Wearing narrow, pointy and tight fitting shoes such as high heels can cause a bunion to develop over time, or worsen an existing bunion. Wearing the best shoes for bunions is important to relieve the symptoms of the condition which includes pain and swelling.
While pretty and fashionable shoes are factors when it comes to footwear, essentially bunion sufferers must wear comfortable and wide fitting shoes that do not irritate the bunion and provides enough room for bunion protectors or separators should you decide to wear them too.
So in no particular order, here are our top 10 best men and women’s shoes for bunions.
Best Men’s Shoes For Bunions
10. Clarks Broyd Walk
Available in a standard or wide width, the Broyd Walk mens shoes by Clarks offers a clean look that’s suitable for casual and formal wear.
It features a soft leather upper and stacked heel effect presents sleekness, while the slim sole minimises weight.
Lined with leather and incorporated with Clark’s Cushion Plus technology – which provides underfoot cushioning to reduce strain on the ball of the foot – your feet will feel comfortable all day.
9. Pavers Leather Slip On Loafers
Fashionable and professional, the lightweight Leather Slip On Loafer by Pavers is subtle yet positively distinctive in appearence, as its grey model is highlighted by black accents, while its black model by red.
Good looks mean little without comfort, so these men’s work shoes also integrates a padded insole and shock absorbing design, increasing comfort while reducing pressure and aches.
8. Clarks Beeston Cap
The Beeston Cap by Clarks are the perfect men’s shoes for good first impressions and general comfort, as these classic Oxford shoes are lightweight and come in standard and wide fit.
The smooth black leather upper has been polished to give a soft shine, while the simple tailored stitching provides subtle detailing that pleases keen eyes.
7. Skechers Equalizer Persistent
Designed for long walks and everyday wear, the Equalizer Persistent by Skechers ensures maximum comfort through its cushioned memory foam insole combined with a shock absorbing midsole, padded collar, breathable mesh upper and overall flexible design to conform with wider feet.
Adding convenience to comfort, the slip on fit allows you to put on and take off the shoes quickly and easily. What’s more, there are 7 different colour variations available for a wider choice.
6. Work: Relaxed Fit – Hobbes SR
The Skechers Work Relaxed Fit is very similar to their Equalizer Persistant model, but these come in a smooth leather upper instead, making them more suitable for casual work. It also enjoys many of the same benefits with the addition of a slip resistant outsole that minimises slippage on wet and oily surfaces.
5. Pavers Extra Wide Dual Fit Leather Slip On
One of the widest men’s shoes in the Pavers range, the Extra Wide Dual Fit Leather Slip On Shoe comes with two removable insoles which allows you to adjust the shoe from an extra wide fit to an ultra wide fit. These black leather shoes provides excellent value for money without sacrificing comfort or style
4. Skechers Wide Fit Slip-On
Lightweight and supremely comfortable, the Skechers Wide Fit Slip-On shoes will leave a lasting impression as you can walk all day in them without any foot aches and pain.
Constructed of leather with a shock absorbing memory foam insole, they’re ideal for casual wear and even sporting activities.
3. Arbitro Leather Touch Fasten Shoe
Smart looking, easy to wear and wide fitting makes the Leather Touch Fasten Shoe by Arbitro a firm favourite amongst bunion sufferers. The trademark on these men’s leather shoes are the touch-fasten strap which is designed for quick and easy adjustability.
Coming in four different sleek colours – black, tan, bordeaux and brown – you can wear it on casual outings or formal settings.
2. Pavers Dual-Fit One Touch Leather Shoe
The Dual-Fit One Touch Leather Shoe by Pavers is another pair of men’s shoes that includes two removable insoles for the ideal width fitting.
High quality leather upper and lining is implemented, while its one-touch fastening strap ensures quick, easy and comfortable adjustability.
1. Clarks Coling Limit
Presenting a striking black or tan leather design with classic brogue detailing, the Coling Limit men’s shoes by Clarks combines smart looks with vintage style.
It achieves superb comfort with Clark’s Cushion Plus technology where the underfoot cushioning absorbs impacts, reducing foot strains as a result.
Wide feet and sufferers of bunions will be glad to hear that the Coling Limit comes in a wide form as well as a standard form.
Top Tip: If your shoes are too loose or they need more support at the arch or heel, then it’s a good idea to insert a pair of supportive inserts or insoles to provide an optimal fit.
Best Women’s Shoes For Bunions
10. Clarks Hamble Oak
The Hamble Oak by Clarks are the brand’s bestselling women’s brogues and it’s easy to see why – country impressions fused with classic style, the Hamble Oak is crafted with a leather upper and incorporates lace fastening and a veneered heel for a high class appearence.
There are three colours to choose from – black, black patent and dark tan – all of which are leather and ensures ultimate comfort thanks to their wide fitting choice and Cushion Plus technology.
9. Fly Flot Leather Loafer
With splendid looks, great pricing and superb comfort, the Leather Loafer with Patent Detail by Fly Flot Wide are the perfect pair of ladie’s shoes for day-to-day wear.
These loafers are available in beige and navy, and features high heels without hindering comfort or health, a grippy sole for better stability and a soft leather upper with a tonal patent panel.
