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Shoes For Bunions & Hammer Toes This Spring
What are bunions and hammer toes?
Hammer toes are deformities of the second, third or fourth toe that cause the toe to bend at the middle joint, making it look like a hammer. The toe may then lift over the toe next to it and moving the affected toe can be very difficult and painful.
Both conditions can be very painful for the sufferer not only in themselves, but especially because most footwear will further press on or rub against the afflicted area, in many cases aggravating the issue further, but at the very least, causing a lot of discomfort.
Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature and should not be taken as a diagnosis. All questions and concerns should be directed to your Doctor, Podiatrist or other health advisor.
What causes bunions and hammer toes?
As the joint sticks out more though, the likelihood of footwear rubbing against the sore skin only increases, exacerbating the problem further. And while most reports of bunions are from older people, they can affect the whole population, with even around 2% of children under 10 years old suffering from bunions!
Whilst non-painful bunions, or those that don't restrict movement too much may be tolerated, it is advisable to see your doctor or foot health professional if you have bunions. They may suggest some of the remedies below, or surgery to remove the bunion, depending on your situation.
Whilst we may be able to help with suitable footwear we know that the care of your feet is important to your health. Why not check out our Foot Care Provider page to locate someone who may be able to help you!
Hammer toes are generally caused by an imbalance in the tendons, muscles or ligaments around the affected toe, although this can be caused by an injury to the toe, shoe styles like high heels or shoes that are too tight in the toe box that cause the toes to crowd together.
Initially, hammer toes are flexible and can be corrected with simple measures but, if left untreated, they can become rigid and may require surgery.
Bunion Fact: A bump at the base of the little toe is often called a "bunionette" or “tailor's bunion".
Bunion & Hammer Toe Prevention & Remedies
Avoiding high heeled shoes can also help to prevent excess pressure in the areas that could cause disturbances to the joints or imbalances around the muscles and tendons around the joints, that could in turn lead to bunions or hammer toes.
Making the switch to correctly fitting footwear is a must if you are trying to prevent worsening bunion or hammer toe symptoms. Wide and deep toe-boxes, ensuring plenty of room for toes without crowding them together is a great place to start.
There may also be some exercises you can do to treat mild hammer toe symptoms, such as picking up a marble with the toe as well as simply stretching the toe regularly throughout the day [1].
Increasing arch support or using orthotics is another suggested way to alleviate symptoms by reducing pressure on and restoring balance to the tissues around the toe joints [2].
I have developed a bunion and hammer toe on my right foot in the last year or so and walking, of late, has been so painful. The boots are great as with both inner soles removed I have room for my orthotics. They also look very neat and stylish. (I bought both colours). I look forward to making further purchases in the coming months.
Mrs S
What are the best shoes for bunions and hammer toes
The best shoes and sandals for bunions and hammer toes have:
Wide and deep fittings to offer enough room for your toes, without squeezing them together.
All our shoes are wider and deeper than high street shoes. Our shoes range from width fitting E right up to 8E (EEEEEEEE), which we believe to be the widest & deepest fitting shoe available from a “regular” retailer – although they may not look like they are as we cleverly hide the width and depth!
The extra width and depth could be just what you need to provide that all important extra room.
Our Variable width fitting shoes also allow you to change the depth of 1 or both shoes through the removal of specially designed insoles. So, if you have only one affected foot, no problem! Simply adjust that shoe, leaving the other as is.
This is an area in which we set ourselves apart by offering offer footwear in four different toe shapes (round, square, almond and pointed) to ensure you have the right shape for your foot. Find out more about the right shoes for different toe shapes.
Seam-free toe boxes to reduce rubbing against sore bunions or hammer toes. Our shoes have smooth insides, and most styles have no internal seams within the toe box, which is a huge consideration if you have a hammer toe or bunion. With these conditions it is also prudent to avoid styles that have external seams in the toe area too.
Our seam free toe-boxes will reduce rubbing and improve your comfort whilst walking.
Whilst most of our styles are made with no internal seams for this reason, be sure to check the product description and look for the “Bunion & Hammer Toe Friendly” icon on our website and brochure pages.
"Stretch" toe boxes. Our Stretch range of shoes and boots are designed to mould to the shape of your feet. By moulding to your foot, the fabric provides extra room for swollen feet, lumps & bumps and reduces rubbing.
Look out for Stretch panels in the shoe front and for seam free toe boxes too, especially if you suffer from hammer toes.
Even if you aren’t looking to stretch styles, quality soft leathers or canvas can provide enough give to reduce rubbing or forcing together of toes.
We provide stretch styles across our whole range so, whether it’s a training style shoe you’re after, a smart shoe for a special occasion or a boot to hit the town in, we’ve got you covered.
Style without compromising on comfort. Just because you have bunions, hammer toes or other foot health issues doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy the confidence of great looking footwear. That’s why we offer a range of stylish footwear for ladies and gentlemen that ensures you can look as good as your feet feel.
Shoes for all occasions
Read on to discover the best trainers, sandals, occasion-wear, everyday shoes, slipper and even walking shoes for bunions and hammer toes.
The best trainers for bunions and hammer toes
The flared sole offers support and stability right where you need it too.
New square toe trainer Panther is not only super stylish for summer months, with flared wedge sole that offers extra support and stability whilst cleverly hiding the depth of the shoe.
The square toe box naturally allows more room for toes whilst the stretch panels allow more room by stretching to accommodate toes, bumps and bunions.
The best casuals for bunions and hammer toes
Canvas shoe Charlie is one of our brand-new pump styles, based on our best-selling canvas style Banff, with vibrant red or blue floral print. Vegan-friendly it’s also stunning in bold colours with laces fastening for secure fit and adjustability.
