The 12 Best Shoes for Bunions of 2021

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Anyone who has bunions knows that the pain at the base of your big toe can keep you from doing the activities you enjoy most. But you don't have to stick with shoes that are too tight or stiff and aggravate your bunions. In fact, wearing ones that have a wide toe box and ample arch support can provide substantial relief.

Regardless of whether you’re a fitness-minded person or someone simply looking for a comfortable, all-day-wear casual shoe, you need a pair that suits both your needs and style.

With that in mind, here are the best shoes for bunions on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe at Amazon

The shoe’s stretchy knit upper has plenty of flex and space to relieve pressure on your bunions while still providing support.

Best Overall for Men:

Hoka One One Men's Bondi 7 Running Shoes at Amazon

Stay injury-free with this pick, which features a thick midsole that supplies high-performance cushioning for a smooth ride.

Best Budget for Women:

Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe at Amazon

Ideal for walking or all-day wear, this affordable pick keeps you pain-free with its sufficient cushioning.

Best Budget for Men:

Asics GEL-Contend 6 Running Shoes at Amazon

This wallet-friendly option's breathable mesh has just the right amount of flex, keeping pressure off your bunions.

Best for Running:

Brooks Ghost 13 Running Shoes at Amazon

Keep on logging those miles with this pair, with foam that allows for smooth landings on the heel and lateral side.

Best for Walking:

New Balance WW928v3 Walking Shoes at Amazon

With the perfect combination of firmness and high-energizing cushioning, this pair supports and protects your feet as you walk.

Best Slip-On:

Propét TravelActiv Mary Jane Flat at Amazon

Stylish and lightweight, this shoe is made of a flexible material that gives you plenty of room to stretch out your toes.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis:

Vionic Miles Running Shoes at Amazon

Ideal if you deal with both bunions and plantar fasciitis, this pair's podiatrist-designed footbed provides the support you need.

Best Sandals:

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed at Amazon

Give your toes some air with these sandals that feature a memory foam footbed for long-lasting comfort.

Best for Flat Feet:

Asics GEL-Kayano 27 Running Shoes at Zappos

Runners with flat feet will appreciate this shoe's support, stability, and mesh upper that gently hugs the foot.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust Us?

Pros

Comes in regular and wide sizes
Lightweight and breathable

Cons

Wear down quicker than other options
Narrow tongue design

An ideal shoe for all-day wear, the Rykä Devotion Plus 3 has the comfort and flexibility that women with bunions need. The shoe’s stretchy, knit upper provides plenty of flex and space to relieve pressure from your bunions while still offering solid support. Additionally, the cushioned midsole and durable outsole protect your feet from shock and impact.

Lightweight and breathable, these shoes feel great right out of the box and are great for active women or those who spend a lot of time on their feet. The shoe comes in women’s sizes 5 to 12 and in regular or wide sizes, making it a good option for women who need extra room in the toe box.

HOKA ONE ONE Men's Bondi 7 Running Shoes

Pros

Come in medium, wide, and extra-wide sizes
High-quality, performance cushioning

Cons

Expensive
Bulkier than other options

If you’re looking for a well-cushioned shoe that helps you stay injury-free, it’s tough to beat Hoka One One’s Bondi running shoes. The engineered mesh upper allows the shoe to stretch and move with you as you run or walk, helping to reduce pressure on your bunions.

The Bondi’s thick, full-length midsole cushioning supplies high-performance comfort, allowing for a smooth, efficient ride. They come in men’s sizes 7 to 14 and in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths for those who need extra space in the front. Although Bondi shoes are more expensive than some other running shoes, they’re definitely worth the cost for the quality, performance, and durability.

Pros

Come in narrow, regular, and wide sizes
Made with breathable fabrics

Cons

Less stylish than other options
Less support from arch to heel

While some shoes for bunions are on the expensive side, this affordable pair from Skechers will help keep you comfortable and pain-free. Ideal for walking or all-day wear, they feature a Goga Max insole and 5GEN midsole for excellent cushioning and comfort from the moment you first put them on. The shoe’s soft, sock-like upper is breathable and made of a flexible knit fabric that won't rub or put pressure on your bunions.

Available in women’s sizes 5 to 12 and widths narrow, regular, or wide, they also come in a variety of fun and basic colors.

Pros

Comes in medium and extra-wide widths
Plenty of flexible support

Cons

Not ideal for flat feet
Materials not as durable as other options

Whether you need a pair of shoes for running or casual all-day wear, the Asics GEL-Contend 6 running shoe is a versatile, affordable option for men with bunions. The shoe’s breathable mesh has just the right amount of flex, so it doesn’t rub or put pressure on your bunions. And the foam-cushioned midsole provides flexible support while Asics’ trademark GEL cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot enhances the overall comfort and helps with shock absorption.

Available in men’s sizes 6 to 15 and in medium or extra wide widths, the lightweight, durable Contend is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.

Pros

Come in narrow, medium, and wide sizes
Excellent cushioning in arches and heels

Cons

Color options not so attractive
Not ideal for heel strikers

Painful bunions can stop a runner in their tracks, but wearing the right shoes can make a huge difference. These popular running shoes from Brooks have excellent cushioning in the arches and heels, which helps take some of the pressure off your toes and bunions. The shoe’s cushy DNA Loft foam allows for smooth, easy landings on the heel and lateral side while the responsive BioMoGo DNA foam provides good support and stability under the arch.

Additionally, the shoe’s engineered air mesh upper provides strategic stretch and a comfy fit while also delivering breathability. They’re available in women’s sizes 5 to 13 and in narrow, medium, and wide widths.

