In case you’ve ever skilled discomfort or ache from bunions, you perceive the challenges that accompany these bony protrusions. Whether or not genetically predisposed or aggravated by poorly becoming footwear, bunions can considerably impression your train routine and each day life. That is why selecting one of the best sneakers for bunions—with a broad toe field, versatile higher, and well-cushioned midsole—is crucial.
To curate our listing of suggestions, we first consulted 5 consultants, together with orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists, for his or her recommendation on what key options to search for when buying. Then, we examined 22 expert-approved sneakers as part of our each day routines. Our group of testers, who all have bunions, hung out carrying and strolling in every pair, evaluating them for match, consolation, assist, design, high quality, and general worth.
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Spacious toe field
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Versatile type
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Handy pull-on
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Boot sneaker | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Suede higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest if you would like a trendy, snug shoe for informal or work put on.
Why We Love Them
Throughout testing, Tom’s Fenix Platform Chelsea Sneaker instantly stood out for its versatility and luxury for each day put on, combining the assist of a sneaker and the ease of a pull-on boot. We wore these sneakers for varsity drop-offs, strolling the canine, and extra. The roomy toe field presents loads of house to accommodate bunions, and we didn’t discover any discomfort or blisters all through testing.
The suede higher presents type for put on in informal and dressy settings. In the meantime, the froth midsole and rubber outsole provide plush consolation and grippy traction. By the tip of our testing interval, we didn’t discover any put on and tear—a testomony to the shoe’s sturdiness and high-quality supplies.
Potential Flaws
- We love the mushy, suede higher however fear that it could get stained or broken in harsh climate. Wearers might wish to use a waterproofing spray for defense.
Most Helpful Perception
“These sneakers had been so snug from the second I put them on—I did not have any ache or discomfort in my bunion space. I have been carrying them nearly day by day.” —Carolyn Malcoun, Verywell Match product tester
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Wonderful arch assist
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Stretchy, versatile higher
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Grippy outsole
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest when you want a strolling shoe for brief and long-distance walks.
Why We Love Them
To increase your step depend with out exacerbating bunions, we propose Eager’s WK400 Leather-based Strolling Shoe. The versatile mesh higher relieves strain in your bunions and the broad rubber outsole ensures reliable traction. Throughout testing, we discovered these sneakers extraordinarily snug and supportive for strolling, standing, and different actions.
Particularly designed with walkers in thoughts, the shoe’s midsole boasts stellar arch assist for shock absorption and vitality return on each brief and lengthy walks. It additionally has a slight rocker form, which we observed helped propel us ahead. Plus, the contoured design offers a custom-like match for added stability and luxury.
Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon, Eager, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- The shoe’s rocker form takes some getting used to, however we discovered it helps with fast and environment friendly strides.
Most Helpful Perception
“I might simply inform after I walked in them that they had been a strong, high quality product—they had been snug from the primary time I put them on. I’m very impressed with these.” —Michele Hanson, Verywell Match product tester
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Wonderful arch assist
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Is available in three widths
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APMA Seal of Acceptance
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad, extra-wide | Materials: Knit higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for all-day put on, particularly you probably have bunions or plantar fasciitis.
Why We Love Them
In case you’re coping with each bunions and plantar fasciitis, we advocate Orthofeet’s Coral Stretch Knit Shoe. Its mushy, versatile higher and broad toe field alleviate strain on bunions, whereas the beneficiant arch assist offers a snug floor to maintain plantar fasciitis signs at bay. This pair is considered one of our favorites for plantar fasciitis.
The well-cushioned foam midsole presents stability and shock absorption, guaranteeing safety for our ft and joints—even when strolling on cement sidewalks. Three width choices and house for orthotics or insoles make these sneakers even higher for bunions and plantar fasciitis. Plus, they earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, that means a gaggle of podiatrists has decided they promote wholesome ft.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas some wearers have reported a squeaking sound when strolling in these sneakers, it is value noting that we didn’t hear something in testing.
