes it easy to get on. The leg measures 38cm round, and it is true to size with half sizes.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black cow's leather upper, kid leather lining
Heel
2cm block heel on a chunky treaded sole
Leg
38cm calf circumference
Fastening
Inside zip
Width
Up to EEE in the toe box with a hidden stretch panel, standard (D) heel
Browse more images of the Bella - Black Leather Boots:
Our Review
I wanted a black knee-high that looks like a proper riding boot rather than a comfort boot, and the Bella does, with smooth leather, a chunky treaded sole and a low 2cm heel I can walk around in all day. Underneath, the toe box opens up to EEE with a hidden stretch panel over my bunion, while the heel stays standard, so the boot doesn't slip at the back. There's no hard toe cap, and the insole is cushioned with arch support, which matters to me because without arch support I end up with plantar fasciitis. The leg is 38cm round, so measure your calf before you order, and it comes in half sizes if you're usually between two. The leather is soft, so give it a water-repellent spray before the first wet day.
Pros
Hidden stretch panel opens the toe box to EEE over the bunion
Half sizes from EU 36 to 42
Inside zip makes it easy to pull on
Low 2cm heel and treaded sole for walking from morning to night
Cons
The 38cm leg may be too narrow for fuller calves
Soft leather needs a water-repellent spray before wet weather
The Claudia court in smooth black leather, a pointed toe on a low kitten heel that sharpens tailoring and lengthens the foot line. The point sits ahead of the toes while the toe box stays wide over the bunion, so a sharp court doesn't pinch the joint. Fits EE, true to size.
Origin
Handcrafted in Portugal at a family-run factory in the Porto region
Material
Black leather upper, lamb leather lining
Heel
Kitten heel
Toe shape
Pointed toe
Fit
True to size, fits EE width feet best
Toe box
Wide toe box with hidden stretch panel over the bunion area
Browse more images of the Claudia - Black Leather Pumps:
Our Review
The black Claudia is my pointed court for formal days, the one I wear when a rounded toe feels too soft for a sharp suit. The point lengthens my foot and finishes tailoring cleanly, but the part that matters to me is that the width sits over my bunion while the point extends past my toes, so the shape doesn't crush the joint the way a normal pointed court does. The low kitten heel lets me wear it from a morning meeting into an evening dinner. With a pencil skirt or wide-leg trousers it does the sharp, polished thing I want. I take my true size, an EE.
Pros
Kitten heel gives a small lift suitable for full days on the feet
Pointed toe sits on a wide toe box so the bunion joint has room
EE width cap suits wider forefeet
Black leather pairs with workwear through to evening
Cons
Pointed toe shape narrows visually so very wide feet beyond EE may prefer a rounded toe style
Leather courts need conditioning to keep the upper looking fresh
Slip-on court offers no fastening adjustment
How your feet change as you get older
Your feet spread wider and longer over time, the natural fat padding under the sole thins out, your joints stiffen, and your balance shifts. An old shoe size and a thin, unsupportive sole simply stop working, and the fix is not to keep buying the same shoes in a larger size.
The fat pad thins first, and you feel it on hard floors and long walks: more ache in your soles, more strain traveling up into your knees and hips. That points to a shoe with better cushioning, not a foot that's giving up. At the same time, the ligaments in your feet loosen and the bones spread, so a shoe that pinches across the width even though the length still seems fine needs more room, not a longer size.
Swelling creeps in through the day too. By mid-afternoon your feet can be noticeably wider than they were at breakfast, especially in warmer weather, and a shoe with no give in the upper starts pressing exactly where it shouldn't.
Steadiness drops off. A slippery sole, a high narrow heel or a shoe your foot slides around in all raise the risk of a fall. Grip, a stable heel and a secure fit become genuine safety features, not extras.
And if you have a bunion, it tends to become more noticeable with age. A 2023 meta-analysis by Cai and colleagues found that bunion prevalence roughly doubles after age 60, rising from 12.22% in adults aged 20 to 60 to 22.7% in those over 60. Bunions develop from inherited foot shape and several factors working together, not from your shoe choices alone. But the joint does become more prominent over time, and a shoe that used to clear it comfortably may not any more. You can read more about how bunions develop in our guide to bunions.
What to look for in a comfortable, supportive shoe
A comfortable, supportive shoe needs cushioning and arch support to protect your joints, a non-slip sole and a stable heel to keep you steady, and a roomy toe box with an easy fastening so you can get them on and wear them all day. Those things separate a shoe that works from one that stays in the closet after three wears.