Pros

Comes in narrow, wide, extra wide, and extra-extra wide sizes
Wide and deep toe box

Cons

Less stylish than other options
Requires a little break-in period

Known for their comfy and supportive walking shoes, New Balance certainly delivers with this high-quality shoe. With the perfect combination of firmness and high-energizing cushioning, the New Balance 928 walking shoe supports and protects feet while walking. The shoe’s soft upper leather and wide and deep toe box can help you avoid pain from existing bunions as well.

They’re available in women’s sizes 5 to 13 and in a range of widths, from narrow to extra-extra wide, so it’s easy to find a shoe to keep you walking pain-free.

Pros

Come in a variety of widths
Made with flexible, stretchy material

Cons

Top strap runs short
Less supportive than other options

This adorable slip-on shoe from Propét is proof that shoes don’t have to be bulky or unattractive to provide relief from bunions. Stylish and super lightweight, it's constructed with a flexible, stretchy material that gives you plenty of room to stretch out your toes. The engineered mesh lining also helps prevent moisture from forming, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

With lush cushioning and a sturdy rubber sole, these versatile shoes are ideal for everyday wear or travel. They’re available in women’s sizes 6 to 12 and a variety of widths and color options.

Pros

Comes in medium and wide widths
Podiatrist-designed footbed

Cons

Less durable than other options
Less cushioning in forefoot

If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis in addition to bunions, the Vionic Miles running shoe is a solid choice. The shoe’s podiatrist-designed footbed provides just the right amount of cushioning and support while the dual-layer mesh upper’s flexibility helps avoid pressure on your bunions.

This shoe is available in women’s sizes 5 to 12 and in medium or wide widths.

Pros

Both sturdy and comfortable
Incredibly durable

Cons

Require a brief break-in period
Sizing can be tricky

Birkenstocks are an ideal slip-on shoe for warm weather, running errands, or just relaxing at home. Fortunately, they’re also a safe and comfortable option for those with bunions. With built-in arch support, a sturdy footbed, and a soft leather upper, the Arizona sandal has exactly the right features that people with bunions need.

The memory foam footbed provides long-lasting cushioning comfort while the EVA outsole offers lightweight, shock-absorbing support. Suitable for both men and women, these sandals come in European sizes 35 to 46, which converts to approximately a women’s 4 to a men’s 13 in American sizes.

Pros

Breathable, slightly stretchy mesh upper
Helps prevent overpronation

Cons

Slightly bulky
Laces run short

Another popular, dependable shoe from Asics, the lightweight GEL-Kayano running shoe provides the support and stability that runners with flat feet need while also giving them protection from bunions. The shoe’s breathable mesh upper gently hugs the foot but allows for enough stretch as to not aggravate bunions.

Flat-footed runners or walkers also often have problems with overpronation, but the shoe’s Guidance Trustic System and Dynamic Duomax foam keep it under control. Available in women’s sizes 5 to 13 and in medium and wide widths, the Kayano is a high-quality option that can help those with flat feet to walk and run comfortably.

Pros

Comes in medium and wide widths
The perfect balance of comfort and ruggedness

Cons

Slightly boxy feel
Run large

Merrell is well-known for its wide range of athletic and outdoor shoes that feature durable rubber soles and comfy memory foam cushioning. Their Moab Vent shoe is made with flexible materials and has a roomy toe box, making it a solid choice for hikers with bunions.

With an EVA midsole, air cushioning in the heel, and a Vibram outsole with a .19-inch lug depth, it strikes the right balance between comfort and durability. It’s available in women’s sizes 5 to 11 and in medium or wide widths.

Pros

Wide and deep toe box design
Plenty of cushioning and support

Cons

Less stylish than other options
Require a brief break-in period

Anyone who has suffered from bunions, foot blisters, or toe numbness knows that a wider toe box can make all the difference. The New Balance 608 walking shoe has a wide and deep toe box, and it’s available in a variety of widths to accommodate a huge range of sizes.

The stretchy faux-leather helps reduce pressure on bunions while the extremely slip-resistant rubber sole allows for better grip and balance. Supportive and durable, these shoes provide plenty of cushioning, comfort, and impact protection. Available in women’s sizes 5 to 12, this attractive shoe is ideal for fitness walking or comfortable, all-day wear.

Final Verdict

With the perfect combination of flexibility and comfort, the Rykä Devotion Plus 3 Running Shoe is ideal for women with bunions who want to stay active or need a comfortable all-day-wear shoe. For men, the Hoka One One Bondi 7 Running Shoes are top-notch in terms of cushioning and injury protection, and they are an excellent pick as far as high-performance, durable shoes go.

What to Look for in Shoes for Bunions

Fit

Look for shoes that have a roomy or flexible fit and are available in wide or extra-wide options. “The toe box should accommodate the bunion prominence,” said podiatrist Ami A. Sheth, DPM, FACFAS. “It shouldn't pinch or cause too much pressure.”

Ideally, the closure should be lace-up or adjustable to allow for a custom fit. For flats and sandals, make sure the edge of the shoe, straps, or seams don't rub against the bunions, as that can cause irritation as well.

Material

The best shoes for bunions are made of lightweight material with a bit of give, such as soft leather or mesh fabric. “Having a soft upper can help with pressure, as it will be stretched,” said Dr. Sheth. Thick rubber soles are also ideal for reducing tension on bunions and cushioning them from impact.

Cushioning and Support

Well-cushioned and shock-absorbing midsoles can lessen impact and pressure on bunions, improving overall comfort. “There should also be good support in the arch area to help with mechanical control,” said Dr. Sheth.

Why trust Verywell Fit?

Certified running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. She sticks to brands that are recommended by organizations like the American Podiatric Medical Association and tells her trainees dealing with foot pain to seek advice from their podiatrists or other health care professionals.

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