Best Men's and Women's Shoes for Bunions (2024)

Gear and Technology

May 7, 2024|6 min. readBy Brooks Staff

Best Men's and Women's Shoes for Bunions (1)

Bunions 101: Understanding the foot condition

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe, called the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. They form when pressure on the big toe causes it to go out of alignment and point inwards towards the rest of the toes. The joint then sticks out, and the foot gets wider. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and deformity of the foot. Long-term effects of bunions can include:

Nerve damage: Pressure on the joint can cause nerve damage and lead to numbness.
Skin changes: The skin on the sole of the foot can become thick and hard, and/or blisters may form due to increased friction and rubbing.
Deformities: Over time, bunions can lead to conditions like a hammer toe or a claw toe, which can cause corns and blisters to develop on other toes.
Chronic pain: The big toe joint can develop osteoarthritis and pain can lead to overcompensation, making you unsteady on your feet.

Common causes of bunions

Bunions are a condition that develops over time, which is why they are most common in older adults. That being said, they can start at any age, often caused by:

Genetics and family history: Predisposition to bunions is usually hereditary or could be related to a joint disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
Foot structure: Flat feet and low arches and even a short Achilles tendon or short calf muscles can contribute to the development of bunions.
Foot stress and repetitive activities: Avid dancers and runners can develop bunions due to overuse and foot stress.
Prolonged pressure and improper footwear: For anyone already prone to bunions, wearing tight shoes or high heels can exacerbate the condition.

Best Men's and Women's Shoes for Bunions (3)

How bunions influence footwear choices

Many shoe options, especially casual options like sandals, sneakers, and formal footwear like high feels and flats, lack support. Running shoes are often the best option for anyone dealing with bunions because their unique design can help support the feet and accommodate any bone deformities. If you’re looking for the best shoes for bunions, try to prioritize options with:

Stretchy materials: Reduces pressure on bunions through a decrease in friction and an increase in flexibility.
Good arch support: Facilitates normal foot flexion, preventing a shift in pressure to the toes. Make sure you know if you have high, medium, or low arches to get a better idea of the shoes that will be most comfortable for you.
Wider toe boxes: Prevents rubbing along the bunion, slowing bunion growth and subsequent foot deformity.
Cushioned insoles: Helps to absorb shock and provide comfort.

Some people are more prone to bunions than others, so they’ll need to be more intentional with their footwear choices. Since everyone’s foot structure is slightly different, trying out a few different options to find the right fit is a great way to decide what shoes work with your unique needs.

Brooks’ solutions for bunions

We design shoes to fit feet of all shapes and sizes, including those with bunions. If you’re looking for stretchy materials, good arch support, wide toe boxes and well-cushioned insoles, try a few of our most popular collections.

The Glycerin collection for men and women is equipped with our DNA LOFT technology, which is a cushioned midsole made up of EVA foam, rubber, and air. For an even softer midsole, choose Glycerin 21s for men or women with DNA LOFT v3, our latest nitrogen-infused foam. The Glycerin collection is also designed with a breathable compression mesh that accommodates the unique shape of your foot. Glycerin is a great choice for runners who want both comfort and support to prevent bunions from getting worse.

Our Ghost collection for men and women is another great option that comes with a wider toe box to accommodate bunions and provide enough support for comfort with every step. Also equipped with DNA LOFT technology, our Ghost line of shoes have the cushioning you need and the flexible mesh construction that can provide a snug—but not tight—fit for wider feet.

Best Men's and Women's Shoes for Bunions (4)

Choosing the right shoes is essential for maintaining foot health and that is especially true for anyone with a foot condition like bunions.

Looking for the right shoes for bunions? Browse our top shoes for men and women or take our Shoe Finder quiz to find a pair that is comfortable for either running or walking.

Shop this article

This is a carousel. Use next and Previous buttons to navigate.

Best Men's and Women's Shoes for Bunions (5)

Disclaimer: Our writer's advice is intended for informational or general educational purposes only. We always encourage you to speak with your physician or healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your running, nutrition, or fitness routines.

FAQs

What is the best shoe to wear if you have bunions? ›

Shoes for bunions should have a wide toe box, providing sufficient room for the bunion and averting further irritation. The Hoka Bondi 7 shoes and Sebago Clovehitch II FGL Waxed shoes, for example, have a wide toe box to accommodate bunions while offering comfort and support.

Should I get wide shoes if I have bunions? ›

If you form a Bunion and continue to wear ill-fitted shoes, the Bunion will continue to get larger. Fitting a Bunion in a wide shoe, along with proper fitting arch support you are decreasing the chances of it getting any larger and it will also alleviate the pain associated with a Bunion.

Tell Me More ›

What New Balance shoe is best for bunions? ›

The New Balance Men's 990 v6

Designed for those with bunions and various foot conditions, this shoe prioritizes comfort without compromising performance.

Are flat shoes better for bunions? ›

A flat may also fit too snugly around the bunion. If the shoe is too loose, your toes tend to scrunch to keep it from flopping off your heel, which can also aggravate a bunion. It is best to wear a quality leather shoe with a roomy toe box and sturdy heel counter.

Know More ›

What brands are best for bunions? ›

Exceptional comfort made Hoka's Ora Recovery Shoe our clear-cut winner for the best overall choice for feet with bunions. A stretchy and flexible material helped keep pressure off the bunion-affected areas, and a memory foam heel and cushioning in the midsole further promoted comfort.

Tell Me More ›

Is walking barefoot better for bunions? ›

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

What worsens bunions? ›

A sure-fire way to exacerbate your bunion is to stand on your feet all day. Walking or running a marathon is the worst thing you can do for your bunion, and if you have a job that keeps you on your toes, you may need to take some time off to heal.

Keep Reading ›

What size shoe for a bunion? ›

If the bunion is small, a comfortable shoe with a roomy toe might be all you need. The shoe should be low-heeled (less than 1 or 2 inches), with enough space to fit your toes comfortably. You might have to go up a half size or more to get the right fit.

Explore More ›

Are Crocs good for bunions? ›

Crocs in the Clinic

“These shoes are especially light,” says Harold Glickman, DPM, former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “They have huge room in the toe that affords the front part of the foot lots of room, especially for people with bone deformities like bunions and hammer toe.

What is the new bunion relief? ›

Lapiplasty has been called a “paradigm shift ” in bunion correction surgery. The surgeon no longer has to cut freehand. A patented instrument holds the metatarsal bone in correct position in all three dimensions at the same time before the surgeon makes any cuts.