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If you’re currently dealing with bunions, you’re not alone. A very common foot disorder, about a third of U.S. adults live with these bony bumps on the inside of their foot, located at the base of the big toe[1]Bunion . Medline Plus. Accessed 7/13/2022. . Possibly caused by a variety of factors including genetics, years of wearing poorly-fitted shoes or heels and certain inflammatory conditions, bunions are not typically dangerous—but they can be troublesome, especially when it comes to finding the proper footwear.

If you’ve ever tried to find a pair of shoes that are both stylish and comfortable while living with bunions, you know that it’s not always an easy task. That’s why the Forbes Health editorial team reached out to experts on our advisory board for their recommendations on the best shoes for bunions. Considering factors including overall support, price and style, we’ve come up with a list of shoes that should support a wide variety of lifestyles and budgets. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team.

Note: All prices are averaged from three nationwide retailers (when available) and are accurate as of the publication date.

Just because you’re living with bunions doesn’t mean you have to give up stylish sandals. The Seaside Flip-Flop from Revitalign “is a supportive, open-toed sandal with padded straps that should not put pressure on your bunion,” says John Tolli, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Pennsylvania and a Forbes Health Advisory Board Member. Made with EVA plastic, a soft, malleable material, this sandal is great for the beach or a summer stroll, and its genuine leather lining is laminated with extra foam for “all-day comfort.”

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Eva Sandal

If you’re looking to make a splash with bright colors, Birkenstock has you covered. The EVA sandal by Birkenstock is “supportive but soft” explains Mehgan Susek, D.P.M., a podiatrist and wound care specialist at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and a Forbes Health Advisory Board Member. This sandal is also ultra lightweight and highly flexible, thanks to being made from EVA, she continues. Shock absorbing and waterproof, Dr. Susek recommends these sandals for beach or lake trips.

Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit – Iconic

If you’re after a shoe with a lot of comfort but not a huge toe box, the GO WALK Arch Fit sneaker is a stylish choice. Plus, “the mesh is flexible and doesn’t cause pressure or pain to the foot with the bunion,” notes Dr. Susek. Two other bonuses: All Arch Fit sneakers provide podiatrist-certified arch support, according to the company, and they are some of the more affordable casual slip-on sneakers on the market.

Vivaia Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats

Typically, flats can cause a lot of irritation for individuals with bunions, explains Dr. Tolli, but the Aria 5° Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats from Vivaia “are a stylish option with a wider toe box composed of a more elastic material,” making them a great option for both work or a night out. Coming in a variety of vibrant colors, these Aria flats also provide arch support and cushioning.

In addition to being quite cozy, the naturally thermoregulating ZQ Merino wool in these Wool Runners from Allbirds “is soft and stretchy,” explains Dr. Susek. “The sneakers themselves are also lightweight, giving support without pressing on a bunion and causing pain,” she continues. Additionally, both the men’s and women’s styles come in a variety of colors, making them easy to pair with almost any outfit.

The Gel-Cumulus is a longer-distance running sneaker recommended by Dr. Tolli. This supportive sneaker from Asics “has a forgiving mesh upper material and offers a wide and extra wide option,” says Dr. Tolli. Coming in a variety of colors in both men’s and women’s sizing, the Gel-Cumulus mesh upper also helps keep your feet cool as you run or walk long distances.

“These sneakers have a mesh toe box, and come in wide and extra wide widths,” explains Dr. Tolli. The Adrenaline brand from Brooks also comes with its patented GuideRails technology, which works to keep excess movements in check when you run, and was built with the knees in mind. The Adrenaline brand is Brook’s most popular support shoe, according to the company.

The Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel consisting of two podiatrists for their expert recommendations in conjunction with user ratings, price considerations and support information to help us decide on the top shoes for individuals living with bunions.

Whether due to genetics or certain joint conditions—and often spurred on by footwear choices—a bunion develops when the first metatarsal bone of the foot starts to push outward and the big toe starts to turn inward, causing the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe to protrude. This protrusion of the MTP joint is what causes the bony bump at the base of the big toe.

Bunions can feel painful because many shoes aren’t made to accommodate this extra growth, and over time, friction and pressure can cause the bunion to become inflamed. Superior Support For Plantar Fasciitis Looking for shoes that provide the ideal amount of cushion with each step alongside reliable arch support, a lightweight feel, and a stylish look? Explore Options

Superior Support For Plantar Fasciitis

Looking for shoes that provide the ideal amount of cushion with each step alongside reliable arch support, a lightweight feel, and a stylish look?

Doctors are still a bit unclear as to what causes bunions to develop in some individuals and not others, but genetics and lifestyle factors seem to be the most likely causes. While most bunions occur in adults and form over a lifetime, some children can also develop them.

One important distinction when it comes to bunions and footwear is that wearing tight shoes or heels is not thought to directly cause bunions—but may increase the likelihood that they will form, or provoke them to form faster.

Other risk factors for bunions include:

Once a bunion has formed, there is no non-surgical way to shrink or reverse it. Surgery, though, can correct the underlying misalignment.

Still, many people can manage their bunions without surgical intervention. Wearing comfortable shoes and taking over-the-counter pain medication, for example, can help ease symptoms like occasional soreness.

Other ways to treat symptoms of bunions include:

While the likelihood of developing bunions can be increased due to wearing shoes with tight toe boxes and high heels, certain individuals who never wear these types of shoes can still develop bunions as a result of genetics or other health conditions.

You can lower your risk of developing bunions by wearing comfortable, flat shoes that don’t squeeze your toes.

Walking barefoot is also recommended, as this strengthens the foot muscles and allows the toes to sit in their most natural position.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true prime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).

Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.