If you have bunions — those nagging bony protrusions at the base of the big toe — it can be difficult to find comfortable shoes.
What are bunions?
“Bunions happen when the big toe is pushed out of its natural alignment and deviates toward the second toe. If you have bunions, you want to avoid narrow, pointy shoes and stiff materials that constrict movement and chafe against the inside of the big toe joint.”—Dr. Suzanne Levine, board-certified podiatric foot surgeon at Millennium Podiatry
The best shoes for bunions offer a spacious, rounded toe box, flexible materials, and ample arch support. The good news is that there are plenty of attractive options out there that don’t scream “orthopedic shoe”.
To aid your search, we tested 14 popular shoes for bunions, evaluating each on comfort, fit, support, quality, design, and overall value — of those, 11 were chosen for this list. We also received insights from experts on what to look for and avoid when shopping for bunion-friendly shoes.
From stylish slip-ons to lightweight sneakers, here are the best shoes for bunions that PEOPLE tested.
The Orthofeet Wander earned top scores for its superior design and functionality. Its soft leather upper had a seamless fit with no overlays, which prevented friction over the sensitive bunion area. A wide, rounded toe box allowed for a roomy, relaxed fit, while the brand’s patented Ortho-Cushion™ System provided a sturdy and supportive footbed that aligned the foot and relieved pressure off the bunion. (For added support, the shoes come with extra insoles and an arch booster.)
It has an inclusive size range for wide feet (with wide to XX-wide widths), which generously accommodate bunions. That said, the stiff material of the shoe takes a while to break in, so we suggest sizing up half a size to avoid chafing or discomfort. These sneakers also boast an attractive aesthetic, and the slip-on feature is helpful for seniors with arthritic hands who may have trouble tying laces.
Sizes: 5–12 | Materials: leather upper, foam insole, rubber outsole | Colors: 2
Made from 100 percent upcycled materials, this Vivaia pair comes in an array of colors and instantly molds to each foot’s shape. Their roomy toe boxes and extra-cushioned soles reduce pressure on bunions, and the sleek mesh exterior adds a high-end touch. “I’m super paranoid about my bunion,” said our tester, “so I love that these make my feet look ‘normal’ and not so wide.”
During testing, our tester wore these shoes on a five-mile hike and never experienced any friction or discomfort. Although they had some minor traction issues while hiking, they weren’t too concerned, as the shoes don’t appear to be intended for that purpose. They also noticed that debris would sometimes get stuck in the mesh material, but after a quick cycle in the washer, the shoes were as good as new.
Sizes: Women’s 5–13.5; men’s 3.5–12 | Materials: mesh and wool upper, recycled yarn, micro-foam EVA interior, sugarcane-based EVA and rubber outsole | Colors: 23
The More You Know
“Constant rubbing and pressure on the bunion joint can cause damage, inflammation, and potentially ulcers, blisters, or arthritis. In severe cases where the bunion causes significant pain and limits mobility, surgery may be the only way to correct it.”—Dr. Marion Yau, podiatrist and nail surgery expert
When it comes to shoe designs made for specific needs, Dr Scholl’s is the gold standard. These slip-ons offer a flexible, lightweight construction that instantly forms to the foot, ensuring a pain-free, confident stride. Plus, they offer a wide range of styles and colors (from soft gray to leopard print) that work for any casual outing — whether running errands in a pair of black leggings or sporting a stylish skort to brunch.
While these shoes quickly became our tester’s go-to everyday sneaker, we wouldn’t advise wearing them for long walks or high-impact activities. They didn’t have much arch support, and the heel wore down rather quickly. For those with pronounced bunions, the shoes may be a bit too snug and lack adequate cushioning.
Sizes: 6–11 | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles, faux leather upper, algae-infused BLOOM® foam insoles | Colors: 9
True to the brand’s reputation, these Skechers fit comfortably from the moment we slid them on. “It almost felt like walking barefoot,” our tester said. They wore these shoes on long walks and daily runs and didn’t feel any pain. In fact, thanks to the shoe’s lightweight mesh upper and podiatrist-certified insole system, they felt noticeable relief from their usual bunion discomfort.
The design’s exclusive heel pillow kept the tester’s heel securely in place no matter the activity — a major plus, as sliding and rubbing can aggravate bunion symptoms. While the price is a bit steep compared to other Skechers, the quality is well worth it. As our tester noted, “These are possibly the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, and I will continue to wear them every day.”
