I Have a Bunion What Shoes Should I Wear?

Footwear  •  Wed 5 Feb 2025

As a Podiatrist I help many people who suffer from painful bunions.

I often get asked, "What shoes should I wear to stop my bunions from getting worse"?

In this blog; I will answer what bunions are and what you need to look for when buying shoes. 

 

What is a Bunion? How do I know if I have a Bunion?

To keep it simple a bunion is a bony growth on the side of your 1st Metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe joint) which can be painful.

Unfortunately; the most common cause of a bunion is your genetics; which at this stage you cannot change.

However; some factors can speed up the development of a bunion; these include:

• Your choice of footwear
• Your foot biomechanics
• Your intrinsic muscle strength
• Systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis 

If you are still unsure if you have a bunion it is best to check with your Podiatrist to confirm.

Typical Bunion Foot Shape

 

What is the Best Shoe for Bunions?

Shoe choice is the most important consideration when you do have a bunion.

I find people are often frustrated due to the lack of options when buying shoes.

Here are the 3 most important things to look for when buying shoes if you have a bunion:

1. Toe Box Fit

The toe box is the area of the shoe where your forefoot and toe area sit.

If the toe box of your shoe is too tight and not the right shape this may cause your bunion to be painful and to become worse.

Ideally; the toe box of your shoe should follow these criteria:

1. Correct width: the toe box must be wide enough so that you do not see a bunion bulge on the side of the shoe
2. Correct shape: the toe box should match the shape of your foot
3. Correct depth: having a bunion makes you more prone to developing hammer toes. If your toe box is not deep enough you may develop blisters and corns on the top of your toes
4. No seams: avoid seams near the bunion area to prevent rubbing and pain

 

A Brannock Scale is a great way to assess forefoot width

 

2. High Stability Structure

A factor that can cause a bunion to develop faster is your foot biomechanics.

Often clients with bunions have highly mobile feet.

Over time subluxation of some joints in your feet can occur causing changes to your foot shape.

Having a shoe with a higher stiffness (doesn't bend or flex around the heel and midfoot area) will help provide your foot with the stability that it needs to help slow down the bunion from developing.

 

3. Soft upper

The upper of a shoe is the top lining of the shoe that covers the foot.

A soft upper material like mesh or neoprene will stretch and expand to the shape of your foot.

This will cause less compression on your bunion to help reduce your pressure and pain in the bunion area.

 

Altra shoes have a square toe box and soft upper

I think I have a Bunion, What do I do now?

The first thing you need to do is book an appointment with a Podiatrist to confirm whether or not you do indeed have a bunion.

Your Podiatrist will be able to identify and assess your feet, review your shoes and foot mechanics, and provide you with a detailed management plan.

Just call us on 8330 0004 or book online.

We would love to help you build an amazing life from the feet up