Verywell Match
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Roomy match
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Handy slip-on
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Light-weight
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Slip-on | Sizes: Unisex sizing (girls’s 5 to 11, males’s 7 to 14) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest if you would like a snug restoration slide for pre- and post-workout or informal put on.
Why We Love Them
One among our favourite restoration sneakers, Hoka’s Ora 2 Slides present the aid our ft want after a distance run, laborious exercise, or lengthy day of carrying heels. They’ve a roomy toe field and plush foam midsole that we discovered relieves strain, particularly in bunion-prone areas. From the primary put on, you’ll expertise cloud-like consolation that lasts via prolonged durations of standing and strolling.
Regardless of their light-weight and breathable development, these slides really feel sturdy and steady. Plus, further padding within the heel space enhances general assist and luxury. We additionally love the glossy, athletic design and handy slip-on type, which makes them ideally suited for wearers on the transfer.
Potential Flaws
- The highest strap just isn’t adjustable, so it could be troublesome for wide-footed wearers to discover a comfortable match.
Most Helpful Perception
“It is laborious to seek out sneakers which might be each trendy and cozy—particularly ones that additionally accommodate bunions—however these are each!” —Sidney Burds, Verywell Match product tester
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Stretchy, versatile higher
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Versatile type
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Grippy outsole
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Slip-on | Sizes: Girls’s 6 to 11 | Widths: Medium, broad | Materials: Fake leather-based, cloth, canvas, mesh, or microfiber higher; foam midsole; rubber outsole | Total Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Finest you probably have bunions and desire a sporty slip-on shoe for informal put on.
Why We Love Them
Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip-On Sneakers provide the comfort of a slip-on shoe with out sacrificing consolation and high quality. The higher is on the market in fake leather-based, cloth, canvas, mesh, or microfiber materials—relying in your private preferences and magnificence. And we discovered that it’s versatile and stretchy sufficient to accommodate bunions.
As considered one of our favourite slip-on sneakers, these boast a cushioned foam midsole that we observed delivers consolation for lengthy hours of damage. Plus, the rubber outsole is sturdy and grippy. We additionally love that these glossy, versatile sneakers may be worn for on a regular basis put on, commuting, touring, and extra.
Potential Flaws
- Though these sneakers are snug, they don’t have as a lot arch assist as another choices we examined. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to at all times add insoles or {custom} orthotics you probably have flat ft.
Most Helpful Perception
“I wouldn’t change a factor; they’re fairly good.” —Jessica Fleming, Verywell Match product tester
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Spacious toe field
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Is available in two widths
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Properly-cushioned midsole
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad | Materials: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for lengthy walks and each day put on—particularly when you choose a basic sneaker type.
Why We Love Them
When you have broad ft and bunions, sneakers with a large toe field are particularly important. We advocate Kuru’s Atom Slip-Ons as a result of they provide distinctive consolation, whether or not you’re aiming for 10,000 steps a day or simply want a shoe for informal put on. Not solely do they boast a broad and deep toe field, however additionally they are available two width choices for much more lodging for broad ft and bunions.
Throughout testing, our ft felt supported and pain-free because of the stretchy mesh higher and sturdy rubber outsole. We had been additionally impressed with the ample foam cushioning, which reduces irritation and promotes consolation throughout lengthy walks on varied terrains.
Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Kuru.
Potential Flaws
- Whereas the shoe’s slip-on design is handy, we want that the fake laces could possibly be adjusted to realize a safer match.
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![Kuru Atom Sneakers dislayed on a shoebox]()
Credit score: Verywell Match
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![Closeup of the sole of the Kuru Atom Sneakers]()
Credit score: Verywell Match
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APMA Seal of Acceptance
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Versatile type
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Is available in 4 widths
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Males’s 7 to fifteen | Widths: Slim, medium, broad, extra-wide | Materials: Engineered mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Finest for impartial pronation runners with bunions who want a large, supportive operating shoe.
