Bunions

The most important thing to remember about bunions might seem obvious: you need shoes that make space for them! Whether bunions hurt or merely take up some extra space, it's important to give them breathing room. Squeezing into a shoe that is too small or narrow can make a bunion worse. With that in mind, here are some things to look for when buying footwear to accommodate bunions:

Wide Toe Box – Ensures extra space to avoid unnecessary pressure and discomfort.

Rocker Bottom – Some folks with bunion pain may find relief from rocker bottom shoes (aka meta rockers). The bottoms of these shoes are curved and the soles are stiff to restrict motion of the foot while still allowing full movement of your stride. If flexing your foot near your ball joint or bunion hurts, meta rockers are worth trying on!

¾ Inserts – replacing a full-length insert with a ¾ insert can offer arch and sometimes metatarsal support without taking up as much space around the ball of the foot and toes. This is a great option for dress shoes or other shoes that aren’t wide enough to otherwise accommodate your bunion.

Soft Leather or Stretchy Fabric Uppers – Soft leather – especially unlined suede or glove leather – easily molds to the foot, which makes it fantastic for spot-stretching along bunions, hammer toes, spurs, etc. Looking for a leather-free alternative? Elasticity in fabric uppers usually leaves plenty of room for a bunion to stay comfy.

*The Walk Shop and its associates are not medical professionals. The information shared here and in store is meant to offer guidance but does not replace medical diagnoses or treatments. If you are concerned for your foot health, consult your podiatrist/orthopedist.