A supportive shoe does not have to look clinical. We make the Calla range using what we call the Calla Comfort Method: extra width and depth in the toe box, a standard fit around the heel, and a cushioned, arch-supported insole, all in leather and suede that look like ordinary shoes. We source our leather from European Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified suppliers, and our Portuguese factory is independently audited to the Sedex SMETA standard.
That's also what podiatrists ask for. Ron McCulloch, the principal Podiatric Surgeon and Director of the London Podiatry Center, advises wearing 'good shoes with a round toe and a relatively low heel'. Dina Gohil, a Mayfair-based podiatrist, reviewed the Calla range and found it 'refreshing' that 'they don't look hideous', because her patients often refuse recommended footwear for looking exactly that. Claire Forbes, a podiatrist who tested the shoes, noted that the foot is 'not impinged at the forefoot' and the shoe 'accommodates the forefoot'. Comfortable does not mean clinical.
Cushioning and support
A cushioned, arch-supported insole takes over the job your foot's natural fat pad used to do: absorbing shock with every step so your joints carry less of the load. If your soles ache on hard floors, or your knees and hips hurt after a long walk, this is usually what's missing.
Arch support matters especially if your feet roll inward when you walk (overpronation), because that rolling puts extra strain on the big toe joint and can lead to problems like plantar fasciitis (pain under the heel and along the arch) over time. A molded insole with built-in arch support holds your foot in a more natural position.
If you already wear an orthotic (a custom insole from your podiatrist), look for a shoe with a removable insole so you can swap yours in without the shoe feeling too tight.
Stability and grip to stay steady
A firm heel counter (the structured part at the back of the shoe) holds your foot centered and stops it rolling sideways. Paired with a low, stable heel and a non-slip sole, it's what keeps you confident on wet pavements, smooth shop floors and uneven paths.
Slips and falls on ordinary surfaces are a real concern as you get older, and a shoe with good grip and a secure fit does a lot to keep you steady. A thicker, lower heel is always steadier than a thin, high one, and a sole with some texture to it gives you traction that a smooth leather sole never will. The UK's NHS advice on preventing falls is to wear shoes or slippers that fit well, don't slip off and have a good grip, and a fastening (laces, a strap or a zip) does more to keep a shoe on your foot than a loose slip-on.
Room, width and easy fastening
A roomy, deep toe box with the forefoot wider than the heel lets your toes spread and takes pressure off bunions, swollen joints and hammer toes. The width belongs across the front of the foot, where your bunion or the widest part of your foot actually sits, not graded evenly wider all the way round.
A shoe that's wider everywhere lets your heel slip, and with a loose heel your foot slides forward into the taper at the front, so you end up with more pressure on the joint, not less. What you want is extra width and depth in the toe box with a standard fit around the heel, so the shoe stays put. That's the shape Calla designs for, so if you've got wide feet all over, our shoes won't be suitable for you.
Inside the toe box, look for a seam-free lining with no stitching crossing over the bunion area, and a soft upper in leather or suede that gives where the bump is. A stretch panel over the bunion does this well: it flexes with your foot rather than pressing back against it.
For getting shoes on and off, an adjustable fastening makes a real difference. Laces give you the most control. A side zip with laces means you can set the fit once and then step in without bending down. Straps and stretch openings work too, and any of these is better than wrestling with a stiff pull-on shoe when your hands or back aren't as flexible as they used to be.
Getting your shoe size and fit right
Your shoe size is not fixed for life, and it's worth remeasuring if you haven't for a few years. Between 63 and 72% of people wear incorrectly sized shoes, Buldt and Menz's 2018 systematic review found, and 47% of older women had not had their footwear size measured over the past five years. Half of women wear shoes that are too narrow, compared with 34% of men. If your feet have spread or your bunion has grown, you may need a different width, a different length, or both. Measuring the widest part of your foot while standing gives you the number that actually matters, because your foot under your full body weight is wider than it is when you're sitting down.
If you have diabetes, numbness or poor circulation in your feet, take extra care with fit, because you may not feel a shoe rubbing until it has already caused a blister. UK NHS foot-care advice for people with diabetes is to make sure shoes fit well in length, width and depth, to avoid slip-ons, and to check your feet every day for broken skin, blisters and inflammation. Have your feet measured, and ask your podiatrist or diabetes team to check your feet and your fit, because how a shoe feels isn't a reliable guide when the feeling in your feet is reduced.
