Shopping for new shoes is a fun and exciting experience. Unfortunately, all the excitement goes away when you develop bunions.
A bunion is a misalignment or outgrowth that sticks out of your big toe, and it usually happens when excessive pressure is put on the big toe joint.
This issue often results in swelling, joint pain, and inflammation while you walk around.
Fortunately, you can put this issue under control with the best shoes for bunions. There are special orthopedic shoes and inserts that are designed for people with this condition.
However, there are too many options on the market, and picking the best out of the numerous options can sometimes be a daunting task.
To make this process seamless and stress-free for you, we have reviewed 7 of the best shoes designed for bunion sufferers.
OUR TOP PICK
The Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat is our top recommendation because it is made with high-quality materials and supportive insoles. The shoe is comfortable, stylish, and super lightweight.
Here Are the Best Shoes for Bunions:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Merrell Women’s Encore Q2 Ice Fashion Sneaker |  |
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| 3. Vive Op Shoe Medical Walking Boot | |
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| 4. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Therapeutic Shoe |  |
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| 5. Skechers Performance Women’s Walking Shoe |  |
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| 6. Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief Women’s Sandals |  |
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| 7. Orthofeet Proven Foot and Heel Pain Relief Men’s Boat Shoes |  |
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1. Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat — Best Walking Shoes for Bunions, Women’s
The Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat is an athletic styled sneaker that is designed for people suffering from foot ailments like bunions. It is a lace-up style shoe and it is super flexible, lightweight, and highly durable.
It offers great comfort and balance for bunion sufferers. The shoe features a synthetic upper that is highly breathable; it allows for adequate airflow to keep the foot dry and warm.
The shoe fits perfectly on the foot and it offers arch support also. It is made with high-quality materials, and the wide fitting construction makes it highly stable and supportive.
The shoe is available in five different widths, ranging from narrow to extra-wide. It also comes with a well-cushioned insole that provides the support and comfort your foot needs.
The shoe is highly versatile, as it allows you to use your own orthopedic shoe footbed, thanks to its removable footbed. With this feature, you can easily and quickly change the footbed.
It comes with a rubber sole that does not only offer comfort but helps to increase the stability of the shoe. The rubber sole makes the shoe firmer, ensuring you remain on your feet securely at all times.
It also features a great look and design, which means you can pretty much wear it with any attire. If you are looking for the best flats for bunions, these are very comfortable, durable, and stylish.
Specs
- Material: Suede Leather and Mess
- Sole: Synthetic
- Sizes: 7-15
Pros
- Stylish, comfortable, and lightweight
- Removable footbed
- Breathable upper material
- Made with high-quality materials
- Eva cushioned insole
Cons
- Available in only one color
2. Merrell Women’s Encore Q2 Ice Fashion Sneaker
Merrell is one of the most popular, sensible footwear companies out there, and this brand makes high-quality shoes that cater to different needs.
This brand got a thumbs-up from Torres-Hodges for its amazing roomy toe-box and arch support shoe.
This is a faux-fur lined clog and it comes with a molded footbed and rubber sole for additional cushioning. It is highly comfortable on the foot, and it helps to reduce pressure on the toes as you walk, which makes these the best shoes for tailor’s bunions too.
This is a female shoe and it is highly fashionable. The clog does not slip off the heels, which means you do not have to overwork your foot to keep them secure.
The shoe is made with 100 percent leather, with high-quality construction to ensure durability. It features a suede upper, which also allows for breathability.
The shoe comes with EVA comfort footbed, which ensures your foot remains comfortable while you walk. It also features a nylon arch shank and Qform 2 midsole.
The shoe is available in seven different colors, with sizes ranging from 5 to 11. It is perfect for work, casual, trail running, and hiking. The shoe offers maximum comfort and you can wear it for a very long time without feeling a thing.
Specs
- Material: 100% leather
- Gender: Female
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5-11
Pros
- EVA comfort footbed
- Made with 100 percent leather
- Features rubber sole and faux fur lining for more comfort
- Stylish and highly durable
Cons
- The footbed is a bit hard
3. Vive Op Shoe Medical Walking Boot
The Vive Op Shoe Lightweight Medical Walking Boot is another great shoe for bunions. This shoe is fully adjustable, as it comes with straps that allow it to accommodate bandages or casts.