Why We Love Them
Painful bunions can cease a runner of their tracks, however carrying the precise trainers could make an enormous distinction. Brooks’ Ghost 15 Sneakers boast plush cushioning within the arch and heel, which we discovered alleviates strain and ache. Throughout take a look at runs, the broad toe field and stretchy mesh higher additionally assist to maintain irritation at bay.
What’s extra, the padded tab, collar, and tongue improve general consolation. And the sneakers are additionally APMA-approved. We loved carrying this versatile pair for operating, in addition to strolling and fitness center exercises. Plus, we love that the sneakers are available 4 completely different width choices to accommodate a wide range of foot styles and sizes.
Additionally accessible in girls’s sizes at Amazon, Brooks, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- These sneakers are perfect for impartial runners, however might not have the precise stability options for runners with flat ft who overpronate.
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Wonderful arch assist
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Handy slip-on
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APMA Seal of Acceptance
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Idler | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad | Materials: Leather-based or suede higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Finest for girls who want a snug, supportive shoe for informal put on, work, or going out.
Why We Love Them
Vionic’s Cheryl II Loafers function proof that sneakers designed for bunions may be streamlined and engaging. This glossy, trendy slip-on boasts a broad toe field and is available in broad sizes, accommodating bunions. Plus, it narrows in on the rearfoot, gently hugging our heel to supply extra stability.
Throughout testing, we discovered that the podiatrist-designed footbed offers plush consolation, and the thick rubber outsole presents grippy traction. Notably, these sneakers have additionally earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, including to their enchantment.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing our traditional measurement felt too large, so we needed to go down a half measurement.
Most Helpful Perception
“Most bunion-specific sneakers will not be very engaging and sometimes are available sneaker or sandal kind. I like that these are actually cute loafers.” —Jenny Hughes, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Mountaineering shoe | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Leather-based and mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber sole | Total Score: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for newbie to superior hikers with medium to broad ft.
Why We Love Them
Eager’s Targhee 3 Mountaineering Footwear provide the steadiness and traction you want for mountain climbing, with out placing strain on bunions. The spacious toebox and grippy rubber outsole maintain us sure-footed when traversing uneven or slippery terrain. Plus, the midsole shank helps stabilize our ft much more.
The most effective mountain climbing sneakers mustn’t solely present stability but additionally defend your ft from no matter chances are you’ll encounter on the path. That’s why we respect this boot’s waterproof layering that retains ft dry and cozy. Regardless of protecting water out, the higher stays breathable, guaranteeing that your ft keep cool and do not overheat. Plus, the sneakers function pure anti-odor safety to take care of a contemporary scent.
Additionally accessible in males’s sizes at Amazon, Eager, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- Since they’re designed for mountain climbing, these sneakers are too heavy-duty for informal, on a regular basis put on.
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Wonderful arch assist
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APMA Seal of Acceptance
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Stretchy, versatile higher
Key Specs
Shoe Sort: Sneaker | Sizes: Girls’s 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, broad | Materials: Mesh higher, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Total Score: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Finest for these with flat ft who want a supportive strolling shoe.
Why We Love Them
One among our prime sneakers for flat ft, Rykä’s Devotion X Strolling Footwear are additionally an amazing selection you probably have bunions. The mushy, stretchy mesh higher gently hugs the foot whereas permitting for sufficient flexibility in order to not irritate bunions. Plus, the broad toe field offers loads of room to accommodate lumps and for toes to splay.
The midsole presents nice arch assist and dependable shock absorption—precisely what flat-footed wearers want. Throughout take a look at walks, this APMA-approved pair saved our ft comfortable for hours at a time. And we discovered these sneakers to be exceptionally high-quality and sturdy, making them properly definitely worth the already budget-friendly value.
Potential Flaws
- We discovered that these sneakers could also be too broad for narrow-footed wearers.
Most Helpful Perception
“My favourite factor about these sneakers was the standard and luxury—they felt good from the primary time I put them on.” —Michele Hanson, Verywell Match product tester
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![Feet wearing Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe outdoors]()
Ryka’s Devotion X presents steady, supportive cushioning that absorbs shock properly.
