The 14 Best Shoes for Bunions of 2023

A bunion is a bony deformity in the foot that causes the first metatarsal bone to become more prominent, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Although bunions are usually hereditary, they can also be aggravated by improper footwear, so it’s important to find the right pair of shoes.

In an interview with Health, Jessica Stenberg, PT, DPT, noted that even mild bunions can change your foot mechanics, which can in turn affect your gait pattern. The best shoes for bunions might not be the most fashionable, but they can help prevent these problems. The best choices have wide toe boxes, adequate arch support, flexible uppers, and a heel no taller than two inches. Even if you have mild bunions, you should avoid stiff shoes that have narrow toe boxes, pointed toes, and high heels, since these features can exacerbate bunions.

As Steinberg explained, if you’re going to change your footwear, you should wear your new shoes for short amounts of time and gradually build up tolerance to all-day wear. That will allow time for your foot musculature to adjust and therefore prevent pain and other problems.

Based on these recommendations, Health curated a list of the best shoes for bunions that will meet your lifestyle and comfort needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Oofos OOmg eeZee Low Shoe at Zappos

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Best Budget:

Skechers Sneakers at Amazon

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Best Dress Shoes:

Clarks Ashland Bubble Loafer at Amazon

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Best for Wide Feet:

Gravity Defyer Ion at Amazon

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Best for Flat Feet:

Orthofeet Francis Walking Shoe at Amazon

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Best for Plantar Fasciliitis:

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoes at Amazon

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Best Walking Shoes:

New Balance 847v4 at Amazon

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Best Sandals:

Chaco Zcloud x at Amazon

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Best Flip-Flops:

Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal at Amazon

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Best Flats:

Arcopedico L15 at Amazon

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4.8

Oofos

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Why We Like It: This APMA-approved shoe features a deep toe box, uppers made of a four-way stretch fabric, and built-in arch supports, making it a great overall shoe for people with bunions.

It’s Worth Noting: This shoe does not come in half sizes.

If you Google shoes for bunions, this brand is frequently listed, and for good reason. It has the APMA seal of approval, and the upper is made of breathable, four-way stretch material that contours to your foot and prevents rubbing and hot spots. The shoe also has a deep toe box, which is ideal for people with bunions.

This shoe was designed to reduce stress on knees and ankles and absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear. The lightweight shoe is machine washable and available in eight different color options. It comes complete with built-in arch support and rubber outsoles for traction. It is also a slip-on shoe, making it easy to get on and off. Keep in mind, the shoes only come in whole sizes, so Oofos recommends ordering a half-size up.

Price at time of publication: $130

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Medium
Material: Synthetic materials, rubber

Skechers

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Why We Like It: The breathable and stretchy mesh upper and removable insole make this a great everyday shoe if you’re on a budget.

It’s Worth Noting: This shoe comes in only one width option.

With over 20 years of data and 120,000 foot scans, this shoe’s podiatrist-designed shape is a great option for people with bunions. The breathable and flexible mesh uppers reduce friction and pressure on bunions. It has a wide toe box. And the insoles are also podiatrist designed for optimal arch support. This shoe has a removable foot bed, so you can use your own if preferred.

This shoe is machine-washable, comes in five different color options, and features a 1 3/4-inch heel. People with bunions have reported that this shoe is very comfortable and doesn’t irritate their bunions. However, it does only come in one width option, so if you have more severe bunions, this might not be the best choice for you.

Price at time of publication: $70

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11
Widths: Medium
Material: Mesh, rubber

Amazon

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Why We Like It: This shoe comes complete with a synthetic lining, cushioned footbed, and rounded toe box, making it a great choice for a bunion friendly dress shoe.

It’s Worth Noting: You may have to size up and/or order these shoes in larger width.

This loafer is a stand-out for several reasons. First, it is designed with a synthetic lining to reduce friction and rubbing against your foot. It also has a footbed that is designed not only for comfort, but also to wick away moisture. The rounded toe box is a bunion-friendly design.

This shoe comes in four different widths, ranging from narrow to extra-wide, and the heel measures 1 3/8 inches in height. There are 12 different color options available. People with bunions reported that this shoe was comfortable and did not irritate their bunions, even if they were on their feet all day. Some users noted that they ordered this shoe in a size and/or a width larger than they normally would, in order to to accommodate their bunions.

Price at time of publication: $85

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, X-wide
Material: Leather

Amazon

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Why We Like It: The roomy toe box, three width options, and mesh uppers make these a great shoe for those with wide feet and bunions.

