Bunions are more than just an aesthetic problem — they can also be incredibly painful. And they’re also not something that just affects the elderly, young people can have bunions too.
The most common cause of bunions are uncomfortable and ill-fitting shoes.
Naturally, what will help alleviate the symptoms of bunions are the right kind of footwear. But choosing the best walking shoes for bunions can be an overwhelming task.
In this article, we’ve selected seven exceptional options you can choose from. We’ve highlighted all their main features to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Don’t have the time read the entire review? Here’s a quick look at our top choices for the best walking shoes for bunions:
Top Picks for Best Walking Shoes for Bunions to Move Pain-Free
1. Best Overall Choice for Women: OrthoFeet’s Coral Stretchable Walking Shoes (Save Up to 20% at Orthofeet.com)
Bunions affect women disproportionally, if the reason isn’t as apparent as it might seem. Yes, stilettos, pointy shoes, flip-flops, and wedges aren’t the best types of shoes for your feet. But the problem with bunions can also be hereditary.
Either way, it’s important to transition from shoes that make the pain feel worse, to shoes that will let you move pain-free.
One of the best walking shoes for bunions that most women will love are OrthoFeet’s Coral Stretchable Walking Shoes.
They’re so well-made and will help with even the most painful of feet. Also, they’re pretty cute too. But let’s get down to the details. What makes them such an amazing choice?
One of the most prominent features of these Coral sneakers is the stretchable upper design.
If you were to use your hand to test how much the upper’s stretch, you’d quickly realize that there’s lots of room for your toes. OrthoFeet has created Coral sneakers specifically for people who suffer from bunions and hammertoes.
But they’re also an excellent choice for folks with neuropathy, arthritis, and even diabetes. And yes, the toe box is just wide enough, it doesn’t constrain your foot while it still offers enough support.
Coral Stretchable walking shoes are the epitome of comfort and will let you walk as much as you want throughout the day.
If you’re over 65, you’ll be pleased to know that Medicare also certifies them. The interior of the shoes is so soft and completely seamless. There’s no need to worry about pressure on your skin or irritations of any kind.
OrthoFeet is famous for their high-quality insole design. You can expect very comfortable arch support, and pain relief in both your heel and your toe area. The material they use is anti-microbial and very soft too.
If your bunion troubles have been ongoing, you could have developed some issues with your alignment as well. Fortunately, Coral Stretchable walking shoes will help remedy that issue as well. But what about breathability?
Bunions can also cause skin damage, and the last thing you’d want is to overexpose your feet to moisture and heat. That’s why the Corals are made entirely out of a mesh material which allows the air to flow freely.
This might not make them an ideal choice when it rains, but breathability is critical when you have bunions. The shoes also lace up so you can easily control how much you want them to hug your foot.
If you’re worried about ankle support, there’s no need to be. You’ll have more than enough with these fantastic shoes from OrthoFeet.
You can purchase them starting from size 5 to size 12 and the width ranges from Narrow to Extra Wide. They’re also available in four lovely colors.
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2. Runner-Up Option for Women: Ryka Devotion Plus 2
Surgery is the last resort when it comes to bunions, and in most cases, it doesn’t have to get to that. Women who try to manage their bunions and alleviate the pain know that the best prevention and remedy is to wear comfortable shoes.
But it’s not all about shoes that feel comfortable. There are many sneakers on the market that, even though comfy, aren’t the best choice for people with bunions.
However, Ryka Devotion Plus 2 for women are one of the best walking shoes for bunions.
And it’s not just because they indeed are, extremely comfortable, but because they’re very feet-friendly. So, what is the first question you need to ask when shopping for walking shoes for bunions? Is the toe box wide enough? And in this case, the answer is a resounding yes.
You’ll have more than enough room for your painful toe. And the breathable and stretchable upper mesh will ensure that there’s no pressure on your skin either.