Sizes: 7–14 | Materials: Engineered heathered knit upper with stretch laces | Colors: 4
Experts Say
“Look for shoes with fastenings to hold the foot in place. Slip-on shoes can allow excessive movement, irritating the bunion and potentially worsening the deformity.”—Dr. Marion Yau
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Convenient, hands-free design
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Comfortable for long periods of wear
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Grippy traction
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Extra padding and shock-absorbing cushioning
Kiziks are known for their ultra-convenient slip-ons. Crafted with a lightweight knit upper and a signature heel cage, the Athens fit like a glove with the stability of a heavier shoe. Unique to this design is its extra layer of Rabbit Foam® outsoles, which gave our tester’s heel an added lift and cushioning to relieve pressure off their bunion and ensure all-day comfort.
Rubber traction pods stabilized our tester’s foot from heel to toe — an ideal shoe for seniors (or those of us prone to slips and falls). They do run slightly large, so if you’re in between sizes, we suggest sizing down.
Sizes: 6–13 | Materials: knit upper, foam outsoles | Colors: 15
Testers Say
“These almost put a spring in my step. They’re so lightweight, comfortable, and supportive that I felt like I could wear them for hours without getting sweaty and achy feet.”—Our Tester
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Excellent support and cushioning
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Breathable, lightweight materials
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Minimalist design
Feet are not well-padded to begin with, but as we age, we lose even more cushioning. These Skechers deliver shock-absorbing protection and maximum comfort — thanks to an engineered mesh upper and a multilayer insole system. The deep grooves in the outsoles provide grippy traction, while the rounded toe box allots space for bunions.
We also love the minimalist design — a shoe that will suit any occasion, whether you’re going out to dinner or taking your dog for a stroll in the park. These slip-ons are also perfect if you’re going for a more canvas-style look and want to skip the hassle of shoelaces.
Sizes: 6.5–12 | Materials: Athletic mesh upper and rubber outsole | Colors: 3
Editors Say
“I don’t have bunions, but I do have a lot of foot pain from various conditions and relish the comfort of these shoes. They have ample cushioning and are so supportive!”—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE shopping editor
This attractive sporty design has a wide toe box, multilayer cushioning, and ergonomic insoles that naturally support your foot’s anatomy. Even after long days of wear, our tester never noticed any scuffing or damage. That said, the material was a little stiff, so you have to break them in.
The shoes didn’t provide a ton of back relief, like the manufacturer claims. They did, however, keep bunion pain at bay, thanks to the stretchable knit upper that gently formed to our tester’s foot’s shape. The shoes run a little large, but the included spacers allowed them to make adjustments for a perfect fit. If you’re in between sizes, we suggest going down a half size.
Sizes: 5–12 | Materials: stretchable knitted upper and rubber outsole | Colors: 7
Pro Tip!
“If you have a bunion, you want to try on shoes midday to allow gravity to take effect, meaning you want your feet to swell a little so you can find shoes that will be comfortable throughout the day.”—Dr. Suzanne Levine
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Breathable, flexible upper
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Excellent cushioning for pronated feet
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Improves posture and foot pain
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Lacks stability for the ankles
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Heel slips with sudden, quick movements
Hoka shoes have become the new hero brand for overpronation, boasting an attractive silhouette with all the benefits of an orthopedic shoe. This iteration offers a new soft mesh upper, a memory foam heel cushion, and an EVA midsole to cradle the foot and allow for dynamic movement.
Our tester, who has overpronated, flat feet, found that wearing these shoes for long periods encouraged a more natural foot positioning, resulting in improved posture and less overall foot pain. The flexible material and generous toe box also prevented chafing of the bunion, and the plush interior padding “felt like walking on clouds.”
However, the shoes aren’t ideal for intense activities, due to some heel instability and poor fit of the elastic band at the collar.
Sizes: 7–14 | Materials: mesh upper, EVA midsole, memory foam heel | Colors: 3
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Stretchy knit upper accommodates wide feet
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No overlays or seams to irritate bunions
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Insole and heel cushioning for advanced arch support
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Breathable material helps keep feet cool
This design’s soft knit upper delivers a seamless fit with no overlays, thus eliminating friction and promoting a more fluid movement. Our tester said these shoes felt “like a natural extension of my feet.” Plus, these come with additional orthotic insoles, spacers, and an arch booster for a customizable fit. The mild rocker feature and multilayered insole facilitated a smooth stride and evenly dispersed weight across the foot, enhancing mobility and alleviating pressure on the big toe joint, which is where bunions typically form.