8. Clarks Un Loop
Wonderfully unique, the Un Loop by Clarks is designed for daily casual wear and in some cases, formal, as they’re often described as shoes for nurses.
These black or navy leather shoes for women presents a handcrafted style that’s highlighted by its stitch and button detailing.
The wide fitting Un Loop integrates a lightweight sole, underfoot cushioning and all-round hardwearing construction that makes them ideal for people who have to be on their feet constantly.
7. Pavers Wider Fit Leather Loafers
Comfortable without compromising style, the Wider Fit Leather Loafers by Pavers are constructed of luxurious leather and have subtle elasticated vents which provides a more flexible fit and ease of wear.
Coming in navy and white or pink and white, these classic penny loafers perfectly contours with your feet while giving you a stand-out style for casual outings.
6. Clarks Alice Mae
The Alice Mae by Clarks presents its own feminine take on shoes that are typically tailored for men. Available in a standard or wide fitting with colours in black, taupe and sand, these smart looking ladie’s shoes harmonise several attributes to deliver optimal comfort – leather sock, dual density Cushion Plu technology and a lightweight slim rubber sole.
5. You by Skechers
Long days out and enduring activities won’t end with tired feet anymore, providing you’re wearing the You by Skechers.
They’re easy to slip on and off, lightweight, breathable, flexible and responsive – owing all to the clever use of materials and fabrics. To top it all off, there are plenty of colours and styles to choose from.
4. Clarks Tri Caitlin
Doubling up as casual shoes and leisure trainers (described as athleisure shoes), the Tri Caitlin by Clarks offer a standard or wide fit, with clean and modern styling, available in black, navy, nude pink and light green.
Leather linings provides a flexible fit with classiness, while its Trigenic System combines ergonomics of the foot with responsive underfoot cushioning and contoured fit. No stone is left unturned when it comes to comfort.
3. Skechers Microburst – One Up
Blending the ergonomics of a ballet shoe with sports fashion, the Skechers Microburst ensures comfort is upheld even after walking all day. This is achieved through its Air Cooled Memory Foam insole and Burst Compound midsole that absorbs impact and allows maximum flexibility.
2. Fly Flot Mary Jane
The Mary Jane by Fly Flot is a pair of high heeled comfort leather shoes that are practical yet stylish. Boasting an extra wide fit and touch fastening straps for quick and easy wear, you can wear the Mary Jane to work or on nights out without having to worry about any discomfort to your feet.
1. Skechers GOwalk 4 – Propel
The clue is in the title of these shoes – the Skechers Gowalk4 Propel’s is the innovative brand’s 5th generation design of their immensely popular Gowalk series, footwear that’s designed for walking.
Not only is it available in a normal or wide fit, but its breathable mesh upper fabric is engineered to expand with your feet naturally as you walk, while its tapered midfoot improves arch support. The footbed is even lined with bamboo to repel bacteria and reduce foot odor.
Unbelievably lightweight and ergonomic, the Skechers GOwalk 4 Propel come in a wide variety of colours and delivers an unmatched walking experience.
Top 3 Tips For Choosing the Best Shoes For Bunions
There’s a dilemma with people who have bunions – on one hand, the shoes you choose must suit your taste and be fit for purpose, but on the other hand (the more essential point), the shoes need to be comfortable and not irritate the bunion. Finding the right balance is not easy.
Let’s focus on the latter which should be the priority when choosing the best shoes for bunions; as what’s the point of even buying a pair of shoes in the first place if they’re causing you discomfort and even pain?
Follow these 3 essential tips when you’re buying the perfect shoes to suit your bunions:
1. Choose a Wide Toe Box
The area that covers the toes on a shoe is known as the toe box. To prevent your toes from squashing together, the toe box should be wide and long enough to comfortably house all your toes in their natural positions. So this means no high heels and narrow running shoes.
This is especially vital to prevent pain, discomfort and swelling if you have a bunion. Ideally, you want the toe box to just about touch the bunion when your feet has warmed up, so it’s a good idea to do a bit of walking around before trying on new shoes.
Not only will having a wide toe box be more comfortable, but it also allows your body’s balance and posture to take on its natural stance. It’ll also allow more space for bunion protectors to be worn within the shoe.
2. Choose Soft and Flexible Materials
Some shoes are constructed from hard and rigid materials which doesn’t allow much flexibility and expansion. This can be problematic for your bunion as you’re walking around and your feet are warming up and enlarging.
Shoes that have a soft inner and a flexible construction will ensure that there’s less friction between your bunion and the shoe, minimising swelling and inflammation as a result.
3. Choose Excellent Heel and Arch Support
You want to alleviate as much pressure as possible from the bunion to stop it from developing. One of the essential ways to alleviate pressure is to ensure that your chosen footwear has enough support for the heels and arches of the foot.
Unfortunately, this probably means that you’ll have to do away with your favourite high heels as they will most definitely increase pressure on your toes.
Many types of footwear won’t have insoles that offer the most support, so most people who suffer from certain foot conditions need specifically designed arch and heel support insoles.
An arch that follows the natural contours of the foot and a heel that has good cushioning to absorb shocks and impact are essential components of a great pair of shoes for bunions as well as other foot conditions.
