I'll be back with new posts in a few days, but bringing back the "comfortable shoes for bunions" post as I've received a few emails from readers asking for suggestions.
It's that time again. Closed-toe shoe season is closing in on us, which means one thing for those of us with bunions--ouch. After poring over customer reviews at Zappos, I discovered eight stylish yet comfortable shoes that received two thumbs up for bunion-friendliness (coined for the first time today here at BarkingDogShoes.com).
Casual
1. Arcopedico Shawna: roomy toe box, anatomical footbed, soft leather uppers and comes in many colors...even croc patent. 65 five star reviews. $132
2. Rieker Jagoda: Soft leather, doesn't cut across bunions. Although only comes in medium width, customers with wider feet find the shoe very comfortable. $94.95
3. Keen Madrid: Both mary jane and ballet flat have synthetic upper that fits like a soft glove around toes--no pinching or crushing of bunions or hammertoes. $84
Dress Casual
4. Kumfs Cruise: elegant mary jane, comes in medium, wide and extra wide widths. Removable, shock-absorbing insole, orthotic-friendly (great brand for problem feet). $179
5. Naot Pleasure: pretty shoe for those with narrow to medium width feet with bunions. Vamp crosses the foot below the bunions. Shock-absorbing footbed. 105 customer reviews. $163.95
6. Sudini Sedona: Three customers with bunions rave about this shoe. Generous toe box for a dress shoe, fully padded insole, manageable low-heeled demi wedge. Comes in narrow, medium and wide widths. $88
Boot
7. Naot Allure: You really can't go wrong with Naot. High, rounded toe box and supportive footbed. $291
Sporty
8. Patagonia Kenosha: Exhaustive list of comfort features at Zappos. I've sworn by Merrell Siren for years as a supportive, comfortable sport shoe, but this one is a definite competitor--seems the toe box is roomier. $81
Now for three of my own recommendations. Wolky, a Dutch comfort shoe company, makes wonderfully supportive shoes with room for toes to spread out. My personal favorites are the Wolky Jewel sandal and the Cloggy clog. And of course, no post about bunions would be complete without awarding honorable mention to both Dansko and Sanita clogs. Many Dansko and almost all Sanita clogs have roomy toe boxes and rocker soles designed to take pressure off the forefoot. You'll especially love some of Sanita's new styles for fall/winter 09.
Do you have a shoe that has been kind to your bunions? Leave a comment and let us know!
