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Wellness
What's in this guide
- What are bunions?
- Best shoes for bunions
- How to select the best shoes for bunions
- FAQs
- Meet our experts
- Why trust CNN Underscored
By Rachel Dennis, CNN Underscored
Published 4:00 PM EDT, Tue May 20, 2025
Shoes for bunions quick picks
Running sneakers: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 23 GTX
APMA-accepted sandals: Alegria Women’s Oona Sandals
Slip-on shoes: Skechers Women’s Slip-ins Go Walk Joy Vela
Most of us can agree that finding stylish, comfortable and supportive shoes is a challenge in and of itself. Finding a pair that’s all of the above and accommodates bunions? Even harder.
If you experience bunions, it’s important to find shoes that are made from stretchy materials that won’t irritate the area. It’s also crucial to steer clear of shoes that are too narrow, since they run the risk of aggravating the often-painful growths and worsening the condition. And while you’re probably better off ditching those pointy stilettos for the sake of your foot health, you’re not restricted to wearing clunky, orthopedic-like footwear for life.
To help you find the best shoes for bunions, we consulted several podiatrists for their insights and shoe recommendations.
What are bunions?
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), “A bunion is commonly referred to as a ‘bump’ on the joint at the base of the big toe — the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint — that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place.”
While many people assume that wearing the wrong shoes are to blame for bunions, that usually isn’t the case. “It’s important to understand that bunions are largely hereditary, and ill-fitting shoes are typically not the primary cause,” Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, said. “However, the wrong shoes, particularly those that are narrow in the toe box, can exacerbate the condition. Tight shoes cause the toes to crowd, which stretches the ligaments around the big toe joint. Over time, this stress can cause the big toe to deviate toward the second toe, worsening the bunion.”
Best shoes for bunions
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 GTX
If you’re looking for a supportive and waterproof pair of running shoes, Dr. Jason Gold, a board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, recommends these sneakers from Brooks. They’re made from breathable mesh uppers that can comfortably stretch to accommodate bunions.
These sneakers are designed with soft cushioning to make running in them even more comfortable, especially around bunions. There's also a newer and lighter model of these shoes available that features an updated version of the brand's dynamic cushioning, though they're not waterproof.
You don’t need to swear off cute shoes just because you have bunions. Dr. Porscha Bailey, board-certified podiatrist and peripheral nerve surgeon at Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, recommends these sandals from Alegria, which have adjustable straps to control the amount of pressure placed on the bunion. She’s also a fan of the sandals because they received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance, which is awarded to products that promote good foot health.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
Both Gold and Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, a board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, recommend the New Balance 990v6 sneakers in their larger widths to accommodate bunions. The shoes feature FuelCell foam technology, which helps propel you forward when you walk or run, and they’re made with accommodating mesh uppers.
These shoes also feature the brand’s ENCAP midsole cushioning, which helps absorb impact on the joints and makes them comfortable enough for all-day wear.
If you’re looking to hide small bunions, Schoenhaus recommends the Birkenstock Arizona sandals in their larger width, which feature supportive adjustable straps and a suede footbed lining that makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods in hot weather.
Kuru Quantum
Designed for walks, workouts and everyday wear, these women’s sneakers have supportive soles for miles of comfort. They also feature the brand’s KuruSole technology, which helps alleviate other foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
These shoes serve as a solid option for men looking for relief from bunion pain, and overall foot pain. “Kuru shoes are great for overpronators because they have heel-hugging technology and great arch support,” Gold said. “The Kuru Quantums also have a wide toe box with breathable materials, which are great for bunions.”
Bailey is also a fan of the Alegria Ova8tion Sandals. “These slip-on sandals offer a spacious toe box and built-in arch support,” Bailey said. The sandals, which feature padded mesh uppers that help prevent irritation, also have adjustable hook-and-loop straps that allow you to control their tightness. Plus, the sandals have built-in molded RecoverMe EVA footbeds for arch support, slip-resistant outsoles for improved traction on slick ground and low heels to prevent slips and falls.
