Sneakers for Bunions: What to Look For in a Shoe

Sneakers for bunions should have a wide, deep toe box, a soft sole and a low heel. APMA recommends a wide and deep toe box, AAOS adds wide insteps and soft soles, and the NHS advises wide shoes with a low heel. The right shoe can ease pressure, but it cannot remove a bunion.

This page covers general fit guidance from foot health groups. It is not medical advice. If a bunion hurts, see a podiatrist.

What is a bunion?

AAOS describes a bunion as a painful bony bump on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint. APMA notes that a smaller version can form on the outside of the foot at the little toe, called a bunionette or tailor’s bunion.

The bump sits at the side of the forefoot, so a shoe that is tight there rubs on it with every step. That is why the advice below focuses on room across the front of the shoe.

What should a sneaker for bunions have?

Three foot health groups give closely matching advice. This table lines up what each one says.

In a sneaker, that points to a shoe in a wide width or with a roomy toe box, a cushioned sole, and a flat or low heel. None of these sources names a particular upper material, so judge the upper by feel: nothing should press on the joint when you stand and walk.

What should you avoid?

The same sources agree on what makes bunions more painful:

• Narrow toe boxes. APMA says to avoid them.
• Shoes that are too short, tight or sharply pointed. AAOS lists all three.
• High heels. AAOS says to avoid heels higher than a couple of inches, because higher heels put more pressure on the forefoot. The NHS also says not to wear high heels or tight, pointy shoes.

AAOS also warns that, over time, high heels with a narrow toe box can make the foot take the shape of the shoe, leading to problems like bunions, hammer toes and corns.

Wide width, wide toe box, or both?

A wider width gives room across the whole forefoot. A wide toe box gives the toes room to spread. APMA’s advice centers on the toe box, while AAOS names both broad toe boxes and wide insteps, so a shoe with both covers each group’s advice.

If a shoe does not come in a wider size, AAOS suggests a different brand with a wider toe box rather than going up a size. Learn the letters in the shoe width chart, and compare foot-shaped fronts in wide toe box shoes.

Roomy walking sneakers with wide toe boxes

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When should you see a podiatrist?

The NHS suggests getting medical help if:

• the pain has not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks;
• the pain is stopping you doing your normal activities;
• your bunions are getting worse;
• you have bunions and diabetes, since foot problems can be more serious with diabetes.

Fit tips when you shop

APMA says to measure both feet late in the day and shop for the larger foot. Bring the socks you will wear, and walk around before you buy. APMA adds that if a shoe does not feel comfortable right away, breaking it in will not make it better.

Women looking for wide styles can start with wide shoes for women, and anyone who needs more room than a standard wide can read extra wide shoes. The wide feet guide covers fit for every wide foot.