What to Buy Fitness Gear The 9 Best Shoes for Bunions of 2024, Tested and Reviewed These shoes will offer space and avoid putting pressure on your bunions By Jack Byram Jack Byram Jack Byram is a freelance writer who has written numerous articles over the last five years about all things self improvement. He has interviewed medical doctors, chiropractors and other experts to guide his research into recommending the best products. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 1, 2024 Medically reviewed by Adam H. Kaplan, DPM Medically reviewed by Adam H. Kaplan, DPM Adam H. Kaplan, DPM, is a podiatrist and attending physician practicing at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health and Roosevelt Care Center. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Features to Look for in Shoes for Bunions More Shoes for Bunions to Consider Where We Stand Our Testing Process Our Experts Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Sidney Burds Bunions are uncomfortable bumps that occur on the side of the foot near the big toe. According to Dr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, bunions cause the big toe’s tip to be pulled toward the other toes while the bone at the base points away from them. They are quite common, affecting about half of adults, and they create discomfort when walking and wearing shoes. Bunions can be inherited genetically or caused by certain foot types. Those with flat, flexible feet that pronate are more susceptible, as well as those with systemic diseases like arthritis. Improper footwear can also speed up the formation of bunions. The best shoes for bunions include various features, such as arch support, flexible materials, and spacious toe boxes, to help eliminate pressure on the afflicted area and promote comfort. To find the best shoes for bunions, we tested 16 pairs of shoes with expert supervision, wearing them twice weekly for eight hours at a time for six weeks and focusing on comfort, fit, support, quality, design, and overall value. We also received additional expert insight to understand what makes a pair of shoes ideal for someone with bunions. We evaluated the shoes based on fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, and comfort. Then, our Medical Expert Board podiatrist reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Features to Look for in Shoes for Bunions Dr. Oldani recommends shoes with flexible and forgiving uppers to avoid putting pressure on the bunion. Dr. Daughtry adds that most bunion-specific shoes feature more arch support to alleviate pronation and foot flattening. Wide Toe Box: Wide shoes will provide more space for the bunion and may also feature arch support to prevent the bunion from worsening. Dr. Daughtry recommends avoiding narrow-toe boxes and unforgiving materials like tight leather. Arch Support: Either through the shoe’s natural structure or through the addition of insoles, arch support will prevent pronation and too much pressure on the forefoot, which can worsen the bunion. Flexible Materials: Flexible materials will better accommodate the bunion instead of applying pressure against it. Dr. Daughtry tells us that the forefoot and heel areas of a foot usually lose elasticity over time, so flexible shoe materials can be helpful with elasticity as a bonus.Heel Height: Excessively high heels can make bunions worse. They put the body’s weight more forward, which causes more pressure on and around the bunion area. To avoid pain, Dr. Daughtry suggests heels no higher than two inches.Fit and Sizing: A proper fit is vital. Dr. Oldani suggests measuring your feet (width and length) every once in a while to ensure you’re getting the proper shoe. He notes that the more bunions progress, the more the width of your shoe will need to be progressed. Lastly, Dr. Valencia tells us that not all size 8s are the same, so be sure to try on a pair before purchasing to ensure there’s no uncomfortable rubbing. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hoka Ora Recovery 2 at Hoka.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip On Sneaker at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best For Walking: Keen WK400 Leather Walking Shoe at Keenfootwear.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best For Wide Feet: ECCO Soft 7 Low Boot at Amazon ($175) Jump to Review Best Cushioning: Kuru Atom at Kurufootwear.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Cooling: Kuru Quantum at Kurufootwear.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Arch Support: ECCO Soft 7 Slip-On Sneakers at Zappos ($175) Jump to Review Best Boot: Toms Fenix Platform Chelsea Suede Sneaker at Nordstrom ($72) Jump to Review Best Heel: Sole Bliss Cadence at Solebliss.