Credit score: Verywell Match
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![Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoes displayed on a leather sofa]()
The Devotion X options an ultra-soft lining and broad toe field for bunion consolation.
Credit score: Verywell Match
Footwear for Bunions We Additionally Examined
We put 22 pairs of sneakers for bunions to the take a look at however solely included 11 in our ultimate listing of suggestions. Whereas these 4 didn’t make the lower, we did discover some noteworthy options value mentioning.
- Kuru’s Stride Transfer Footwear have a glossy, slip-on type and don’t irritate our bunions. Nevertheless, we observed that the midsole might use a bit extra cushioning to reinforce consolation, and the outsole may benefit from improved traction for higher grip.
- Whereas Ryka’s Vivid Professional Coaching Footwear have a spacious toe field and wonderful heel stability, we discovered that the midsole is missing in cushioning and arch assist.
- We liked the glossy design and attention-grabbing type of Adidas’ NMD R1 Footwear however observed that the match was uncomfortable and never supportive.
- Allbirds’ Tree Dasher Relay Footwear boast a glossy, slip-on type, however we discovered it troublesome to discover a comfortable match as a result of lack of adjustability.
Verywell Match
The place We Stand
After testing 22 pairs of sneakers for bunions, Tom’s Fenix Platform Chelsea Suede Sneaker is our favourite because of its spacious toe field, snug match, and versatile type. As we proceed to check sneakers at house, we’ll replace this listing with the most recent info and suggestions.
What to Search for When Searching for Footwear for Bunions
- Match: Search for sneakers with a roomy and versatile match that enables some room on your bunions with out placing strain on them. Footwear which might be accessible in broad or extra-wide sizes and have laces or straps are additionally useful, particularly you probably have bigger ft.
- Toe Field: The toe field needs to be broad sufficient to accommodate the bunion prominence, stopping any pinching or extreme strain, says podiatrist Ami A. Sheth, DPM. Make certain there’s ample house on your toes to unfold out and lie flat within the sneakers.
- Heel Peak: In case you’re liable to bunions, chances are you’ll wish to keep away from carrying excessive heels that angle your foot ahead, creating strain in your toes that may contribute to the event of bunions or exacerbate present ones, says orthopedic surgeon Scott Katzman, MD. Go for sneakers that permit for a fair distribution of weight between your heel and toes. In case you get pleasure from carrying heels, contemplate a decrease heel or platform type, Katzman says.
- Cushioning and Help: Properly-cushioned and shock-absorbing midsoles can reduce impression and strain on bunions, enhancing general consolation. Search for sneakers with good assist within the arch space and thick rubber soles to scale back rigidity and impression.
- Flexibility and Breathability: Go for supplies which might be versatile and breathable, like knit or mesh. A mushy, stretchy higher can alleviate strain on present bunions and stop new ones, Sheth says.
- Value: The most effective sneakers for bunions usually value between $50 and $170. Our most budget-friendly choice is Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip-On Sneaker, and considered one of our priciest picks is Eager’s WK400 Strolling Shoe. Relying on the type, model, and development, the worth of the shoe will range.
Verywell Match
How We Examined Footwear for Bunions
To seek out one of the best sneakers for bunions, we examined greater than 22 pairs from prime, trusted footwear manufacturers. When testing sneakers, we consider every choice for the next essential standards:
- Match: To start testing, we strive on every pair of sneakers to asses the match: Do they really feel slim or broad? Is there sufficient room within the toe field and stretch within the higher to accommodate bunions? We additionally take note of the match across the arch and heel, noting the consolation degree in these areas. Adjustable closures, resembling laces or straps, are one other consideration we account for.
- Consolation: Subsequent, we put on the sneakers for extended durations to gauge their consolation degree and to find out whether or not they trigger ache or discomfort within the bunion space. We observe for any strain factors, scorching spots, or areas of friction which will irritate. And we additionally assess the shoe’s effectiveness in assuaging discomfort or ache related to bunions.