After bunion surgery two years ago I got rid of any shoes that weren’t foot shaped. Then I had to replace them. I found this company and I can honestly say it’s changed my life. I also have neuroma and these shoes with their wider/deeper toe box are a Godsend. Only if you have foot problems can you appreciate shoes that let you forget about sore feet. And the big bonus is that they’re fashionable! I thought I was destined for a life of granny shoes. But thank you DB Wider fit - I can still indulge my passion for shoes.
Patricia
The best sandals for bunions and hammer toes
New flat sandal Light is super stylish with a round toe shape with a broad tread that gives plenty of room for toes. The adjustable cut-to-fit strap ensures the perfect fit for any foot and it opens wide for super easy access.
Even though Light 2V(EE-4E) width fitting, the broad tread and adjustable straps mean that it can fit up to a 6E fitting.
Sporty flat sandal Teal has soft internal padding and two adjustable straps, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit that’s soft against skin.
Wedge sandal Lizard and bestseller wedge sandal Ouse have our 1.75” wedge heel with 1” heel drop, air-bubble sole to make you feel like you’re walking on air and removable insoles to increase the internal space or to insert you own specialist insole.
Lizard comes with lace-up design that adjusts to any foot shape and the tongue can be removed to switch up the look of the sandal, whilst Ouse offers more foot coverage in and adjustable cut-to-fit straps that can be cut to the required length.
For years I have been recommending DB Wider Fit Shoes to all my patients requiring more depth and width in their shoes. DB Wider Fit footwear is excellent in accommodating troublesome bunions and clawed toes.
Kathryn. Wollaston Therapy Centre
The best dress shoes for bunions and hammer toes
Brand-new smart slingback heel Goa has a stable 2.25” heel, square toe-shape and adjustable back-strap that can be cut to the required length. The square toe shape affords more room for bunions and is made with our stretch textile to reduce rubbing and is patterned for a stylish look and to cleverly hide lumps and bumps.
Goa is available in our wide 2V(EE-4E) and extra-wide 6V(6E-8E) variable width fittings, and in half sizes from 3 ½ to 7 ½.
Flat-sandal Rangoon is smart enough to dress up for any occasion this summer. Built on our thinnest flat sole and with adjustable straps that can be cut to the correct size for your feet.
Rangoon is available in 4E and 6E width fittings in sizes 3-9.
Been buying from DB for 8 years now. Excellent customer service and shoes really do alleviate bunion and wide feet problems.
Jayne
The best everyday shoes for bunions and hammer toes
Not only super-cute but also lightweight in soft leather with our air-bubble sole it's perfect for meeting friends, walks in the park or seeing the sights.
Best-selling flat shoe Rory is another style in super-soft leather, that’s not only bunion-friendly, but arthritis and diabetes-friendly too, and good for feet that swell.
The deep, round toe box ensure enough room for toes, including bunions, and the air-bubble sole makes it so comfy for all day wear. Your feet will thank you!
Perfect shoes for accommodating my bunions.
Liz
What are the best walking shoes for bunions and hammer toes?
This is just a small selection of our bunion and hammer toe friendly footwear styles. Discover all ladies' wide-fitting shoes and sandals for bunions and hammer toes.
Men’s Shoes for Bunions and Hammer Toes
Like classic leather styles slip-on shoe Delhi or lace up shoe Derek, with round toe shape or with square toe shapes like lace up casual shoe Bob, and strap fit canvas Andy and styles for summer like closed toe sandal Barney.
And let’s not forget new for ’24 casual style Phil, built on our new super-lightweight sole.
There are also styles like lace up canvas Troon and slip on canvas Arnold, stretch fabric Desmond and stretch fabric Cairo and waterproof walking shoes Utah 2 and walking boots Colorado 2, as well as many of our slippers and house shoes.
Men’s Trainers for Bunions
Suffering from bunions or hammer toes?
- Browse all women's shoes for bunions
- Browse all women's shoes for hammer toes
- Browse all men's shoes for bunions
- Browse all men's shoes for hammer toes
Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature and should not be taken as a diagnosis. All questions and concerns should be directed to your Doctor, Podiatrist or other health advisor.
NEW TO OUR SHOES? Find out more about how we can help!
Risk free footwear
Once you’ve found your perfect fit, you’ll never look back!
We hope that you agree that our wide-fitting shoes, trainers and sandals offer the perfect fit for every wide, deep or problem foot!
VAT Exempt footwear
This means that you could essentially benefit from a discount of 20%. And what's more, our promotional discount codes still apply, meaning you can gain further savings.
We make it easy to claim your VAT relief by clearly listing the VAT exempt price against qualifying products, and provide a very short form to fill out as part of the checkout process when ordering your 6E, 8E or 6V fitting shoes.
Qualifying conditions for VAT free purchases include physical or mental impairment that affects your ability to carry out everyday activities, for example, blindness; conditions treated as chronic sickness, such as diabetes, arthritis or lymphoedema; and long-term illnesses.
Look out for the link underneath our available fittings on each product page to claim your VAT exemption.
Need Our Help?
OR would you like some in-person help to find the perfect fit for your feet? Then why not book an appointment and visit our Fitting Centre in Rushden, Northamptonshire.
We offer a traditional, personal service to help you find the perfect shoes either for naturally broad feet, to accommodate orthotics and or for foot health issues such as arthritis, lymphoedema, diabetes, bunions and many more.
Our appointment system ensures you'll receive our team's full attention and there's no obligation to buy.
Check out our Fitting Centre details today for further information.
Citations
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315600#treatment_and_prevention
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hammertoe-and-mallet-toe/symptoms-causes/syc-20350839
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