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What are bunions? Bunions are an uncomfortable and often painful part of many peoples lives.  Bunions usually form by the big toe slanting inwards which causes the bone at the bottom of the big toe to protrude out.  Shoes that are tight will cause friction between your foot and the side of your bunion which will cause the bunion to get larger and more painful.  Choosing the right bunion shoes will help ease the pain and discomfort of your bunions.

There are a few key characteristics that make up bunion shoes.  They have a wide and high toe box which gives your toes room and keeps them from being squeezed together.  Shoes with heels will create downward pressure on your toes aggravating your bunion.  Bunion shoes have flat soles which prevent pressure on your toes.  They are made out of material like suede or stretchy clothe so your shoe has more give which helps keep the friction and rubbing down between your bunion and shoe.  Choosing the right shoes is paramount in helping with bunion pain.

When you’re choosing bunion shoes for yourself you want to remember a few key points.  A good practice is to go shoe shopping in the afternoon when your feet are a little larger  because of swelling.  You don’t want to buy a shoe first thing in the morning and have your feet get larger creating more discomfort on your bunion.  Look at shoes with wide toe boxes which will give your toes room.  Also, rounded toe shoes are good to look at because they have a lot more room than pointed shoes.  Look for shoes with flat or very low heels to reduce pressure on your bunion. Take your time and walk around in your potential shoe making sure it fits right, if possible even walk up and down some stairs.

While test driving your new bunion shoes you want to focus on the bunion area of your foot but don’t forget about the rest of your foot.  You don’t want your heel to move or slip around.  You want your whole foot to be comfortable in your shoes.