Width is judged alongside length, not instead of it. A shoe the right length can still crush the joint if it's too narrow across the forefoot, and sizing up in length to get width just gives you a shoe that's too long: your foot slides forward, your toes jam into the front, and you're back to square one. Try shoes later in the afternoon when your feet have already swollen a little, and check two things:
Your heel stays put when you walk.
There's roughly a thumb's width of room in front of your longest toe.
Supportive flats and loafers are the backbone of a daily wardrobe, but only if they have a cushioned, arch-supported insole and a roomy, deep toe box. A tapered, flimsy ballet flat with no support still squeezes your bunion and leaves your feet aching by lunchtime, no matter how pretty it looks.
A flat with proper support doesn't need to look clinical. Leather loafers, suede ballerinas and classic Mary Janes work perfectly well with a cushioned insole and a non-slip sole underneath. It's proof that you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.
Our comfortable flat shoes are all built with the Calla Comfort Method: extra width across the toe box and a standard fit at the heel, so they stay on properly and give your bunion the room it needs.
IndyBest in The Independent named the Calla Meredith Black Leather Loafers its 'Best Smart Orthopedic Shoe' in September 2026.
If a classic ballerina suits your wardrobe better, the Calla Charlotte Black Leather Ballerinas are built on the same comfort method. Choose a snug fit, so the shoe stays on without you gripping with your toes.
Sneakers and walking shoes
A cushioned, stable sneaker with a grippy sole is the everyday workhorse for walking, vacations and anything that keeps you on your feet for hours. If you have a bunion, the sneaker needs to be wide across the forefoot and standard in the heel, so the room is where the joint is, not everywhere.
Sizing up a normal sneaker to get width is the wrong fix. The heel is now too big, your foot pistons back and forth, you get blisters at the back and more pressure on the bunion at the front. You need actual width in the toe box, not a longer shoe.
Inside, look for a seam-free, lined toe box so there's no stitching rubbing over the bunion, and a removable, cushioned insole so you can fit your own orthotic if you use one. Outside, leather and suede sneakers pass as everyday shoes: they accommodate your bunion, but they look like ordinary sneakers, not clinical footwear.
To keep the seam off the bunion entirely, we moved the entire stitching line forward in our sneakers so it is positioned ahead of the joint, and you cannot tell from the outside. Our sneakers are designed with a wide toe box, stretch lining and a removable insole, and they're handmade in Portugal in the same leather and suede as the rest of the range.
If your feet swell through the day and you need lace adjustability, the Calla Star lace-up sneakers let you loosen the fit as you go.
If bending down to tie laces is the problem, the Calla Estella White Leather Wide Width Sneakers open with a side zip.
Boots for the colder months
A boot with a grippy, slip-resistant sole and a zip opening keeps you steady on wet ground and easy to get on, especially if bending down to lace up is harder than it used to be. Choose one with a roomy forefoot so your bunion is not pressed against stiff leather all day, and check that the lining is soft and seam-free across the joint.
Our wide-width boots are made from soft leather and suede with a cushioned, arch-supported insole and a wide toe box, lined with soft leather (faux fur on our flat winter boot) for warmth without rubbing.
Our knee-high styles are specified to the centimeter, with measurements like a 38cm leg circumference on each listing, so you know before you order whether the boot will fit your calf.
For a flat everyday boot, the Calla Abbie Black Nubuck Leather Boots have a 4cm non-slip platform sole and laces you can loosen across the front of the foot.
If you want a little height, the Calla Bella Black Leather Boots are knee-highs on a low 2cm heel, with a zip to get them on and a published 38cm leg circumference, so you can check the calf fit before you order.
Dressier shoes for weddings and occasions
A dressy shoe can absolutely fit a bunion, as long as it has a roomy toe box and a stable heel. Height is where to be careful: high, narrow heels push your weight onto the front of your foot and can make a bunion worse, so a lower, broader heel is the more comfortable and steadier choice for a long day.
The dread is real: heels that leave you in agony by the speeches, or a "sensible" pair that looks frumpy. A kitten heel or a low block heel with a cushioned, arch-supported insole and a soft leather lining is steady, comfortable and dressy at the same time. A thicker heel is always steadier than a thin one, and a platform reduces the pitch (the angle between your heel and your toes), which takes pressure off the joints at the front of your foot. Our occasion range does go up to a 3.5 inch heel with half an inch of platform, but if steadiness is a concern, a low kitten heel or block heel is the safer choice, because the higher the heel, the further your weight tips forward and the less stable you are.