It is not gender-specific and it comes with a square closed-toe design that makes it ideal for either the left or the right foot. This shoe is designed to provide you with the support and protection you need after surgery.
It will ensure that the bandages or cast on your foot is dry and free from dirt and supports your toe joints, toes, foot, ankle, and leg.
The shoe comes with a non-skid rocker sole that provides you with great stability while you walk. The design also supports the arch and relieves any pressure or pain you may feel on your heel or forefoot.
It also features a lightweight design that makes it very easy and comfortable to walk with. The chances of hurting your toes or feet with this shoe are also very slim, thanks to its wide square toe box that acts as a bumper.
With all these great features, this shoe is still one of the most affordable shoes for bunions. It is available in different sizes and it is ideal for both men and women.
In addition to having a great price tag, this product comes with a 60-day unconditional guarantee, which means you can buy it with confidence.
Specs
- Material: Neoprene-like material
- Gender: Male & Female
- Sole: Non Skid rocker sole
- Size: 5-17
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Non Skid rocker sole for extra comfort and stability
- Super lightweight design
- Supportive protection after surgery
Cons
- The quality could be improved
4. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Therapeutic Shoe
If you are looking for the best men’s shoes for bunions, you might want to try the Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Therapeutic Shoe.
This is one of the best shoes for bunions and it offers great comfort and stability. This shoe is very comfortable on the feet, and it can encourage you to fit in the recommended 10,000 steps daily.
The design of this shoe allows it to accommodate larger feet and bunions, thanks to the extra depth. For additional support, this shoe has an arch stabilizer, which makes it one of the best shoes for bunions and flat feet too.
Your purchase also includes the gel inserts of Dr. Comfort. The shoe is so comfortable that you can wear it for a very long time without feeling any pain or pressure on your heel, foot, or toe, according to many users.
The shoe is made of leather and mesh. It comes with a rubber sole that makes it highly stable and comfortable.
It is lightweight, and it comes with an easy-to-adjust toggle closure, which means you do not have to tie or untie the shoe.
It features a breathable upper to ensure the free flow of air to keep your feet dry and cool. The insole is removable, which means you can remove it and put your own orthotics.
It is available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 6 to 15. The shoe also accommodates internal braces and AFOs. Many users also love it because it is very easy to put on and take off.
Specs
- Material: Leather and mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6-15
Pros
- Very easy to put on and take off
- You can remove the insole
- Great depth to accommodate larger feet
- Super lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- A bit pricey
5. Skechers Performance Women’s Walking Shoe
Next up is the Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking Shoe. If you are looking for the best shoes for bunions (women’s, that is) we highly recommend you go for this option.
With this shoe, you will be able to hit the road for exercise or errands with comfort. It is highly comfortable on the foot and you can use it to walk a long distance.
The slip-on kicks are super lightweight, adding to the comfort the shoe provides. It also comes with a sock-like, soft upper that is highly flexible and breathable, and it helps take the pressure off of bunions.
This shoe also comes with a footbed that helps to fight odor and bacteria, which means your shoe will always be free from odor.
Many users that purchased this shoe said they are able to walk around all day without the pains of bunions. It does not cause any discomfort and it is ideal for other foot-related conditions.
The shoe is made with 100 percent mesh fabric with a radically lightweight, stabilizing heel fabric overlay panels.
It also features highly responsive and innovative 5GEN midsole cushioning. The virtually seamless construction and soft mesh upper also provides additional comfort.
The shoe is available in ten different colors with different sizes ranging from 5-13.
Specs
- Material: Mesh Fabric
- Gender: Female
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5-13
Pros
- Available in different sizes and colors
- Anti-bacterial and odor control footbed
- Responsive and innovative 5GEN midsole cushioning
- Extremely comfortable
Cons
- Users said the sole is not thick enough
6. Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief Women’s Sandals
If you are the type that loves sandals, then the Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief Women’s Sandals is one shoe you would love. This sandal is made of leather and it is highly comfortable and supportive.
The design of the sandal is perfect for those suffering from bunions or other foot ailments. It comes with an insole that offers contoured orthotic support.
The heal-seat of this sandal conforms to your feet’s contours, and it is also gel-padded to provide you with more comfort and support.
