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Bunions are common, often painful, and occur when a bony deformity in the foot causes the first metatarsal bone to become more prominent. It's important to wear the right shoes if you're experiencing bunions as they can be aggravated by improper footwear and worsen over time. The best shoes for bunions are comfortable enough to wear all day and are neither too flat nor high-heeled. Other essential features include a soft, flexible upper, ample cushioning, and good arch support. Perhaps, the most important element is a wide toe box (not to be confused with wide-width shoes), which is more fan-shaped and widens at the toe of the shoe to prevent exacerbating the pain caused by bunions. We consulted foot specialists, and then researched and tested dozens of shoes to determine the best pairs for bunions. We evaluated them based on fit, cushioning, comfort, stability, quality, and value by wearing them and walking around for different intervals of time ranging from 30 minutes to eight hours. We did our best to perform as many regular daily activities (shopping, running errands, sightseeing, etc.) to test whether these shoes would stand the test of time for feet with bunions without causing any irritation. Additionally, our Medical Expert Board podiatrist reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.Based on our real-world tests, a shoe on this list will likely meet your needs, budget, and preferences. Our Top Picks Best Budget: Best Customizable: Best with Arch Support: Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Best Cushioned: Best for Flat Feet: Best Running Shoe: Best for Narrow Feet: Most Responsive: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand How We Tested the Best Shoes for Bunions What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Plush, yet airy and breathable Sustainable materials Stretchy Cons Minimal arch support Women's Sizes: 5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: 4 to 18 | Widths: Regular | Upper Material: Mesh The Ultraboost Light is the lightest Adidas yet designed for dynamic energy return and responsiveness. Also created with sustainability in mind, the mesh upper is made with yarn containing at least 50% recycled materials that add flexible support and stability to each stride. We love that the featherlight fabric has great breathability and plenty of elasticity for movement. There's not a single area that felt uncomfortable or anything less than ideal as we tested. Our toes had the perfect amount of space and could wiggle easily. There was a lot of extra padding around the Achilles tendon (though this took some time to get used to). The stretchy, sock-like upper made these easy to slip on and off. And the laces can be pulled tighter to adjust the fit for added support. We liked that the wide outsole helped us feel stable and confident on pavement, uneven surfaces, grass, and indoors. We felt anchored, but not weighed down. In fact, they put some extra pep in our step and provided great shock absorption. One of our editors walked nearly double their normal speed and the transition from each step was made easier. We appreciated that the Adidas Ultraboost Light combined thoughtful design features with attention-grabbing, trendy colors, making them our best overall. There was minimal arch support, and while they were true to size they may be too wide for those with narrow feet. People with narrow feet may want to consider other options or purchase thicker socks so they can feel secure when wearing them. Pros High-quality comfort at a lower price point Vegan Machine washable Cons Stretch laces are not adjustable Women's Sizes: 5 to 11 | Men's Sizes: Unavailable | Widths: Medium, wide | Upper Material: Fabric, mesh Skechers GO WALK FLEX Alani shoes are 100% vegan and they're our pick for the best budget shoe for bunions because they don't compromise value for comfort (or fun). The foam insole adds a breathable, lightweight layer of long-term, responsive cushioning for all-day comfort. It felt like we were standing on a dense memory foam mattress and, at the risk of sounding melodramatic, like a good hug—snug, warm, and firm. Our arches felt pretty supported without any discomfort or pain. We loved that our toes had plenty of wiggle room and the heel absorbed the impact of the step while boosting us forward when we walked. Over time, the insole hasn’t worn down and they’ve held up very well. We haven’t noticed any wear and tear beyond the usual mucking up of the shoe bottom after going outside. While these shoes look a little clunky, they prove to be lightweight and ideal for everyday wear. The shoes come with stretch laces that aren't very adjustable. You may need to consider other lacing options if your feet don't properly fit in the sneakers. Pros Customizable with additional insoles and an adjustable arch support Slip resistant Good heel cushioning Cons Feet felt warm while wearing Women's Sizes: 5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: Unavailable | Widths: Medium, wide, extra wide | Upper Material: Fabric The Kita Hands-Free shoes from Orthofeet are water-repellent, easy to clean, and available in a range of sizes from five to 12, including extra wide widths.The premium orthotic insoles, adjustable arch support, and patented slip-on system make these our most customizable shoes for people with bunions. During testing, we loved the bounce of these shoes. They didn’t feel like “moon boots” but still helped propel us and provided support. They were springy, yet solid and retained their bounce, unlike memory foam. We liked that we could leave these