What To Look For
To keep your bunion from interfering with your tennis game, look for shoes with a wide toe box that will give your toes plenty of space to stretch and spread out as you play. Check to ensure the toe box is long enough to leave a space between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Look for shoes with roll bar technology in the arch area of the shoe to provide your feet with plenty of support for the sharp turns and sudden stops of tennis.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid shoes with decorative stitching or overlays in the toe area of the shoe as these can rub against your bunion and cause irritation. Steer clear of 100 percent leather or canvas shoes and look instead for shoes made of mesh fabrics that stretch instead of constricting your feet. Some leather tennis shoes feature strategically positioned mesh fabric bunion windows that provide extra flexibility to accommodate your bunion. Be sure to purchase shoes that fit both feet comfortably instead of settling for ones that feel tight in the arch or toe area in hopes they will stretch out with future wear.
Where To Buy
An athletic shoe store, such as Athlete's Foot, Finish Line, Footlocker or Lady Footlocker, is the best place to purchase tennis shoes that won't irritate your bunions, as these stores offer expert assistance from knowledgeable sales staff to guide you to the best shoe for your feet. You'll also find an excellent selection of mesh tennis shoes at sporting goods stores nationwide. Tennis shoes are also available online from Amazon and the K-Swiss, Asics and Adidas official websites.
Cost
Tennis shoes that accommodate your bunions retail in the $55 to $115 range. The women's K-Swiss Ascendor tennis shoe costs about $100 and features a lightweight mesh fabric upper that won't interfere with your bunions, cushioned arch support and a toe guard for extra protection. The men's or women's Asics Gel Resolution tennis shoe generally retails for about $115 and offers advanced cushioning in the sole, two layers of memory foam in the heel area designed to create a customized fit and a mesh bunion window in the upper. For around $55, Adidas offers Rod Laver Mesh Shoes for men that feature the look of traditional canvas tennis shoes with the flexibility of mesh fabric. All prices are valid as of September, 2010.
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