Sandals for Bunions: The Best & Most Stylish Picks
No matter the season, bunions refuse to conform to ill-fitting footwear. No worries, we’ve got you (and your bunion) covered! See six of our favorite sandals for bunions. All feature soft leather uppers, vamps that don’t cross the bunion area and other comfort features to carry you through the day painlessly. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite shoes or sandals for bunions that have helped you.
STYLISH SANDALS FOR BUNIONS
Born Iwa
We love the wide criss-cross straps of the Born Iwa. Made from supple leather, the straps envelope the forefoot and cover the bunion area without irritation. The insole is nicely cushioned but arch support is minimal. The Born Iwa is available in whole sizes 6-11 (order down if a half-size for best fit), $125 from Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon. Also available in macrame upper.
Pikolinos Mahon
Cross-over straps are a fantastic way to conceal bunions and this beautiful sandal by Spanish brand Pikolinos features the softest leathers that won’t irritate the forefoot (plus a . Take it from happy Zappos customer, Nancy:
“I like the style because it covers my bunion but does not cause pain in that area as the leather is soft.”
And Carol:
“This shoe is supportive and stylish. It was a comfortable walking sandal for a trip to Italy. Hides my bunion which is a bonus. Highly recommend.”
Keep in mind when ordering that the Pikolinos Mahon runs a smidge small. Find it in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-11.5) for $165 from Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon.
Dansko Dayna
If you’ve tried Birkenstock but for some reason or another the fit and feel isn’t for you, give the Dansko Dayna a try. Not only is the footbed soft and supportive, the straps work in your favor according to Dansko customer Connie:
“I have a bunion and whenever I purchase shoes, they have to feel good and not bother my bunion. These are great. The strap on the inside part of my foot hides the bunion, but, more important the strap does not bother the bunion.”
Find the Dansko Dayna in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-11.5) for $140 from Dankso.com, Zappos and Amazon.
Munro Lee Slide
A lovely sandal for all sizes, the quality-made Munro Lee slide comes in extended sizes and widths. The supple lamb leather straps envelope unsightly bunions with ease. The cushioned footbed provides moderate arch support and a 1.5″ heel offers a little lift. Find the versatile Munro Lee in sizes 5-12, extra narrow to extra wide widths for $195 from Zappos, Nordstrom, Amazon,and Shoemall.
Taos Gift 2
The Taos Gift 2 sandal is the trifecta of arch support, metatarsal support and bunion concealment! It’s been around for years and we hope Taos keeps it for years to come. This is just one of hundreds of 5 star Zappos reviews for the Gift 2:
“This is my third pair of these sandals. I have a hard time finding comfortable (and reasonably attractive) sandals due to a significant bunion on my left foot. These are soft and accommodating, not to mention effectively hiding the embarrassing bunion. They look nice and come in several different colors. They hold up well. True to size.”
Find the Taos Gift 2 in sizes 6-12 for $135 from Taos Footwear, Zappos, and Amazon.
Halsa Denia
If bunions are just one of your many foot maladies, consider the Halsa Denia sandal. The adjustable leather straps conceal the bunions (and bunionettes) while the orthotic-style footbed supports the arches and cushions the heel. This Zappos review from a delighted customer says it all:
“The first time I wore these, I walked all over a mall for two hours and they were very comfortable. No issues, no blisters, no pain. They are fashionable but also perfectly cover my bunion, which is rare for a sandal. I also wore these on vacation and walked a LOT without an issue. They felt true to size (I had the 8 wide). Totally love these, and since it’s very hard to find wide summer shoes that cover my bunions, it’s worth the price.”
Find the Halsa Denia in sizes 6-11, medium and wide width for $124.95 from Nordstrom, Zappos and The Walking Company.
Other bunion-friendly sandals that deserve mention: Orthofeet Lyra (stretch-knit, wide widths), Alegria Valerie (a tie-up sandal with enclosed heel–could fit orthotic), Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit sandals (stretch-knit, affordable).
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38 Responses to Sandals for Bunions: The Best & Most Stylish Picks
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Great Post, Kirs! My favorite bunion-friendly shoes are actually my UGG slippers, but if I’m wanting to go outside, I love my Privo Sofrito’s. I also have an old pair of Born mules that are great.
I love that Posh has bunions! With your hair and your bunions, you could be her twin!
Thanks for the suggestions Lis! I was thinking of your poor little feet when I was posting. Yes, I’m often mistaken for Victoria Beckham.
If anyone has info on cute…. fashionable…colored shoes in Slender width?
All I can find affordable are beige or black and not very cute! Any help????
