BarkingDogShoes

Best Shoes for Bunions

Published on May 17th, 2023 | by Kirsten Borrink

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Awesome Alegria Shoes: Happy Footwear for Unhappy Feet

The year was 2008. Amidst a sea of stuffy comfort shoe offerings, Alegria shoes injected much-needed vitality with their flagship Classic clog. Bright patents, whimsical patterns and bold animal prints caught the eye of women from all walks of life, but what converted them into customers? If you own a pair of Alegria shoes, you know. From medical professionals to educators, city commuters to those in the service industry, all will tell you a similar story: Alegria shoes allow them to do the jobs they love without the fatigue of aching feet.

Watch this short video to learn more about the superbly supportive footbed and other key comfort technologies of Alegria shoes. We think you’ll see why Alegria (“happiness” in Spanish) is a fitting name for the brand.

If you suffer from chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hallux rigidus or back pain, Alegria shoes feature ergonomic cork and a latex footbed combined with a rocker sole that may bring the relief you’ve long desired. And not to worry, many styles feature a removable footbed to allow for use of a custom orthotic.

If the classic clog isn’t your style, take a look at four more bestsellers from Alegria.

alegria shoes

Alegria Summer

The fisherman-inspired Alegria Summer is a breezy closed-toe wedge that can be dressed up or down. A wide toe box accommodates bunions while a contoured footbed to support the arches. Find the Alegria Celeste in euro sizes 35-42 (5-11.5) for $129.95 from Zappos and Nordstrom.

Alegria sandals

Alegria Ode

We’re happy to see Alegria shoes finally issue a recovery sandal! Waterproof with excellent arch support, the Ode flip flop features a mild rocker sole to propel the foot through the stride. Fits a narrow to medium width foot best. Find the Alegria Ode in sizes 5.5-11.5 for $59.95 from Zappos and Nordstrom.

Alegria Carina

Alegria Carina in “Lighten Up”

The Alegria Carina thong sandal is a perfect choice for on-the-go women who don’t want to fuss with laces. A mild rocker outsole is less “chunky” than the Alegria Classic outsole, yet still glides through the stride taking pressure off heel and forefoot. Snug up the adjustable instep strap for narrower feet; let it out a little for wider widths. Zappos customer Susan raves about her Carinas, “They have great arch support, mine are high. My heel spurs love this shoe, and so does my lower back! Have already ordered 3 different styles since I bought this sandal. If you have feet problems, or lower back problems, you’ll love Alegrias.” Find the flirty Carina at Zappos, Amazon, and Walking Co.

Alegria Shoes - Keli

Alegria Keli

Do you work in an industry where you need an easy-to-clean shoe with a slip-resistant outsole? The Keli Pro has all that and more including Alegria Shoes “Perfect Fit” cork, latex  and memory foam footbed that’s removable and replaceable. Good news! The Keli comes in wide widths. Available from ZapposAmazon and Nordstrom.

Alegria Henna

The sporty Henna sandal joins the Alegria shoes family for 2021, and we love it! Made from vegan leather, the Henna features three adjustable straps, a contoured footbed with arch support and a lightweight outsole (not a rocker sole). A happy Zappos customer remarks, “Extremely comfortable and go with every outfit! Great for wide feet, very adjustable!” Find the Alegria Henna in euro sizes 35-42 (5-11.5) for $79.95 from Amazon, Zappos and Shoemall.

Do you have a favorite style from Alegria? We’d love to hear from you and so would other readers. Feel free to leave a comment and let us know how they help any foot issues that you have.


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14 Responses to Awesome Alegria Shoes: Happy Footwear for Unhappy Feet

  1. Lori K says:

    I have the Alegria Bree oxford in the Black Springs color. My normal shoe size is 6.5-7 M, with slightly narrow heels. While the Bree is generally comfortable on my low arches, bunion and peroneal tendonitis, I found the leather upper on this style to be very stiff, tight across the instep (even with the laces) and doesn’t provide a lot of vertical room for toes and foot (the shape of the toe box is great!). The insoles on the Bree are removable, and I ended up buying a pair of Alegria’s thinner insoles which helps somewhat with the wiggle room. However, I can still only wear a thin sock with the Bree, and for serious walking I like a cushioned sock. I’m not sure if these issues are standard with all Alegria styles, or just the Bree style, or this isn’t the right brand for my foot. I’m definitely not in love with my pair of Alegria shoes.