And in case bunions aren’t the only foot-related issue you’re dealing with, you’re in luck. Because Ryka Devotion Plus 2 walking shoes offer even more than that.
If you experience pain in your heel and don’t have very strong ankles either, you might want to consider giving the Ryka shoes a try. Here’s why – the footbed design will help you correct any irregularities while walking.
And even though the mesh material and synthetic overlay feel soft and non-invasive on your skin, it will also deliver plenty of structure and support for your feet.
The outsole is made of rubber and it also features a pod system which provides maximum shock absorption.
For those struggling with plantar fasciitis, this is an essential aspect of the shoe. The foam insole is fixed, plush, and meant to offer plenty of comfort along with just enough contour to minimize the pain.
Now, let’s dig into two features that set Ryka Devotion Plus 2 apart from generic walking shoes. Firstly, they’re super-lightweight. Each shoe weighs only 235g – which is impressive. You won’t even feel them on your feet.
The lacing up system is super simple. You’ll have them tied in no time for a long walk. Secondly, you have a lot of color options, unlike some walking shoes designed for people with bunions; you can choose a pair that matches your casual wardrobe.
The Ryka Devotion Plus 2 is a genuinely fantastic choice for most women and will help you walk for hours without that frustrating bunion pain.
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3. Best Value for Women: ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6
Good shoes can be tough to find. Especially if you’re looking for something that’s multipurpose and budget-friendly. And when you add on top of that the best walking shoes for bunions criteria, the search seems almost impossible.
But in fact, that’s not the case at all.
ASICS shoes are synonymous with comfort. They have an international reputation for being the best shoes for running, walking, and hiking.
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 is a perfect example of a walking shoe that will help alleviate foot pain and allow you to go the full distance on your adventures.
The price tag on this particular model might seem too good to be true. But just like expensive shoes aren’t always good for your feet, sometimes affordable shoes might be exactly what your feet need.
The Gel-Cushioning System is a vital feature to consider. This is what’s going to provide all the shock absorption you’ll need if you’re keen on hiking on mountain trails.
But what about the fit? How are ASICS Gel-Venture 6 shoes going to help you with your bunions? At first glance, they might seem slightly narrower than you’d expect from a shoe that’s meant to be gentle on your toes, especially your big toe.
It’s important not to let that small distinction scare you – there’s more than enough room for your toes to wiggle.
And it’s all a matter of choosing the right fit for you. However, if you do have very wide feet, they might not be the best choice. But here’s what makes this shoe extra special – the sole. It’s also called a Trail Specific outsole.
This means that it makes walking uphill and downhill safer and more comfortable.
The AHAR Outsole (short for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) makes it extremely durable. So, it’s not just about buying a pair of inexpensive trail-friendly shoes, it’s about investing in a pair that will last longer.
Other features include a removable insole, which you can even replace with an orthotic issued by your doctor.
Breathability-wise, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Your feet will never overheat and even though the material is synthetic, it will provide all the airflow necessary.
The stitching is also pretty solid but will in no way apply pressure to your skin and cause problems. After months of use, the shoes will soften up even more and adapt to your feet perfectly.
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4. Best Women’s Shoe for Maximum Comfort: OrthoFeet’s Whitney Shoes (Save Up to 20% at Orthofeet.com)
Are your bunions hereditary or have they developed due to some poor shoe choices in the past? Regardless of the answer, the most important thing is to learn how to manage them in the best way possible.
When that familiar pain on the joint of your big toe strikes, it can be a major spoiler for any plans you might have. There are plenty of remedies you can try like massage, ice packs, and warm soaks.
All of which are great. But choosing the best walking shoes for bunions will significantly improve your bunion symptoms.
And that’s where OrthoFeet’s Whitney Shoes for women come in. If your main focus is to find the absolute most comfortable shoes that you can wear all day, this may be the pair you’re looking for.
Compared to other types of shoes for bunions, they’re not made of mesh or synthetics, but rather a soft breathable leather.