Hi Sue (is this my friend Sue G.??),
I personally love the Naturalizer Hoffman for a dress shoe. It comes in neutral shades, but my favorite is red! It also comes in a narrow width and is fairly affordable: http://www.shoemall.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=881&categoryId=584&subCategoryId=594&typeId=0
I also recommend the Sofft Calypso in narrow. Right now the mauve color is on sale at Shoemall: http://www.shoemall.com/catalog/product.jsp?style=112592SM&Ne=933&Nao=72&N=4294967278+109+25+936&categoryId=802
Saved good amount of money on the purchase of stylish shoes from Timberland…
This is a real problem. I’ve read that 45-60% of American women deal with bunions. And all they can do is push more pointed toe heels. “They make the leg look longer”. Hogwash. They make the foot look deformed and HURT! The reason the old school marm has bad feet now is because she used to trade comfort and sensibility for fashion, as we all did. And she believed the shoe salesman who said, “Oh, they’ll stretch”. I get by with boots in the winter, low ones, and Arcopedico Queens in the spring. Sandals that are wide open work for summer. Fashionable? No, but comfortable. I’m looking for “bunion friendly” shoes myself. I’m probably Zappos worst nightmare. I hope some wise shoe designer will recognize this market of millions of American women with this common need, and do something about it!
What angers me the most is that there are NO flats for bunioned people! Mine are hereditary. I have the toe width of a size 9 1/2 and the foot length of an 8 1/2. So ALL pumps and flats slip off because by the time I can get my toes to fit in them, they are way to long and don’t grip my heels! I’m so mad.
I think that women’s feet with shapely toes and bunions look very sexy. Not ugly.
hi, I have had bunions since I was a kid,and am now in my 30’s and they have gotten progressivy worse….I have resorted to wearing the most comfortable shoes in the market for bunions…ready?….[drum roll please]…MBT’s! They are incredible!!! Incredible for bunion sufferers. They run high in cost, but they can be found on ebay or on several websites for alot cheaper than the retal store cost…that said…I would even say that paying full price for them is well WORTH it! They are heavenly,they are shaped like a banana on the sole, and for good reason, to emulate walking on sand….they are wonderful…I dont wear anything else anymore…they have more stylish models as well, like mary janes or boots…I have the sandals and the running shoes which i use every day…thats my recommendation! 😀
Hello, i am 13 years old and i have horrible bunions. I can’t keep a single pair of shoes for over 3 months, because they get holes in them. If anyone has any nice brands that don’t wear easily and don’t look like orthopedic shoes, please let me know. I also love Ed Hardy shoes because they are extremely comfortable, but they wear way too easily for the 70$ price range.
I don’t understand why Dansko clogs keep getting recommended for people with bunions. I have ordered 2 different pairs from Zappos and had to return both because they hurt my bunions so bad. I’m very disappointed in Dansko’s.
I have narrow heels and wide ‘toes’ and only one bunionette (on the left foot). I love high heels and am terrified of having to wear cloggy, clunky, clown shoes! I haven’t liked the look of crocs or danskos in the past; I only wear a size 6 and having those heavy-looking clunkers on my feet reminds me of bozo when I try them on. I’ll certainly be taking a look at some of the suggestions here.
Thank you Kristen for all you do to help our dawgs feel and look better! Keep up the good work!
Yes, Kirsten, thank you SO much for all you do! I just love your blog and tell anyone who compliments my cute but comfy shoes (often from your recs) about it!
I am loving my Haflinger Valarie ballet flats– they come up (down?) pretty high so they cover the trouble spots and are cute, cute with straight (or skinny, if that’s how you roll, I don’t) jeans. I have the red and it looks like they just came out with a taupe, maybe gold (dare I hope metallic). I also have great luck with Earth Kalso Solar mary janes– they also are cut generously and cover the cursed spot. I also am doing well with my Naot Trendy “heels,” but I did have to use a stretcher on them– once I did that they were fine and do not cut across. Finally, my Wolky Argentinas are also working out great. I struggle with a fair amount of discomfort (was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia– my feet were always killing me) and substitute teach occasionally, so I really value your suggestions!
ClaraT
Thanks for this list.
Here are my bunion picks (all shoes I have that work for my bunions). Note that I wear a 7.5 (length) but often buy size 8 so my foot fits in. I hope this is helpful for others and I love to hear suggestions.
FitFlops: OK, not shoes, but the thick foot bed is heaven on my feet. I wear these in any situation that is remotely not sandal-inappropriate. Helps my back, too. Not for those that don’t like between-the-toes sandals.
Biala Keely Cap Toe Oxford (Kristen has mentioned these)–they have almost an accordion-fold in the bunion area that stretches to accommodate my bunions. Kind of a distressed look but I like them and wear them with thin socks.
