Struggling with bunions? You’re not alone, and finding shoes that don’t worsen the pain can feel like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans — practically impossible. These bumps at the base of the big toe happen when the bones of your foot shift, pushing your big toe toward the smaller ones. The result? A painful bulge that not only causes major pain but also makes shoe shopping a serious challenge.
Luckily, we found the best shoes for bunions that will finally keep you comfortable, whether you’re on your feet all day or working toward a 10k step goal. Podiatrist and foot surgeon Brad Schaeffer, DPM, says the right shoes can make a massive difference and recommends choosing a pair with a proper fit, wide toe box, breathable materials, arch support, and ample cushioning for bunion-friendly comfort. With these key features in mind, we tested dozens of top options to find the best shoes for bunions on the market.
Best Shoes for Bunions Overall
Keen WK400 Leather Walking Shoe
Best Shoes for Bunions Overall
Sizes: 5-12 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 millimeters
Believe it or not, comfy walking and bunions can go hand in hand (or foot in foot). Keen Women’s WK400 Walking Shoe is a bunion-bearer’s dream for travel days, busy schedules, or proverbial long walks on the beach. We love the soft yet supportive footbed, which didn’t irritate our bunions like other shoes do—even after hours of wear. And the grippy traction on the outsole kept us confident on all terrains.
While we loved the comfy cushioning, it took us a few walks to get used to it. We also had to adjust to the shoe’s rocker shape, but after a few walks, we came to appreciate how it effortlessly propelled our strides forward.
Credit: REI
See our full review
Sizes: 5-12 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 millimeters
Believe it or not, comfy walking and bunions can go hand in hand (or foot in foot). Keen Women’s WK400 Walking Shoe is a bunion-bearer’s dream for travel days, busy schedules, or proverbial long walks on the beach. We love the soft yet supportive footbed, which didn’t irritate our bunions like other shoes do—even after hours of wear. And the grippy traction on the outsole kept us confident on all terrains.
While we loved the comfy cushioning, it took us a few walks to get used to it. We also had to adjust to the shoe’s rocker shape, but after a few walks, we came to appreciate how it effortlessly propelled our strides forward.
Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
Hoka Clifton 10
Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
Sizes: 5-12 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 millimeters
These walking shoes stood out to us for their thoughtful balance of comfort and support — especially for bunion-prone feet. From our first few walks, we noticed how the roomy toe box eased pressure around the forefoot, while the cushioning absorbed impact without feeling too soft or unstable.
We also loved the smooth, rolling feel that helped keep weight moving forward, which reduced stress on sensitive areas as the miles added up. Best of all, the lightweight design made long walks feel easier on our feet overall, even on hard pavement. If you’re in-between sizes, we suggest you size up.
Credit: Amazon
See our full review
Sizes: 5-12 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 millimeters
These walking shoes stood out to us for their thoughtful balance of comfort and support — especially for bunion-prone feet. From our first few walks, we noticed how the roomy toe box eased pressure around the forefoot, while the cushioning absorbed impact without feeling too soft or unstable.
We also loved the smooth, rolling feel that helped keep weight moving forward, which reduced stress on sensitive areas as the miles added up. Best of all, the lightweight design made long walks feel easier on our feet overall, even on hard pavement. If you’re in-between sizes, we suggest you size up.
Best Slip-On Sneakers for Bunions
Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip On Sneaker
Best Slip-On Sneakers for Bunions
Sizes: 6-11 in Women’s | Width: Medium, wide | Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
What’s harder than finding shoes for bunions? Finding slip-on shoes that work for them. But luckily, Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip-On Sneakers actually kept our pain at bay. For starters, we didn’t have to fight to get our feet in. There’s a small strip of stretchy fabric at the front and back of the shoe that provides enough give to slip in and out easily without irritating bunions. Plus, the multi-layer cushioning and grippy outsole traction offer more comfort and support than you’d expect from a slip-on.
If you prefer to go sockless, you’ll love how lightweight and breathable these are, keeping odor at bay—we definitely appreciated! However, we did get a blister from wearing these without socks initially, so we recommend breaking them in with socks first.