With this sandal, you will no longer feel pains in the heels and foot, thanks to its extra padding and anatomical arch support. This feature also helps to alleviate pain in the hips, knees, and lower back.
It features an ergonomic-stride that increases the stability of the sandal. The upper has a non-binding nature and extra depth that helps to get rid of the pressure that shoes put on hammertoes and bunions.
This sandal comes with padded foam and a seam-free interior that is comfortable and soft. This design and features make it great for diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as severe cases of bunions.
The shoe also comes with a 60-day wear test, which means you can get a full refund if you do not like it after 60 days. It is available in three colors, with sizes ranging from 5 to 12-wide. This is a high-quality sandal that offers great value for money.
Specs
- Material: Fabric and Leather
- Gender: Female
- Sole: ergonomic sole
Pros
- Lightweight and ergonomic sole with air cushioning
- Great for orthopedic bunions and arch support
- Ideal for other foot ailments
- Super comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- A bit expensive
7. Orthofeet Proven Foot and Heel Pain Relief Men’s Boat Shoes
The last on our list is the Orthofeet Proven Foot and Heel Pain Relief Men’s Boat Shoes. This is another great option for men that suffer bunions.
This shoe is of high-quality and it is from a highly reputable brand. These Baton Rouge shoes from Orthofeet are ideal for work or weekend wear. It features arch support, orthotic insole, and a cushioned heel pad to allow you to walk without pain.
It also has a wide toe box that makes it very comfortable and easy to walk with. The shoe comes with a lightweight sole with air cushioning, and this helps to get rid of pressure on the joints.
This shoe does not only leave you feeling great; it also leaves you looking great. It features a great design that allows you to wear it with any outfit.
In addition to catering for those with bunions, this shoe is also great for those with other foot ailments such as neuropathy and flat feet. The shoe is only available in one color, with sizes ranging from 7 up to 14 X-wide.
Like our previous product, this shoe also comes with a 60-day wear test, which means you can test it for up to 60 days and return it if you do not like the shoe.
Specs
- Material: Leather
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 to 14 X-wide
Pros
- Highly comfortable and stylish
- Made with high-quality materials
- Supports other foot ailments
- Built to last
Cons
- Available in only one color
Best Shoes For Bunions Buyer’s Guide
Material
When looking for the best shoes to wear when suffering bunions, one of the first things you need to consider is the material used to make the shoe. Opting for a shoe that is highly durable and flexible is very important.
You need to consider the material, as it plays a major role in the quality, durability, and flexibility of the shoe. While there are many materials out there, we recommend you go for shoes made with mesh, soft leathers, and other softer materials.
You should avoid rigid and hard materials like patent leather, as they can worsen your foot ailment. They can rub against the bunions and result in more pain and inflammation.
For this condition, you should go for rubber soles, as they provide more support and reduce pain. Rubber soles provide great protection, they have good traction, and they are highly durable.
All the shoes on our list come with rubber soles, and they are designed to help deal with bunions.
Insole
The insole of the shoe is another very important thing you should consider. You need to pay close attention to this if you want to settle for a shoe that will support your condition.
We recommend you go for a well-padded insole as it would help to absorb the shock of impact when you are running or walking.
A removable footbed is also great, as it gives you the freedom to change the footbed whenever you want. You can remove and replace it with orthotics that can help you deal with your foot condition.
If you’re looking for the best dress shoes for bunions you may have a problem because, really, dress shoes are meant to look slim and sleek which means they’d probably be hell on your bunions.
And if they are comfortable and have cushiony removable insoles, chances are they wouldn’t look all that sleek.
Weight
How much does the shoe weigh? People with this foot condition should not have any business with heavy shoes. The lighter the shoe, the better.
Light shoes help to reduce the weight and pressure on your bunions, allowing you to wear them for a very long time without any discomfort.
Light shoes are also easier and more comfortable to walk with. As such, you should consider the weight of the shoe before making a purchase.
Conclusion
With a great pair of shoes, you will be able to work, walk, run, and play comfortably without even remembering you have bunions at all.
With special shoes for this foot condition, you can now carry out your daily activities without any discomfort and pains, but you have to make the right investment to enjoy the benefits.
From the products reviewed in this guide, our top pick for the best shoes for bunions is the Propet Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat because it is designed to cater to those that suffer from bunions. It is made with great materials, rubber sole, and it is super lightweight.
