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If you have bunions, you can’t just pick any ol’ shoe off the shelf.
So we’ve collected a list of the best shoes for bunions — if you’re stuck or can’t quite decide between your options, we’ve narrowed it down to help you figure out what to do next.
We went with brands over individual shoes to highlight shoe lines with a variety of bunion-friendly options. Comfort and personal preference are two of the biggest factors in what’s the best shoe for you.
These brands are known for quality in the materials and construction of their shoes, and having wide sizes and toe box shapes that accommodate real foot shapes. Plus, we think you’ll be happy being seen wearing these shoes.
Pricing guide
Here’s our key to the relative price range you can expect to pay for a good pair of shoes for bunions:
- $ = under $130
- $$ = $130–$180
- $$$ = over $180
- Price point: $
- Pros: Clark’s shoes are well-known among people with specialty shoe needs, whether they need a large size or a comfortable fit for a specific foot shape. Nearly any Clark’s sandal is a good match for bunions with their memory foam cushioning and open design on the sides of your feet where bunions need room.
- Cons: Clark’s aren’t the sleekest shoes — you may not find the exact style or statement you want, but you will be comfortable.
- Where to buy: Clark’s USA
Many podiatrists and physicians recommend avoiding flip-flops because they provide no support or protection. Why? Traditional flip-flops put strain on and can irritate the big toe joint, where bunions happen.
- Price point: $
- Pros: If you’re set on wearing a pair, Crocs has very lightweight, durable options that are below a $40 price tag. And in their women’s styles, one design secures the flip-flop so that shoe weight and pressure rests around the top of the foot instead of by the toes. This is ideal for bunions.
- Cons: At the end of the day, the flip-flop style just might not be good for bunions.
- Where to buy: Crocs men’s and women’s styles
- Price point: $$
- Pros: Birkenstocks are a good alternative to flip-flops because their soles are designed to support every part of your foot, and they have a large range of styles for different occasions.
- Cons: Some of their designs may seem bulky or gaudy, and this brand has been widely counterfeited when purchased from third-party or discount sellers.
- Where to buy: Birkenstock
- Price point: $
- Pros: A regular on public radio ads, Allbirds have made waves with soft, light, waterproof shoes made of sustainable wool and eucalyptus. They have several types of tennis shoes for normal wear as well as flats and socks well-designed for bunions.
- Cons: This is a young company, and some customers report that their first few pairs get beat up by frequent wear. Expect their materials to change somewhat for a few years, which may affect your experience over time.
- Where to buy: Allbirds
- Price point: $
- Pros: Merrell offers a wide variety of athletic and outdoor shoes like sandals for a wide range of lifestyles. They’re also well-known for their strong rubber soles and memory foam cushioning.
- Cons: Again, their designs may not always appeal to your sense of fashion. But there are plenty of styles to choose from.
- Where to buy: Merrell
- Price point: $
- Pros: If you’re a runner with bunions, Altra is for you. They specialize in running shoes for different levels of intensity, with a special focus on comfort and cushioning. Many of their styles are lauded for their incredibly thick, comfy, and impact-resistant soles as well as their soft, breathable materials.
- Cons: Many of their styles may not seem fashion-forward, and some customers have complained about material breaking away from the sole after frequent use.
- Where to buy: Altra Running
- Brand: Vionic Shoes
- Price point: $$
- Pros: Vionic shoes are designed for both form and function. They offer both comfy athletic shoes and a surprisingly wide range of heels, flats, dress shoes, and other shoes you can wear to business casual or formal events without sacrificing comfort or support.
- Cons: Some customers report that the top inside of the shoe irritates the top of the foot after long periods of wear.
- Where to buy: Vionic Shoes
Rothy’s
- Price point: $$$
- Pros: Known for their flats, Rothy’s sells a range of shoes for women and kids for everyday wear. Their shoes are widely praised for their flexible material, lush cushioning with optional insoles, and versatility for different lifestyles. Many of their styles are appropriate for both casual and formal wear. They’re also made with a sustainability mission in mind.