It’s Worth Noting: Some customers have noted that the mesh can easily rip.

If you have wide feet, the Gravity Defyer Ion’s three different width options provide an excellent footwear option. The mesh uppers are flexible and stretch around bunions, and the large toe box and rocker outsoles make each step easier. The heels were designed to absorb shock with each movement, and many customers have reported that these shoes have reduced or eliminated their pain while walking.

These shoes come in five different colors and have removable insoles, so you can use your shoe inserts of choice. Although a few customers have reported that the mesh uppers can rip easily, the company does have a 60-day return policy to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.

Price at time of publication: $145 for Size 8

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11
Widths: Medium, wide, X-wide
Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate, mesh

Orthofeet

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Why We Like It: The built-in arch support and wide toe box are particularly helpful for people with flat feet and bunions.

It’s Worth Noting: The no-tie laces restrict how far you can stretch the tongue of the shoe when putting them on.

This shoe not only has flexible and breathable uppers and a roomy toe box to accommodate bunions, it also has built-in arch support for people who have flat feet. The insole allows for an adjustable arch support but is also removable in case you have your own insert you would prefer to wear.

This shoe fits as expected. The built-in elastic laces imake it easy to get this shoe on and off. (You don’t have to worry about tying and untying.) However, since the built-in laces restrict how far you can stretch the tongue to create a larger opening for your foot, you’ll also need to use your own insert in addition to the shoe insole.

Price at time of publication: $143

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Narrow (A), standard (B), wide (D), extra wide (2E), and XX wide (4E)
Material: Rubber, stretch fabric

4.9

Amazon

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Why We Like It: This APMA-certified shoe not only has mesh uppers to allow for the necessary flexibility for bunions, but the heel and midsole cushioning also help reduce plantar fasciitis pain.

It’s Worth Noting: Some customers complain that the shoe laces are too short.

This APMA-certified shoe has a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop, which helps put your weight into your forefoot and away from the heel. The specially designed midsole provides extra cushioning and shock absorption, and the rubber heel is also shock absorbent and helps reduce heel pain. The shoe’s mesh uppers allow for a flexible toe box that stretches around your bunions.

This shoe comes in over 30 different colors and four different widths, from narrow to extra wide. Some customers did complain that the laces that come with this shoe are too short, so be prepared to purchase your own pair, if needed.

Price at time of publication: $140

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-13
Widths: Narrow (2A), medium (1B), wide (1D), extra wide (2E)
Material: Rubber, recycled materials

Amazon

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Why We Like It: The roomy toe box, shoe stability, and impact absorption make this a great walking shoe for people with bunions.

It’s Worth Noting: This shoe runs short.

Dr. Morin likes New Balance shoes, because they come in so many widths. The New Balance 847v4 in particular comes in five width options, ranging from narrow to XX wide. The soft uppers and roomy toe box make this a great walking shoe for people with bunions. The shoe has a cushioned midsole, and it was designed with technology that provides exceptional heel stability and support.

This shoe comes in two color options: light aluminum with vintage indigo or arctic fox with silver mink and peach soda. It generally fits as expected, but some customers have noted that the shoe runs short, so you might want to consider sizing up.

Price at time of publication: $150

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-13
Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, X wide, XX wide
Material: Mesh, synthetic

Amazon

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Why We Like It: This APMA-certified sandal provides good arch support and adjustable straps that allow for a customizable fit.

It’s Worth Noting: The strap system can be a little complicated to figure out and adjust.

Chaco Zx/1 sandals provide good arch support, which is necessary if you have bunions.The jacquard webbing upper allows for a customizable fit. Customers have reported that the adjustable straps have been particularly helpful in accommodating their bunions. The outsole has 3 mm lugs for traction, which helps prevent slipping. The Chaco footbed has a seal of acceptance from the APMA.

This sandal comes in four different colors and different widths. It generally fits true to size. Some customers have complained that the straps are uncomfortable. Other customers have note that the straps can be a little complicated, but once they figure out how to adjust the straps to their feet, they find the shoe comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Price at time of publication: $98

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Medium, wide
Material: Rubber, polyester

Amazon

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Why We Like It: This flip flop has the APMA seal of approval and features footbeds designed by a podiatrist.

It’s Worth Noting: These run a little large, so if you typically wear a half size (such as an 8.5), then order a half size down (8).

The Vionic Tide II Toe Post flip-flop features a podiatrist-designed footbed that cups your heel to prevent gripping, and provides both arch support and forefoot cushioning. The outsole has a patterned tread to improve traction and prevent slipping. It is a lightweight flip-flop that features a shock-absorbing midsole to reduce stress on your feet, ankles, and knees.

