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By Jessica DiGiacinto
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Fact Checked
Sarah DavisEditor
Updated: Oct 13, 2023, 1:53pm
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If you’re currently dealing with bunions, you’re not alone. A very common foot disorder, about a third of U.S. adults live with these bony bumps on the inside of their foot, located at the base of the big toe[1]Bunion . Medline Plus. Accessed 7/13/2022. . Possibly caused by a variety of factors including genetics, years of wearing poorly-fitted shoes or heels and certain inflammatory conditions, bunions are not typically dangerous—but they can be troublesome, especially when it comes to finding the proper footwear.
If you’ve ever tried to find a pair of shoes that are both stylish and comfortable while living with bunions, you know that it’s not always an easy task. That’s why the Forbes Health editorial team reached out to experts on our advisory board for their recommendations on the best shoes for bunions. Considering factors including overall support, price and style, we’ve come up with a list of shoes that should support a wide variety of lifestyles and budgets. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team.
Note: All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
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- Best Shoes for Bunions
- Revitalign Seaside Flip-Flop
- Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Eva Sandal
- Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit - Iconic
- Vivaia Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
- Allbirds Wool Runners
- Asics Gel-Cumulus
- Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 22
- Methodology: How We Picked the Best Shoes for Bunions of 2024
- What Is a Bunion?
- What Causes Bunions to Develop?
- Treatment for Bunions
- Can You Prevent Bunions from Developing?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Best Shoes for Bunions
Best Flip Flop
Revitalign Seaside Flip-Flop
5.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $21.09 to $68.81
- Orthotic-grade footbed approved by American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Designed to help prevent and alleviate plantar fasciitis, knee and back pain
- Available in women’s sizes 6-12; medium width
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Why We Picked It
Best Sandal
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Eva Sandal
4.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $43.98 to $120.33
- Skin-friendly material for sensitive skin
- Anatomically shaped footbed
- Available in men’s sizes 6-13.5, women’s sizes 4-12.5; medium-narrow width
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Why We Picked It
Best Affordable Sneaker
Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit – Iconic
4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $41.24 to $88.70
- Removable Arch Fit insole; machine washable
- High-rebound Comfort Pillar Technology for added support
- Available in women’s sizes 6-13; medium and wide width
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Why We Picked It
Best Flat
Vivaia Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
4.6
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $97.00
- 5° inward adjustment for larger toe box
- Made from recycled plastic bottles, antimicrobial and machine washable
- Available in women’s sizes 5-11
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Why We Picked It
Best for Cool Weather
Allbirds Wool Runners
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $98
- Cushioned midsole, machine washable
- Merino wool helps keep feet at an optimal temperature
- Available in men’s sizes 8-14, women’s sizes 5-11
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Why We Picked It
Best Long Distance Running Sneaker
Asics Gel-Cumulus
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $67.95 to $149.99
- Comes with a foam underfoot and an improved heel fit
- FF BLAST cushioning helps create a softer landing when running
- Available in women’s sizes 5-12, men’s sizes 6-16; standard width
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Why We Picked It
Best for extra-wide sizing
Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 22
4.4
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Price: $89.91 to $219.99
- 100% soft DNA LOFT Loft cushioning in the midsole boosts softness
- Available in women’s sizes 5-13, men’s sizes 7-15
- Available in medium, wide, narrow and extra-wide widths
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Why We Picked It
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Shoes for Bunions of 2024
The Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel consisting of two podiatrists for their expert recommendations in conjunction with user ratings, price considerations and support information to help us decide on the top shoes for individuals living with bunions.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER 
Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
Vive Health Compression Socks
- Medical grade compression (20-30 mmHg) provides effective recovery for tired, aching feet and calves
- The stretchy nylon/spandex blend repels microbial materials and will stay odor-free
- Work out, run, walk, play sports and more without constriction or pinching
- Two sizes fit men’s shoe sizes from 5 to 14 and women’s shoe sizes from 5.5 to 15.5
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What Is a Bunion?
Whether due to genetics or certain joint conditions—and often spurred on by footwear choices—a bunion develops when the first metatarsal bone of the foot starts to push outward and the big toe starts to turn inward, causing the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe to protrude. This protrusion of the MTP joint is what causes the bony bump at the base of the big toe.
Bunions can feel painful because many shoes aren’t made to accommodate this extra growth, and over time, friction and pressure can cause the bunion to become inflamed.
What Causes Bunions to Develop?
Doctors are still a bit unclear as to what causes bunions to develop in some individuals and not others, but genetics and lifestyle factors seem to be the most likely causes. While most bunions occur in adults and form over a lifetime, some children can also develop them.
One important distinction when it comes to bunions and footwear is that wearing tight shoes or heels is not thought to directly cause bunions—but may increase the likelihood that they will form, or provoke them to form faster.
Other risk factors for bunions include:
- Living with an inflammatory disease such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Having flat feet
- Living with a genetic disorder that affects bone development, such as Chitayat syndrome
Treatment for Bunions
Once a bunion has formed, there is no non-surgical way to shrink or reverse it. Surgery, though, can correct the underlying misalignment.
Still, many people can manage their bunions without surgical intervention. Wearing comfortable shoes and taking over-the-counter pain medication, for example, can help ease symptoms like occasional soreness.
Other ways to treat symptoms of bunions include:
- Buying protective silicone padding to cushion the bunion against footwear
- Buying shoe inserts to increase the comfort and padding of any shoe
- Stretching the toe box of your shoes to provide a little extra space
- Wearing a splint overnight to help push the big toe into better position (this method is for temporary pain relief, as there is no proof a splint can permanently correct a bunion)
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
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- Anti-microbial fabric and foam
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Can You Prevent Bunions from Developing?
While the likelihood of developing bunions can be increased due to wearing shoes with tight toe boxes and high heels, certain individuals who never wear these types of shoes can still develop bunions as a result of genetics or other health conditions.
You can lower your risk of developing bunions by wearing comfortable, flat shoes that don’t squeeze your toes.
Walking barefoot is also recommended, as this strengthens the foot muscles and allows the toes to sit in their most natural position.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is at risk of getting bunions?
Women are more likely to get bunions than men, and 70% of people who develop the condition have a family history of bunions. Additionally, people who wear shoes with high heels and pointed toe boxes are at greater risk of developing bunions than people who wear shoes with adequate toe room.
Can you get rid of bunions without surgery?
Surgery is necessary to permanently remove bunions. However, you can treat the symptoms of bunions by wearing wider shoes, taking warm foot baths, icing the affected area and taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
How can you prevent bunions from getting worse?
You may be able to keep bunions from getting worse by wearing wide shoes with plenty of toe room, adding extra padding inside of your shoe and wearing toe spacers or custom-made orthotics. If you experience pain when walking, a shoe with a slight rocker sole may help provide relief.
Sources
Footnotes
- Bunion. Medline Plus. Accessed 7/13/2022.
References
- Bunions. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Accessed 7/13/2022.
- Bunion. Medline Plus. Accessed 7/13/2022.
- Bunions: Overview. National Library of Medicine. Accessed 7/13/2022.
- What To Do About Bunions. Harvard Medical School. Accessed 7/13/2022.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Jessica DiGiacintoEditor
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).
Sarah DavisEditor
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
