So, What are the Best Shoes for Bunions?
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from bunions, then you’ll know all too well that bunion pain is sometimes impossible to ignore. For this reason, wearing the correct shoes for bunions is vital.
After all, if you don’t wear the right footwear, then your foot health may deteriorate. This is because bunions can get worse over time and lead to other issues, such as flat feet, hammer toes and plantar fasciitis.
Thankfully, finding stylish bunion-friendly shoes that look great, fit well and alleviate the pain you’re living with is simple. To help, we’ve compiled anall-you-need-to-know guide that includes all of the best shoes for bunions.
Whether you’re searching for classic summer sandals for bunions, wide fit shoes that will ease the pain or a pair or super-comfy trainers for bunions, we’ve highlighted all of the best footwear options for your needs below.
As an added bonus, you’ll also be thrilled to hear that all of these shoes are fashionable and stylish - the days of the best bunion shoes for women being boring, old fashioned and orthopaedic-looking are long gone!
First Things First...
What is a Bunion?
Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are a foot condition where the joint of the big toe shifts out of place, causing a painful bump on the inside of your foot.
When pressure is applied to the joints of your feet, over time the bone or tissue at the bottom of the big toe moves out of place and forces the big toe to bend inwards.
For this reason, if you suffer from bunions, then you may notice that your favourite pair of shoes can cause pain and discomfort. If this is the case, it’s really important to replace them with shoes that fit well and provide more comfort and support.
Below we’ve highlighted our very favourite bunion shoes. But, please be aware that surgery is the only way to completely get rid of bunions, according to the NHS.
As a result, whilst the styles we have suggested can help alleviate pain and discomfort, they will not cure the foot condition. For this reason, we recommend that you seek advice from your GP or Podiatrist if you are suffering with bunions.
What causes Bunions?
At this point, you’re probably wondering whether shoes can cause bunions. Well, this answer is yes. But, there are a number of reasons why bunions can develop, including:
- Genetics
- Biomechanics
- Pregnancy
- Chronic Obesity
- Medical Conditions
- Poorly-Fitting Footwear
Genetics is the most common reason why bunions develop, but poor-fitting footwear can cause bunions to develop or worsen over time. Many bunions are formed by a combination of the above factors.
Can the Wrong Shoes make Bunions Worse?
Yes. As we alluded to above, wearing the correct shoes for bunions is vital. This is because the wrong shoes can make bunions worse.
If you wear tight or ill-fitting shoes, then you may put added pressure on your bunion. This can then lead to redness, rubbing and soreness. Over time, it may even lead to blistering.
Buying the right heels for bunions is particularly vital. This is because heels push your bodyweight forward and put pressure on your toes. This exacerbates the development of bunions.
Thankfully, as you’ll see below, loads of fashionable shoes for bunions are available. So, it’s now easy to alleviate pain and still look at your very best.
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Bunions?
It may feel like your options are limited when shoe shopping if you have bunions, but with a little know-how you can find plenty of stylish options that will keep your feet happy!
Read on to discover our top tips when shopping for bunion-friendly shoes …
Wide Fit Leather Sling-Back Sandals
The Best Sandals for Bunions
We love the soft leather straps of these fashionable sandals for bunions. Their soft textile and leather linings will mould to fit around your feet over time, meaning they’ll become more comfortable the more you wear them.
The thick straps offer flattering and comfortable coverage over your bunions, while the elasticated straps help ease your foot into the sandal - no fiddly laces here!
Plus, the extra cushioned leather insole that comes with these sandals helps spread the weight across your feet, decreasing the pressure placed on your bunions.
Why We Love Them:
- Elasticated strap
- Soft leather linings
- Extra cushioned design
Loretta Wide Fit Leather Slip-On Shoes
The Best Wide Fitting Shoes for Bunions
Footwear brand Loretta are renowned for their comfortable handmade shoes, and these wide fit options are a firm favourite.
Designed with a spacious toe box and removable insole, these shoes for women with bunions offer extra wiggle room to help those with other foot problems, such as corns and hammertoes.
Why We Love Them:
- Wide fitting
- Removable insole
- Spacious toe box
Slip-On Leather Pumps
The Best Fashionable Shoes for Bunions
If you’re looking for fashionable shoes for bunions, these leather pumps might just be the ones for you. Available in an array of bright colours, they are as versatile as they are practical.
The perforated upper of these pumps allows your feet to breathe during those warmer months, and the soft leather will ensure these shoes see you through seasons to come.
