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You may blame your parents for your bunions because genetics is the main culprit behind these bony protrusions on your toes, but your trendy shoes aren’t helping matters. If you have bunions, here are the shoes you need — and need to avoid.
It’s a popular myth that tight shoes give you bunions, those painful, bony protrusions that jut out from the base of your big toe. But bunions are more than mere bumps on your toe joint. They involve shifting and misaligning the metatarsal bone in your forefoot, an unnatural angle in your big toe, and, eventually, deformities in your smaller toes.
It would take some powerful footwear to cause all of that damage. However, even though your shoes didn’t cause your bunions, it doesn’t mean the shoes you choose are off the hook.
No one knows bunions like Dr. Matthew Cerniglia, our experienced specialist at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas. Our patients throughout the Fort Worth area trust him to treat their bunions with care and expertise, whether they need some sage advice or a complex surgery.
You can do a lot to ease your bunion pain, and Dr. Cerniglia loves helping our patients help themselves. Here, he explains how shoes affect bunions and what to look for in your footwear.
Why do some people get bunions?
If you have a bunion, it’s likely due to your genetic makeup, as they tend to run in families. That said, researchers have yet to identify a gene responsible for bunions. You’re also at a higher risk for bunions if you have:
- A short Achilles tendon
- Short calf muscles
- Weak connective tissue
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Flat feet
Women and people over 65 are more susceptible to bunions, and certain neuromuscular conditions, like polio and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can contribute to bunion formation.
Shoes and bunions: What’s the connection?
Technically, ill-fitting shoes don’t cause bunions, but they can accelerate the development of these bothersome bone protrusions. If heredity makes you prone to bunions, your shoe choice matters more for you than most. Here are some pro tips to keep in mind next time you’re shoe shopping.
Worst shoes for bunions
If your parents have bunions, do your best to keep your feet healthy and slow the development of bony deformations by avoiding shoes with the following characteristics:
- Pointy toes
- Narrow width
- High heels
These ill-fitting shoes cram your toes into a tiny box that can cause problems for anyone, but especially people with a family history of bunions. And if you already have bunions, shoes with these features are definitely on your do-not-wear list.
Best shoes for bunions
To prevent or slow bunion development, choose shoes with:
- Wide toe boxes
- Flexible upper construction
- Proper arch support
- Low heels (no higher than 2 inches)
If that sounds like it will limit your options and cramp your shoe style, here are some examples of the wide range of bunion-friendly footwear. Dr. Cerniglia can give you more recommendations after evaluating your feet.
Living with bunions
The right footwear can help you live comfortably despite your minor bunions. Dr. Cerniglia may also recommend padding, taping, custom orthotics, and OTC anti-inflammatory medications.
Next-level treatments include physical therapy to ensure your bunions don’t lead to other foot problems, like calluses, corns, and gait issues. If your bunions are painful, Dr. Cerniglia may recommend steroid injections.
Severely deformed toe joints may require surgical intervention to remove inflamed tissue and realign your bones. Several surgical techniques address various bunion issues, and Dr. Cerniglia offers them all.
If bunions run in your family, or you’re already dealing with them, act now to stop them in their tracks. Call or click to schedule an appointment at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas.
FAQs
Shoes with a narrow toe box, like high heels, push your toes together in an abnormal position and make bunions worse. In addition to bunions, poor shoe choice is also a leading cause of calluses, corns, and hammertoe.
Are Hokas bad for bunions? ›
Our pick for the best shoe for bunions overall, the Hoka Ora Recovery 2 is extra supportive with a wide toe box. As the best walking shoe for bunions, the Keen WK400 Leather Walking Shoe is solid for long walks.
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.
What brands are best for bunions? ›
To manage and prevent bunion pain, it's advisable to wear shoes that have sufficient width for bunions, a rounded toe box, and appropriate arch support. Brands like Rothy's, Dr. Scholl's, Hoka, New Balance, Clarks, Sole Bliss, Birkenstock, and FitVille offer shoes specifically designed for individuals with bunions.
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.
Can you correct a bunion without surgery? ›
In most cases, bunions can be treated nonsurgically. One of the podiatrists from our team can examine your bunion(s) and recommend a conservative treatment which includes one or more of the following: Custom shoe orthotics (inserts) that relieve pressure on the joint and align your weight in a more beneficial way.
How to reverse bunions? ›
The only way to permanently remove bunions is surgery, sometimes called a bunionectomy. There are a few different ways to surgically remove a bunion, and all are common. Your podiatrist will take a look at your foot to determine the best approach to help you find permanent bunion relief.
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.
Are Birkenstocks bad for bunions? ›
One of the best sandal brands for bunions is Birkenstocks. They offer a variety of supportive shoes with ample forefoot room to avoid irritation of your bunion. Their adjustable leather uppers allow the shoe to fit your foot shape.
What's better, Hoka Clifton or Bondi? ›
In summary, if you prioritize functionality, a streamlined design, and a shoe that's great for various running styles and durations, the Hoka Clifton may be your top pick. However, if you lean towards cushioned comfort and need a shoe that excels on longer, more leisurely runs, the Hoka Bondi is an excellent choice.
Brooks' solutions for bunions
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.
How to stop a bunion from getting bigger? ›
Invest in orthotics
Custom orthotics are special shoe inserts designed for your foot shape and needs. Orthotics redistribute your weight, relieve pressure on your bunions, and offer extra padding and support. Orthotics are available for all types of footwear, including dress shoes and athletic shoes.
How can I flatten my bunions? ›
Ways to shrink or prevent bunions from worsening include wearing supportive footwear, taking pain medications or using pain-relieving topical creams, doing bunion stretches and exercises, and using ice packs, warm soaks, and gentle massage.
Do flip flops make bunions worse? ›
Thong sandals or flip-flops – When the toes are not encased, they become unstable and can slide around. As the feet work harder to maintain stability and grip harder in flip-flops, bunions can become aggravated. The inflammation and positioning can cause the deformity to worsen over time.
Are Crocs bad for bunions? ›
That's why they're comfortable. Crocs give you ultimate comfort and space which make them a perfect fit for folks suffering from boils, bunions, verucas, warts, and other kinds of illnesses. A large number of crocs are also made with antibacterial lining to fight infection for individuals with open wounds.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Do Birkenstocks make bunions worse? ›
One of the best sandal brands for bunions is Birkenstocks. They offer a variety of supportive shoes with ample forefoot room to avoid irritation of your bunion. Their adjustable leather uppers allow the shoe to fit your foot shape.
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