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Our featured picks
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v15 Running Shoes
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoes
Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Sandals
Most of us can agree that finding stylish, comfortable and supportive shoes is a challenge in and of itself. Finding a pair that’s all of the above and accommodates bunions? Even harder.
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If you have bunions, your shoes should offer plenty of space for your feet rather than restrict them. Look for models with spacious toe boxes and stretchy fabrics that won’t irritate the area; shoes that are too narrow can aggravate the often-painful growths and worsen the condition. And while you’re probably better off ditching those pointy stilettos for the sake of your foot health, you’re not restricted to wearing clunky, orthopedic-like footwear for life. Many supportive options boast fashion-forward styles that fit into all aspects of your daily life, from the office to the neighborhood park.
To help you find the best shoes for bunions, I consulted several podiatrists for their insights and shoe recommendations.
What are bunions?
“A bunion is a foot deformity caused by an imbalance between the bones and tendons in your foot,” board-certified podiatrist Dr. Tek Fish said. “Over time, the big toe starts drifting toward the smaller toes and that pulls the first knuckle bone outward, creating a prominence on the inside of your foot. That bump is what most people call the bunion.”
Many people assume that wearing the wrong shoes is the main cause of bunions, but studies show there’s a strong hereditary link, meaning the abnormality may be passed down through the family tree.
While your shoes might not be fully to blame, Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics said the wrong pair can exacerbate bunions. “Tight shoes cause the toes to crowd, which stretches the ligaments around the big toe joint,” Cuttica said. “Over time, this stress can cause the big toe to deviate toward the second toe, worsening the bunion.”
Related article The best bunion correctors for pain relief, according to podiatrists
Best running shoes for bunions
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080v15 Running Shoes
Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, a podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, said these New Balance shoes are among his favorites for patients with bunions because of the “exceptional cushioning that helps reduce repetitive impact on the big toe joint” and the generous amount of space in the forefeet.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080v15 Running Shoes
According to Pourziaee, the accommodating mesh uppers minimize any pressure on bunions, making them a great option for daily training or long runs. Since these shoes are available in multiple width options, finding a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze your feet is easier too, he said. According to the size and fit guidance on the product page, the wide version works well for those with an average heel width, while the extra-wide version is suitable for those with wide heels.
Hoka Clifton 10
Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 Running Shoes
Pourziaee likes the Hoka Clifton 10 running sneakers for multiple reasons, including their rocker soles. “Many bunion patients find this design significantly more comfortable since it decreases the amount of bending required at the joint with each step,” he said. According to Pourizaee, the shoes offer plenty of support and comfort, thanks to their lightweight cushioning and stretchy mesh uppers.
Hoka Men’s Clifton 10 Running Shoes
Compared to the previous iteration, the Clifton 9, this newer model boasts more-secure double-locked laces that minimize tongue movement. This makes it easier to slip your feet in and out of the shoes. An improved fit in the forefeet and stability-enhancing foot frames make these a great option for people who overpronate too. (The brand also just dropped a newer version of the sneakers, the Clifton 11, that features more elevated mesh uppers and soft sock liners.)
Hoka Bondi 9
Hoka Women’s Bondi 9 Running Shoes
Fish recommends these Hoka running shoes because they have wide toe boxes, plush cushioning and extended sizing options to accommodate bunions. Since these shoes are designed to offer neutral support and maximum cushioning, he said they’re suitable for everyday miles. These expert- and editor-loved shoes also have molded collars for comfort and reflective upper details for visibility in low lighting.
Read our review
Hoka Men’s Bondi 9 Running Shoes
Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America, also recommends the Hoka Bondi 9. “I like the Bondi because it provides plenty of cushioning without feeling unstable,” Alvarez said. “The wider platform and generous toe box help reduce pressure on the front of the foot, making it a great option for long walks or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.” Bonus: These shoes have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting proper foot health.
Related article The 9 best Hoka shoes for running, according to podiatrists and editors
Brooks Ghost 18
Brooks Women’s Ghost 18 Running Shoes
“The Brooks Ghost 18 is one of my favorite recommendations because it has a roomy forefoot and a soft mesh upper that doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on a bunion,” Alvarez said. “It also offers dependable cushioning and comes in multiple widths, making it easier for patients to find a comfortable fit.”
Brooks Men’s Ghost 18 Running Shoes
Designed for road running, these sneakers feature nitrogen-infused cushioning for softer landings and the brand’s RoadTack rubber outsoles to prevent slips on slick surfaces. Other features that make these shoes a pair you’ll want to keep reaching for include sock liners for comfort and a heel-hugging design that holds your feet in place.