- Cons: They’re on the pricey side for flats, and some customers report that the material wears out fast with frequent wear.
- Where to buy: Rothy’s
Vionic
- Price point: $$
- Pros: Vionic makes shoes in men’s and women’s styles. Their range of casual and dress shoes include options approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). There’s likely a versatile everyday shoe in the bunch.
- Cons: Some styles may be tight for some feet and some of the leather shoes will have a break-in period.
- Where to buy: Vionic
- Price point: $$
- Pros: Orthofeet designs shoes specifically for maximum comfort and protection for a number of foot issues, including bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and even diabetes complications. They’ve also got a wide variety of styles to choose from.
- Cons: This brand values function over form, so you may not always find the style you’re looking for.
- Where to buy: Orthofeet
Here are some general tips for wearing a shoe that minimizes your bunion pain:
- Don’t wear basic models of shoes. This includes flip-flops, sandals, running shoes, or otherwise. Lacking the right support or width can make your bunions feel excruciating. If your bunions really bother you, then the right pair of shoes is important.
- Wear flats. Steep high heels often have cramped, narrow toe boxes and the angle of the shoe places your body weight onto the balls of your feet. This puts a lot of stress on your bunion(s). If you do want to wear elevated shoes, opt for platform shoes or wedge heels with a gradual slope. This will support your weight across the whole foot.
- Wear socks. This may seem obvious, but be careful not to wear shoes without socks. This can irritate your bunions or expose them to harm from your environment.
Here’s our guide to best practices for finding the right shoe for your bunions:
- Is it certified? Shoes with a Seal of Acceptance/Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) have been tested specifically for helping with foot issues like bunions.
- How thick are the soles? Thick soles mean the tread on the bottom of the shoe will last longer before the sole wears down and the shoe loses its ability to cushion your bunions from impact. If you plan to wear them frequently, thick soles will prevent you from having to replace them often.
- How much does the shoe weigh? Light shoes can put less pressure and weight on your bunions so that you can wear them for longer periods of time without getting uncomfortable or even injured.
- What’s it made of? Your feet will be a lot more comfortable if you choose a shoe made of a light, breathable material so your feet don’t get too sweaty, weigh you down, or push against your bunions. Waterproof shoes are good if you plan to take them hiking, running, or in outdoor terrain. And rubber soles are ideal for reducing pressure on bunions.
- What kind of tread does it have? Do you need them for work? School? Sports? Competitions? Outdoorsy activities? Is the tread meant to grip hard, flat surfaces or soft, uneven terrain?
- How far will you be walking or running in them? Are these all-day, everyday shoes for work, school, or other all-day activities? Or do you just plan to wear them a little bit, either a few hours a day or every other day?
- Does it have a warranty? Are you able to return or replace the shoes if you don’t like them, even if you’ve already used them?
- What socks will you wear with these? A good pair of socks may help give your bunions extra protection. Thick socks can give a little extra cushion, while thin, light socks can allow your skin to breathe and stop moisture from building up in your shoe and irritating your skin and bunions. Try on shoes while wearing the socks you plan to wear.
Here’s a quick reference for you to make sure the shoes you want are the correct size and have the right specifications to keep your bunions comfortable:
- Length: You’ll see multiple numbers that measure the length of your foot, including inches (U.S.) and other national standards, such as U.K., European, and Japanese.
- Width: The average foot is sized on a scale from narrow (AA) to wide (EE). You may want to pick a slightly wider size than your foot will fit to allow some room for your bunions without putting pressure on them.
- Toe box: If you have bunions, this is crucial. Make sure you get a wide toe box that leaves room for your bunions to breathe.
- Marketing and design: Many shoes are designed and marketed for male or female feet.
The right pair of shoes can make walking, running, working, and playing sports feel better and may help you forget that you have bunions at all.
And with specialty shoes for bunions, the right investment can make a huge difference in your daily life and let you do what you need to do with no obstacles on your path — including your own feet.