That makes them more suitable for different types of weather conditions, as well as different occasions.
You can buy them in classic black or white colors. OrthoFeet is a very trusted name in the world of orthopedic shoes, so it might not come as a surprise that Whitney walking shoes are Medicare certified.
They’re an excellent choice for many medical conditions, including hammertoes, overpronation, diabetes, knee pain, back pain, and even neuropathy.
But what makes them the most comfortable choice for people with bunions? They have a wide toe box that leaves so much room for toe movement.
If you have painful bunions, you might hesitate to try any shoes for fear of pressure on your toes. In this respect, the Whitney shoes for women generally provide a fantastic non-binding construction, but the space in the toe box is outstanding.
These shoes come with soft uppers that are padded with quality foam.
There are no overlays across your bunions and the result is that your feet are relaxed and incredibly comfortable.
An OrthoFeet trademark, Whitney shoes are entirely seam-less, a feature that guarantees that even if you wear the shoes barefoot, your skin won’t suffer any irritations.
The insoles are orthotic and of premium design. They give your feet proper anatomical arch support. With so many shoes, the leg and foot alignment can be a problem, but the OrthoFeet insoles are there to help with that particular problem.
The outsole is quite rigid and stable and made of quality rubber. In terms of the heel, it’s flat and wide. Therefore, if have heel pain too, these shoes are a great option.
The only downside of the Whitney is that perhaps it doesn’t have the most attractive design, nor does it come in any other color options.
For some people, that’s a minor issue, but other women might have a hard time replacing their more stylish shoes. That said, the level of comfort speaks volumes and being pain-free is what matters most.
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5. Best Overall Choice for Men: OrthoFeet’s Sprint Tie-Less (Save Up to 20% at Orthofeet.com)
Walking is one the healthiest forms of activity for people of any age. It’s also just the right low-impact cardio routine that won’t stress people with foot-related conditions.
In case of bunions, many men experience sharp pain that might discourage them from walking or hiking.
And that’s very unfortunate as walking benefits both mental and physical health. So, what’s the answer? For starters, find the best walking shoes for bunions.
The Sprint from OrthoFeet might not help you run right away, but they’ll gradually ease you back in to light exercise when your bunion issues start to feel better.
Bunions are tricky. They go through stages, but sometimes your big toe is in such bad shape that walking can be a real problem.
That’s when bunion-friendly shoes are a must. OrthoFeet’s Sprint Tie-Less are truly one of the best options for men with bunions, and here’s why. The toe box width is phenomenal, but so is the heel.
These are the kind of shoes your feet will just slip into and automatically feel at home in due to the extra depth design.
The insoles are anatomical and orthotic, which can help immensely with issues such as overpronation and will relieve any additional stress from your ankles and knees.
They’re also removable so you can insert an insole that was prescribed by your doctor with ease.
Another concern many people suffering from bunions might have is that orthopedic shoes can often be rather heavy. With Sprint, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
OrthoFeet has created a super-lightweight shoe that you won’t even feel on your feet. You’re supposed to wear them as much as possible, and even use them for jogging when the bunion pain subsides.
And here’s an interesting feature – Sprint walking shoes have a tie-less lacing system. This means that if you’re struggling with bending down or with arthritis, this system will make putting the shoes on so much easier.
You can buy the Spring walking shoes in two, relatively similar colors.
And you can find them in sizes ranging from 7-14. As for the width, which is crucial for bunions, the range goes from Regular (Medium) to Extra Wide.
Overall, Sprint Tie-Less walking shoes are an exceptional choice for men who suffer from bunions but also want to increase their activity level.
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6. Runner-Up Option for Men: New Balance MW 877
New Balance is a company that many people regard as the best choice for sneakers of any kind. Most are familiar with the famous “dad shoe.” But did you also know that they designed and produced walking shoes specifically for men suffering from bunions?