Best walking shoes for bunions
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoes
“The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is one of my preferred walking shoes for bunion patients because it provides outstanding stability while maintaining a roomy forefoot,” Pourziaee said. According to the podiatrist, the walking shoes offer plenty of support, especially for overpronators who require form correction. The cushioning also makes them comfortable enough to wear for long periods of standing or walking, he said.
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoes
Alvarez said the Addiction Walker style has been a reliable option for years because they’re supportive and stable without feeling overly stiff. They’re more than just comfortable, though. Crafted with leather uppers, they have a polished finish that blends in with office clothes and dressy suits alike.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880v15 Running Shoes
Although these shoes are designed for runners, they work just as well for walking thanks to their supportive platforms, ample cushioning and extended sizing, Pourziaee said. “The roomy forefoot allows the bunion to sit comfortably without excessive pressure while maintaining overall foot stability throughout the gait cycle,” he said. “It is an excellent choice for individuals who spend long hours on their feet.”
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880v15 Running Shoes
These neutral support shoes are ideal for individuals who don’t need stability to correct their natural gait. Alvarez, who also likes this New Balance pair, recommends them for similar reasons. He praises the sneakers for having a great balance of cushioning and support, plus a forgiving fit.
Related article The best New Balance walking shoes, according to podiatrists
Clarks Pace Rise
Clarks Women’s Pace Rise Slip-On Walking Shoes
“I’ve tried so many shoes that are supposed to be ‘good for bunions,’ but none of them actually earned that praise in my experience,” CNN Underscored copy editor Danielle Poiesz said. “It wasn’t until I tested the Clarks Pace Rise walking shoes that I found surprising relief.” Poiesz notes their roomy toe boxes leave plenty of room for her bunions even when she’s in a neutral position. She also said the soft and flexible material doesn’t result in any harsh rubbing.
Clarks Men’s Pace Rise Slip-On Walking Shoes
According to Poiesz, the toe boxes in the regular-width option are already roomy, but if your forefeet need additional space, there’s a wide-width option. These shoes have molded footbeds and heels to minimize friction and boost comfort when walking. They also boast the APMA seal of acceptance.
Skechers Women’s Slip-ins Go Walk Joy Vela Walking Shoes
Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, a board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, likes these Skechers shoes because they’re made from soft mesh uppers that expand to accommodate large bunions. The laceless shoes are designed with the brand’s exclusive Heel Pillow technology and feature cushioned Air-Cooled Memory Foam insoles that boost comfort. Though there isn’t a men’s version, the brand’s Go Walk 8 Pelayo has a similar design.
Kizik Siena
Kizik Women’s Siena Slip-On Shoes
Poiesz was initially skeptical about how comfortable these shoes would be, but they’ve since become one of her favorite pairs. “The toes taper to more of a point than I’d usually need to give my bunions enough breathing room,” Poiesz said. “But somehow, these shoes don’t bother my bunions even a smidge.” She said that their shape and flexible uppers keep her feet supported and don’t place unnecessary pressure on her bunions.
Read our review
Kizik Men’s Siena Slip-On Shoes
With a hands-free design, these slip-on shoes are a game changer for people with limited mobility or those who need to get out the door in a hurry. To ensure prolonged comfort and stability, they’re made with molded foam insoles and plush padded collars.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
New Balance Women’s Made in USA 990v6 Sneakers
Both Dr. Jason Gold, a board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, and Schoenhaus recommend the New Balance 990v6 sneakers in their larger widths to accommodate bunions. The shoes feature FuelCell foam technology, which helps propel you forward when you walk or run, and they’re made with accommodating mesh uppers.
New Balance Men’s Made in USA 990v6 Sneakers
Fish also singles out these New Balance shoes for their roomy forefeet and built-in arch support. According to the podiatrist, these shoes are a “longtime favorite among patients” because they’re actually spacious enough to accommodate bunions. Bonus: The brand’s ENCAP midsole cushioning helps absorb impact on the joints and ensures all-day comfort.
Related article Strengthen your feet with a simple daily routine from a podiatrist
Best sandals for bunions
Birkenstock Arizona
Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Sandals
According to Fish, the unique design of these Birkenstock sandals prevents bunion irritation. The two straps, which sit below the toes, don’t press against bunions even during movement (make sure the straps are tightened to your liking for added stability). He also notes that the shoes have cork footbeds that mold to your feet over time.
Birkenstock Men’s Arizona Sandals
These timeless sandals feature suede linings for comfort, deep heel cups to keep your feet in the proper place during movement and strategically placed arch support along the sides and throughout the midfoot. Plus, the raised indentations at the front of the footbeds support the natural movement of your toes. Schoenhaus, Pourziaee and Alvarez also recommend the Arizona Soft Footbed sandals.