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Loafer: Vionic Cheryl II Loafer at Zappos ($135) Jump to Review Best Overall Hoka Ora Recovery 2 Hoka View On Hoka.com Why We Like It Exceptional comfort made Hoka’s Ora Recovery Shoe our clear-cut winner for the best overall choice for feet with bunions. A stretchy and flexible material helped keep pressure off the bunion-affected areas, and a memory foam heel and cushioning in the midsole further promoted comfort. They also had no break-in period and felt like walking on air. With a true-to-size fit, they had plenty of toe room, enabling us to spread our toes and wiggle them, but not at the expense of foot security. Our feet never felt confined, our gaits were unaffected, and we experienced no balance issues. The Oras proved to be durable, experiencing minimal wear during testing. Their slip-on design makes them easy and comfortable to keep by the door so they are perfect travel, walking, or errand shoes. It’s Worth Noting They are limited in color design, so there won’t be something for everyone. Product Details: Sizes: 5-11 (no half sizes)Widths: 1 Health / Sidney Burds Health / Sidney Burds Health / Sidney Burds Best Budget Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip On Sneaker Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos $56 View On Drschollsshoes.com Why We Like It For a bunion-friendly shoe that doesn’t break the bank, Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip-on Sneaker is our pick. Despite the lower price, they had some of the highest marks in testing. The width in the toe area offered us bunion support, and they broke in well. They ran true to size, and we experienced no pain in our toes, heels, or arches. They were well cushioned, had ample support, and prevented us from feeling concrete underneath us when walking. A stretchy fabric strip connecting the front to the back of the shoe helped provide give. As an added bonus, when we wore them without socks, there was no odor because of an antimicrobial anti-odor insole technology. Despite a simple and unassuming canvas style, the Novas look good enough to wear out for casual meetups or errands. It’s Worth Noting They had a mild break-in period on our tester's left foot, but the right foot was fine. Product Details: Sizes: 6-11 ( half sizes)Widths: Medium, wide Health / Jessica Fleming Health / Jessica Fleming Health / Jessica Fleming Best For Walking Keen WK400 Leather Walking Shoe REI View On Keenfootwear.com View On REI $160 View On Doddsshoe.com Why We Like It Keen's WK400 Leather Walking Shoes offer exceptional comfort during walks. The shoes provided ample padding and support without causing any discomfort or rubbing against bunions. Their support allowed us to stand for lengthy periods, and we found them to be breathable and retain no odor. A leather construction and rubber outsole for traction make these shoes durable, but not at the expense of comfort; they were comfortable the first time we wore them. These walking shoes are also designed with a curved structure from heel to toe that promotes forward propulsion. It’s Worth Noting They did alter our stride, and the convex sole took some adjusting. They also have limited color options. Product Details: Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes)Widths: One width Health / Michele Hans Health / Michele Hans Health / Michele Hans Best For Wide Feet ECCO Soft 7 Low Boot Amazon View On Amazon $175 View On Zappos $180 View On Ecco.com Why We Like It The Ecco Soft 7 Low Bootie gave our feet a spacious experience. The toe box went above just preventing crowding; it actually encouraged our toes to space out. A wider ankle doesn't make it inaccessible to thinner legs, but it is still comfortable. Additionally, the option includes a removable inlay sole for extra width. A cushy and supportive base promotes natural foot movement and alignment, but not at the expense of accommodating bunions. They also proved to be well made, and a PU/TPU outsole helps to create a durable yet flexible sole. It’s Worth Noting The white sole may limit who finds them to fit their style. Product Details: Sizes: 4-10.5 (half sizes)Widths: One width Health / Kimberly Zapata Best Cushioning Kuru Atom Kuru View On Kurufootwear.com Why We Like It Kuru’s Atom is designed with heel cushioning and a thicker cushioned midsole for comfort throughout the shoe, and Dr. Oldani recommends them for their wide toe box and knit upper. Additionally, they include a heel-cupping design intended to protect the heel pad, which Kuru describes as the body’s natural cushioning system. In addition to the cushioning, we found these to have a lot of