The 8 Best Shoes for Bunions, According to Podiatrists

Ethically sourced using laces that come from recycled plastic bottles and insoles that come from castor bean oil, these shoes have gotten quite the reputation over the last few years — but not only for their resourcefulness. They’re also incredibly comfortable, especially for people with bunions.

They have a simple, contoured design that allows the shoe to be flexible, supportive and made to last. You can walk around in these shoes all day and not feel the irritation that many other shoes can cause.

Another perk customers rave about is these shoes are incredibly lightweight — clocking in at just 7 ounces per shoe, which is significantly less than most other shoes.

If you’re someone who likes to go on walks, short or long, you’re going to need a shoe that won’t rub against your bunion. In addition to hugging your foot so there’s minimal movement inside your shoe, Kuru shoes feature what the brand refers to as KURUCLOUD — a midsole that's as cushiony as it gets, with an energizing bounce to keep you going during long walks.

They’re slightly wider than most shoes and lightweight, so you don’t feel pulled down during movement. They’re also waterproof, which can come in handy should the weather not cooperate while you’re out and about.

Check out our other top picks in the walking shoes category.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 amps up comfort with ample cushioning, added arch support and a secure fit that keeps your foot snug without overcrowding your bunion. While this shoe is made for runners, anyone looking for comfort while in motion can stand to benefit from this shoe — especially those with flat feet.

This shoe features DNA LOFT, which is the softest cushioning out of all Brooks' running shoes, as well as GuideRails technology, which helps encourage your natural stride.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who’s looking to explore more of the outdoors, this waterproof hiking shoe will aid your adventures while ensuring your feet are comfortable and secure.

They feature a rubber outsole that has high-traction alongside a dual-density and compression-molded inside that gives your foot the security you need to handle all-terrain without the pressure that can often lead to pain.

The shoe has a torsional-stability ESS shank in the midsole that helps stabilize your foot as you move and a waterproof protective inner and outer layer that won’t compromise support due to inclement weather.

If you’re looking for sandals that will help alleviate the pain and general discomfort associated with your bunion, Dr. Lobkova recommends Oofos. Not only are they made extra wide to accommodate and stabilize the foot, but they feature a proprietary footbed design that helps take pressure off other targeted areas in your body, including your knees and ankles.

Perhaps the best part (for people with or without bunions), in addition to their 30-day money-back guarantee, is the fact that you can toss these sandals in the washing machine when they’re extra dirty or just need a refresh.

Having flat feet is an inherited condition and one that can actually lead to the formation of bunions, says Dr. Pliskin, chief of podiatry at North Shore University in the Northwell Health System. “A supportive shoe that holds up the arch and decreases the flattening of the medial column limiting pronation will reduce the progression of the deformity,” he says.

A great brand for those who are flat-footed with bunions is Orthofeet, which designs shoes specifically for a wide range of pesky foot conditions, including flat feet, bunions, back pain, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma and more.

In addition to their stretchable upper material, they have a wide toe box to accommodate large bunion growths. They also have arch support, which can provide significant comfort for those with flat feet.

Check out a similar women's shoe — the Coral sneaker — on Orthofeet's site.

If you’re looking for an everyday shoe that’s equally stylish as it is supportive, consider Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip-Ons. As implied by its name, this shoe just slips right on, which can be quite convenient for people on-the-go.

The Insole Technology provides anatomical cushioning that supports the weight and protrusion of your bunion, and the flexible construction allows free movement without pressure.

If you’re eco-minded, you’ll be glad to know this shoe is sustainably made and crafted with a unique microsuede that comes from recycled bottles.

Find the men's version on the Dr. Scholl's website.

Minimalist — or "barefoot" — shoes aren't for everyone. But these types of "barely there" shoes are meant to mimic the natural way we walk and run, and there's some evidence they might help with bunions.

One February 2022 analysis in the Journal of Biomechanics found minimal footwear — which naturally has a wider toe box than traditional shoes and less cushioning — may help reduce mild to moderate bunions.

It's worth noting more research needs to be done to back up this finding. But if you're interested in minimal footwear, the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 is a good gateway shoe. It has a wide toe box, tight heel cup and zero-drop heel with minimal padding, but it still looks like a traditional shoe.

Just don't wear these all day long if you're new to minimalist shoes — start slowly to allow your feet and gait to adjust.