“Taryn Rose shoes are designed by an orthopedic surgeon and generally are made with wide toe boxes, cushioned footbeds and supportive designs,” Dr. Gold said. These slide sandals are made from faux uppers, have adjustable hook-and-loop straps so you can get the right fit and memory foam cushioning for all-day wear. Not to mention, their slip-on style makes them easy to put on and take off.
Schoenhaus likes these Skechers shoes because they’re made from soft mesh uppers that can expand to accommodate large bunions. The laceless shoes are designed with the brand’s exclusive Heel Pillow technology and feature its cushioned Air-Cooled Memory Foam insoles to make walking more comfortable.
“Vionic offers a bunch of different sandals that have adjustable straps around the bunion area, and all come with a good supportive arch and firm base,” Gold said. The Riviera Sandals have dual density footbeds and built-in Vio Motion technology, which helps provide stability.
Schoenhaus recommends these Birkenstock sandals for larger bunions, because of their roomier fit. They’re made from smooth leather and have a comfortable cork-latex footbed.
These orthopedic shoes, made from stretchy uppers, feature wide toe boxes that leave plenty of room for your bunions. They also have cushioning insoles for added comfort and rubber outsoles for traction and stability.
Skechers Slip-ins Go Run Consistent
If you're looking for a lightweight slip-on shoe, this pair is a solid option. They feature forgiving mesh uppers and the brand's proprietary memory foam insoles.
In addition to having flexible traction outsoles to prevent slips, these slip-on shoes feature the brand's Heel Pillow technology, which helps keep your feet from sliding around when you walk.
How to select the best shoes for bunions
Our experts agree that selecting a shoe with a roomy toe box is the key to avoiding friction- or pressure-related aggravation. “When the toe box is too tight, it can cause problems like blisters, joint pain, neuromas and toe cramps,” Gold said. Keeping the area pressure-free is especially important when it comes to high-impact activities like running. “Blisters can be formed from even the slightest tightness in the shoe and repetitive stress,” Gold added. “While blisters may not be a big deal, they can lead to other things like infections in the skin or the bone.”
Also essential to keep in mind is the material of the shoe. Our experts recommend choosing shoes made from stretchy and forgiving materials, like mesh uppers, to reduce pressure on the area and the risk of irritation. You’ll also want to shop for shoes with arch support and cushioned insoles. “Proper arch support helps redistribute pressure across the foot, taking some of the load off the bunion area,” Cuttica said. “Additionally, a cushioned insole or lining can enhance comfort by reducing impact and pressure points.”
FAQs
The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica and Dr. Jason Gold.
According to Cuttica, wearing the wrong shoes, especially ones that are too tight, can exacerbate bunions, but they’re usually not the cause of them.
In short, yes. “Stretching your shoes will help alleviate pressure on the bunions, which can limit pain, irritation or blistering,” Gold said.
According to Cuttica, shoes that work well for those with bunions will likely be helpful for those dealing with plantar fasciitis. “Footwear with a wide toe box prevents irritation at the bunion site, while good arch support helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot,” Cuttica said. “By providing proper foot alignment and distributing pressure evenly, these shoes can alleviate symptoms of both conditions.”
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following podiatrists to gain their professional insights on the best shoes for individuals with bunions.
- Dr. Porscha Bailey, board-certified podiatrist and peripheral nerve surgeon at Fort Defiance Indian Hospital
- Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
- Dr. Jason Gold, board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center
- Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus, board-certified podiatrist at the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis interviewed podiatrists who shared their tips for selecting shoes for individuals with bunions and their recommendations.
Rachel Dennis Associate Editor, Lifestyle, CNN Underscored
Rachel Dennis is an associate lifestyle editor at CNN Underscored. She oversees the site’s celebrity column, The Essentials, and contributes to lifestyle coverage through roundups and one-off reviews. You can find her watching Lifetime movies, brushing up on her music skills or playing video games.
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