Teva Hurricane XLT3
Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT3 Sandals
These sandals look similar to the Hurricane XLT2 sandals Fish recommends that currently have limited availability. Like their predecessor, the Hurricane XLT3 have adjustable straps that don’t place direct pressure on the bunions and grippy soles for enhanced traction. They also have similar quick-drying straps, making them suitable for wet conditions, and padded heels to enhance comfort while you’re moving.
Teva Men’s Hurricane XLT3 Sandals
These updated sandals have textured topsoles that offer an extra 5 millimeters of cushioning and improved soles for better traction. CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss considers this pair to be a “more rugged version of the brand’s original style” and said Teva makes some of his favorite men’s sandals. “The chunky cushioning provides extra support for long stints on your feet, while the simple straps are secure enough to set and forget all day,” he said. These sandals also have lightweight foam midsoles and nylon shanks for added stability.
Read our review
Related article Podiatrists say these are the best arch-support sandals for healthy, pain-free feet
Ecco Offroad Yucatan
Ecco Women’s Offroad Yucatan Sandals
“The Ecco Yucatan is one of the few sandals that provides the support and stability I like to see for patients with bunions,” Pourziaee said. “Its three adjustable straps make it easy to relieve pressure directly over the bunion while maintaining a secure fit, and the supportive footbed offers significantly more comfort than a typical flat sandal.” Thanks to their supportive and robust design, these sandals are ideal for hiking, though you can also wear them casually for walks.
Ecco Men’s Offroad Yucatan Sandals
According to Pourziaee, the Ecco Yucatan sandals are ideal for individuals who need comfortable shoes for travel or the outdoors. They have contoured EVA footbeds covered in soft microfiber for added comfort and grippy outsoles, so you can comfortably move across different terrains. These sandals also feature hidden stabilizers, thanks to the brand’s Receptor technology.
Chaco Z/Cloud
Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud Sandals
“The Chaco Z/Cloud is a great option for someone with bunions because the adjustable straps let you customize the fit without putting unnecessary pressure on the joint,” Alvarez said. CNN Underscored outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Kai Burkhardt previously tested a different model for our hiking sandals guide, which features the same strap design and praised the security they offer.
Chaco Men’s Z/Cloud Sandals
According to Alvarez, the sandals’ arch support and stable footbeds make them a comfortable and supportive choice whether you’re traveling or wearing them casually. Since they’re designed for hiking, they have high-traction lug outsoles that help you keep your balance on slippery ground.
Related article The most comfortable walking shoes, according to podiatrists and shoe experts
How to select the best shoes for bunions
Look for roomy toe boxes
Our experts agree that selecting shoes with roomy toe boxes is the key to avoiding friction- or pressure-related aggravation. “When the toe box is too tight, it can cause problems like blisters, joint pain, neuromas and toe cramps,” Gold said. Keeping the area pressure-free is especially important during high-impact activities like running. “Blisters can be formed from even the slightest tightness in the shoe and repetitive stress,” Gold added. “While blisters may not be a big deal, they can lead to other things like infections in the skin or the bone.”
Prioritize stretchy uppers
It’s also important to consider the upper material. To reduce pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint area and minimize the risk of irritation, the experts I talked to suggest choosing shoes made from stretchy and accommodating fabrics like mesh.
Don’t overlook arch support and cushioned insoles
You’ll also want to shop for shoes with arch support and cushioned insoles. “Proper arch support helps redistribute pressure across the foot, taking some of the load off the bunion area,” Cuttica said. “Additionally, a cushioned insole or lining can enhance comfort by reducing impact and pressure points.”
FAQs
According to Cuttica, wearing the wrong shoes, especially ones that are too tight, can exacerbate bunions, but they’re usually not the cause of them. Bunions are considered hereditary because, while you don’t inherit bunions, you inherit the foot shape and biomechanics that cause bunions.
Yes, stretching your shoes can help minimize irritation if you have bunions. “Stretching your shoes will help alleviate pressure on the bunions, which can limit pain, irritation or blistering,” Gold said.
According to Cuttica, shoes that work well for those with bunions will likely be helpful for those dealing with plantar fasciitis. “Footwear with a wide toe box prevents irritation at the bunion site, while good arch support helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot,” Cuttica said. “By providing proper foot alignment and distributing pressure evenly, these shoes can alleviate symptoms of both conditions.”
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
- Dr. Tek Fish, podiatrist and founder and owner of Clover Podiatry
- Dr. Jason Gold, board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center
- Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California
- Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
For this article, CNN Underscored associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis consulted podiatrists and editors to find the best shoes for bunions.
Rachel Dennis is an associate lifestyle editor at CNN Underscored. She oversees the site’s celebrity column, The Essentials, and contributes to lifestyle coverage through roundups and one-off reviews. You can find her watching Lifetime movies, brushing up on her music skills or playing video games.
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