The best shoes for bunions in 2026, tried and tested

Finding the best shoes for bunions is no small task. Styles that look roomy can still press in all the wrong places, while so-called comfortable pairs don't always deliver real relief. Need cute heels for a wedding? Oh boy. That alone will have you doubting that stylish and bunion-friendly can coexist. But guess what? They can. And it behooves you — and the roughly one-third of Americans with bunions — to seek them out, especially since the condition tends to worsen over time if that pressure isn’t addressed.

A bunion isn’t just a bump on your foot. “It’s a structural misalignment of the joint,” says Sari Priesand , a podiatrist and clinical assistant professor of surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School. Over time, repeated pressure and joint stress build, forcing the joint at the base of your big toe to bulge. That shift can change how you walk, how your weight is distributed and, over time, lead to pain, swelling and irritation.

Left unchecked, that pressure doesn’t just make shoes uncomfortable — it can worsen the condition. That’s where the right shoes come in.

“Proper footwear is an easy first-line therapy,” Priesand says. “When fitted correctly, shoes can prevent extra pressure on the bunion, reduce inflammation and pain and slow further deformity.”

The problem, of course, is that a lot of shoes seem like they’d be great — but they’re not. For example, “shoes with memory foam, a quilted lining or labeled a ‘comfort loafer’ alone tend to fail people with bunions,” says Priesand. Even wide shoes can often be a miss. “A shoe may be labeled ‘wide,’ but if the toe box is not shaped properly, it still won’t give your bunion enough room where it actually needs it,” says Marcia Graddon , an athletic trainer and certified pedorthist who fits patients for custom footwear and orthotics at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Va.

In other words, the shoes that work aren’t always the ones you’d expect.

To find options that actually help — not just feel good out of the box — we enlisted seven people with bunions to test 26 pairs of shoes over several weeks, evaluating fit, pressure relief, stability and all-day comfort. We also consulted podiatrists, physical therapists and pedorthists to understand what actually matters in a bunion-friendly shoe. Here's what rose out on top.

Best overall shoe for bunions

While the Brooks Ghost Max 3 could've easily won best running shoe for bunions too, it'll have to settle for overall winner instead. Tester Elana Bodzin, who's had bunions since childhood, called them the “most comfortable shoes” she tried and backed it up with a perfect 5 out of 5 comfort score, reporting no pain, swelling or fatigue. “My feet felt great in these shoes,” she said, also rated them a solid 4 out of 5 for looks, appreciating the neutral colorway: proof that bunion-friendly doesn't have to mean orthopedic.

Tester Daniel Toolan was equally won over — no small feat for someone who wears almost exclusively barefoot shoes. He called them "the comfiest of the bunch," giving high marks for bunion pressure relief and singling out the "extremely flexible" toe box, which allowed natural toe splay. Both testers noted the fit was roomy without being loose, though Bodzin — who has a wide forefoot — recommends sizing up a half size or going wide for the best fit.

Podiatrist and certified pedorthist Nicole G. Freels of Lexington, Ky. isn't surprised by the Brooks love. “I frequently recommend them,” she says. For bunion sufferers, she points to three structural wins: the removable insole with adequate depth (critical for anyone using custom orthotics), the rocker sole, which smooths the heel-to-toe transition and reduces pressure on the bunion joint and enough sole stiffness to stabilize the joint without restricting movement. The Ghost Max 3 carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance , a meaningful stamp of credibility for foot health.

The main trade-offs: the chunky sole is a matter of taste, and the elevated heel won't work for everyone (Toolan, accustomed to zero-drop shoes, felt some knee discomfort). But for most bunion sufferers, this shoe delivers where it counts.

Other top shoes for bunions we recommend for 2026

A lower price doesn’t always mean less relief — but it does mean some trade-offs. Tester Tseng, who loved the Scarlett boot, found Dr. Scholl’s Feel Good Sneaker was noticeably more comfortable than her usual casual sneaker, with pressure relief that held up for most of the day.

Those good feelings came down to a few practical features, including extra cushioning around the toes, which helped absorb impact without feeling bulky. But cushioning alone isn’t enough: “A shoe can have extra cushioning, but if the toe box shape is still too narrow, it will continue to put pressure on your bunion,” says Graddon. In this case, the shape seemed to work: Tseng said the sneaker’s rounded toe box had “enough space but not too wide.” She also noted good arch support and shock absorption, adding that the material’s flexibility made the shoe feel easier to move in compared to stiffer styles.

