The Best Shoes for Bunions

If you have a bunion, it is likely causing you pain. Salt Lake City residents have a reputation for being active and, if you’re an avid hiker or skier, you may find it difficult certain footwear increases symptoms. But for serious bunions, people experience pain while completing even the simplest daily activities-even walking or standing.

One of the first places to look for relief is in new footwear. Choosing certain shoes may alleviate symptoms and help you get back out doing what you love.

Footwear for Relief

Below are a list of the best shoes for people suffering with bunion pain:

Athletic shoes

Athletic shoes are a good choice for supporting bunions, because they are made of flexible materials. The stretchable material will give your foot support. The shoe’s materials are also ideal, because it will not put pressure on the bunion.

Mary Janes

This style of shoe is ideal for someone with a bunion. The strap gives the foot support in all the right places. Mary-Jane style shoes also provide adequate space for the toes without pinching them.

Clogs

These shoes are the preferred choice for healthcare professionals, because they are the best shoes for people that do a great deal of walking and standing. While clogs are great for people that stand and walk at work, you shouldn’t use them for more rigorous activities. Clogs are not meant to be worn on rough and uneven terrain; this means leave them at home if you’re going on one of the great hikes in Utah.

Rocker-soled shoes

Shoes with a rocker sole take pressure off the front part of the foot. This style makes walking a more natural experience, because these shoes force the foot to rock forward once it hits the ground. Rocker-soled shoes are commonly wider in the toe area without looking boxy.

Shoes made of flexible material

In a Utah summer, sandals and flip-flops may be good shoes to wear to relieve pressure on the bunion. Once the weather gets colder, these styles are no longer an option. Shoes that have “give” help the bunion to be as comfortable as possible.

Other Shoes to Relieve Bunion Pain

If you’re looking at a pair of shoes that doesn’t fit any of the styles above, there are other options if you know what to look for.

Choose

• Flexible material
• Wide toe boxes
• Arch support
• Shoes that support the bunion

Avoid

• Shoes that are too small or tight
• Wearing high heels for long periods of time
• Styles that expose the bunion (strappy sandals, for example)

Salt Lake City Bunion Removal Study

JBR Clinical Research is seeking volunteers to participate in a Salt Lake City bunion removal study. Qualified participants will receive bunion removal at no cost and may be compensated for time and travel. Learn more about our Salt Lake City bunion removal study.