shoes tied, slip them on and off, and they maintained a great fit. We also love that they come with ways to modify the fit to accommodate bunions, including two additional insole cushions and adjustable arch support. The shoes have remained in good shape with routine wear indoors and outside. Even after wearing them all day, our feet were not fatigued. On occasion, our feet felt a bit warm. Not so much so that we had to take them off, but it was noticeable. Pros Cushioning for shock absorption and impact protection Excellent shock return Good for all terrains Cons Few color options Women's Sizes: 5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: Unavailable | Widths: Medium, wide | Upper Material: Breathable mesh with partially recycled linings The Ryka Devotion X sneakers are a fan favorite for high-impact fitness walking. They've been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for products that promote good foot health. During testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how soft the inside of this shoe felt. The responsive cushioning added noticeable shock absorption and high-impact protection, even on stairs. We were bouncing from step to step due to excellent energy return making our walks more manageable and enjoyable. Our feet felt rock solid while walking on all terrains, including on the wet ground after rain. We loved that the Ryka Devotion X provided just the right amount of arch support, even for those of us with flat feet. Wearing the shoes felt lush and cloud-soft, but still let our feet breathe nicely. They are well-made, sturdy, and ideal walking shoes. After many miles, they’re still as good as new. If you're looking for a fashionable sneaker, these may not be the best option for you. There aren't many colors or styles available. Pros Shock-absorbent cushioning No chafing Great for warm climates/weather Cons Not available in wide width Not great on all terrains Women's Sizes: 6 to 13 | Men's Sizes: 4.5 to 15 | Widths: Standard | Upper Material: Stretch knit The lightweight insole cushions of these shoes help protect against the pain of plantar fasciitis by bouncing back upon impact. Together with a roomy toe box and hands-free, slip-on technology, the Kizik Roamer is our best shoe for people with plantar fasciitis. During testing, the fit was true to size, but wide enough so that they didn't rub on our bunions. We didn’t experience any chafing, despite wearing them all day. These shoes were very cushiony and provided lots of shock absorption which helped ease the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. The upper is breathable making them great for warm weather. Not only did these shoes feel amazing, they were stylish enough to wear out and about, even to meet up with friends. They're extremely versatile, durable, and high quality which makes them worth the price. We noticed a slight catch on certain terrains due to the tread, but these shoes still can be worn on most surfaces. We wore them on grass, gravel, concrete, flooring, and more. Pros Available in lots of sizes and colors Curved toe and heel Pull tabs allow for easy slipping on and off Cons Provide less stability Women's Sizes: 5 to 13 | Men's Sizes: 6 to 16 | Widths: Standard | Upper Material: Knit Designed to deliver extra softness with every stride, the GEL-NIMBUS 25 makes each step feel like landing on a cloud. Stretchy, breathable knit, and foam keep this shoe lightweight, while gel enhances shock absorption and comfort. We found ourselves reaching for these shoes over and over again. Our heels never slipped out of place, our toes had plenty of room, and they fit true to size. The toe and heel curved up a bit, creating a “canoe” shape that allowed us to rock forward with momentum. The shock support made landings soft and low-impact. Overall, the extra padding and super springy bounce-back made these some of the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever worn.Not to mention the pull tabs made them so easy to slip on and off without untying them. We felt wobbly during our workout warm-up which included single-leg balancing and lunges, so these shoes were better suited for walking or running. Pros Made of high-quality, comfortable materials Quick drying mesh Foot shape accommodates flat feet Cons Minimal arch support isn't ideal for high arches Women's Sizes: 5.5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: 7 to 16 | Widths: Regular, wide | Upper Material: Mesh Altra Lone Peak 7 comes in regular and wide widths and is made with a roomier foot shape to accommodate flat feet which is why this is our pick for the best sneaker for people with flat feet and bunions. This running shoe strikes a balance between cushioning and responsiveness for better alignment and comfort without being too clunky. Quick-drying air mesh keeps feet cool and the grippy outsole adds stability on different types of terrain. Whether on grass, concrete, or turf we felt agile and steady in the Altra Lone Peak 7. During testing, they provided great traction and shock support. The shoe felt extremely lightweight, yet sturdy and durable. There’s just enough arch support, making them ideal for people with flatter feet. We received lots of compliments on the design and fun colors. We wished they were slightly more bouncy and responsive, but they were still very comfortable. Pros Made with 44% recycled materials and antimicrobial mesh Comes with two ways to lace Cons May not be suitable for colder temperatures or rainy weather Women's Sizes: 5 to 11 | Men's Sizes: 7 to 14 | Widths: Regular | Upper Material: Mesh The On Cloud 5 is created to reduce strain and respond to your unique