[February 2024] The Best Bunion Shoes: Our Top Picks In The UK (2024)

Bunions are common foot problems that are often characterised by swelling of the feet, corns, and even pain. If you’re suffering from this condition, it’s important that you look for appropriate shoes that offer a comfortable fit. However, finding such shoes can be quite challenging.

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of top five best shoes for bunions to make your search easier.

1. Clogs

While clogs may not be the most appealing shoes to the eye, they can be quite comfortable for your foot if you’re having a bunion. Most clogs are extremely lightweight and waterproof. Below is a review of Crocs which one of the top clog brands that offer sufficient room and support for your foot if having bunions.

Crocs

As already mentioned, don’t expect to find anything fanciful about crocs or any other type of clogs. However, you can be sure that these shoes will help to support your arches and offer sufficient room for ventilation. Crocs are best suited for gardeners and health care workers.

Pros and cons of Crocs

Pros

• Offers great support.
• Highly affordable.
• Available in a variety of colours.
• Unisex.
• Very light.

Cons

• Unstylish.

2. Running shoes

Trainers are a perfect suit for anyone involved in lots of physical activities since they do not put a lot of pressure or friction on the bunion. Some of the key benefits you’ll enjoy with this type of shoes include more stability, room, support, and flexibility. Trainers are more suited for runners, casual wear, and gym wear.

Asics Gel-Foundation Training Shoes

Are you looking for a durable pair of trainers? The Asics Gel Foundation may just be your best bet. In addition to its high-quality materials, this shoe offers ample room for your feet and have a flexible upper sole to facilitate easier movement of your foot.

If you have arches or ankle problems, you will love the shoes’ Duomax support system that helps to support your feet thereby preventing joint damage. These shoes are also extremely lightweight.

Pros and cons of the Asics Gel Foundation

Pros

• Unisex.
• Extremely lightweight.
• Spacious.
• Durable.

Cons

• Quite pricey.

3. Sandals

If you’re looking for shoes that offer ultimate bunion relief, sandals will certainly make the cut to your list. With them, you don’t have to worry about your bunion getting scoured or your feet suffering from poor ventilation. Unfortunately, sandals can only be worn seasonally especially here in the UK. Indeed, most people only use them for beachwear or as casual summer shoes.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

For over 40 years, Birkenstock Arizona has been producing these classic sandals which are known for their high-level comfort and durability. The shoe comes with two adjustable straps that make it appropriate even for people with wide feet. Its contoured sole helps to improve grip thus making it safer to walk around with. While they are a little pricier, these sandals are highly durable and have a recognisable design that just doesn’t seem to go out of fashion.

Pros and cons of Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Pros

• Comes with adjustable straps.
• Available in various colours and styles.
• Soft materials.

Cons

• May not be supportive enough for severe bunions.

4. Mary Janes

Mary Janes are generally regarded as stylish especially for women with high insteps. If you’re looking for a Mary Jane due to a bunion condition, it’s important that you go for those with Vecro fastening as they allow you to easily adjust the width. A majority of Mary Janes have low cut sides that offer sufficient room for any bunion swelling. This shoe is perfectly suited for smart casual wear, office workers, and for everyday wear.

Padders Lyric

Featuring a one touch, adjustable strap and a padded collar, Padders Lyric is an excellent Mary Jane you need to consider. Perhaps what you will love the most about this shoe is its dual fitting style that allows you to personalise it by removing its insole when necessary. Other notable features of Padders Lyric include a leather upper, a durable Pu sole, textile footbed, and a leather lining.

Pros and cons of Padders Lyric

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Stylish.
• Durable.

Cons

• Quite expensive.

5. Boots

With a majority of boots designed to enclose the entire foot, it’s quite difficult to find one that offers the right support needed for a person with bunions. As such, you’ll need to look for a boot with a flexible upper material, have enough room, and is supportive enough. Besides, it’s important that you opt for those with laces since they allow you to fasten the boot depending on your foot size.

Boots are recommended for hill walking, dog walking, and for use during winter.

Hi-Tec Falcon Walking Boots

The Hi-Tec Falcon Walking Boots are suitable for anyone suffering from bunions but still need to do a lot of walking. The boots are quite roomy and can be used by both men and women. They feature a padded heel to offer support to your foot as well as to enhance comfort.

Pros and cons of the Hi-Tec Falcon Walking Boots

Pros

• Offers an extra-wide fit.
• Features a padded sole.
• Designed using a quality mesh fabric.

Cons

• Not completely waterproof.

Factors to consider when buying the best shoes for bunions

i. Type

When shopping for a bunion shoe, you can choose to either buy a closed or an open shoe. In doing so, you will need to consider the prevailing climatic conditions (season) as well as the activities you plan to take part in while wearing them.

ii. Comfort

The type of shoes you choose should not disturb your bunion or put pressure on any other area of discomfort on your feet.

iii. Style

While it can be difficult to find stylish shoes for people with bunions, various specialty businesses are starting to introduce products that appeal to the younger bunion sufferers who are keen on style. Try to do a bit of research to see whether you can find a shoe that fits your taste.

iv. Flexibility

When suffering from a bunion, one of the key things you need is a great pair of shoes that give your toes some room while also fitting your feet well. As such, it’s important to check that your preferred shoe fits this bill and that it has a flexible material and sole.

v. Lightweight

You will also need a light shoe that places minimal pressure on your feet if you have a bunion.

vi. Price

Just like anything else, your budget determines the type, brand, and style of shoes to buy for bunions.

Why you need to buy shoes for bunions

Improve the health of your feet

If you’re already suffering from bunions, you don’t want to worsen the condition any further by wearing a poorly-fitting pair of shoes. By investing in a good footwear, you can avoid developing other foot problems such as infections and corns.

Minimise symptoms

If you want to minimise the foot pains that come as a result of bunions, consider getting yourself a well-fitting and aerated bunion shoes such as those described earlier in this post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long after bunion surgery can I wear shoes?

It depends on a person’s rate of recovery. Generally, most people are able to wear normal shoes 4-8 weeks after surgery.

Sketchers and athletic shoes are the most comfortable to wear in the beginning (in about 4-6 weeks). By week 8, you may be able to wear dress shoes, but only those with a wide toe box.

As for heels, podiatrists recommend waiting longer before wearing them – about 6 months.

Q: How to stretch shoes over bunion?

The easiest way to stretch shoes over a bunion is using a shoe stretcher. Look for a shoe stretcher that comes with bunion buttons.

These are small rounded plugs that you attach to the shoe stretcher. When you stretch your shoe, the plug pushes out the specific area of your shoe over your bunion. In addition to stretching that particular area, a shoe stretcher also widens your whole shoe for a more comfortable fit.

If you don’t have a shoe stretcher, you can use a shoe stretching spray, heat from a hair dryer or rubbing alcohol.

You can also stuff your shoe with wet newspapers and it’ll expand as the newspapers dries and hardens.

Q: Where can I buy bunion shoes?

You’ll find a wide range of comfortable shoes for bunions online, either on large ecommerce websites like Amazon or dedicated shoe stores such as Wider Fit Shoes.

You can also check a local footwear store or ask your podiatrist for recommendations.