Best Shoes for Bunions

One of the most common foot health problems that we encounter in our stores on a daily basis is bunions. Our expert teams see first-hand how our shoes fit and which styles to recommend to customers. Begg Shoes have a variety of brands that stock a collection of bunion-friendly shoes. In this guide we will review the best footwear for bunions currently available, helping to alleviate some of the soreness and slow down progression.

What Shoes To Wear With Bunions

Bunion-friendly shoes have wide fitting options and often can accommodate additional orthotics thanks to removable insoles. Typically, women tend to be more prone to bunions due to wearing high heels, pointed-toe shoes, or shoes that have not been correctly fitted.

For men, bunions are often caused by ill-fitting footwear during childhood, or by work footwear such as safety boots during adulthood. And of course, it could also be hereditary. It is extremely important for parents to get their children’s feet professionally fitted early on to ensure they are wearing the correct size.

Best Shoes for Bunions: Our Recommendations

Take a look at the shoes our experienced team recommends to customers with bunions or even an inflamed joint/start of a bunion.

Best Overall – Legero Tanaro 5 GTX, £120

Legero Tanaro 5 GTX Shoes for Bunions

  • Soft suede upper
  • Adjustable lace fastening
  • Handy side zip
  • Cupped heel and arch support
  • Removable insoles
  • Available in 7 colours

One of our most popular styles is the Legero Tanaro. These women’s lacing shoes offer exceptional support and comfort thanks to the anatomically shaped footbed and shock-absorbent sole unit.

 

 

 

Best Trainers for Bunions – Gabor Hollywell, £125

Gabor Hollywell Trainers for Bunions

  • Smooth leather upper
  • Padded lining
  • Adjustable laces
  • Side zip
  • Removable insole
  • Wide fit

Gabor brings us these stylish purple trainers with a smooth leather upper. Wide-fitting and made from premium materials, your feet will love wearing these stylish trainers.

 

Best Boots for Bunions – Begg Exclusive Fiona Lace, £89.99

Womens Black Leather Lace Up Boots for Bunions

  • Smooth leather upper
  • Adjustable laces
  • Side zip
  • Removable insole
  • Stylish block heel

Exclusive to Begg Shoes, these women’s black leather boots are crafted from premium buttery leather. The block heel keeps them stylish, whilst the adjustable laces and interior zip offer an easy fastening.

 

Best Skechers for Bunions – Skechers Slip Ins Ultra, £89

Best Skechers Slip Ins for Bunions

  • Stretchy textile upper
  • Hands-free slip-on design
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible

The new Skechers Slip Ins technology has taken the footwear industry by storm. These bunion-friendly Skechers are no different, with an easy hands-free slip-on design.

 

Best Chelsea Boots for Bunions – Creator Peechlea, £89

Creator Peechlea Tan Leather Chelsea Boots for bunions

  • Buttery-soft leathers
  • No detail on the bunion area
  • Stretchy elastic side panel
  • Interior side zip

One of our most anticipated ranges in the autumn season is our collection of Creator boots. These premium leather boots are excellent value for money, and you will only find them at Begg Shoes. These Chelsea boots are stylish, versatile and perfect for autumn.

 

Best Slip-On Shoes for Bunions – Rieker Zigzhu Tex, £75

Rieker Zigshu Women's slip on shoes for Bunions

  • Smooth leather upper
  • Minimal detail over the bunion area
  • Ridged sole for improved traction
  • Water-resistant membrane

These Rieker slip-on shoes are ideal for those with bunions, thanks to minimal details over the bunion area and a lightweight and flexible build.

 

Best Wide Fit for Bunions – Gabor Serve, £140

Gabor Serve Women's Tan Wide Fit Boots

  • Smooth leather upper
  • Adjustable laces
  • Functional zips
  • Stylish
  • Removable insoles

Gabor brings us these tan biker boots in a gorgeous flexible leather, to ensure you stay comfortable in style.

 

Best Waterproof Shoes for Bunions – Legero Soft Shoe, £95

Legero Soft Shoe Gore-tex waterproof shoes for bunions

  • Soft suede upper
  • 100% waterproof guaranteed Gore-tex membrane
  • Breathable
  • Hard-wearing
  • Shock-absorbent

Legero brings us Soft Shoe, a versatile style perfect for wet weather. These women’s waterproof shoes are breathable and hard-wearing.

 

Best Heels for Bunions – Gabor Gigi Dallas, £95

Gabor Gigi Dallas women's black heels for bunions

  • Soft suede leather upper
  • Attractive silhouette and design
  • The scalloped edging is flexible
  • No detail around the bunion area
  • Also available in light gold or navy

Perfect for special occasions and formal settings, these women’s Gabor heels are comfortable and neutral. The Gabor G fit has a roomier fit, whilst the leather upper and lining ensure superior comfort when on your feet for long periods.