movements making it our top running shoe. This On fan favorite has been re-engineered with lightweight, breathable mesh, zero-gravity foam for softer landings, and a speed lacing system to take them off and put them on easily. Regular laces are in the box too if that’s your preference. During testing, our feet felt comforted and supported from toe to heel and they fit perfectly out of the box. Our feet never felt sore, even after wearing them for prolonged periods of time. The Cloud 5 felt responsive and springy, adding pep to our step. Overall, these shoes were balanced and comfortable. We loved the quality craftsmanship and that they come in many color options. We would have liked for them to fit higher near our ankles for more support. Pros Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable Great for narrow feet Responsive cushioning Cons Runs small Not great for high arches Women's Sizes: 5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: 4 to 18 | Widths: Regular | Upper Material: Mesh Crafted to be the ideal mix of bounce and boost, the Adidas Supernova 2.0 sneakers deliver comfort and energy return to help you keep pace. Padded tongues and heels protect against chaffing. The lace closures and slim design work best for people with bunions and narrow feet. During testing, we found that there was sufficient space in the toe area with no rubbing or hot spots. The Supernova 2.0 fit our narrow feet perfectly, especially in the heel. They were comfortable and light and we felt as if we could walk (or run) a marathon in these shoes. We felt stable and supported thanks to the ample cushioning and shock absorption. We loved how energizing the Adidas Supernova 2.0 were to wear. They propelled us from one step to the next with a springiness that made it easy to keep going. These shoes are quite airy and light and performed well during our daily routines. They tend to run small so we needed to go up half a size. The arch support may not work for people with higher arches. Pros Bouncy, yet stable Supportive Lightweight Cons Run big Women's Sizes: 5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: 6 to 15 | Widths: Standard | Upper Material: Knit A responsive shoe can help you achieve a more efficient stride by quickly transferring energy from your foot to the ground and back again. The Nike Motiva are our pick for the best responsive sneakers for people with bunions because they were created with that in mind. Their distinctively patterned outsole and exaggerated rocker combine to make your stride smooth, cushioned, and comfortable. Nike Movita are lightweight with ample arch support, shock absorption, and stability. We loved that the rocking motion was subtle, yet active—it gently propelled us and helped us adjust to changes in terrain. We couldn’t passively wander around dragging our feet because the Nike Motiva bounced us into our next step. The active feel gave our legs a noticeable workout and the foam cushioning was more springy than soft, with the emphasis being on propulsion.These attributes took this shoe from a regular walking shoe to what we’d describe as an active performance shoe. If you’re in between sizes, we suggest sizing down by half a size since these ran big for us. Pros Cool and breathable Can we worn comfortably without socks Responsive and bouncy Cons Air-dry only No half sizes Women's Sizes: 5 to 11 | Men's Sizes: 6 to 14 | Widths: Standard | Upper Material: Knit The sleek, narrow-fit Vessi Cityscape Classic shoes are designed for lightweight comfort. These sneakers are 100% waterproof with removable insoles and a flexible, breathable upper. The Cityscape Classic boasts a zero break-in period with a new and improved elastic ankle collar, along with reflective pull tabs to slip the shoes on and off with ease. These shoes can be worn comfortably with or without socks. During testing, we tried them both ways and didn’t feel any rubbing or blisters either way. The stretchy fabric upper made our feet feel snug and supported, while the sole provided stability. There was just enough arch support and the responsiveness added a good bounce that made our already fast walking even faster. We loved that when one of our editors wore these on a rainy day, her feet remained dry but didn't overheat or get sweaty. Overall rain or shine, these are ideal walking shoes. These sneakers are air-dry only, so you'll have to plan accordingly. They also don't come in half sizes so you'll either have to size up or down if you're in between sizes. Pros Removable, washable insoles Hands-free to put on or take off Breathable Cons Laces are not adjustable Hard to spot-clean Women's Sizes: 5 to 13 | Men's Sizes: 4.5 to 15 | Widths: Standard, wide | Upper Material: Knit Price at the time of publication: $129 TheKizik Athenscombine function and fashion with spring-back heels, making these sneakers ideal for tackling long-distance runs and walks. The design includes extra foam cushioning, a roomy toe box, and a breathable upper for added comfort, which are important for bunions and long days. Not to mention you don't need to bend down to put them on or take them off, making them accessible for people with limited mobility. We wore these with and without socks during testing and did not experience chaffing or blisters. Our feet felt comfortably cool even though the sneakers were fairly secure around our feet. The high ankle collar made these some of the most stable slip-on shoes we’ve worn and we felt safe navigating uneven terrain as well as during long walks. All in all, they were soft in all the right areas, super supportive, and comfortable, which was perfect for long days of