This flip-flop comes in ten different color options and one width option. Vionic recommends wearing it for a couple of hours at a time at first. After one to two weeks, you should be able to wear it comfortablyall day long. They run a little large, so if you take a half size, we recommend ordering a half size down. To clean this flip-flop, Vionic recommends wiping with a damp cloth and then air drying.

Price at time of publication: $65

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12, men’s 7-14
Widths: Medium-wide
Material: Leather, rubber, cork

Amazon

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Why We Like It: The rounded toe box and ultralight and flexible upper makes this flat stand out from its competitors.

It’s Worth Noting: Some customers have complained that this flat is a little too large in the heel.

This flat stands out from the rest because of its ultralight, soft, comfortable upper, made from a polyurethane and lycra blend. The fabric is soft enough to allow for stretch and comfort around your bunions, and it is breathable and water resistant. This shoe features a rounded toe box, a 1-inch heel, and a removable insole so that you can use your shoe inserts of choice.

While the flat comes in one width, the soft upper part of the shoe allows for width flexibility for people with bunions. There are six different color options, and this shoe generally fits as expected. It is 100% vegan, and Arcopedico says it is washable. However, some customers have complained that these flats are too large in the heel.

Price at time of publication: $105

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11
Widths: Standard
Material: Polyurethane lower, and a polyurethane and lycra blend upper

Zappos

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Why We Like It: This boot has a particularly soft and flexible upper, which means the toe box is quite forgiving for people who have bunions.

It’s Worth Noting: This boot does not provide good foot support.

The UGG Classic Short II boot is very soft and flexible, making it a forgiving option if you have bunions. The sheepskin lining is breathable and helps keep your feet warm. This boot is best for casual wear, but it can be sprayed with a water repellant so it can be worn in light winter conditions.

The biggest drawback of the UGG classic short boot is that it lacks arch support. However, you can always add arch support insoles (with shearling) to make it more supportive. The boot comes in eight different colors and one standard width. It generally fits true to size, but it comes in whole sizes only. If you wear a half size, UGG recommends that you order a half size down.

Price at time of publication: $170

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Standard
Material: Rubber, sheepskin, suede

4.5

Amazon

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Why We Like It: The round and roomy toe box combined with the rocker design and max cushioning make this a great running shoe for most runners.

It’s Worth Noting: This shoe has high arches.

The Hoka Clifton 8 features a rounded and roomy toe box, a cushioned midsole, and a rocker design to help propel you forward when running. The Hoka brand is known for durability, and typically its shoes will last 500 miles. This shoe features a mesh upper, which not only allows for breathability but also makes the shoe more flexible around bunions.

These shoes come in 14 colors and two width options. They generally fit as expected ad come in half sizes. Keep in mind that these shoes do have high arches. If you have flat feet, you may need to replace Hoka’s insole with an insole made for low arches.

Price at time of publication: $163

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Regular (B), wide (D)
Material: Rubber, mesh upper, recycled materials, vegan

OrthoFeet

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Why We Like It: With its wide toe box with extra depth, foam padded interior, and arch support insoles, this shoe seems to have been designed with bunions in mind.

It’s Worth Noting: There’s no heel loop, so this boot can be difficult to get on.

The OrthoFeet Milano features a wide toe box with extra depth to allow space for bunions. It has a soft, foam-padded interior for extra comfort and reduced pressure on bunions. The orthotic insole provides arch support to reduce pressure on the ball of your foot when walking, but it is removable, so you can use your preferred insert if desired.

This shoe comes half sizes and three different width options. There are three colors to chose from: black, brown, and dark brown. Some customers have complained that getting the boot on is a little challenging, since there is no heel loop. To solve that problem they either loosen all of the laces or use a shoe horn.

Price at time of publication: $150

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Widths: Standard (B), wide (D), extra wide (2E)
Material: Leather, polyester, rubber

Dansko

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Why We Like It: This APMA-certified shoe is a favorite among nurses who are on their feet all day, and the roomy and reinforced toe box is very bunion-friendly.

It’s Worth Noting: It is a stiff shoe, which may not be ideal for those with severe bunions.

There’s a reason this shoe is a favorite among nurses, who are on their feet all day. The polyurethane midsole provides great arch support, and the shoe has a roomy and reinforced toe box. The anti-fatigue rocker bottom assists with forward motion to make walking feel easy, and the polyurethane outsole has a wide heel strike for stability. This clog has a seal of acceptance from the APMA.