While the shoes relieved bunion pressure for much of the day, they didn’t do so all day, which is why Tseng ultimately gave them a 4 out of 5 for bunion pressure relief — something to keep in mind if you're on your feet for long stretches. Still, as a straightforward, no-fuss option, this one delivers decent comfort without a premium price tag — though Tseng noted she could buy a similar white sneaker for less and still have money left over for a quality insole.

“The hunt for a cute, bunion-friendly work flat is over,” says tester Chrissie Kang, who's been dealing with bunions for the past six years. Flats are notoriously tricky for bunions, since many lack structure and squeeze the forefoot — but the Margot 2 avoids those pitfalls.

Kang gave them a perfect 5 out of 5 for bunion relief and overall comfort. She wore them all day to a formal event straight out of the box. "Compared to my usual shoes, these are a significant improvement. My feet don't ache by the end of the day like they normally would," she said. No blisters, no break-in period and, notably, no arch pain, which she often experiences in flats.

The standout feature? The toe box. “Very accommodating to my bunions — they don’t stick out at all,” she noted. The square shape makes a visible difference, allowing her toes to sit naturally without pressure. (Freels points out that wider toe boxes are the single most impactful design feature for bunion sufferers.)

Just as important, the Margot doesn’t look orthopedic. Kang described them as “regular flats,” and said she consistently reached for them over her usual pointed-toe Rothy’s. The Margot has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, a credibility marker worth noting in a category full of style-first flats that don't always deliver on comfort.

Potential drawbacks: The wide option may feel overly roomy for some, and while Kang didn't experience arch pain, she noted the shoe could benefit from slightly more built-in support. Still, for a versatile flat, the Margot 2 makes a compelling case.

Deepa Makhija has struggled with bunions for about a decade — long enough, she says, to have learned to prioritize comfort over style, but with the Vionic Walk Quest (an APMA Seal of Acceptance awardee) there was no either-or. She gave the shoes a 5 out of 5 for bunion pressure relief and overall comfort. “These shoes are flattering and comfortable. And they’re also easy to glide on,” she said.

Makhija loved that, unlike some bunion-friendly shoes, the Walk Quest didn't feel bulky despite its substantial cushioning. That cushioning — combined with the wide fit — translated directly to pressure relief. That held up even after everyday runs and a week of 20,000-step days on a recent trip to Japan.

She rated stability and support highly, crediting “lots of arch support” that kept her foot comfortable and aligned throughout extended wear. That structure matters more than it might seem. Physical therapist Milica McDowell cautions that heavily cushioned shoes may increase impact force by dampening ground feel — but the Walk Quest's firm heel counter and contoured arch support help offset that, keeping the foot properly aligned rather than sinking into softness. The result is a sneaker that feels stable without being restrictive — and one she’d confidently reach for day after day.

Birkenstock — the OG orthopedic sandal — still reigns supreme, with the Arizona Suede earning our top spot as the best sandal for bunions. Tester Lisa Lozano, who’s had bunions since her mid-20s and also has flat feet (the two conditions are often related), gave the sandals a 5 out of 5 for bunion-pressure relief, stability and comfort after extended wear.

“When I wore them, my toes were naturally more straight because of the wide toe box,” she noted, adding that the soft suede “didn’t irritate or rub my bunions.” That combination — roomy shape plus a forgiving upper — helped reduce the friction and crowding that typically aggravate bunions. Priesand specifically recommends Birkenstock for its arch support and roomy toe area; both she and Freels call it a go-to.

Support is another standout. Lozano gave them a perfect score for stability, noting “excellent” arch support and shock absorption. The adjustable straps let her fine-tune the fit so her feet felt secure without sliding — especially important for those with narrower feet.

The style may still read as orthopedic to some — Lozano docked a star for that, noting there are cuter sandal options out there. But Birkenstock has had a serious fashion moment in recent years , and Lozano's taupe suede pair reflects that: "very cute for a supportive summer shoe," she said, giving them a 4 out of 5 for looks.

Like most Birkenstocks, however, these require a break-in period. Lozano experienced some initial arch blisters before the footbed softened with wear. And while they don’t rival her usual Hoka and custom orthotic combo, she noted, “I don't think sandals could possibly compete with that, but for a summer pair of shoes that are easy to slip on, this is a very good compromise.” (See where the Arizona sandals landed on our best shoes for plantar fasciitis relief list.)