And it doesn’t stop with bunions either, because the New Balance MW 877 model is a fantastic option for men who have other types of foot-related pain as well.
What makes this beautiful pair of shoes so great for bunions is the extra width in both the toe box and heel.
In fact, they’re a great choice for men with wide feet in general. The feeling of your toes getting squeezed and crushed by a narrow toe box can make anyone cringe with discomfort. But for people with bunions, that’s just unacceptable.
To ensure these New Balance gems fit just right, the company added high arches. Support-wise, you have the padded tongue and collar which also add to the comfort. The material used to create such one-of-a-kind shoes is a very soft suede with mesh on top.
This is the ideal combination that provides a nice sense of style, but also plenty of breathability. They’re actually much cooler in general, compared to most other shoe models by New Balance.
If your big toe is irritated or swollen, you need to make sure your feet don’t overheat or become sweaty.
And you’ll never have to worry about that with the MW 877. But what about durability? Are they a worthy investment?
If you’re used to walking a lot, you might also be used to your shoes not lasting very long. That can be quite a bummer, especially if you found the type of shoes you love.
Fortunately, the New Balance MW 877 are meant to last and sustain a lot of wear and tear.
The rubber sole is of the highest quality and you can expect a top-notch shock absorption property. They’re very resilient and you can consider them a worthy investment.
They only come in one color, however, but can easily be matched with different styles of clothing. And if you’re also diagnosed with diabetes, you should know that the MW 877 are Medicare certified walking shoes.
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7. Best Value for Men: ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 5
When your feet are tired and feel painful, all you want to do is put on some comfortable shoes. And in case you’re also experiencing issues with bunions, it can get complicated finding the right pair.
ASICS is a company that have perfected creating walking and running shoes.
The ASICS Gel-Contented 5 model is one of the best walking shoes for bunions you can purchase at a discount price. Splurging for more expensive options often seems like a safer option, but that isn’t always the case.
Because unlike some lesser-known shoe companies, ASICS offers an exceptional level of comfort even with their most affordable items.
But before choosing the Gel-Contend 5 walking shoes, let’s examine what makes them a great choice. Starting from the outsole you’ll find a thick layer of quality rubber which means you can expect these shoes to last.
The midsole provides plenty of cushioning due to the AmpliFoam technology that was created by ASICS.
It’s ultra-soft and comfortable and will provide all the shock absorption you need during walking. And let’s not forget the well-known Gel cushion that’s located under the heel.
If you’re suffering from heel pain or if you walk heel first, this Gel addition can help a lot. On the other hand, if you don’t have heel pain or walk toes first, this could just end up being a bit of extra weight on your shoe.
The upper part of the Gel-Contend walking shoes is excellent.
The mesh is breathable enough and will flex just the right amount while you’re walking. In terms of design, this is an attractive and fun-looking shoe with great stitching.
You can choose from nine different color design options, each of which is unique and different in some way. They’re also true to their size, so you won’t have any issues choosing the right one for you.
There are many affordable walking shoes on the market, but none of them match the ingenuity and quality that’s presented with the ASICS shoes.
The Gel-Contend might just be the right choice for men trying to find walking shoes for bunions that won’t break the bank.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
Chronic pain can be debilitating in so many ways. If it’s originating from your feet and caused by bunions, the situation can get frustrating fast. Before you try to heal bunions by changing shoes, it’s always best to check in with your doctor first.
But if you’re experiencing milder symptoms or just want to have the best walking shoes for bunions as a preventative measure, that’s always a great idea.
The reviews in this article covered walking shoes for both men and women and included the budget-friendly option as well.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to find the walking shoes that will soothe your bunion issues and get yourself back on your feet comfortably for a long time yet.
And if you’re looking for more articles about walking and walking gear, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- What Is Walking Meditation? (How to Build This Mindfulness Habit)
- 7 Best Walking Shoes for Narrow Feet
- 7 Best Walking Shoes for Supination (Underpronation)