Credit: Dr. Scholls
See our full review
Sizes: 6-11 in Women’s | Width: Medium, wide | Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
What’s harder than finding shoes for bunions? Finding slip-on shoes that work for them. But luckily, Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip-On Sneakers actually kept our pain at bay. For starters, we didn’t have to fight to get our feet in. There’s a small strip of stretchy fabric at the front and back of the shoe that provides enough give to slip in and out easily without irritating bunions. Plus, the multi-layer cushioning and grippy outsole traction offer more comfort and support than you’d expect from a slip-on.
If you prefer to go sockless, you’ll love how lightweight and breathable these are, keeping odor at bay—we definitely appreciated! However, we did get a blister from wearing these without socks initially, so we recommend breaking them in with socks first.
Most Comfortable Shoes for Bunions
ECCO Soft 7 Low Boot
Most Comfortable Shoes for Bunions
Sizes: 4-11 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
When testing shoes for bunions, we never expected a boot to top the list for comfort. However, our feet were as happy as they were fashionable in ECCO’s Soft 7 Low Boots. The roomy toe box gave room for our bulging bunions, while the well-cushioned and supportive footbed provided tons of comfort. Even after a full day on our feet, we felt no joint, knee, or bunion pain.
The side zipper isn’t just for style—it makes slipping these on and off easy, without irritating bunions. And since you can widen the shoe with this zipper, even large bunions can slide out without too much effort. While a bit pricey for a non-athletic shoe, their versatile design pairs well with most everyday outfits.
Credit: Amazon
See our full review
Sizes: 4-11 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
When testing shoes for bunions, we never expected a boot to top the list for comfort. However, our feet were as happy as they were fashionable in ECCO’s Soft 7 Low Boots. The roomy toe box gave room for our bulging bunions, while the well-cushioned and supportive footbed provided tons of comfort. Even after a full day on our feet, we felt no joint, knee, or bunion pain.
The side zipper isn’t just for style—it makes slipping these on and off easy, without irritating bunions. And since you can widen the shoe with this zipper, even large bunions can slide out without too much effort. While a bit pricey for a non-athletic shoe, their versatile design pairs well with most everyday outfits.
-
Credit: Shape
-
Credit: Shape
Best Heel Cushioning Shoes for Bunions
Kuru Atom
Best Heel Cushioning Shoes for Bunions
Sizes: 5-12 in Women’s | Width: Medium, wide | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
When we think of shoes for bunions, we often focus solely on the toes. But your heels need support, too! Well-made heel cups can help absorb the impact of daily activities and reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Kuru’s Atom Sneakers are designed with heel comfort in mind, using a patented heel-hugging technology that flexes dynamically with each step. Our heels were definitely happy in these.
Besides their heel support, these sneakers were gentle on our bunions. Thanks to a relatively wide fit throughout, we didn’t notice any friction. The looseness of the shoe did make us feel a little unstable, though—a feeling compounded by the inability to tighten the laces. We’d recommend these shoes for daily here-and-there walking, but not for higher-intensity activities like running or hiking.
Credit: Kuru
See our full review
Sizes: 5-12 in Women’s | Width: Medium, wide | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
When we think of shoes for bunions, we often focus solely on the toes. But your heels need support, too! Well-made heel cups can help absorb the impact of daily activities and reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Kuru’s Atom Sneakers are designed with heel comfort in mind, using a patented heel-hugging technology that flexes dynamically with each step. Our heels were definitely happy in these.
Besides their heel support, these sneakers were gentle on our bunions. Thanks to a relatively wide fit throughout, we didn’t notice any friction. The looseness of the shoe did make us feel a little unstable, though—a feeling compounded by the inability to tighten the laces. We’d recommend these shoes for daily here-and-there walking, but not for higher-intensity activities like running or hiking.
Best Laceless Shoes for Bunions
Kuru Stride Move
Best Laceless Shoes for Bunions
Sizes: 6-11 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm
Laceless sneakers a loved for good reason: they offer the versatility of an athletic shoe without the hassle of tightening and tying. Our top pick for bunions is Kuru’s Stride Move Shoe. While it has elastic laces on top, they’re actually built into the shoe, so there’s no actual tying required (though they can be adjusted if needed). Plus, the stretchy mesh fabric gives you the adjustability for easy on-and-off slipping.
