Update September '09: More Stylish yet Comfortable Shoes for Bunions.
Update November '08: New Post! Stylish Bunion-Friendly Shoes
Update July '08: Check out my new post about comfortable shoes for bunions.
Bunions. Not just for grannies anymore. It seems that more and more women in their thirties are developing these painful protuberances on the sides of their feet. Heck, according to Manolo the Shoeblogger, even Posh Beckham has bunions (oh the horror).
But what if your bunions weren't caused by wearing 5 inch Jimmy Choo's every day? Perhaps you just have a genetic tendency toward misalignment of the toes or maybe you did indeed wear ill-fitting shoes to work for too many years. What are the treatment options? A bunionectomy (surgical removal) isn't always successful and the recovery is rough. Orthopedic shoes? Don't get me started. So what's a girl to do?
One year ago, an orthopedic foot surgeon had me scheduled for a bunionectomy. Due to malformations in my toes caused by 11 years of rheumatoid arthritis cartilage erosion, I had developed bunions on both feet. I even had bunionettes! Isn't that a cute name for the bunions near my pinky toes? As a mom to a very active five year old I just couldn't imagine being on crutches...especially in December! I couldn't go through with it. I cancelled the surgery.
Wearing the right shoes for the past year has helped considerably. I have very little pain although I still have the bunions! Maybe down the road I might need the surgery, but I sure am happy to delay it as long as I can. Here's a list of the shoes that have helped me deal with my bunions non-surgically:
- Bum-around casual: Crocs Mary Janes. Try to wear these as much as you can around the house, grocery store, walking the dog. The toe box is very generous and the footbed is cushioned. I found these to be more comfortable than my walking shoes. If you have weak ankles, stick to walking shoes.
- Everyday casual: Crocs Celeste slip-ons. A cute style with no holes. The toe box isn't as roomy as the Mary Jane, but still generous. You might be able to wear these to work depending on your profession.
- Walking shoes: Merrell Siren Sport. Read this post for more information.
- Dressy casual: Dansko clogs. The stapled models have wide toe boxes. I find these remarkably comfortable. I own the Dansko Marcelle.
- Dressy pump: Try to avoid any shoe over 2" high if you have serious bunions. I really didn't wear many pumps over the past year. Thankfully my job as a stay-at-home-mom doesn't require me to wear pumps. However, as a teacher I invested in a pair of Beautifeel pumps. They were expensive but so easy on my toes. The leather is soft and forgiving and the padding is wonderful. These were my "Open House" and conference shoes. I would also give the Sofft Calypso a try--you can order these in a wide.
Related Post: Bunion-Friendly Shoes
If you have bunions and have found a non-orthopedic shoes that has worked for you, by all means, email me!