Clarks Sugardust in 7.5 wide. These look frumpy on the website but cute on my feet. I wear them with tights or bare feet. Not too bad.
ECCO Sculptured Lace: Also wider/more bendy in the bunion area. I can wear these with tights or alone. I replaced the laces with ribbons that look better.
Of these, the FitFlops and some tennis shoes (from my sister who bought them in a bazaar and they have no label) are actually comfortable (as in: I can really walk all day in them). The others are not too bad (which I think is the best I can hope for with my feet). I agree with Laura (above) in that I think there is a fortune to be made in comfortable shoes that aren’t frumpy.
I’m suprised to see sandals like the Alto Disco listed for bunions- That’s exactly the most UNCOMFORTABLE style for my bunions! For sandals a thong (with arch support) is by far the best choice- nothing to irritate the joint. My absolute favorite, though not cute, is the Merrell Belluna- the squishy neoprene protects the bunion and it has great arch support.
I really like the shoes, I have RA and bunions, but I can’t afford the price. :*(
Hi! Does anyone know where I can get Julie Lopez heels less expensive!!:)
Way out of my price range but my dogs are barkin’ for some pretty heels that look and feel good!
That’s so unfortunate for you. Haha. 😉
I have knee and hip problems. Also, I deal with bunions, flat feet and swollen ankles. I need suggestions for dress shoes, sandals and boots. Any help is appreciated.
The mist comfortable and stylish sandals I have found are Softshoe by Medicus, Gabrielle style. Unfortunately, mine are wearing out and the company doesn’t make them any more. They are by far the cutest and most comfortable ever with no straps over the bunion but cute straps that hold the shoe securely in other areas. We should find a skilled shoe maker and form our own company.
For walking, the Nike Pegasus has a wide model and it is super comfy. I can wear it all day.
Thank you thank you thank you Kirsten for the great variety of wonderful shoes for us unfortunates living with painful bunions. I’ve wasted so much money buying shoes that cut right across the extrusions on both my feet with the hope that they would stretch and become wearable at some point. they never do. Now I’m going to save my money and buy some of the quality stylish ones you recommend.
Aisha
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Being from the UK I’ve personally worn clarks (their brogues are particularly good for bunions) and fly London for my quite bad case of bunions. However I’ve really struggled with buying heels for nights out with my friends or going to a special occasion like a wedding. I’m talking properly stylish shoes, that are comparable to high street brands like Nine West or LK Bennet ( favourite brand of Kate Middleton) So I’ve decided to do something about it and would appreciate it if you could take a look at my blog and tell me what you think http://www.callashoes.com because don’t we bunion inflicted ladies deserve beautiful shoes too???!!!
Such wonderful advice here, thank you this helps.
Bunions are often caused by poor posture when walking. Found that info when looking on how to help my husband fix his duck walk, which can create bunions.
Look up Mobility WOD – for ways to address posture issues.
This is a great article to read on picking shoes for children as poor foot health and posture issues begun there:
http://www.drgangemi.com/kids-health/childs-shoe/
I’m in Australia so it’s winter now and I live in my Arcopedico L19 comfort lytech ankle boots. The soft top and wide toe box don’t rub on my bunions and the arch support gives all day comfort. The side zip means easy on and off for my arthritic hands and feet. These have been a real surprise and I can highly recommend them. BTW, I love your newsletter and informative articles. You’re my go to site when I need to research new shoes – thank you!
Thank you, Jane! Yes, that’s a great boot for bunion problems! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
I just bought the Born Iwa sandal & love them! Funky looking but very very comfy! Got in the red suede & it’s a subdued shade not bright red.
That is awesome news!
I am desparate for a shoe that is super soft for bad bunions, extra wide width and probably size 13 womens – could you help me? Thank you somuch!
I’m over 60, 5’11 & was a professional model in the 70’s. What burns me, is how there seems to be a HUGE PROBLEM with shoe companies NOT making shoes in size 12 and above for TALL WOMEN! I knew University women basketball players who had to buy men’s shoes because they were all over 6’3-6’6 and wore Womens sizes 13-15,but couldn’t find anything nice, fashionable or comfortable and still cannot! The shoe industry must think that anyone who wears women’s size 12 and up are drag queens (men with WIDE FEET) because rarely can I find NARROW size 12 women’s shoes! Can you imagine how FRUSTRATING AND ANGRY this makes women like me? Get your world right , shoe manufacturers and make shoes for US TOO! I’m sure it would be well worth it because of all the tall, long footed women, DESPERATE TO FIND WOMENS SHOES THAT FIT AND THEY DONT HAVE TO WEAR MENS SHOES OR CRAM THEIR FEET INTO SMALL SHOES THAT HURT AND CAUSE INJURIES! Thanks
I’ve worked with 2 podiatrists and a foot surgeon. All have said that my bunions were caused by wearing narrow or more pointed-toe shoes for years as a young person.
