1. If the dog hadn't stole one of my Matais, I'd be wearing them both right now. Softest of soft leather uppers and a wonderfully supportive cork/latex footbed, the Naot Matai is kind to both bunions and those painful bunionettes on the outer side of the foot. $169 @ Zappos and PlanetShoes.com; free shipping and returns.
2. Cobb Hill Paulette: Cobb Hill is a new brand under the New Balance umbrella and is gaining popularity among the problem-footed. A Zappos customer raves,
The shoes are comfortable and supportive...take it from someone with very sensitive feet! I was surprised to find that the insole has extra cushioning in the metatarsal area and then drops off so that toes (and my bunion) still have breathing room. Oh so nice!
The Paulette comes in three widths, sizes 6-11 for $63-85 at Zappos and Amazon.
3. I can no longer pad around the house in socks; my arches, metatarsals and tailors bunions won't allow for it. I recently ordered a pair of Haflinger Alice clogs remembering how they saved my feet during the early days of living with RA in the 90s. The soft wool felt uppers don't press on the bunions or hammertoes and the anatomical cork/latex footbed provides excellent arch support. Great as a house slipper, but can be worn out and about with its rubber outsole. Check out the updated styles and colors at Zappos and OnlineShoes.com; or Amazon for special offers.
4. PlanetShoes.com customer, Elizabeth, has this to say about her new Fly London Yama boots:
I love this fly london wedge-I have problem feet-tendonitis and bunion bone problems, but i just wore this boot on a weekend trip to New York. I must have done 5 hours of walking, and my feet did not hurt at all.
JJ, an OnlineShoes.com customer raves:
I have wide feet, narrow heels AND a small bunion on my right foot. Needless to say, finding shoes that fit is challenging, I debated on whether or not to try Fly London shoes as they are more than I would like to spend. However, I am so glad I did. These boots have a roomy toebox so my toes do not feel cramped, and my bunion is not irritated.
I'll concur. I own a sandal version of this wedge; leather is soft, wedge is stable, footbed is cushioned. Now a huge Fly London fan.
UPDATE: I JUST NOTICED THAT FLY LONDON IS ON ZULILY TODAY!
5. Honestly, there are more Zappos reviews praising this shoe from gals with bunions than those with regular feet. Again, I wouldn't guess it from the looks, but for a heel I gather these are easy on the toes.
Rebecca, a PlanetShoes.com customer sums it up well:
The shape/structure of the footbed is genius. Instead of putting all of the pressure on your toes, most of the support comes from the heel. I really cannot believe how comfortable they are.
The Earthies Wellness footbed features a cupped heel for proper alignment, anatomic arch and cradle toe area to distribute weight away from the toes.
Other bunion-friendly brands: Arcopedico, Ara, Oh! Shoes, Aetrex, Alegria, Ziera and high-style John Fluevog.
Do you have a favorite? Leave a comment or join our Facebook page to discuss furthur.