Vania Tseng's daily commute runs through Brooklyn's subway stairs, sidewalks and city streets — and she's been doing it with bunion pain for over 20 years. Ill-fitting shoes don't just hurt — they wear her out. “Having uncomfortable shoes impacts my daily functioning because I get fatigued more quickly,” she said. But after weeks of wearing the OrthoFeet Scarlett Boot , her verdict was clear: “I don't have issues with my bunions when I wear these shoes.”

That's a meaningful statement from someone who's spent two decades searching for comfort. She rated the Scarlett a 5 out of 5 for bunion pressure relief, stability and overall comfort — the top scores across all the shoes she tested.

A big part of that comes down to fit and support. The boot's insole system includes an arch booster, removable spacers for a customized fit and multiple layers of cushioning. “The insoles were great,” she noted. “The shock absorption really eased — and prevented — any heel pain.” (Tseng didn’t use the arch booster or spacers.)

The toe box was also a win thanks to having “plenty of room without being too wide” — providing comfort without the oversize feel that can throw off your stride. The side zipper makes it easy to get on and off, a small but meaningful detail for anyone whose bunion pain makes wrestling with footwear a daily frustration.

Tseng gave the design a solid 4 out of 5, appreciating the "nice color and material" and the belt-like ankle strap — though she'd be the first to say these lean practical over polished. For dressed-up occasions, look elsewhere. But for the long days, the cold months and the miles that add up — this boot are a win.

If your priority is pure comfort, the leather Calla Meredith Loafer delivers. Kang, who also tested the Margot flats, gave them a perfect score for bunion pressure relief and overall comfort, calling the loafers “extremely comfortable.”  The insole was “very cushiony,” while the soft leather upper didn’t dig into sensitive areas — two features that helped the shoe outperform her usual pairs. “My bunions were a non-issue in these shoes,” she said, with no irritation or swelling even after extended wear.

Stability also earned a 5 out of 5 score. Kang described her feet as feeling "planted," with good support throughout, creating a secure fit. The soft material and supportive insole worked together to keep her feet in place without pinching — exactly what bunion sufferers need from a loafer. It's worth noting the insole isn’t removable, which rules it out for anyone who relies on custom orthotics — a meaningful limitation at this price point.

Another ding: Kang wasn't won over by the loafer's look. The chunkier silhouette and gold hardware simply weren't her style. "I really wish I liked the look of them more, because I could wear these for a long time," she said. "I just might not be a loafer girly." At nearly $300, Kang wanted a shoe she could reach for across a wider range of settings — but this one didn't quite get her there. But for the right person, the comfort is hard to argue with.

If the Calla Meredith is the sleeker, dressier loafer pick, the Sole Bliss Treasure is its more practical counterpart — chunkier sole, more casual energy, but no less serious about bunion relief. For offices where the dress code has relaxed, it fits right in.

That’s exactly what tester Makhija — who favored the Vionic Walk Quest for everyday wear — was looking for in a work shoe. That, of course, and bunion relief. She got both, awarding the Treasure a perfect 5 out of 5 for bunion comfort and attractiveness, calling the design “sleek,” and noting she appreciated how it didn’t give off orthopedic vibes.

The Treasure features a built-in anti-pronation “pillow” and triple-layer cushioning — functional details that are invisible from the outside but felt immediately underfoot. They helped the shoe earn perfect scores across stability and overall comfort.

“The cushioned soles and overall roomy design reduced any pain and pressure I would’ve normally felt in my usual pair after a long day at the office,” Makhija said, adding that she experienced zero fatigue or swelling.

The trade-off? The insoles aren’t removable, and at nearly $350, these are an investment — especially for shoes that Makhija noted she'd primarily reserve for work.

To be clear: Heels aren’t anyone’s ideal bunion-friendly shoes. In fact, experts recommend steering clear of heels over 2 1/4 inches because they shift weight from your heel to the front of your foot. Plus, “they squeeze your toes together, forcing your big toe inward,” says Priesand. So, how did the Calla Emily Heeled Sandal land on the list?

Tester Jenn Sinrich loved the feel. She gave the leather heels an impressive 5 out of 5 for bunion pressure relief, noting that, compared to other heels, these felt “way less restrictive.” The catch is that they’re still heels. “They’re obviously not as comfortable as running shoes,” she says, but there was “no pinching or rubbing in that spot,” even after wearing them for a while.

