According to Said Atway, DPM, clinical associate professor of orthopedics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 'If the shoe is narrow and the material will not stretch or form to the shape of the foot, there will likely be irritation.' He adds, 'Narrow shoes should be avoided if you have a bunion as this can lead to increased pressure and exacerbation of pain.'ĭetermining if a shoe is too narrow is often a matter of trying them on and seeing how they feel. Shoes that are too narrow can also aggravate bunions. But he notes that what's most important is finding a heel height that doesn't cause pain. 'If I had to pick a specific number, I would look for a 2-inch heel,' he says. Oldani also notes that appropriate heel height varies from person to person. 'This will lead to increased pressure on the bunion and significant pain.'ĭr. If the heel is too high, this will put an enormous amount of pressure on the great toe joint and ball of the foot,' says Dr. 'In general, women with bunions should avoid extremely high heels. It's also essential to be mindful of the heel height when shopping for shoes to accommodate bunions. If there is no pressure on the bunion, there will be no pain in the shoes.' 'The number one rule of shoe shopping for those with bunions is to look for a toe box with enough room to accommodate the deformity. 'When you have a bunion, no amount of room in the toe box is too much,' explains Dr. The large toe box provides the extra space you need to avoid aggravating your bunions. 'Those with bunions should look for a supportive shoe with a wide, rounded toe box that will accommodate bunion deformity,' says Tim Oldani, DPM. When shopping for shoes to accommodate bunions, it's essential to take note of the toe box size. What to Look For in Shoes for Bunions Toe Boxīunions form when the first joint of the big toe swells, causing the big toe to point inward. Said Atway, DPM, clinical associate professor of orthopedics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.Tim Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle.Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of Doctor Ark.And we made sure to include shoes that cater to different budgets and activities so that you can find the perfect pair for your needs.įinally, we spoke to podiatrists for expert insight on shoes that are good for bunions. We also looked at shoes with breathable materials to help keep your feet cool and dry and those with extra cushioning to provide support and absorb impact. To narrow down our list, we looked at shoes designed specifically for bunions or those with a wide toe box. We also looked at factors like arch support, weight, heel-to-toe drop, and outsole traction. When selecting the best shoes for bunions, we spoke to podiatrists and spent hours scouring customer reviews to find shoes that would provide the support, cushioning, and room needed to accommodate bunions.

Skechers wedge heels