Anyone who’s never suffered from bunions, congratulations! Bunions are some of the most uncomfortable, excruciating conditions you can develop on your feet, and they’re even worse when you’re wearing the wrong footwear. Bunions and footwear can coexist, but only when you figure out what the best shoes for bunions are.
At the end of the day, nobody enjoys walking while wearing shoes that are too tight, too stiff, or rub against your feet the wrong way.
People who suffer from bunions, however, experience the discomfort of wearing the wrong shoes on a whole different level. Blisters, bleeding, and the onset of arthritis are all too familiar.
Whether you’re suffering from bunions, you noticed a red bump forming on the side of your foot, or you know someone who’s pleading for the right footwear to alleviate the pressure and pain, we’ve got your back.
What are bunions? How does the right footwear help with bunions? And, what are the best shoes for bunions? Take a peep!
OK, what even are bunions?
Whether or not you’ve suffered from a condition that makes your feet swell up and create a bump, we’re pretty sure you’ve heard of bunions. The term bunions seems to get thrown around whenever people are talking about foot health and footwear, but there’s a chance you might not know what they actually are.
Bunions are bony bumps that form on the side of people’s feet or toes. Bunions typically occur when people’s big toes gravitate towards the little toes – which means they move inwards rather than outwards. And yes, bunions are more common than you might think.
Feel free to blame your bunions on your parents because this condition is known to get passed down or form over time due to the shape of your foot. So, some foot shapes are more likely to develop bunions than others. Although, there are times when bunions form due to poorly fitting, narrow, tight footwear.
How does the right footwear help with bunions?
Once you form a bunion on your foot, there’s nothing you can do other than undergo surgery.
On one hand, a surgeon can remove the bunion and alleviate the pressure. On the other, there’s no way of knowing whether or not the bunion will come back because the shape of your foot and the footwear you wear on a regular determines that.
With that out of the way, the right footwear can relieve some of the pain you’re under because of the bunion. According to podiatrists and the NHS website, wearing wide-fitting shoes with lower heels and softer soles can make the world of difference for people who suffer from bunions.
When you’re searching for the best shoes for bunions, opt for the ones with a wide forefoot, arch support, stretchy, breathable fabrics, lower heels, softer soles, and straps.
Additionally, don’t shy away from consulting with a podiatrist or the person working at the store to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. And, don’t worry – the best shoes for bunions are designed to provide you with more room, comfort, and support, rather than adding more pressure.
What are the best shoes for bunions at the moment?
1. Skechers GOwalk Arch Fit
Skeches are known to create the most comfortable, wearable sneakers out there, and the Skechers GOwalk Arch Fit sneakers are perfect for people who suffer from bunions. Why’s that?
First off, these sneakers are made with breathable, lightweight, mesh fabrics that are guaranteed to keep your feet dry and friction-free.
Furthermore, they’re equipped with removable insoles and footbeds which means you can make the shoes fit the shape of your feet and offer you more or less arch support – depending on what you need.
But, we do need to mention that Skechers offer you one width option only. Before you give them a pass, though, remember that they’re one of the most affordable comfortable sneakers you can find on the market today.
2. Gravity Defyer Ion
On the off chance that Skechers sneakers aren’t a wardrobe must-have for you, you might want to check out the Gravity Defyer Ion sneakers.
Gravity Defyer Ion sneakers might be the best footwear on the market at the moment because they offer three different width options – perfect for people with wide feet.
Other than that, you might appreciate the fact that they’re made with breathable, lightweight fabrics that aren’t going to put more pressure on your bunions. Of course, they’re equipped with rocker outsoles and shock absorption characteristics that are guaranteed to eliminate some of the symptoms.
Finally, you might be pleased to know that they’re one of the most fashion-forward options on the list!
3. Altra Lone Peak 6
We might be focusing on everyday footwear that’s going to provide you with comfort and support, but we can’t skip over the Altra Lone Peak 6 sneakers that are excellent for running.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or running errands (that’s some sort of running, right?), the Altra Lone Peak 6 sneakers might be the right fit for you.
Right away, they’re equipped with lots of padding and cushioning that is bound to get you through the day without blisters and bleeding.
They feature Altra’s Original Footshape technology which pretty much stands for “the roomiest toe box you can think of.”
They encourage proper alignment of the foot and better posture which reduces the pressure on your bunions. They’re lightweight because they’re made with breathable fabrics and a mesh upper.
They’re also very grippy – which may or may not be something you’re searching for. In either case, they’re a great option to consider when you’re trying to get your hands on shoes that will ease the pain your bunions cause.
4. Vivobarefoot Magna FG
OK, these sneakers are some of the coolest, freshest kicks out there!
Starting with a bang, the Vivobarefoot Magna FG sneakers are foot-shaped, rather than shoe-shaped. Barefoot shoes have been around for ages, but we’ve been witnessing bigger, better designs that you can wear for different occasions for the past year or so, at best.
Barefoot shoes, for those of you who might not be familiar with the concept, are meant to mimic the shape of your foot and make walking, running, and working out much more comfortable. Because of that, the Vivobarefoot Magna FG sneakers are perfect for people with bunions.
They’re flexible, which means they aren’t going to add pressure onto your bunions. They’re made with lightweight, breathable fabrics which means they aren’t going to drag you down. And, they’re super, super wide around the toes.
But, they might be a little too thin for people who need more cushioning and padding.
5. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3
Men, we regret to announce that the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 sneakers aren’t for you. We couldn’t help but mention them because they’re one of the most protective and supportive sneakers on the list, but they’re specifically made for women’s feet.
Women who suffer from bunions are guaranteed to swoon over the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 sneakers because they’re made with excellent shock absorption, a wide toe box, and responsive cushioning.
They’re designed to alleviate the pressure on your feet and protect them from forming bunions. They’re made to get you through the day without discomfort, pain, or fatigue. They’re even described as “pillows wrapped around your feet” by reviewers and wearers aplenty. Need we say more?!
6. Birkenstock Boston shearling clogs
There’s something about sneakers that screams “comfort!”
Though we suggest wearing sneakers on a regular, there are times when your bunions need a breather. That’s when Birkenstock Boston shearling clogs come out to play and offer you the fashion statement you’ve been searching for.
Bunions don’t mean you don’t get to rock the supermodels’ favorite footwear. Birkenstocks have been on and off trend for the past few years, but they’re back on track thanks to Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber.
Moreover, Birkenstocks are great for people who suffer from bunions because they’re wide, soft, and comfortable. They’re easy to slip on and off without tugging on your toes. They’re lightweight and sweat-proof (for the most part). What’s not to love?!
7. Rothy’s The Flat
Clogs might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other options for women who suffer from bunions.
Ballet flats might not be the first footwear you think of when you’re searching for the best shoes for bunions, but Rothy’s The Flat ballet flats are bound to change your mind.
They’re sophisticated, stylish, and supportive. They’re made with environmentally friendly fabrics that happen to be lightweight, breathable, and soft – all the buzzwords you’re searching for!
They’ve got rounded toe areas, which provide your feet with more room. They’re easy to wear, and they’re perfect with summer dresses, straw hats, and raffia bags.
8. Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals
We come to the end of the article with the greatest summer sandals for people with bunions – Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals.
We brushed over the fact that Birkenstocks have been taking the fashion world by storm for quite a while, but these sandals seem to offer much more than meets the eye.
They’re made with the ever-so-popular EVA foam which means they’re lightweight and breathable. They’re also easy to wear because they’re equipped with adaptable straps. making them one of the roomiest sandals on the market at the moment.