Designed with an impressive amount of cushioning and an extra flexible sole, these fashionable shoes for bunions give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to stay comfortable and keep on-trend.
Why We Love Them:
- Wide fitting
- Supple leather
- Cushioned arch support
Memory Foam Pumps
The Best Pumps for Bunions
Made with an innovative woven design, these trainer pumps will keep your feet feeling comfortable and supported as you step through the day. The stretchy upper has been designed to shape around your feet to accommodate sensitive bunions, while the minimalist design pairs well with practically every outfit.
What’s more, they even have a memory foam insole that conforms to the shape of your foot. This provides a stable and cushioned base for the balls and heels of your feet, alleviating pressure from bunions or corns.
Why We Love Them:
- Stretch fit design
- Memory foam insole
- Simple to slip on
Fly Flot Clogs
The Best Clogs for Bunions
Loved by nurses, clogs are a great choice for bunion sufferers who are on their feet all day at work.
These Fly Flot clogs have been a popular style for years because of their self-moulding insole, spacious toe box and anti-shock support. A comfortable alternative to regular clogs.
Why We Love Them:
- Wide fitting
- Self-moulding footbed
- Lightweight design
Evening Heels
The Best Smart Shoes for Bunions
Created with a low block heel, these sling-back shoes allow your feet to fit comfortably without putting pressure on your bunions.
The low heel of these shoes gives a supportive boost to your height without making you uncomfortable. So, with these specialist heels for bunions, you can stay on the dance floor all night long!
Why We Love Them:
- Adjustable fastening
- Comfortable block heel
- Cushioned insole
Wide Fit Stretch Sandals
The Best Wide Fit Sandals for Bunions
We love the thick stretchy straps of these sandals, which are perfect for ladies with bunions.
The soft stretch-fit uppers of these wide fitting shoes for bunions will surround your feet with a supportive and optimised fit. They’re perfect for ladies who experience swollen feet in the hot weather.
Why We Love Them:
- Stretch-fit design
- Non-fastening straps
- Cushioned anti-shock insole
Wide Fit Antibacterial Slippers
The Best Slippers for Bunions
The best way to treat your feet to some TLC? A cosy pair of slippers - there’s got to be no better feeling than slipping on a brand-new pair.
If you have bunions, then you’ll know it can be tricky to find footwear that fits well. The widest point of your footwear should align with where your bunions show up. These slippers are made with an adjustable strap, so you can alter the shoe’s shape to keep your feet as comfortable as can be.
Why We Love Them:
- Anti-bacterial linings
- Extra cushioned insole
- Adjustable strap
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Bunions?
It may feel like your options are limited when shoe shopping if you have bunions. But, with a little know-how, you can find plenty of stylish options that will keep your feet happy!
Whether you’re searching for comfortable heels for bunions or a new pair of trainers, all of the best shoes for bunions share many of the same characteristics, including:
- Deep and wide toe box
- Soft linings
- Adjustable features
- Low heel height
- Cushioned and supportive insoles
Read on to discover our top tips when shopping for bunion-friendly shoes…
1. Shoes with a wide toe box
Bunions can be caused by shoes that are too tight and do not give feet enough space to move naturally, so it’s important you find shoes that leave enough wiggle room for your toes to fit comfortably without rubbing or pinching.
The widest point of your shoes should correlate with the widest point of your feet, and if you have bunions, it’s vital that your shoes should accommodate them.
2. Shoes with soft linings
In many cases, a bunion can distort or alter the shape of your footwear and can make your shoes feel tight across the toes. Once irritated, these pesky and painful bumps can become sore and cause redness, inflammation or even blisters.
Shoes with supple linings like leather are great for those with bunions. This is because the material feels soft against painful points and will gently stretch and shape over time to echo the shape of your feet.
3. Adjustable shoes
Wearing tight shoes is a big no-no for bunion sufferers, as their narrow shape can pinch or rub on bunions, causing further pain and inflammation. Shoes with adjustable fastenings are perfect for bunion sufferers and anyone who suffers from swollen feet.
4. Low heel height
While we never wish to part from our beloved high heels, shoes with low heels are the best option for those with bunions. High heels tend to increase pressure on the bunion, whereas shoes with lower heels provide a more stable base that evenly spreads the weight across your feet.
5. Cushioned and supportive insoles
Look for bunion shoes with cushioned insoles, as these will support your soles with dreamy comfort and evenly distribute the weight across your feet. This will then prevent additional strain being placed on painful points like bunions, corns and hammertoes.
