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Before you head out the door each morning, you’ll probably put on your favorite pair of shoes. From sandals and flip-flops to sneakers and loafers, there are many different types of shoes to suit any occasion. However, for those with bunions, finding the right shoe can be difficult, but it’s imperative for keeping pain at bay and even preventing the development of further bunions.
Our Top Picks:
1
2
Most Fashionable Shoes for Bunions
Sole Bliss Carmen Heel in Black Suede
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3
4
Best Zipper Boots for Bunions
Naot Apollo Zodiac Sneaker Boot
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5
Best Workout Shoes for Bunions
Kuru Atom Athletic Sneakers
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6
Best Hiking Shoes for Bunions
Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail II FG Womens Sneakers
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7
Best Lightweight Shoes for Bunions
Lems Shoes Primal 2 Sneaker
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8
Best Running Shoes for Bunions
Brooks Ghost 14 Road-Running Shoes
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9
10
Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
Hoka Clifton 9 Running Sneakers
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“A bunion, also known as hallux abducto valgus, represents the progressive dislocation of the big toe towards the lesser toes,” says Ray McClanahan, owner of Northwest Foot & Ankle and Andrew Wojciechowski. “The ‘bump’ of the bunion is not often a growth of bone, but rather the exposed first metatarsal head, as the big toe points towards the second toe.”
With that in mind, when shopping for the best shoes for bunions, Tim Oldani, podiatrist at Missouri Foot And Ankle, has a few tips:
Pick shoes with a wide toe box
A wide toe box will help prevent added pressure from being put on the bunion deformity.
Determine the shape of the toe box
According to Oldani, the best shoes for bunions have a round toe box that doesn’t narrow near the toes.
Consider the shoe material
Find shoes that will conform to the bunion. “A soft leather or pliable synthetic material such as neoprene are great options,” said Oldani.
To make the shopping process easier, we’ve rounded up a list of the top shoes for bunions that are not only professionally recommended, but can be worn for a multitude of occasions.
1
Best Overall Shoes for Bunions
Naot Apollo Galaxy 18027
1
Best Overall Shoes for Bunions
Naot Apollo Galaxy 18027
The overall best shoes for bunions are a pair that have a wide and rounded toe box and are made from a stretchy material. Oldani recommends the Naot Galaxy shoes because of their lightweight knit upper which is designed to limit pressure on the bunion in addition to the brand's signature cork and latex footbed which provides support for those who pronate and evenly distribute shock with every step. Plus, they are certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health.
2
Most Fashionable Shoes for Bunions
Sole Bliss Carmen Heel in Black Suede
2
Most Fashionable Shoes for Bunions
Sole Bliss Carmen Heel in Black Suede
Every pair of Sole Bliss shoes is designed with women with bunions in mind. Each style features a hidden stretch panel specifically formulated for bunions and wide feet, while a triple-layer cushioning system supports and soothes.
Take these shoes to the tennis court for some friendly competition on your next day off. Made with a full-grain leather upper and stitched soft suede panels, these court shoes feature the stretchy material needed to keep your toes more comfortable while on your feet and moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep you cool. “This shoe checks all the boxes of a good foot shaped shoe and has minimal padding from a removable insert,” says McClanahan.
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4
Best Zipper Boots for Bunions
Naot Apollo Zodiac Sneaker Boot
4
Best Zipper Boots for Bunions
Naot Apollo Zodiac Sneaker Boot
For the people always on the move, zipper shoes are the way to go. This pair offers the comfort of a sneaker with the look of a boot that can be worn to the grocery store or brunch with friends. Odani recommends these APMA-certified shoes because the Nubuck leather upper conforms to the bunion and they’re orthotic friendly — meaning you can use your own custom orthotic in the boots. The best part? The zipper design makes them easy to take on and off so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of laces.
5
Best Workout Shoes for Bunions
Kuru Atom Athletic Sneakers
5
Best Workout Shoes for Bunions
Kuru Atom Athletic Sneakers
These patent-protected sneakers are excellent when it’s time to get a workout in, especially if you deal with bunions. Featuring a lightweight mesh upper and wide toe box, these shoes give the toes lots of room to breathe and move around. Odani notes there’s also great support through the arch and cushioning to help absorb shock with the brands patented technology that cups to the heel to decrease impact and minimize pain.
6
Best Hiking Shoes for Bunions
Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail II FG Womens Sneakers
6
Best Hiking Shoes for Bunions
Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail II FG Womens Sneakers
Go outdoors and explore nature with these foot-shaped hiking shoes that make it easier for the feet to climb, walk, and run with its firm ground outsole. McClanahan recommends this shoe as it provides ample toe space and has a minimal outsole that's ideal for bunions. They are available in three dark colorways: deep sea blue, aqua, and sea green.
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7
Best Lightweight Shoes for Bunions
Lems Shoes Primal 2 Sneaker
7
Best Lightweight Shoes for Bunions
Lems Shoes Primal 2 Sneaker
There’s nothing more frustrating than having heavy shoes that weigh you down. At just 6.9 oz per shoe, these ultra-lightweight shoes are made with the brand’s signature natural shape designed to mimic the natural movement and shape of the foot for easy walking, running, and living. Wojciechowski recommends these transition shoes because of their ample toe space and padding making them a better choice for those with bunions.
8
Best Running Shoes for Bunions
Brooks Ghost 14 Road-Running Shoes
8
Best Running Shoes for Bunions
Brooks Ghost 14 Road-Running Shoes
Runners know how much of a difference high quality and durable shoes make as those miles pass. These APMA-approved sneakers are made with advanced cushioning technology (DNA loft foam) that provides a soft place for feet to land on with each step. Additionally, there’s an ultra-wide toe box to provide room for the toes to expand making it a top choice for runners with bunions.
9
Best Sandals for Bunions
Vionic Bella Toe Post Sandal
9
Best Sandals for Bunions
Vionic Bella Toe Post Sandal
You’ll always want to keep a pair of sandals in your closet for when the warm weather rolls around. Nick Argerakis, board certified podiatrist and founder of Silverstone Podiatry likes Vionic Shoes because they carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance which is important when talking about bunions. These sandals provide optimal foot support with its built-in orthotics and flexible EVA midsole that absorbs shock and reduces stress. And they still remain stylish with the tiny bow accent despite being functional.
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10
Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
Hoka Clifton 9 Running Sneakers
10
Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
Hoka Clifton 9 Running Sneakers
For many people, a solid pair of walking shoes is a necessity. However, if you deal with bunions, walking might not be your favorite pastime— and maybe that’s because you haven’t found the right pair of shoes. These APMA-approved shoes feature a wide toe bed and a cushioned midsole that provide ideal support for bunions and other foot problems such as plantar fasciitis.
11
Best Flats for Bunions
Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats (Aria 5°)
11
Best Flats for Bunions
Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats (Aria 5°)
If you have bunions, then you’ll want to steer clear from high heels. With that said, you may want to snag a pair of flats for those more formal occasions. This pair of mesh ballet flats has a wide toe box for a more spacious feel that will serve your bunions well with some extra room. Plus, the soft elastic knit upper provides more comfort and a plush feel for long days on your feet.
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Dansko Professional Clog Slip-On
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Dansko Professional Clog Slip-On
These highly rated clogs offer superb arch support and a spacious toe box ideal for those who struggle with bunions and are on their feet all day. The slip-on shoes also have a polyurethane midsole for stability and support when your toes need a bit of extra TLC without added orthotics and footwear.