Beyond this unique laceless design, we also loved several other features. The wide toe box eliminated friction on our bunions (we could even wiggle our toes!). And the arch support felt subtle yet effective. In fact, just about everything about these slip-ons made it easy to forget we were wearing shoes at all. We’d happily slip these on for everyday casual wear. Just note: the toe box isn’t as wide as other options, so these may not work for tailor’s bunions.
Credit: Kuru
See our full review
Sizes: 6-11 in Women’s | Width: Medium | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm
Laceless sneakers a loved for good reason: they offer the versatility of an athletic shoe without the hassle of tightening and tying. Our top pick for bunions is Kuru’s Stride Move Shoe. While it has elastic laces on top, they’re actually built into the shoe, so there’s no actual tying required (though they can be adjusted if needed). Plus, the stretchy mesh fabric gives you the adjustability for easy on-and-off slipping.
Beyond this unique laceless design, we also loved several other features. The wide toe box eliminated friction on our bunions (we could even wiggle our toes!). And the arch support felt subtle yet effective. In fact, just about everything about these slip-ons made it easy to forget we were wearing shoes at all. We’d happily slip these on for everyday casual wear. Just note: the toe box isn’t as wide as other options, so these may not work for tailor’s bunions.
Other Shape-Loved Shoes for Bunions
We haven’t tested these shoes yet, but they have many qualities similar to our favorites, including roomy toe boxes and sturdy footbeds. Check out a few others we think you’ll also love.
Best Sneakers for Bunions
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker
Best Sneakers for Bunions
Other Shape-Loved Shoes for Bunions
We haven’t tested these shoes yet, but they have many qualities similar to our favorites, including roomy toe boxes and sturdy footbeds. Check out a few others we think you’ll also love.
Credit: Amazon
See our full review
See our full review
Credit: Amazon
See our full review
How We Tested the Shoes for Bunions
To find the best shoes for bunions, we put several options to the test. But first, we consulted experts to understand what makes a shoe ideal for bunion-prone feet. We then researched popular options based on their recommendations. Finally, we wore the top models during long walks, hours of standing, and daily activities. During testing, we noted whether the shoes aggravated our bunions and assessed other factors like cushioning, arch support, materials, stability, and overall value. We also considered style because let’s face it—life’s too short to wear ugly shoes!
What to Know About Shoes for Bunions
- Toe Box: Sorry, stiletto lovers! Narrow, pointed-toe shoes are the worst choice for bunion-prone feet. According to Schaeffer, you should choose shoes with a wide toe box to give your bunions plenty of space and prevent painful friction.
- Sizing: While sizing up may seem like a simple solution, it’s not always the right call. Instead of sizing up, podiatrist Lori Grant, MD, DPM, recommends a wider width. A larger size usually just means a longer shoe, which doesn’t do much for bunions.
- Orthotics and insoles: Over-the-counter orthotics, inserts, splints, and bunion pads can offer some relief, according to Schaeffer. They are conservative treatment options that may relieve discomfort, but you’ll ultimately need shoes designed to accommodate bunions for lasting comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bunions?
Bunions don’t have one single cause. They can develop due to genetic predisposition, birth deformities, foot injuries, or even frequent wear of tight, narrow shoes.
What type of shoes are best for bunions?
The best shoes for bunions minimize pressure on the sides of your toes. It’s a good call to choose shoes with a wide toe box and flexible upper to decrease friction and the pain that comes from it.
What type of shoes should you avoid with bunions?
While we love heels and pointy-toed boots as much as the next fashionista, they are a no-go for bunions, according to Schaeffer. And shoes without arch support (think: flats, wedges, and flip-flops) also won’t help your bunions.
What do podiatrists recommend you should do for bunions?
Sometimes, the right-fitting shoes are all it takes to manage bunion pain. But if the pain persist, treatments like warm soaks, massage, gentle stretching, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, elevation, and rest may help, says Schaeffer. In severe cases, surgery may be required for relief.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, has eight years of experience as a health and wellness writer. She has written numerous articles on running, walking, and other forms of fitness. As a regular runner herself, she understands the importance of a good pair of shoes. For this article, she used her personal experiences and professional expertise to make informed product recommendations based on our thorough testing.