room for our bunions, with us experiencing no rubbing irritation at all. A spacious toe box prevents constriction, and the support/cushioning built into these works to keep our feet in alignment and promote stability. Lastly, the Atom is durable and feels like a long-lasting product. It’s Worth Noting In our experience, they run a bit wide and may feel a bit loose for some; the laces don’t do a great job of tightening them. We would prefer laces that are easier to adjust. Product Details: Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes)Widths: Medium, wide Health / Krisha Joshi Health / Krisha Joshi Health / Krisha Joshi Best Cooling Kuru Quantum Kuru View On Kurufootwear.com Why We Like It Kuru’s Quantum shoes feature a breathable mesh upper and a moisture-wicking lining to help keep you dry and cool when wearing them. In testing, we also found them to provide excellent cushioning and spaciousness for our bunion-affected foot, with a toe box that kept our toes from feeling crowded. These shoes also provided good arch support and they were supportive, promoting stability for us on less than forgiving terrains like cobblestones and stairs. While the foam on the bottom offers good support with a wide base, these didn’t have an overly clunky look, which earns some style points. It’s Worth Noting A leather reinforcement on the outside of the pinky toe caused us some discomfort. Going for the wider option may help to limit this discomfort. A thicker lace may be better for usability. Product Details: Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes)Widths: Medium, wide Health / Brie Goldman Health / Brie Goldman Health / Brie Goldman Best Arch Support ECCO Soft 7 Slip-On Sneakers Zappos View On Zappos $175 View On Ecco.com View On Thewalkingcompany.com Why We Like It If you’re looking for arch support in a bunion-friendly shoe, Ecco’s Soft 7 Slip-On is our pick. Although they don't offer strong arch support, our flat-footed tester found it sufficient without causing discomfort. These shoes provide good cushioning and support for the entire foot, including bunions. The Ecco Soft 7 Slip-Ons are a good all-day option. They prevented bunion irritation and didn’t blister our heels, which seems to plague other slip-ons. They had a high-quality feel and a durable base that didn't hinder our movement. It’s Worth Noting The leather took a few days to become the perfect fit, but it did. They are also designed to fit full and half sizes, which we found to work well in testing. Product Details: Sizes: 4-12 (half sizes)Widths: One width Health / Rachel Marek Health / Rachel Marek Health / Rachel Marek Health / Rachel Marek Best Boot Toms Fenix Platform Chelsea Suede Sneaker Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $72 Why We Like It TOMS Fenix Platform Suede Boot is a great option for a full-coverage shoe with no break-in period. A spacious toe box was suited toward bunions and longer toes alike, but not at the expense of support; they kept our feet feeling perfectly secure during testing. They are designed to be easy to take on and off, which is good because they are perfectly suited for everyday wear shoes. Beyond the comfort, these are also a pleasant option to look at, and the suede upper combined with vulcanized rubber sidewall and outsoles make it feel durable. It’s Worth Noting They are made with suede and may struggle in the winter, so consider purchasing a spray protectant. Product Details: Sizes: 5-12Widths: Medium Health / Carolyn Malcoun Health / Carolyn Malcoun Best Heel Sole Bliss Cadence Sole Bliss View On Solebliss.com Why We Like It As far as heels go, the Sole Bliss Cadence is our most bunion-friendly pick. We experienced no rubbing or discomfort on our bunions, and they are shockingly comfortable for two-inch heels. They fit true to size, and an anti-pronation memory foam pillow kept us stable and supported. The inside of these heels creates a comfortable and cushiony experience, with a spacious toe box and even a small supportive fabric to cushion the bunion. A “bunion bed” relieves pressure from bunions, while a shock-resistant rubber heel and three layers of cushioning memory foam under the foot further elevate the wearer’s experience. It’s Worth Noting They are much pricier than other options on our list. They are also only available in two colors and are more of a “special occasion” type of shoe. Product Details: Sizes: 5-11 (half sizes)Widths: One width Health / Jessica Fleming Health / Jessica Fleming Health / Jessica Fleming Best Loafer Vionic Cheryl II Loafer Amazon View On Zappos $135 View On Nordstrom $135 View On Vionicshoes.com Why We Like It The Vionic Cheryll II Loafers offer good support, with a