work or play. The laces aren't adjustable, and these shoes aren't very easy to spot clean. Pros Naturally odor-resistant APMA seal of approval Made with blended wool Cons Run small Not available in wide width Women’s Sizes: 6 to 11 | Men’s Sizes: 8 to 14 | Widths: Standard | Upper Material: Blended wool Topo Rekovr 2 is our pick for the best sneakers for cold weather because they're comfortable, secure, and above all things, warm. The upper is made from blended wool to keep feet toasty—not sweaty—on chilly days. These shoes worked well for us during low-impact activities on cooler days. They were quite sturdy on various surfaces. We felt stable while going about errands, walks, and sightseeing. During testing our toes had ample room to spread out naturally in the anatomical toe box, which is important for everyone, but especially if you have bunions. We thought that the textured insole was pretty awesome. It’s made of soft, squishy foam and we felt as if we were getting a little foot massage when we wore them. There was good arch support and the shoes didn’t require much breaking in. The stitching around the wool upper is very neat and tight, adding even more durability. Topo Rekovr 2 is warm, comfortable, and well-made.As an added bonus: These sneakers have also earned the APMA Seal of Approval for promoting good foot health. Although we didn’t experience any discomfort due to rubbing or blisters, we had to size up a half-size for a better fit. Pros Wide toe box Simplistic, casual design Highly responsive Cons Less stability than similar shoes Not suitable for serious runners Women’s Sizes: 5 to 12 | Men's Sizes: Unavailable | Widths: Standard | Upper Material: Knit The Lululemon Blissfeel 2 shoes are our pick for the best everyday shoes for people with bunions. These shoes are intentionally neutral but built for support and comfort. We enjoyed the responsiveness of the Blissfeel 2. Lightweight foam cushioning softens landings and springs you forward as you pound the pavement. They were featherlight and the springiness helped us push off. Although they’re running shoes, we preferred wearing them as everyday walking shoes. The toe box has plenty of room to accommodate bunions with no hot spots or blisters. Our feet felt cool and quite comfortable. Overall, we loved the streamlined, athleisure look, and lightweight feel of the shoe. We wore them on vacation and received lots of compliments. The Lulumon Blissfeel 2 effortlessly transitioned from workout to casual and quickly became our go-to. These shoes aren't a great option for runners due to the lack of shock absorption. Knowing how brutal foot pain can be, we stand by our best overall sneakers for bunions The Adidas Ultralight Boosts. We fell in love with how secure, responsive, bouncy, and comfortable these shoes were. After testing them we find them to be a great option for people with bunions as they won't irritate your feet or cause pain, and they may actually help you find walking fun. We tested over 40 walking shoes to find the best shoes for bunions. Upon unboxing each pair of shoes, we thoroughly inspected them and noted our initial impressions of the appearance, quality, and construction. During the testing period, we wore the shoes as often as possible, but at minimum, twice per week for at least eight hours a day. We tested the shoes on different types of terrain. Beyond that, we looked for a few key criteria: How do you stretch shoes for bunions? If you have a pair of shoes that are too tight in the toe area, there are a few ways you can stretch them out to make them more comfortable. One way is to wear the shoes for short periods of time to stretch them out gradually. Shoe stretching sprays and solutions are also available and can be used to help stretch shoes to accommodate bunions better. Can shoes correct a bunion? There is no definitive answer as to whether or not shoes can correct a bunion. However, wearing the proper shoes can help prevent bunions from developing and minimize pain. If you're experiencing pain in your feet, be sure to consult with a podiatrist or other medical professional to get a proper diagnosis. Are wide shoes better for bunions? Try on a few different styles and sizes to find the best fit when shopping for shoes. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can help reduce the pain and pressure caused by bunions. Some brands also offer wide widths, providing the extra room you need for added comfort. Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. She has a decade of clinical health and wellness experience as a nurse. She also holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University, further helping her break down complex health concepts into easy-to-understand language. Her number-one priority is ensuring that readers have access to accurate and actionable information to make the best health decisions.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-691049167-8969c6b4fd404cb6b332c58cbeb7ae71.jpg "Our Top Tested Shoes for Bunions Will Keep You Moving Pain-Free (1)")
Best Overall
Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoe
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Best for Narrow Feet
Adidas Women's Supernova 2.0 Running Shoes
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Best for Long Distances
Kizik Women's Athens
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Best for Cold Weather
Topo Athletic Rekover 2 Women's Recovery Shoe
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We Also Tested
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Why Trust Verywell Health
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