The 22 Best Shoes for Bunions, According to Podiatrists

If you’ve ever dealt with bunions, you know how painful and frustrating they can be. These bony bumps, typically located at the base of the big toe, can make even the simplest of tasks—like walking or standing—feel uncomfortable. Whether you’re dealing with mild irritation or more significant pain, finding the right pair of shoes is crucial to managing the condition and maintaining foot health.

Luckily, there’s a wide range of bunion-friendly shoes on the market, from stylish sneakers to supportive sandals, that cater to both comfort and style. But how do you know which shoes are the best for bunions? We turned to podiatrists for their expert recommendations on shoes that help alleviate pressure on the toe joint, improve alignment, and reduce pain. Here’s a roundup of the 22 best shoes for bunions, featuring options for both men and women.

What to Look for in Bunion-Friendly Shoes

Before we dive into the best options, it’s important to understand what makes a shoe suitable for bunions. Podiatrists recommend the following features to look for when shopping for shoes:

• Wide Toe Box: Shoes with a wide, rounded toe box give your toes plenty of space to spread out, which helps minimize pressure on the bunion.
• Arch Support: Proper arch support helps with overall foot alignment and prevents the bunion from worsening over time.
• Cushioning: Soft, cushioned insoles help absorb shock and provide comfort, reducing the impact on your joints.
• Adjustable Straps: Shoes with adjustable closures like Velcro or laces allow for a customizable fit, making it easier to accommodate foot swelling or changes in foot shape.
• Stability: Shoes that provide a stable platform help with balance and reduce the strain on your feet.

Now, let’s take a look at the top picks for bunion-friendly footwear.

Best Sneakers for Bunions

1. Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Known for its extra cushioning and wide toe box, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a podiatrist-approved sneaker that offers great arch support and stability. The shoe’s MoGo midsole provides shock absorption, making it perfect for long walks or daily use.
2. New Balance 990v5 New Balance is a go-to brand for bunion-friendly sneakers, and the 990v5 is no exception. With its supportive cushioning and wide toe box, this shoe is ideal for those looking for both comfort and durability. The dual-density collar foam also helps reduce pressure on the bunion.
3. Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 For those who love running, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 offers great cushioning and support. The Gel technology in the heel and forefoot provides added shock absorption, while the engineered mesh upper helps with breathability and flexibility.
4. Saucony Guide 14 This stability running shoe offers a roomy toe box, arch support, and a lightweight design. Its PWRRUN cushioning gives a responsive feel with each step, making it a great option for both casual wear and exercise.
5. Orthofeet Sprint Comfort Specifically designed with foot issues like bunions in mind, Orthofeet offers a sneaker that combines a wide toe box with customizable orthotic insoles. The foam-padded heel collar adds extra comfort and stability, reducing foot fatigue.

Best Casual Shoes for Bunions

6. Clarks Unstructured Un Adorn Zip These casual shoes are perfect for people who need all-day comfort without sacrificing style. With a soft leather upper and a padded footbed, the Clarks Unstructured Un Adorn Zip provides ample toe room and arch support, ideal for bunion sufferers.
7. Vionic Brisk Miles Sneaker Vionic is known for its podiatrist-designed footwear, and the Brisk Miles Sneaker is no different. The shoe offers arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box, making it an excellent choice for both comfort and support throughout the day.
8. Skechers Go Walk 5 Skechers’ Go Walk 5 is a lightweight, slip-on shoe with a flexible upper and a cushioned insole. The responsive midsole and extra room in the toe area make it a comfortable option for those with bunions.
9. Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker Ecco’s Soft 7 Sneaker is both stylish and supportive, with a padded collar and arch support that help relieve bunion pressure. The shoe’s leather upper and ortholite insole also ensure comfort and breathability.
10. Aetrex Jillian Bootie If you prefer a stylish boot to complement your wardrobe, the Aetrex Jillian Bootie offers a roomy toe box and arch support. Its adjustable strap closure helps accommodate swelling and provides a snug, comfortable fit.

Best Sandals for Bunions

11. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal Birkenstock’s iconic Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal offers both comfort and support with its cork footbed that conforms to the shape of your feet. The sandal’s adjustable straps allow for a customized fit, and the wide toe box provides relief for bunion sufferers.
12. Naot Kayla Sandal The Naot Kayla Sandal features a cork and latex footbed for excellent arch support, while its leather straps are soft and comfortable. The sandal’s wide toe box ensures plenty of room for the toes, and the adjustable velcro straps make it easy to find a perfect fit.
13. Oofos OOlala Flip Flop If you’re looking for a casual, easy-to-wear sandal that’s still kind to your feet, the Oofos OOlala Flip Flop is a great option. The shoe’s OOfoam technology absorbs impact, reducing pressure on your joints while providing support and cushioning.
14. Propet TravelActiv Sandal This athletic-style sandal offers a wide toe box, arch support, and a lightweight, cushioned sole, making it ideal for all-day wear. The adjustable straps ensure a secure, customized fit that works well for bunion-prone feet.
15. Orthofeet Coral Stretchable Sandal Designed with comfort and flexibility in mind, the Orthofeet Coral Stretchable Sandal features soft, stretchable material that accommodates bunions without causing friction. The orthotic insole provides excellent arch support and cushioning.

Best Dress Shoes for Bunions

16. Naturalizer Marianne Pump For those who need a stylish yet comfortable dress shoe, the Naturalizer Marianne Pump offers a generous toe box and arch support. The memory foam footbed and lightweight construction ensure comfort, making it a great choice for work or events.
17. Clarks May Marigold Flat These flats combine a classic style with a cushioned insole and wide toe box, offering both comfort and support. The flexible outsole helps with movement while keeping pressure off your bunions.
18. Dansko Professional Clog Known for its durability and comfort, the Dansko Professional Clog is ideal for those who need a reliable shoe for work. The roomy toe box, arch support, and shock-absorbing sole make it a perfect choice for bunion sufferers.

Best Orthopedic Shoes for Bunions

19. Orthofeet Springfield The Orthofeet Springfield orthopedic shoe features customizable insoles and a wide toe box to ensure comfort for those with bunions. The cushioned heel and arch support also reduce pain and provide stability.
20. Propet Vista Walker With its padded collar and adjustable hook-and-loop straps, the Propet Vista Walker offers a secure and comfortable fit. The orthotic insole provides excellent arch support, while the wide toe box relieves pressure from bunions.
21. Saucony Guide 14 Orthotic Shoe A great option for those who need an orthotic-friendly shoe, the Saucony Guide 14 offers customizable insoles and cushioning to reduce foot stress. The wide toe box gives extra room for bunions, while the shoe’s overall stability helps with alignment.
22. New Balance 1540v3 Designed with motion control technology and a wide toe box, the New Balance 1540v3 is an excellent choice for bunion sufferers seeking orthopedic support. The cushioned midsole provides shock absorption, while the durable outsole ensures long-lasting comfort.

Conclusion

When it comes to bunions, finding the right footwear can make all the difference. From sneakers to sandals and orthopedic shoes, the options listed above offer a range of styles to keep your feet comfortable and supported. Whether you’re looking for all-day wearability or something more formal, these podiatrist-approved shoes are sure to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and improve your overall foot health.