 

Best Slippers for Bunions – Begg Exclusive Abby Boston, £67

Fluffy Slippers for Bunions

  • Soft suede upper
  • Cosy faux fur lining
  • Built-in arch support
  • Can be worn outdoors
  • Adjustable buckle

These women’s slippers are bang on trend and cosy. The soft suede upper and cosy faux fur lining will keep your feet warm, whilst the hard-wearing outsole is ideal for outdoor use.

 

Best Ankle Boots for Bunions – Creator Onyx Berna Lo, £110

Creator Onyx Berna Lo Women's Purple Ankle Boots for bunions

  • Buttery-soft leather
  • Attractive pop of colour
  • Flattering asymmetric upper in cowboy boot style
  • Block heel

Add a pop of colour to your autumn outfit with these gorgeous ankle boots from Creator. With a smooth leather upper and handy inside zip, you can be sure of comfort and style.

 

Best Pumps for Bunions – Gabor Racket Hovercraft, £95

Gabor Racket Hovercraft women's pumps for bunions

  • Suede upper
  • Easy slip-on fit
  • Elasticated top for a stretchy fit

Gabor shoes are synonymous with comfort, premium materials and style. These women’s pumps are neutral, supportive and comfortable with minimal detail over the bunion area for maximum comfort.

 

Best Sandals For Bunions

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a condition where the big toe joint shifts out of place, causing a bump on the inside of the foot. In many cases, a bunion will distort the shape of footwear. Carefully selected and fitted shoes are essential for comfortable day-to-day wear. Bunions can be hereditary or linked to arthritis however the most common cause is generally accepted to be ill-fitting footwear.

Bunions are a common problem that can affect young and old alike. Medically known as hallux valgus, the lump or swelling and tenderness on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can often have a fluid-filled sac over the affected area as a result of the body’s natural defence in protecting the joint.

Bunion Advice

How Do I Spot A Bunion?

The formation of a bunion begins with the toe joint aching and becoming red. This is commonly due to the toes being cramped in certain types of footwear that don’t allow for forward movement, and with every step, the big toe is pushed backwards or sideways causing it to become distorted and bent. This happens to counteract the lack of room within the shoe to move freely.

Can Age Affect Bunions and Other Foot Problems?

If the problem presents itself in a young person, orthotics can be purchased to align the big toe in the correct place and appropriate footwear can be purchased to allow the foot the space needed to grow and for the toe to realign.

In a more mature foot, unfortunately, the problem will progressively worsen as rheumatism and arthritis begin to affect the area. After consistently wearing inappropriate shoes, the bunion will get worse and may eventually be painful. Existing footwear can then become misshapen as the little toes are forced upwards to make way for the alteration of the big toe.

It is important that the appropriate shoes are worn to accommodate the repositioned toes to negate knock-on effects. Another potential problem arising from bunions is that other toes can rub on the upper of the shoe and corns develop.

What Features Make the Best Shoes For Bunions?

Unfortunately, a bunion is an irreversible condition and in severe cases may lead to another toe being removed if one becomes lifted and pushed out of place. Good quality leather shoes with ample room in the toe box are always our top recommendation.

Leather is a fantastic material in footwear – breathable, flexible and looks great. With a leather upper, you can expect natural stretch in the material, not offered by many man-made materials and this helps the shoe adjust to your individual foot shape. We have specialist tools in store which allow us to stretch a leather shoe to match your foot shape, but any good shoe repair shop will do this for you locally if you don’t live near our stores.

What Shoes Not To Wear With Bunions?

Typically, podiatrists will advise not wearing tight-fitting footwear that could squash your feet, if you have bunions. Along the same lines, shoes with a pointed toe will force your toes inwards and could push the two big toe joints out to form a bunion. Similarly, the forward pressure caused by wearing heels can put pressure on your feet if worn too often. Whilst wearing heels on the odd occasion would be fine, the general advice would be to avoid regularly wearing heels if you suffer from bunions.

Should I Wear Trainers With A Bunion?

From our experience, our customers are often advised to wear trainers if they have a bunion as they are soft, light and flexible and easily allow for orthotics. Unfortunately, this is not a look that works for everyone – particularly for work or a formal occasion. There are lots of great options in our footwear range and we do our best to advise the best shoe for the purpose you have in mind.

Can Shoes Help Correct Bunions?

Unfortunately, bunions are an irreversible condition. Whilst all the styles we have suggested can help alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with bunions, they will not cure this foot health problem.

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bunions/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-about-bunions
  3. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/bunions/
  4. https://www.shoefitters-uk.org/find-a-qualified-shoe-fitter/