That’s largely thanks to design details you don’t usually see in heels: a wider toe box, soft leather upper and a cushioned, arch-supporting insole. The shoe has a 3.5-inch heel, but a half-inch platform offsets some of that drop, bringing the actual heel height closer to 3 inches and helping your foot sit more naturally rather than being pushed forward.

Sinrich noted that her feet felt more stable than in most heels she’s worn, with less of that forward pressure that typically aggravates bunions. “For once I’m not constantly thinking about my bunion,” she said — about as strong an endorsement as you’ll get for a heel.

Of course, there are limits. Some fatigue set in after extended wear, and the style won't be for everyone — Sinrich found them “kind of clunky and a bit outdated.” On the upside, they read as a normal heel rather than an orthopedic one, which matters if you'd rather not advertise that your shoes are doing medical work.

The Altra Torin 8 is a zero-drop running shoe, which means it’s totally flat from heel to toe — no rocking sole, no raised heel. And while the experience was a noticeable shift for Sinrich, who also tested the heeled sandals, she was surprised by how good her feet felt in these sneakers, which were awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance. (Altra, of note, was a brand that three of our experts name-checked for bunion relief.)

Sinrich said the shoes felt “more natural and less restrictive” than her usual sneakers. The wide, foot-shaped toe box, she noted, “actually let my toes spread naturally instead of pushing them inward, which took direct pressure off my bunion almost immediately.” The only reason she didn't give the Torin 8 a perfect comfort score was that it lacks the plush, energetic bounce of more traditional running shoes. Instead, the comfort shows up in a different way. “My feet weren’t cramped at all, and the cushioning absorbed impact well without feeling heavy,” she said — the only knock is that "they're not super bouncy."

While the feel can take some getting used to, Graddon notes that “a lower-drop sneaker — 5mm drop or less — can help reduce pressure on your forefoot, which can ease pain, with zero drop often being the most beneficial for people with bunions.” That said, McDowell emphasizes that zero-drop shoes are best suited for those with “normal gait mechanics,” meaning they may not be ideal for people who rely on strong arch support or motion control.

Slip-on shoes aren’t always the best choice for bunions, but for people who want a no-fuss option, they still have their place. The Hoka Skyward Laceless — designed as a recovery shoe for post-run wear — delivers solid cushioning and support without the need to adjust laces. Tester Kang (who als o put the Margot and Calla loafer through the paces) found them surprisingly comfortable — “these felt good overall” — even putting them through a 40-minute treadmill workout, well beyond their intended use.

The chunky, cushioned sole helped her feel “incredibly supported,” so much so that she awarded them a 5 out of 5 for stability, which was on par with her beloved Hoka Cliftons . Kang also reported no bunion pain during extended wear. (She gave another perfect score to the shoe’s comfort design features.)

The deep cushioning comfort is one of the reasons Priesand is a Hoka fan, and likely partly why the Skyward has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

That said, without laces, there’s no way to adjust how the shoe sits across the top of your foot. Kang felt this keenly — she couldn’t wear no-show socks, and found the tongue sat uncomfortably high across her foot with no way to ease it. While her bunions didn’t hurt, she knocked a point off the bunion pressure-relief rating because they “stuck out slightly,” likely due to the thinner material over the top of the shoe.

The look didn't win Kang over either — “really chunky heel,” she noted, and not particularly her style. Still, it’s convenient, cushioned and comfy — not bad for a shoe that wasn't even trying to be a workout shoe.

Boots can be tricky for bunions — too stiff, too narrow or too structured in the wrong places, and they can quickly become uncomfortable. The Abeo Compass Lace Boot leans into fit and support over flash, sidestepping those pitfalls.

Tester Tseng — who also tried the Scarlett Boot — gave the Compass a perfect 5 out of 5 for bunion pressure relief, noting that it “did not irritate bunions” even after extended wear.

Tseng said the boot helped “reduce pressure and impact around both the heel and bunion areas,” while remaining supportive without being bulky. She called out the arch support and shock absorption as standout features — key for a category where heavier materials can sometimes work against you.

Freels emphasizes that a stable base and supportive design can help redistribute pressure away from the bunion and improve overall comfort — especially in more structured shoe-like boots.

Unlike bulkier orthopedic styles, Tseng described the Compass as having a “lean look” with a thinner sole that doesn’t feel oversized or clunky. The lace-up design adds another advantage: adjustability. Being able to fine-tune the fit across the top of the foot can make a meaningful difference in avoiding pressure points.