The one drawback is that the high arches of the soles took some getting used to, and the additional inserts didn’t help. Still, the high-quality comfort of these shoes, balanced with a pleasing aesthetic, makes them a great everyday option for bunions.
Sizes: 5–12 | Materials: synthetic knit or wool upper, foam padded interior, rubber outsole | Colors: 10
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Thick, springy cushioning took some getting used to
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Not compatible with everyday attire
If stability is a concern, consider this sneaker. The shoe’s sturdy sidewalls, thick EVA outsoles, and midsole cushioning provide excellent ankle stability and arch support. When testing these shoes, our tester wore them during long walks and workouts, and not only were they durable but they relieved foot and ankle pain.
The VersoShock heel soles offer added support and shock absorption while giving you an extra bounce to your step. If you’re used to flats or more conventional soles, the springiness of the VersoShock may take some getting used to. The design’s chunky heel and brightly colored flourishes also may not be appealing for everyday wear. Still, these shoes promise pain relief for bunions, and we can attest that they deliver.
Sizes: 6.5–11 | Materials: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate soles, fabric and synthetic upper | Colors: 10
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Great comfort and support for flat feet and bunions
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Curve technology promotes smooth heel-to-toe transition
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Cushioned midsole
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Suitable for high-impact activities
While this shoe has a steep price tag, it offers a few unique features that you won’t find in most orthopedic shoes. Its curved outsole technology promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions while a full-length nylon plate adds stability. The off-center shoelaces also afford some extra wiggle room for the big toe, helping to reduce friction on the bunion.
Unlike most options on our list — which are great for low-impact activities — these shoes are designed for runners. In addition to a curved silhouette, the shoes deliver some serious shock absorption thanks to high-rebound foam cushioning. Plus, the grippy outsoles provide superior traction on any terrain. The thick heel and rocker design, however, may cause balance issues for some, especially after standing for long periods.
Sizes: 7–15 | Materials: mesh upper, nylon plate, foam insole, rubber outsole | Colors: 4
Others We Tried
Altra Women’s Experience Flow: Though durable and lightweight, the shoe’s high arch support was a bit too extreme and created a “bouncing” sensation, leading to some instability and tripping. The shoe’s aesthetic also left much to be desired.
Dansko Women’s Pep Slip-On Walking Sneakers: Despite their breathable upper fabric and trendy athleisure design, these shoes felt a bit stiff in the midsoles and caused some arch pain after the first wear. The support also fell short of our expectations, and the flimsy construction didn’t justify the high price.
Vivaia Round-Toe flat: Despite being super stylish and feminine, these shoes caused painful blisters on our heels after 20 minutes of wear. While the slight arch support provided some relief, the rigid material chafed against our skin every time we wore them. The shoe’s poor construction also created some instability in our heel, and we noticed signs of wear and tear rather quickly.
What to Know About Shoes for Bunions
Look for a Spacious Toe Box
A roomy toe box reduces pressure on the bunion and provides ample space for the toes to stretch and move without rubbing against the shoe’s materials. Make sure there’s about a half inch (or thumb’s width of space) between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Ample Arch Support is Key
Overpronated and flat feet are common foot conditions associated with bunions, so adequate arch support is essential to bring the foot back into proper alignment. “Cushioning in the shoe can help to reduce force on the joint and improve overall foot stability,” says Dr. Yau. We highly recommend Hokas for those with overpronated feet, and the arch support in these Keen walking shoes was a game changer for our tester with flat feet.
The Materials Matter
Soft, pliable materials like leather or mesh are the best options for bunions. The Vivaia Sneaker Sliders are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a super lightweight shoe that will work with the natural shape and movement of the foot. For a sturdier option, the Orthofeet Wander is crafted with leather that securely wraps around the forefoot while allowing plenty of space for bunions.
Fit Issues Can Make Bunions Worse
Wearing incorrect footwear won’t just ruin your day; it can actually exacerbate the progression of bunions. “Narrow toe boxes are the worst for bunions, as they can put pressure on the bunion and worsen the condition,” says Dr. Yau. Once you have a bunion, it can make your foot wider, so you’ll need to size up or buy a wider shoe than you would originally to accommodate protrusions.