The Dansko Cabrio Clog comes in six different leather options and 21 different colors. It also has three different width options—narrow, medium, or wide. It is quite rigid and stiff, so it is not the best choice if you have severe bunions. Some customers recommended trying it on in a store before ordering online, to find the right size. Dansko recommends cleaning with a soft, dry cloth.

Price at time of publication: $130

Product Details:

Sizes: Women’s 4.5-13
Widths: Narrow, medium, wide
Material: Leather, polyurethane

How We Selected the Best Shoes for Bunions

To select the best shoes for bunions, we interviewed a podiatrist and a doctor of physical therapy to learn which features, materials, and styles of shoes are most important for people who have bunions:

Dr. Morris Morin, DPM. Chairman of Hackensack University Medical Center’s Department of Podiatry.
Jessica Stenberg, PT, DPT. Acute care and post-acute care physical therapist.

Based on this expert advice, we then researched dozens of shoes from the most popular brands and retailers to create our list, taking into consideration sizing options, shoe breathability, and foot support for each shoe.

What to Know About Shoes for Bunions

What Are Bunions?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Over time, the big toe then moves toward your other toes, causing the big toe joint to develop a painful bump. As the bunion worsens, a fluid-filled sac can grow at the base of the big toe, as can extra bone.

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions are hereditary, but they can also be caused by medical conditions, such as arthritis.

Poorly fitting shoes that are narrow or tight in the toe box, or force a lot of pressure on the balls of your feet, don’t necessarily cause bunions, but they can make the condition worse. Examples of shoes to avoid include high heels and shoes with pointed toes.

Features to Look for in Shoes for Bunions

Stretchable Fabric and Materials

Shoes with stretchable fabrics reduce pressure on the bunion and conform to its contour, which reduces irritation and friction. Generally, you should look for shoes made of soft leather, mesh, or canvas. Avoid shoes made of materials that are rigid.

Wide Forefoot and Toe Box

A wide forefoot and toe box is crucial for people with bunions who are shopping for proper footwear. Having enough space to prevent rubbing and pressure along the bunion, and having enough space so that your toes can wiggle around in the shoe, will slow the rate of bunion growth and subsequent foot deformity. That will ultimately help reduce pain and other foot complications resulting from bunions.

Arch Support

Having arch support in your shoes can help reduce bunion pain. When the arch of your foot gradually flattens out, the pressure shifts into your toes and can make bunions worse.

Arch support facilitates normal foot flexion when walking, and it prevents the pressure of each step from distributing mostly into your toes.

Heel Height

Dr. Morin states that people who have bunions should avoid high heels. High heels put too much pressure on the balls of the feet and on the bunions, causing pain but also contributing to making bunions worse. Some amount of heel is okay, as long as it is no more than two inches. Of course, you should also make sure you don’t feel any pain when you're wearing the shoes.

Your Questions, Answered

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for bunions?

According to Dr. Morin, the right shoes for bunions are whatever is most comfortable on your feet. They should be wide enough for your bunions and have a rounded (not pointed) toe box, and they should have good arch support. Brands like Birkenstock, Skechers, and Dr. Scholl’s can be fine as long as they meet these requirements.

Should you wear wide shoes if you have bunions?

Yes and no. You don’t want to wear a shoe that is too wide for your feet, and therefore too bulky, heavy, and unstable. Instead, focus on finding a shoe that is wide enough in the toe box so that you have space to wiggle all of your toes and wide enough so that your bunion isn’t rubbing against the shoe.

How much should quality shoes for bunions cost?

It is typical to spend between $100 and $150 for a pair of quality shoes for bunions.

What are the worst shoes for bunions?

High heels and shoes with a pointed toe box are the worst choices for bunions, according to Dr. Morin, because high heels force the weight of your body onto the balls of your feet, and shoes with pointed toe boxes are narrow at your toes, which will cause rubbing, pain, and pressure at your bunions. Jessica Stenberg explains that our feet are not naturally pointed, and keeping your foot in that passive position all day can change the position of your foot and therefore change the mechanics of your feet while walking. Ultimately, that can lead to weak foot muscles, which can cause bunions to get worse.

Who We Are

Sarah Edlin, OTR/L, is a Nevada based Occupational Therapist and a powerlifter. She spends her winters as an adult ski instructor and as an adaptive ski instructor for kids and adults. Her goal is to provide helpful information so that readers can choose products that make the most sense for their lives.