That said, there are a few potential drawbacks: Tseng would have preferred a slightly higher-end material and different color options. And while she found the boots comfortable, they didn’t have the ultra-cushioned feel of some thicker-soled options. But for a boot that looks like it has nothing to prove, it quietly delivers where it counts.

What to look for in shoes for bunions

Selecting the just-right pair of shoes for bunion relief isn’t easy. But once you’re armed with the factors that matter most, landing the best shoes for bunions is well within your reach. Here’s what to look for:

✓ A wide, foot-shaped (and roomy) toe box

“A wide toe box — not a size wide — allows toe splay, decreases pressure on your bunion and minimizes forces that push your big toe toward your second toe,” says McDowell. A proper toe box should match the natural shape of your foot — more rounded than triangular — and have enough depth that your bunion isn’t rubbing against the upper.

✓ Soft, flexible materials

Rigid synthetic materials can easily dig into your tender bunion, but soft, stretchy uppers are better able to “accommodate bumps and reduce friction,” says Priesand. “Look for knit fabrics, lycra/neoprene, stretchable synthetics, soft woven canvas when possible.”

✓ Support and structure — not too soft, not too rigid

“High-quality shoes with both a wider toe box and adequate arch support make the biggest difference in comfort and pain reduction,” says Freels.

To gauge support, try bending the shoe. If it flexes easily through the middle, it lacks stability. A well-constructed shoe should bend at the toes — not through the arch — according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

A firm heel counter (the back of the shoe) also helps keep your foot aligned. “Once you control that rear foot, you're really able to alleviate discomfort,” Freels says.

✓ Room for orthotics

“Shoes that have a removable insole — and adequate depth to accommodate orthotics without cramping the foot — are ideal,” Freels says. That’s because prefabricated or custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure across your foot and reduce strain on the big toe joint, says Priesand.

✓ Proper shoe size

Up to 72% of people wear the wrong shoe size, with as many as 81% sporting shoes that are too narrow, according to a report in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research . If you’ve got bunions, that’s a surefire way to make them worse. But don’t willy-nilly size up. “That won’t solve your problem,” Graddon. Instead, follow these sizing rules, according to AAOS :

• Shop at the end of the day.Feet naturally swell throughout the day, which can make a shoe that feels good in the morning feel tight later on.

• Don’t assume your size.Sizes vary among brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits, not the number on the box.

• Get both feet measured regularly.Not only does the size of your feet change as you get older, but most people have one foot that’s larger than the other. Fit shoes to the bigger foot.

• Check the length.Stand up and make sure there’s about 3/8 to ½ inch of space between your longest toe (often the second toe) and the end of the shoe.

• Don’t buy shoes that need breaking in.If they feel tight or press on your bunion in the store, they’re unlikely to improve with wear.

Shoes to avoid with bunions

Nowadays, there are a lot of stylish, comfortable shoe options designed for people with bunions. But at the same time, there are whole shoe stores filled with shoes that are most definitely not bunion-friendly. Here, what experts say you should not wear with bunions:

• Pointy-toe shoes:“Tight, narrow, pointy shoes squeeze your toes together, forcing your big toe inward,” says Priesand.

• High heels:Shoes with heels over 2 1/4 inches are considered the “worst shoes for bunions” because they shift weight off of your heel and onto the front of your foot.

• Ballet flats:Slip-on ballet flats often lack the support needed to keep your foot stable, which can worsen irritation, according to Priesand.

• Overly cushioned shoes:And while cushioning may seem like the solution, “it’s not always better,” says McDowell. “When you walk in an excessively cushioned shoe, you land with more force to feel the ground, which can increase stress on your feet.”

How we chose and tested the best shoes for bunions

We started by consulting four experts — podiatrists, a physical therapist and a certified pedorthist — to identify the design features that matter most for bunion relief: toe box shape, arch support, material flexibility and overall foot alignment.

From there, we recruited seven testers who have been living with bunions for anywhere from a few years to over two decades. Each tester wore their assigned shoes in real-world conditions — commutes, workouts, long walks and full work days — for several weeks. They rated every pair on attractiveness, comfort design features, bunion pressure relief, stability and overall comfort — and compared each shoe against both their usual footwear and the other pairs they were testing.

Shoes were selected to cover a range of categories — running shoes, boots, sandals, flats, heels and recovery shoes — so that bunion sufferers at every lifestyle and budget could find a meaningful option.

