Re-Discover Comfort With Wide-fitting Shoes For Bunions

We’ve all heard of bunions. We probably know someone who has them. But what exactly are they, why are they a problem, and why can wide-fitting shoes be life-changing for people with bunions?

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.

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A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint, usually at the base of your big toe. It occurs when the big toe pushes against the next toe, forcing the joint of the big toe to grow and stick out.

The skin over the bunion might be red and sore, and over time, it can become increasingly painful and difficult to find comfortable shoes.

In the UK, bunions are a common foot problem. It is estimated that around one-third of adults have bunions, with women being more likely to develop them than men. This higher prevalence in women is often attributed to the types of footwear commonly worn, such as high heels and pointed-toe shoes, which can exacerbate the development of bunions.

Bunions are thought to be caused by an inherited bone condition, but they can certainly be made worse by hypermobility, over-pronation (a low arch or uneven weight bearing in the foot, making the toe joint unstable), or the wearing of narrow shoes. Foot injuries and certain types of arthritis can also contribute to the condition.

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.

Bunion Fact: A bump at the base of the little toe is often called a “bunionette” or “tailor’s bunion”.

Why not check out our video on shoes perfect for people with bunions and hammer toes.

There are a range of things that you can do to either prevent bunions or relieve pain from existing bunions.

1. Correctly fitting footwear: You can reduce the chances of getting bunions through correctly fitting footwear. Shoes with a wide toe-box will ensure plenty of room for toes without crowding, and a shoe with enough length will prevent toes being pushed inwards.

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.

Making the switch to correctly fitting footwear is a must if you are trying to prevent worsening bunion symptoms. Wide and deep toe-boxes, ensuring plenty of room for toes without crowding them together is a great place to start.

View shoes and boots for bunions >

2. Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotic devices can help align the foot properly and reduce stress on the bunion. These can be particularly useful if you have flat feet or other structural issues contributing to the bunion.

3. Padding and Taping: Using bunion pads or taping your foot can help cushion the area and reduce discomfort.

4. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the bunion several times a day can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

5. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce swelling.

6. Arch Support: 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.

Choosing the right footwear is crucial for managing bunion pain and preventing the condition from worsening. Here are key features to look for in shoes if you have bunions:

1. Wide Toe Box: Shoes with a wide toe box provide extra room for the toes, reducing pressure on the bunion and preventing further irritation. This helps in accommodating the deformity without causing additional pain.

2. Deep Toe Box: A deep toe box allows for adequate vertical space, ensuring that the top of the foot is not compressed. This is especially important for those with severe bunions or accompanying foot conditions like hammer toes.

3. Soft, Flexible Materials: Shoes made from soft, flexible materials like soft leather, mesh or stretch fabrics can mould to the shape of your foot and reduce rubbing against the bunion. Avoid shoes with stiff or rigid materials that can exacerbate pain.

4. Seam-free toe box: Internal seams in footwear can cause painful rubbing against bunions. Look for shoes or boots with no internal seams.

5. Low Heels: High heels shift your body weight forward, placing extra pressure on the toes and worsening bunion pain. Opt for flat shoes or those with low heels (no more than one inch) to maintain better weight distribution and foot alignment.

6. Supportive Insoles: Look for shoes with cushioned insoles that can provide good arch support. This can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and reduce stress on the bunion. Our shoes are wide and deep enough to wear with your own specialist insole or orthotic, ensuring you get the support you need.

7. Adjustable Straps or Laces: Shoes with adjustable straps or laces can be loosened or tightened to accommodate swelling and ensure a comfortable fit. This adaptability is crucial for managing foot pain throughout the day.

8. Shock Absorption: Shoes with good shock absorption can reduce the impact on your feet when walking or standing. This can help alleviate some of the pain associated with bunions.

Many of our shoes feature lightweight, shock absorbing air-bubble soles or comfort insoles for extra cushioning as you walk. Look out for the Air-bubble sole icon in our brochure and on our website!