naturally high arch built into them. Importantly, they didn’t affect our natural gait. Inside, the sole proved to be sturdy, and the stiffer nature of this option felt secure for us. The support helped alleviate pressure on our bunions, and they also held up well during testing in terms of durability. We found that these shoes are more suitable for individuals with smaller bunions but are available in both medium and wide widths. It’s Worth Noting These shoes fit tighter around the bunion area than other shoes. For those with larger bunions, the area at the toe may be too tight. Additionally, the shoes ran very large, almost a size and a half larger than our estimate. We also experienced rubbing at the backs of our ankles. Product Details: Sizes: 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12Widths: Medium, wide Health / Jenny Hughes Health / Jenny Hughes Health / Jenny Hughes Health / Jenny Hughes More Shoes for Bunions to Consider Kuru Stride Move: This shoe's sleek style could be improved with more cushioning and a grippier sole. Adidas NMD_R1 Shoes: Despite their nice-looking design and some built-in overpronation features, these Adidas shoes did little to help our bunions. They had poor arch support, ran large, and constricted the ankles. We struggled to get our feet into them.Ryka Skywalk Chill Slip-On: These shoes did a decent job of preventing ankle and bunion pain for us. However, they weren’t supportive enough for our feet or ankles. We also felt that they needed more vertical toe box space.Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Relay: These were a bit too wide for us, and while they claim to be running shoes, they are definitely not the best running shoes for bunions. We felt they lacked enough support to make a good running bunion-friendly option. Keen Women’s Hoodcamp Slip-On: While these were durably made and sturdy, we found them difficult to put on due to their thin opening. They were also not supportive enough and too stiff for us. Where We Stand We found the Hoka Ora Recovery Shoe to be the best overall option. They featured flexible and stretchy material to keep our bunions from experiencing pressure, had plenty of toe box room, and were durable but had no break-in period. Our Testing Process We tested 19 different styles of shoes to identify the best options suitable for people with bunions. Our team of 14 testers spent 2280 hours testing these shoes in The Health lab and at home, with Podiatric Surgeon Dr. Diana Valencia guiding our process. Our aim was to identify the 10 best products overall. We will continue to test the above-listed products and others, so we will continue to update this article with new results. We rated each shoe based on the following criteria: Comfort: We assessed shoe comfort for our bunions over time, noting cushioning and support throughout the shoe, as well as discomfort, hot spots, and pressure points. We recorded any reduction in bunion-related discomfort.Fit: We tested each shoe for accurate sizing, ensuring ample room for bunions in the toe boxes. We also checked the fit of the heel, arch, and midfoot areas and noted any adjustable features that could improve fit.Support: We assessed shoe support for our arches, natural movement, cushioning, and bunion pressure. We noted any instability or balance issues.Quality: We assessed the shoe's durability and flexibility by conducting a bend-and-turn test. We also noted the level of wear and tear and whether the shoes retained odor compared to other shoes worn.Design: We observed the shoes' style (retro/athletic), bunion-friendly features (padding/seamless), and versatility.Value: We tested shoes based on their median price and asked testers if they'd pay more, if they're overpriced if they'd buy them on sale, if they'd wear them regularly, and if they'd recommend them to a friend. Our Experts We consulted the following doctors for their expert opinions to ensure we were making the right recommendations for the best shoes for people with bunions. Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFASDr. Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFASDr. Diana Valencia, Podiatric Surgeon Who We Are Jack Byram has been writing for Health since 2023, covering everything related to fitness and well-being. As an avid exerciser, Jack constantly seeks to improve his comfort, performance, and recovery. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 2 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Ferrari J. Bunions. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009 Mar 11;2009:1112. PMID: 19445756; PMCID: PMC2907787. Ferrari J. Hallux valgus (bunions). BMJ Clin Evid. 2014 Apr 29;2014:1112. PMCID: PMC4004226.