Behind the Scenes
Our team of eight testers wore their shoes for 1,345 hours — walking, hiking, and going about their day-to-day activities. After scoring 14 pairs on a scale of 1 to 5, we narrowed our list down to 11 picks, using the criteria below.
- Fit: After unboxing the shoes, testers evaluated the fit, looking to see if there was any pressure, friction, or jostling around the bunion area. They assessed the roominess of the toe box and whether the shoes fit true to size, or if they would suggest sizing up or down.
- Comfort: Our team took note of how comfortably their shoes fit over short and extended periods of use, paying close attention to cushioning and the flexibility of the materials. We deducted points if the shoe caused any pain or discomfort.
- Support: We tested each shoe’s arch support, cushioning, and foot alignment. We also looked at proper weight distribution from heel to toe and noted any instability or balance issues.
- Quality: Our team assessed each shoe’s overall construction and durability, noting any signs of wear and tear, such as scuffing or stretching. We also observed the shoe’s versatility in terms of how suitable the style would be for various occasions.
- Design: We noted any unique design features that specifically addressed bunion concerns, such as a wide toe box, breathable upper fabrics, and heel and arch support. Top scores went to shoes with a functional yet stylish design that could seamlessly be integrated into everyday activities.
- Value: We asked testers to consider if the quality of their shoes matched the price tag and if they’d pay more or only buy them on sale. They were also asked if they’d recommend their shoes to someone else with bunions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What causes bunions?
“Bunions can be caused by many factors such as genetics (a family history can predispose individuals to bunions), foot structure (such as flat feet or low arches), arthritis, trauma, and prolonged use of ill-fitting shoes,” says Dr. Yau. When you have a bunion, the big toe pushes up against the second toe, causing the base of the big toe joint to stick out. Common symptoms of bunions include pain, redness, swelling, and difficulty walking. If you suspect you have a bunion, speak with your doctor or a podiatrist.
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What shoe shape is best for bunions?
“The best shoe shape for bunions has a wide and deep toe box to accommodate the bunion deformity,” Dr. Yau says. Look for a round or square toe box that allows plenty of room for your bunion and toes to spread out. Dr. Yau recommends shoes with adjustable fastenings (such as laces, straps, or Velcro) to allow for a customizable fit.
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What type of shoe is the worst for bunions?
Just as you want to avoid ballet flats (at least those without orthotic inserts), you’ll also want to steer clear of high heels. “You don’t want a heel that’s higher than 2 inches, especially if this is a shoe you’d like to be in for several hours,” Dr. Levine says. “You’re putting a lot of weight on the forefoot, which then increases the shearing force at the bunion, which can lead to conditions like bursitis, a painful inflammation of the fluid sacs that cushion joints.”
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What do podiatrists recommend for bunions?
Treatment options for bunions vary. If the bunion causes frequent pain or interferes with daily activities, surgery may be recommended. But there are plenty of non-surgical interventions — in addition to wearing bunion-friendly shoes — that can relieve bunion symptoms in mild cases.
“Orthotics, custom or over-the-counter, can offer arch support and improve foot mechanics, which may help to stabilize the bunion and prevent it from worsening,” Dr. Yau says. She also recommends toe spreaders or spacers to help “realign the toes and slow bunion progression.” Additionally, gel bunion cushions can provide a buffer between your foot and the shoe to relieve pressure off the bunion.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Trina Gray is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE who has written in the women’s lifestyle space since 2022. She’s obsessed with comfortable footwear and passionate about helping others find the best shoes to fit their individual needs and lifestyle. To curate this list, she pored over our real-world testers’ insights, looking closely at how each shoe performed in the categories of quality, fit, design, comfort, support, and value. She also spoke with podiatrists Dr. Suzanne Levine and Dr. Marion Yau to learn more about the right (and wrong) shoes for people with bunions.
Our Expert Panel
- Dr. Suzanne M. Levine is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and celebrity podiatrist in New York City. She is the author of My Feet Are Killing Me and has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, ABC News, and The Dr. Oz Show, among others.
- Dr. Marion Yau (a.k.a. Miss Foot Fixer) is a YouTuber and host of The Bad Foot Clinic on Warner Brothers’ Discovery+. She is based in Harley Street in London, United Kingdom.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.