When you have bunions, shopping for shoes becomes a challenge. Bunions form when pressure forces the big toe to bend inward.
A joint near the big toe then develops a painful lump. Along with the bunion, you may also need to deal with additional symptoms, such as corns, calluses, or swelling.
Changing shoes is often the first recommendation for treating bunions. Doctors typically suggest switching to comfortable shoes with plenty of space in the toe box.
Cushioning and a little extra room allows your toes to spread properly in the shoe, alleviating some of the pressure on the bunion.
If you need help selecting the right shoes, here are the top five best shoes for bunions:
Best Choice – Propét Women’s TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat

The top overall choice is the Propet Women’s Travelactiv Mary Jane Fashion Sneakers, thanks to its lightweight, supportive design. These shoes were made for those suffering from foot ailments, including bunions.
The upper material is lightweight and breathable. The Travelactiv sneakers have a lace-style upper material that keeps your feet cooler and dryer.
The outsole includes a flexible rubber with extra traction, offering more support and security.
The insole is cushioned, giving you more comfort with each step. It also has a removable footbed. Removing the footbed allows you to make room for an orthopedic insert or gives your feet more room to breathe.
Instead of the standard sizes, these shoes come in a variety of widths. You can choose from wide, extra wide, and extra-extra wide, along with 10 different colors and styles.
Pros
- Includes a removable footbed
- Available in extra-extra wide sizes
- Comes in several stylish designs
Cons
- May not always fit as expected
The removable footbed, breathable materials, stylish design, and affordable price make this the best choice for dealing with bunions.
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Runner-up – ASICS Women’s GT-4000 Running Shoes

The ASICS GT 4000 Running Shoe offers a wide toe box and the support needed for remaining active. If you plan on running, you need shoes that support the normal toe-to-heel movement as you lunge forward.
These ASICS shoes include rearfoot gel cushioning technology to improve the transition from toe to heel.
The wider toe box helps reduce bunion pain, giving your toes more room. ASICS also has several wide sizes for even more space.
The midsole features lightweight foam material. It provides more cushioning without increasing the weight of the shoes. This is also a suitable choice for men or women, as ASICS offers versions of the GT 4000 Running Shoes for both sexes.
The upper materials include a combination of synthetic mesh layers designed to increase support and breathability.
Pros
- The wide toe box keeps your toes aligned
- Available in multiple sizes for men and women
- Supports your feet as you run, limiting extra stress on the bunion
Cons
- Relatively expensive for a pair of running shoes
- Not suitable for walking or everyday wear
The ASICS GT 4000 Running Shoes give you support and comfort while running, allowing you to stay active while dealing with your bunion.
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Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoes

Skechers is known for their stylish lace-up sneakers, but they also have a wide range of slip-on shoes, including these Go Walk Joy Walking Shoes.
Available in nine different colors, these walking shoes include synthetic soles and upper materials with a breathable design. Choose from a variety of solid color designs with white soles or solid black with black soles.
The upper materials flex as you walk while keeping the sole in place. You may even forget that you are wearing a pair of shoes thanks to the lightweight, responsive material.
The shoes are also very breathable, ensuring that your feet remain dry. The upper material does not include a lot of extra padding or cushioning, but it is still soft and supportive.
These shoes tend to run large. You may want to order your standard shoe size to give your feet a little extra room. They also come in wide sizes, providing more room for your bunion.
Pros
- Slip-on design minimizes irritation
- Flexible material reduces pressure
- Responsive cushioning
Cons
- The sizes run a little large
The Skechers Go Walk Joy Walking Shoes provide a slip-on solution for dealing with bunions, flat feet, and other orthopedic problems.
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Skechers for Work Men’s Flex Advantage Mcallen Food Service Shoe

Skechers also has an option for men. The Flex Advantage Slip Resistant Mcallen Slip-On Shoes are suitable for work or everyday wear. They have mesh fabric uppers and slip-resistant traction on the outsole.
The comfortable design includes a soft fabric lining and a memory foam insole for added cushioning. It also features a padded collar with reinforced stitching, gently supporting the ankle.
Elastic sides keep the shoe snug against the foot without placing more pressure on the bunion. Skechers also added a roomier toe box and a medium-sized heel to support the foot while giving the toes more space.
These details result in a pair of comfortable slip-on shoes that you can easily slip on or off without irritating the bunion. However, be aware that the cost varies wildly depending on the size.
Pros
- Slip-on design limits pressure on the bunion
- Includes a memory foam insole
- Features soft material and cushioning
Cons
- Only available in black and black/charcoal
- Some sizes cost much more compared to others
The slip-on design and soft materials provide one of the more comfortable options for dealing with bunions.
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Vive Post Op Shoe – Lightweight Medical Walking Boot with Adjustable Strap

The Vive Post Op Medical Walking Boot ensures that you get the perfect fit. The tops of the sandals have adjustable straps, allowing you to give your bunion just enough room. With the adjustable straps, you can also adjust the size to accommodate orthopedic inserts or bandages.
The wide square toe box allows your toes to stretch and provides a bumper to protect against impact. The boot also has a rigid outsole with non-skid treads to provide extra stability and support.
Some people may not like the style. These sandals are clearly intended for medical purposes, instead of resembling a standard pair of sandals or casual footwear.
These shoes are also affordable, but not sold in a pair. The adjustable shoes fit the right or left foot and are sold individually.
Pros
- One of the more affordable options
- Adjustable straps provide the perfect fit
- Optimal support for a natural stride
Cons
- The style may not appeal to everyone
- Only includes one shoe
If sneakers place too much pressure on your bunion, the Vive Post Op Medical Walking Boot is the perfect alternative, thanks to its adjustable straps and thick sole.
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Buyer’s Guide for Finding the Best Shoes for Bunions
Wearing correct footwear helps alleviate the pain of bunions. It is also an essential step in treating the problem.
The best shoes for bunions help reduce pressure on the lump. To improve your comfort and alleviate pain, look for these features:
- Wide toe box
- Soft upper materials
- Breathable design
- Flexible, but supportive soles
- The correct size
A wider toe box or even a wider shoe gives your feet more room to properly align, whether you are walking or standing.
With a narrower shoe, your toes point inward, placing more strain on the metatarsal bones. This is also one of the most common causes of bunions.
It also helps to find shoes with soft material and cushioning. A softer shoe may cause less irritation, especially when flexing your foot.
The breathable design adds to the overall comfort. With breathable materials, your feet remain cool and dry.
The soles of the shoes should provide flexibility while remaining supportive. You want the shoes to bend easily with each step. However, the soles need to provide support to help keep the bones of your feet aligned.
Avoid soles with high heels, as a higher heel places more pressure on the forefoot and the bunion. The final feature to look for is the correct size.
Along with a narrow toe box, incorrect sizing is a leading cause of bunions.
The best way to find the right size is to try the shoes on. Unfortunately, you cannot try on shoes when shopping online.
Read customer reviews to find out if a pair runs a little large or small. You may also want to purchase one size larger compared to your normal size or select a wide version to accommodate the bunion.
Conclusion
You may not need surgery to treat bunions. Before trying any surgical treatments, doctors typically recommend nonsurgical options, starting with different shoes.
The right shoes give your toes more room to spread out naturally instead of squishing them together. This helps limit the pressure on the bunion.
All five options include roomy toe boxes or wider designs and comfortable materials. Choose the pair that best suits your lifestyle and remember to pay attention to the sizing.
When the shoes arrive, test them out to ensure they fit properly. If you feel any extra pressure on the bunion, return the shoes for the next size up.