- Help: In evaluating this class, we contemplate whether or not the sneakers provide adequate arch assist to forestall strain on our bunions. We take note of potential instability or modifications in our gait or strolling patterns whereas carrying the sneakers. We additionally be aware of any particular options, like midsole cushioning, that contribute to the general assist of the sneakers.
- Design: For design, we rigorously study the general aesthetics and expertise of the shoe, evaluating whether or not particular options improve its suitability for wearers with bunions. We additionally contemplate whether or not the design makes the sneakers versatile sufficient to be worn throughout varied functions and settings.
- High quality: Subsequent up, we study the development and situation: Do the sneakers really feel high-quality and durable, or low cost and flimsy? We carry out a bend take a look at, folding every shoe in half, specializing in the world beneath the toe to make sure correct flexibility. Then, we carry out a twist take a look at to evaluate the firmness and stability. All through the testing interval, we additionally file any put on and tear past what we’d moderately count on.
- Worth: Lastly, to assign every shoe a worth rating, we wait to take a look at the worth till the tip of the testing interval. Contemplating every of the earlier standards, we decide if the sneakers are value the identical as or lower than what we’d contemplate paying for them. We additionally gauge how possible we might be to make use of the sneakers repeatedly or advocate them to others.
Verywell Match
Our Specialists
In our analysis and testing, we consulted a complete of 5 foot and shoe consultants. Some consultants helped us inform our checks, whereas others supplied recommendation on what key options to search for when buying.
- Scott Katzman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at NJ Backbone and Orthopedic in New Jersey
- Clifford Jeng, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Mercy Medical Heart in Maryland
- Patrick Maloney, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Mercy Medical Heart in Maryland
- Ami Sheth, DPM, a podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Associates in California
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatrist at NYC Foot & Ankle Heart in New York Metropolis
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
What causes bunions?
Bunions happen from strain on the massive toe because it leans towards the second toe. The preliminary strain on the massive toes is normally resulting from improperly fitted sneakers, inherited foot and toe form, or an inflammatory situation resembling arthritis.
Can poor-fitting sneakers make bunions worse?
Sure, poorly fitted sneakers could make bunions worse. Bunions can happen or worsen whenever you put on sneakers which might be too brief, high-heeled, too tight, or which have a pointed toe; these drive the toes into an unnatural place.
How can I maintain my bunions from getting worse?
To maintain your bunions from getting worse, at all times put on correctly fitted sneakers. Select snug sneakers with a lace-up or in any other case adjustable closure to permit for a {custom} match. For residences and sandals, make sure that the sting of the shoe, straps, or seams do not rub in opposition to the bunions, as that may irritate. You may as well contemplate including calf stretching, foot mobility workout routines, and toe spreaders into your common routine.
How are you going to stretch sneakers for bunions?
To create wider sneakers (particularly if you do not need to buy new sneakers), you should use a stretcher, accessible at shoe shops or big-box retailers.
What sneakers do podiatrists advocate for bunions?
Individuals with bunions ought to search for sneakers with a large toe field and stretchy higher to alleviate strain on the bony bumps, podiatrist Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, says.
Are broad sneakers higher for bunions?
Sure, broad sneakers can have a roomier toe field, which is essential for giving the toes room to unfold out, in keeping with Maloney. They’ll additionally assist keep away from placing strain on or irritating the bunions. Shoe manufacturers that have a tendency to supply wider choices for bunions embody Hoka, Kuru, and Toms.
What kind of sneakers do you have to keep away from with bunions?
Normally, you wish to keep away from any sneakers that compress or put added strain in your toes. This consists of sneakers with heels greater than 2 inches and sharply pointed sneakers with a slim toe field.
Why Belief Verywell Match
As a operating coach, marathon runner, private coach, and Verywell Match author, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching and recommending operating and strolling sneakers to shoppers and associates. Though she doesn’t have bunions, she is aware of how vital it’s to seek out the precise assist to keep away from ache. To face, stroll, and even run in consolation, she suggests getting correctly fitted for sneakers and changing them repeatedly. For this text, Christine appeared over the take a look at outcomes to assist compile our prime picks.

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