I am feeling really desperate. I have bunions, bunionettes, mid foot pain and swelling. I wear a wide shoe now. I have had to throw a lot of shoes out. I know this sounds silly BUT, I find the look of most orthopedic shoes ugly! I am 67 years old but I still enjoy dressing nicely. Having a wide foot alone reduces selection of shoes, sandals and boots! My style is not really super casual or boho. I do not like block or elevator shoes.
Does anyone have suggestions?……I know, sit back and take your medicine!
This site is very informative. Thank you. I’ve bought 24 pairs of shoes in the past 10 mos. and returned all but 6. I have bought shoes from Amazon, DSW, Easy Spirit, Macy’s, New Balance, Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack, Rockport, Cobb Hill and Zappos. I bought 3 pairs of XW flat sneakers from Torrid in pink, olive and black but will have to give them away because they are too flat and I knew that when I bought them but they were so cute.
In the past yr. my bunions have grown significantly. My feet are 9.5” long and 4” wide and I wear a 7-7.5XW shoe. I’ll buy duplicates of the same shoe, 2 different sizes because fashionable extra wide width shoes are hard to find and I don’t know which size will fit. When I do find my size and width it’s sold out or most of the time the shoes are UGLY and CLUMPY-looking. I have also tried a D width but that hasn’t worked for me.
Munro has a couple pair of sneakers and slip-on’s in XW width but of course they’re EXPENSIVE and always sold out. I just ordered a pair of Walking Cradles Dylan from ShoeMall and a pair of San Marcos Woven Women’s Clogs from the Orthotic Shop. Today I’ll also order Clarks Women’s Cora Chai Ankle Boot from Amazon. I’ve also seen XW width decent shoes on the Woman Within site. I love, love the shoes from Hotter but this company is located in Europe. Ordered from FitVille 2 pair of Women’s Rebound Core Shoes but when I found out that it would take 4-6 wks. to arrive and that the shoes were coming from China and so I cancelled.
I was told that Brooks has wonderful sneakers but I’ve only seen wide shoes. I can’t wear toe-out shoes/sandals because my toes are curved from bunions and I wear toe separators. You probably would only see my 1st and 2nd toe…or my bunion and 1st toe! LOL I’m also going to get ZenToes bunion sleeve/correctors so that my bunions won’t rub against my shoes… don’t know how much it will correct!
And now my journey is to look for good looking casual/dress shoes. I’m a single 67 yr. old and rather not get bunion surgery. I’d rather carve a hole in my shoes where my bunions protrude and keep it moving. LOL…I doubt that anyone will be looking at my feet!
I have bunions on both feet that don’t cause too much of a problem, but in the last 2 years, my left foot, the bunion was worse and started rubbing against shoes and caused me pain which affected my ability to walk. I saw my podiatrist and he found that I had a hyperextension leading to a tibia collateral ligament tear (basically a sprain) which caused a bit of build up under the bunion on my left foot. This is what caused my bunion on the left to get worse. I was glad to get an x-ray from my doctor because he was able to show the difference from my last x-ray and reassured me that my issue was not progressing quickly. He did warn me not to go barefoot at all as that would aggravate my condition.
Instead of telling me to have bunion surgery (which people say has a 6-week recovery, but my doctor told me could be up to a 3-month recovery), he told me to continue using the “ball and ring” toe stretcher I bought on Amazon to make room for the bump on the left. Most people would say that $39 is too much for a solution, but I had tried all other kinds of fixes (shoe stretchers, devices to stretch my big toe back into place, etc). and the “ball and ring” toe stretcher is the only thing that worked for me.
My doctor confirmed that all other fixes (devices to stretch my big toe back into place, etc.) do not work on bunions. This flies into the face of what I see on YouTube videos, but I’m glad I know it now. I am able to wear Dansko sandals and shoes if I use the stretcher to make room for my “bump” on my left foot. I’m happy with that.
I also have plantar fasciitis and falling arches, so I can’t wear cute shoes that simply stretch where my bunion is; I have to have a strong arch built in (not a foam padding) and prefer a rocker bottom. My best wishes to others here who suffer from bunions. It’s a challenge!
And, by the way, it is totally WORTH IT to have a podiatrist help you as he/she can see if there are underlying conditions and how best to take care of yourself.
Amen! Glad you have a knowledgeable podiatrist that is conservative yet wise in treatment.
Good info. Regarding Shari D’s comment about the ball and ring toe stretcher on Amazon. I just looked at everything on Amazon. Could she possibly give a picture of hers or a link? I don’t see one for $39 or a description like that. I’d love to try that out.