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If you're one of the estimated quarter of adults who have a bunion, per the
Ethically sourced using laces that come from recycled plastic bottles and insoles that come from castor bean oil, these shoes have gotten quite the reputation over the last few years — but not only for their resourcefulness. They're also incredibly comfortable, especially for people with bunions.
They have a simple, contoured design that allows the shoe to be flexible, supportive and made to last. You can walk around in these shoes all day long and not feel the irritation that most other shoes can cause.
Another perk that customers rave about is the fact that these shoes are incredibly lightweight — clocking in at just 7 ounces per shoe, which is significantly less than most other shoes.
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Dr. Sutera is a big fan of this brand, which offers arch support, cushioning and a deep-seated heel cup. "The three-zone technology that is embedded into their shoes is very foot-friendly," she says.
Vionic's Advanced Motion System (AMS) technology is designed by podiatrists and features a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable insole that allows for all-day comfort. Whether you're going to the office or heading out for a fast-paced walk, these shoes won't only look stylish, but will also provide the long-term comfort and support your feet crave.
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If you're someone who likes to go on walks, short or long, you're going to need a shoe that won't rub against your bunion. In addition to hugging your foot so there's minimal movement inside your shoe, Kuru shoes feature what the brand refers to as KURUCLOUD — a midsole that's as cushiony as it gets, with an energizing bounce to keep you going during long walks.
They're slightly wider than most shoes and lightweight so you don't feel pulled down during movement. They're also
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 amps up comfort with ample cushioning, added arch support and a secure fit that keeps your foot snug without overcrowding your bunion. While this
If you're looking for sandals that will help alleviate the pain and general discomfort associated with your bunion, Dr. Lobkova recommends Oofos. Not only are they made extra wide to accommodate and stabilize the foot, but they feature a proprietary footbed design that helps take pressure off other targeted areas in your body, including your knees and ankles.
Perhaps the best part (for people with or without bunions), in addition to their 30-day money-back guarantee, is the fact that you can toss these sandals in the washing machine when they're extra dirty or just need a refresh.
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Having
If you're looking for an everyday shoe that's equally stylish as it is supportive, consider Dr. Scholl's Madison Slip-Ons. As implied by its name, this shoe just slips right on, which can be quite convenient for people on-the-go.
The Insole Technology provides anatomical cushioning that supports the weight and protrusion of your bunion, and the flexible construction allows free movement without pressure.
If you're eco-minded, you'll be glad to know that this shoe is sustainably made and crafted with a unique microsuede that comes from recycled bottles.
Buy it: Amazon.com (women’s sizes 5-11); Price: $30 to $140
What to Look for in Shoes for Bunions
1. Comfort
Because bunions are often associated with pain, the last thing you want is to purchase a shoe that makes that irritation worse. For this reason, it's important to read customer reviews to make sure that the pair you are buying only adds comfort instead of taking it away.
2. Support
Podiatrist Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, foot and ankle specialist at LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida, recommends looking for supportive shoes that help promote better foot mechanics.
"Make sure to have your feet measured and fitted so you get the appropriate sized shoe especially at the width."
She also suggests avoiding shoes with narrow toe boxes, as they can be less supportive than rounded shoes that are more accommodating.
3. Width
If you suffer from a bunion or two, it's important to select a shoe that's wide enough to accommodate the extra room taken up by your bunion. For this reason, it is important to understand the width of footwear needed to fit your specific foot — bunion included. Dr. Lobkova suggests tracing the outside of the foot with a pencil on a sheet of paper to be able to visualize this better.
4. Soft Upper Material
"Soft upper material to any footwear will not rub on the bunion joint and thus diminish pain and irritation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint," notes Dr. Lobkova. She recommends seeking out a shoe made with materials like goat leather or neoprene that will conform to the contour of the foot instead of pressing up against the joint.
5. Minimal Heel
While you might initially think to avoid heels at all cost if you have a bunion, Dr. Lobkova actually recommends seeking out at least a 1-inch heel. "Totally flat footwear, including flat sneakers, is worse for bunions than a 1- to 1.5-inch heel or platform because lifting the heel slightly causes the rest of the foot to rotate in a more optimal biomechanical position that puts less pressure on the big toe joint," she says.
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