  2. Kirsten Borrink says:

    Thanks for your helpful feedback, Lori. Have you seen Alegria’s new Dream fit collection? The upper is partly made of neoprene (over the forefoot) for a more forgiving fit. The Dani oxford is similar to the Bree, but with the dream fit upper.

  3. Cheryl S says:

    I live in Carina and Vanessa in the summer. They are great sandals. I normally wear orthotics and don’t need them with these sandals. I even use a pair for my house slippers with tabi socks since I have never found any slippers to provide enough support. They come in some great colors and fun patterns.

  4. Leslie says:

    These shoes look wonderful.
    I have found that most of the brands on the market wonderful as they are, still don’t fit my feet. I have a very narrow foot and almost all of the ones I have found are in mediums and wide/extra wide. While I need something to allow toe movement, I tend to walk right out of most shoes because the heels are too wide. In sandals, my toes slide out the front!
    Any thoughts?

  5. Beverly S says:

    I wore and loved Clarks shoes for years, until my plantar fasciitis reared its ugly head again, combined with arthritic toe issues. Thanks to your blog, I bought my first pair of Alegria shoes, Keli Pro, 2 years ago, and I live in them. The roomy toe box is so comfortable and my heels are happy. I also have a pair of sandals (can’t remember the style now). Thanks for the info on these other styles. It’s time to buy some new ones this spring! I’m SO thankful I found your blog. You have saved my feet!

  6. Janet says:

    I get so many compliments on my brown metallic Alegria Essence shoes- they may be listed as a fashion sneaker but I wear them to work at a hospital and they work with professional attire- I can walk all day comfortably. I have orthotics – but I don’t need to wear them with the Essence- the Alegria insoles are so supportive and comfortable- I highly recommend them.

  7. Cheryl says:

    I need Attractive Dress Shoes for Women over 60.
    I still work, and am required to look professional at all times.
    I walk during my day.
    I have Arthritis in my knees, and ankles.
    My Toes and feet feel awful at the end of my day!

    I have to soak my knees EVERY Day and Night.

  8. E.Elliott says:

    I love the look of these shoes and so many options that would help me. Excited! Unfortunately I’ve just bought some more shoes but I don’t think I will be going anywhere else for shoes in the future.

  9. Lizz says:

    I have the Alegria Playa in Peace & Love Black, which have the same soles as the Alegria Vita. They are super comfortable. I have decided to get the Vita in Duo Red Patent, as well. 🙂

  10. SILVIA says:

    I have RA and bunions and hammer toes plus a very wide feet I NEVER find any shoes for me….! Would you suggest to me which ones I would benefit from PLEASE ! PLEASE !

  11. RCKelly says:

    Alegria shoes have a wide option. I don’t think the shoes comes in a wider width but you can get the removable footbed in a wide width. Not all stores offer this wide footbed option so I only buy my Alegrias at vendors who will swap the regular footbed for a wide one, free of charge. Before finding this brand, I could not walk pain free.They’ve been a godsend. I do wish the brand offered more of their shoes in solid colors beside black. Would love to see more dressier options.

  12. Jamie says:

    Can you help with your sizing? The website says a European 40 equates to a US 9.5 but this is not consistent with anything else I’ve ever seen online – everyone else seems to say a 40 is a US 8.5. I need a true US 9.5. Would I order a 41 or 42? Thanks.

  13. Kirsten Borrink says:

    I’m a 10/10.5 and wear a 41 in Alegria. I’d say order a 40 for a 9.5 🙂

  14. Sylvia says:

    I have Hallux Rigidus in my right big toe which is often very painful. What sandals can y9u recommend that look kind of elegant? I live in Florida, so it’s too warm for closed shoes most of the year.

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