Struggling With Bunions? These Are The 11 Best Shoes To Keep You Pain-Free (2024)

Bunions can be a painful nuisance, especially when wearing shoes that rub or bump against them. I should know, I’ve dealt with bunions for over a decade and I spent years cramming my feet into shoes that made them even worse.

Now I’ve tested well over 50 pairs of shoes and interviewed dozens of podiatrists to learn what to look for in the best shoes for bunions. Even better, I’ve found that there are actually stylish shoes for bunions that don’t cause pain.

If you’re also struggling with bunions, I recommend consulting with a podiatrist for personalized recommendations—but in the meantime, it’s essential that you have the right footwear.

Each shoe on our list has been vetted against key podiatrist guidelines: a wide toe box, flexible upper, and sufficient arch support. Plus, we’ve provided real feedback on every shoe we tested.

The best shoes for bunions

Whether you live in a walking city, you're on your feet all day, or you just need something for running errands, a good walking shoe is essential for anyone with bunions. I personally wear the KLAW 528 walking shoes more than any other pair in my (embarrassingly large) collection—and I can attest that it's a great pick for people with bunions.

These shoes were designed with New York podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, and they have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval. I fell in love with the design as soon as I opened the box and I breathed an actual sigh of relief the first time I put them on (thanks to a wide toe box, cloud-like cushioning, and substantial arch support).

I will say the material is not the most breathable (you might want something lighter in extreme heat), but the upper is flexible and moves well with my foot.

One of the best running shoes for women, this shoe is so breathable I personally wore it for three world major marathons and thousands of training miles (even in 90-degree heat).

The Gel Nimbus sneaker has a flexible, well-cushioned design and has been recommended by podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM for great arch support (one of our key criteria!).

The mesh upper is what keeps this shoe breathable and comfortable, no matter how many miles you're planning on clocking. Walkers, dancers, runners, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet will love this pick.

Another recommendation from Sharkey, these shoes have a roomy toe box, neutral arch support, and a flexible upper. In fact, they’re surprisingly lightweight considering the chunkier design.

The compression-molded EVA midsole and early-stage meta rocker make for easy, smooth steps—and the balanced cushioning ensures your feet won’t endure excessive pressure on impact.

This slip-on design features a toe box spacious enough for people with bunions. Our tester wore these daily prior to (and after!) a bunion surgery and says they kept her feet comfortable and supported.

The breathable, airy material alleviates pressure on your bunions and the slip-on design is incredibly convenient.

What’s more, they’re made from vegan materials and the entire shoe is machine-washable.

I discovered these flats after falling in love with the brand's Caitlyn Loafers (a sentence I never thought I'd say with bunions). Flats and loafers are notoriously painful for those of us with bunions—and it's particularly difficult to shop for shoes with bunions and narrow feet. But these flats fit the bill tenfold.

The Margot 2.0 Flat has a wide rounded toe box to prevent rubbing or pressure on the bunion, but the overall design of the shoe is actually quite sleek. Plus, the stretchy material is airy and sweat-wicking.

My favorite part? The soft sole is made from recycled yoga mats (a sustainability win!).

This supportive and well-cushioned shoe was a recommendation from holistic podiatrist Hillary Brenner. It offers balance and support whether you're walking, running, or standing all day and hits the mark for arch support, flexible materials, and a spacious toe box.

The design is meant for both over- and under-pronators, and you can remove the insole to insert your own custom orthotics if desired. The brand offers standard, wide, extra-wide, and narrow sizing, making these a great choice for people with bunions, no matter your foot shape.

Brooks uses recycled materials in its designs and has plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Brenner recommends this stability shoe for people who need a moderate amount of arch support—and it meets our other criteria for bunions, too.

The shoe has an appropriate amount of cushion (thanks to a thick stack of the brand's signature EVA-based foams), a flexible material in the upper, and a wide toe box.

Even better, the Saucony Guide is APMA certified, meaning that it meets podiatrist standards for promoting foot health.

A recommendation from Sandra Gail Frayna, physical therapist and founder of Hudson Premier Physical Therapy & Sports, we love this shoe's cushioning and arch support. The roomy design is especially great for those who suffer from swollen feet, bunions, or hammer toes.

The stretchy mesh upper molds to your foot’s curves and a cushioned sole absorbs impact with every step. These come in four widths: narrow (A), standard/medium (B), wide (D), and extra wide (2E).

There's also an optional plastic arch booster you can slide under the insole for a little extra lift if needed, and the shoes come with two insole spacers to help you find the right fit.

The best part? Even with all these orthopedic extras, the shoe is stylish and is available in nine color options.

These clogs feature a roomy toe box perfect for people with bunions. With a contoured footbed with optimal arch support, they’re surprisingly comfortable and offer great stability.

The leather upper isn’t the most flexible, but these clogs still feel breathable and lightweight on your feet. It’s no surprise they have the APMA seal of acceptance.

Design and comfort aside, we love the fashionable design and the fact that they come in more than 30 colorways.

I've been wearing Ooofos shoes for three years now and I'm still constantly impressed by the brand's comfy designs. If you want a sock-like shoe that won't squeeze or compress your bunions, this slip-on option is a great pick.

Oofos makes recovery shoes that are APMA approved, with a proprietary foam technology meant to absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear.

Those with bunions, like myself, will appreciate this shoe’s stretchy fabric, wide toe box, and arch support.

Yes, it's possible to find loafers that won't aggravate your bunions. In fact, that's precisely what these were designed for. Thanks to a wide toe box and sufficient cushioning, these loafers won't cause excessive pressure on your feet.

With a stylish design, seven layers of cloud-like padding, solid arch support, and a roomy toe box, these shoes are a dream to wear (bunions or not). Plus, they're available in dozens of colorways, such as cheetah print, black leather, and sapphire crushed velvet.

Comparing the best shoes for bunions

How we tested & selected:

When selecting the best shoes to recommend to our readers, we spend hours researching the options. We also make a point to actually wear the shoes, so we can give the most accurate review possible.

To determine what shoes are best for people with bunions, we spoke with podiatrists who provided expert insight on key factors to consider.

See below for the three major criteria we prioritized when selecting and testing the best shoes for bunions:

Having had bunions for over a decade, I fully relate to the struggle of finding a shoe that meets podiatrist criteria and actually looks good. Fortunately, we were able to find a number of fashionable options—so rest assured you can maintain your desired style while still prioritizing the health of your feet and your body.

What causes bunions?

Bunions are caused by years of consistent pressure on the big toe which causes some of the bones in the front part of your foot to move out of place. Wearing a shoe that is too small or narrow when you're already dealing with this issue may make the state of your feet even worse.

"A more rigid sneaker will usually cause the forefoot to jam forward into the toe box and can cause more pressure on the bunion," Kornfeld adds. "Snug-fitting shoes won't cause a bunion, but they will certainly exacerbate symptoms."

Why it’s important to take care of your feet

The takeaway

Bunions can be painful and disruptive to everyday life, but these days there are an overwhelming number of shoes for bunions that are actually stylish, comfortable, and supportive. Per podiatrists, focus on finding shoes with a wide toe box and a more flexible design that will give your toes the room they need to breathe and alleviate pressure.