For a classic pump with a little lift, the Calla Claudia Black Leather Pumps have a 3.5cm kitten heel.
Matching shoes to a specific foot problem
The shoe that works best for you depends on your specific foot, not your age. Swelling, stiff joints and bunions each need a different adjustment, and getting the right one makes more difference than any other single choice.
Swollen feet
If your feet swell through the day, you need a shoe with an adjustable opening: laces, a strap or a stretch panel that opens out as your foot expands without pressing. Try shoes in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their widest, and avoid anything with a fixed, rigid upper that has no give. Our guide to the best shoes for swollen feet covers what to look for in more detail.
Swelling that doesn't settle is worth mentioning to your doctor. The UK's NHS lists some medicines, varicose veins, and heart, kidney or liver problems among the causes of swollen feet and ankles. See your doctor if both feet are swollen and it hasn't improved after a few days, if it's getting worse, or if you have a heart, kidney or leg-vein condition. Get urgent help the same day, from your doctor or an urgent care clinic, if the swelling is in one leg, or if it's red, hot, painful or starts suddenly.
Arthritis and stiff joints
Stiff, painful joints need cushioning to absorb shock and a soft, roomy upper that doesn't press against the joint. A shoe with a thick, cushioned sole and a wide toe box takes some of the load off arthritic joints in your feet, knees and hips. If your big toe is stiff (a condition called hallux rigidus, where the joint at the base of the big toe loses its range of movement), the toe box needs to be deep enough that the shoe isn't pushing down on the joint as well as pressing from the sides. A firm sole that doesn't bend easily at the ball of the foot, or a rocker sole, helps too: UK NHS podiatry advice for a stiff big toe is to avoid thin, flexible soles and wear a low-heeled shoe with a firm, stiff sole, because a shoe that doesn't bend limits the painful movement of the joint. Our guide to the best shoes for arthritis covers the detail, and if your big toe is the specific problem, our guide to shoes for hallux rigidus goes deeper into that joint. If you mostly wear sneakers, our guide to sneakers for a stiff big toe picks the styles with a firm sole and room over the joint.
Bunions
If you have a bunion, you need a wide, deep toe box with the forefoot wider than the heel, a seam-free lining with no stitching over the joint, and a soft upper that gives over the bump. This takes the pressure off the big toe joint and stops the shoe from rubbing against it.
Tight, narrow shoes are one of the things that can make a bunion worse over time, which is why the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons advises a wide toe box and steering clear of pointed toes and high heels. A roomy shoe stops the shoe itself adding to the problem. What it can't do is reverse a bunion: only surgery can correct one. Our guide to the best shoes for bunions goes into the detail of what to look for and why.
FAQs
What shoes do podiatrists recommend for older women?
Podiatrists recommend a supportive, cushioned shoe with a roomy toe box, a secure heel, a grippy sole and an easy fastening. If you have a bunion, the forefoot should be wider than the heel so the room is where the joint is. Ron McCulloch, the principal Podiatric Surgeon and Director of the London Podiatry Center, recommends good shoes with a round toe and a relatively low heel. Dina Gohil, a practicing podiatrist, has tested and endorsed the Calla range for women with bunions. Of our shoes, the Calla Estella zip-up sneaker ticks most of those boxes: a cushioned footbed that lifts out for an orthotic, a toe box up to WW, and a side zip for getting in and out easily.
What are the best shoes for a 70 year old woman?
There's no special shoe for a 70 year old, but the one we'd suggest first is the Calla Cosmos sneaker: a cushioned, chunky sole, laces you can loosen as your feet swell, a molded footbed with arch support that lifts out, and a toe box that fits W and WW feet. The same priorities apply at any age: cushioning, arch support, a grippy sole, a roomy toe box and a secure fit, matched to your feet and any foot problem you have. A 70 year old with bunions needs the same features as a 50 year old with bunions. The difference is that grip, stability and easy entry tend to become more pressing with age, not less.
What are the easiest shoes for older women to put on?
Slip-on styles, stretch openings and side zips are the easiest options if bending down or tying laces is difficult. A shoe with a side zip and laces lets you set the fit once, then step in and out using just the zip, which is how our Calla Estella sneakers work. Stretch-opening shoes and loafers with an elastic gusset work well too, and all of these can still have a cushioned, supportive insole inside. Whatever you choose, make sure it holds your foot securely, because a shoe you have to grip with your toes to keep on is less steady.
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