Other shoes for bunions we tested

We tested dozens of options — here are a few that didn’t quite make the cut, and why:

Calla Star Sneakers: The soft leather and wide fit showed promise, but the relief didn’t hold up past a few hours — a hard sell at nearly $300.

Hoka Gaviota 6 Sneakers : A good option if you need slightly more structure and arch support than the Ghost Max — just know you're paying a bit more for a shoe that's a step below in overall comfort. (Of note: The Gaviota landed on Yahoo’s best orthopedic shoes and the best walking shoes roundups.)

Birkenstock Kyoto Slides :Comfortable, but not a favorite. Our tester gave it high marks for bunion relief and stability — on par with the Arizona — but a 2 out of 5 for looks and said she wouldn't wear them in public. The Arizona won on every front that matters.

Dr. Scholl's sneakers:We tested several styles, including the Feel at Ease , a shoe our tester gave a 2 out of 5 for bunion pressure relief, noting it felt “hard” with no meaningful cushioning. Other version ran too narrow or didn’t provide meaningful bunion relief.

Calla Claudia Pumps :A reminder that shape matters: Despite being labeled bunion-friendly, the pointed toe caused pain. Our tester reported her toes were “red and painful by the end of the day.”

Kuru sneakers:We tested a few styles, including Kuru Atom 2 , but results were inconsistent. One pair caused heel pain within minutes, while others didn’t deliver meaningful bunion relief — proof that added features don’t always translate to comfort.
Vivaia Eduarda Boots :While stylish, these were the worst-performing shoes in our roundup — our tester said she “instantly had to remove them,” questioning how they’re marketed for bunions.

FAQs

Can the right shoes prevent bunions from getting worse?

Yes — but only to a point. “When fitted correctly, shoes can prevent extra pressure on the bunion, reduce inflammation and pain and slow further deformity,” says Priesand, who notes that wearing the right shoes is equally important in preventing bunion recurrence after bunion surgery.

Know that even the best shoes won’t reverse a bunion. Because it’s a structural issue, treatment is focused on managing symptoms and preventing progression.

Orthotics can also help. They’re often recommended to improve foot mechanics and reduce stress on the big toe joint, says Freels.

Are wide shoes enough for bunions?

Many “wide” shoes only add space through the midfoot, not where the bunion actually sits — and sizing up won't fix that, says Graddon. Instead, look for a wide, foot-shaped toe box: your bunion shouldn't press into the side, your toes should be able to spread naturally, and there should be about three-eighths to a half inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Do orthotics help bunions?

Yes. “I highly recommend orthotics for bunions,” says Freels, who explains that bunions, while not helped by ill-fitting shoes, often stem from a structural deformity, like overpronation. “Essentially, an orthotic makes your foot function better.” That’s why it’s important to select shoes with a removable insole and adequate depth to accommodate the orthotic without cramping your foot.

Of going the orthotics route, “select a neutral shoe,” says Graddon. “Once the orthotic is doing the job of helping correct the foot’s alignment, the shoe should simply hold and support that correction rather than trying to add more correction on top of it.”

Recommended orthotics include toe spacers to be worn between your big and second toe and padded shoe inserts that can help spread out pressure evenly when you move your feet.  Learn more about the best bunion correctors, according to podiatrists .

Can you wear heels if you have bunions?

Yes — but choose carefully and don’t make them your everyday shoe. “Dress shoes are not off limits, but you need to select styles that allow room for your toes,” says McDowell. “If the shoe isn’t shaped like a foot, it’s not a good choice.”

Priesand warns that pointy, narrow or high-heeled shoes push the toes together and force the big toe inward — exactly the pressure pattern that makes bunions worse.

If you do wear heels, stick with lower styles ( generally less than 2 inches ) and look for wider, more rounded toe boxes or chunkier heels to reduce pressure on the front of the foot.

Meet our experts

• Sari Priesand ,DPM, podiatrist and clinical assistant professor of surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School

• Marcia Graddon ,certified pedorthist — meaning she specializes in footwear fit and orthotics — and athletic trainer at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Va.

• Nicole G. Freels ,DPM, podiatrist, certified pedorthist and founder of Lexington Podiatry in Ky.

• Milica McDowell , PT, co-author of Walk: Rediscover the Most Natural Way to Boost Your Health and Longevity ― One Step at a Time and physical therapist in Bozeman, Mont.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.