Many of the features that make our shoes bunion-friendly also help with Hammer Toes. Find out more about shoes for Hammer Toes >

All of 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.

Moving to a wider and deeper fitting shoe will provide the extra room your toes need and offer increased space for the insertion of such insoles.

Our Variable width fitting shoes also allow you to change the internal room 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.

Find out more about our fittings >

In addition to being wider and deeper, we also offer shoes in 4 different toe shapes for women, and 2 for men.

When choosing your shoe, it is important to take your toe shape into account, as well as your size and fitting, to ensure ALL your toes have enough space. As we’ve seen, pressure on your toes can cause bunions and many more serious problems.

Most people have one of three common toe shapes:

Rounded - known as "Roman" – you should stick with a rounded toe box
Square - known as "Egyptian" – you should stick with a square toe box
Tapered - known as "Greek" – you could wear almond, round or square toe boxes comfortably, although if you suffer from bunions then almond shaped may not be suitable for you, unless coupled with such features as stretch panels to reduce rubbing such as wide-fitting trainers Rail, Whitworth (pictured below) or Garforth.

We offer four toe shapes across our full range to cater for different toe shapes in different stylings, including our brand new “asymmetric toe”, suitable for all toe-shapes, so you can be sure of the comfort you require.

Suggested styles:

Square - Lucy

Round - Palm

Almond - Whitworth

Asymmetric - Lake

We really do have shoes for bunions to see you through all occasions.

Our range of wide fitting shoes for bunions includes:

- Head-turning fashion styles for hitting the town, like Carrie or Belmont.
- Trainers for keeping active, like Briar, Lucy, or Whitworth.
- Sandals for holidays, walking or leisure time, like Francesca, Eucalyptus, or Scooter.
- Canvas pumps, like Casey, Banff, or Teddy.
- Occasion-wear, like Goa, Bangalore, and Constance.
- Smart flats for the office, like Nicolette or Campbell.
- Everyday shoes like Rory or Woodlands.
- Many more besides…

We also offer a vast range of bunion friendly slippers and bunion-friendly styles for men. There are even completely waterproof walking boots for rugged countryside walks like Nebraska 2.

Who knew the choice was so wide for people with bunions?!

Read on for a more detailed look at some of the features of our shoes for bunions.

Our shoes have smooth insides, and most styles have no internal seams within the toe box, which is an important consideration if you have a bunion. 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.

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 as well as bunions.

We provide stretch styles across our whole range so, whether it’s a trainer you’re after, a smart shoe for a special occasion or a boot to hit the town in, we’ve got you covered.

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.

Browse all stretch shoes & boots for Women >

I must tell you how satisfied I am with these shoes. I have hammer toes and a bunion but the shoes are still a perfect and comfortable fit. This is the third pair of these shoes that I have purchased.
Mrs R

Browse all Women's shoes & boots for bunions >

Of course, it isn’t just ladies that suffer from bunions, and that’s why we ensure that we also make many men’s shoes for bunions.

Like our classic leather styles Delhi or Bob, new styles with lightweight super-cushioned soles Elvis, and Patrick, or sandals like Victor.

Our waterproof hiking shoes Utah 2 and Colorado 2 are also suitable as well as many of our slippers and house shoes.

Men’s bunion-friendly boots Benjamin and Bennett are stylish in soft nubuck with cushioned ankle collars for comfort.

View all men’s shoes for bunions >

Bunions can be a painful and frustrating condition, but choosing the right footwear can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Wide-fitting shoes that offer ample room, support, and comfort are essential for those suffering from bunions.

By paying attention to the features outlined above, you can find shoes that help alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and keep you moving comfortably throughout your day.

Whether you are looking for casual, active or dress shoes, prioritising your foot health will help you maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle.

If you need help understanding your shoe width requirement then learn about our width fittings and how to measure your feet with our handy measuring guide here >

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