Comfy and Chic: Fashionable Footwear for Bunions

With age comes wisdom, but also foot problems! (LOL!) And one of the biggest culprits? Bunions. I didn’t think much about them—until my girlfriend kicked off her shoes one day and showed me hers. Let’s just say I instantly understood why she’s always complaining about shoe shopping. Her feet looked so gnarly and uncomfortable that they made me wince. (No wonder I practically had to beg her to show me!)

I had no idea how tough it was for her to find shoes that didn’t leave her in pain—never mind something even remotely cute.

She told me she’s tired of settling for orthopedic clunkers just to make it through the day—they’re ugly, and they drive her up the wall. She wants to feel stylish, not like she’s wearing something out of a foot clinic.

So, I decided to pull together this post with her (and you!) in mind. Whether you’re already dealing with bunions or just starting to notice changes in your feet, I’ve found that some cute shoes don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. From sneakers and sandals to chic flats, these are the best fashionable shoes I’ve found that actually work for bunions—and look good, too.

Tips for Finding Fashionable Shoes for Bunions

So… What Exactly Is a Bunion, and How Do I Know if I have one?

If you’re not sure whether you have one (or if something’s starting to feel off in your shoes), here’s a quick rundown. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe. It pushes your toe inward and can cause the joint to become inflamed and stick out. Basically, your toe starts crashing the party with the others—and that cute pair of heels? Suddenly, it’s not so wearable.

At first, you might just notice a little soreness or a bump that makes certain shoes feel tight (the stage I’m at). But over time, it can become really painful and make shopping for shoes a total nightmare. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor or podiatrist to confirm—and get some tips on how to manage it before it gets worse. You don’t want to end up getting surgery!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Best Fashionable Shoes for Bunions

The good news? You don’t have to give up on style just because your feet need some extra TLC. You just have to know what to look for. Here’s what makes a shoe bunion-friendly:

• Wide toe boxes: Look for styles that provide your toes with ample space to spread out—no pinching or squeezing.
• Soft, flexible materials: Think knits, soft leather, or stretch fabrics that won’t rub or irritate sensitive areas.
• Adjustability: Straps, laces, or elastic panels help the shoe mold to your foot (not the other way around).
• Arch support and cushioning: These features help maintain proper alignment and alleviate pressure, allowing you to stay on your feet longer without discomfort.

The Worst Shoes for Bunions – Can You Guess?

Unfortunately, a lot of the trendiest shoes are also the worst offenders when it comes to bunions. Pointy toes, stiff materials, sky-high heels—these styles might look great in theory, but in reality, they put pressure exactly where you don’t want it. The same goes for ultra-flat shoes with zero support or those narrow little slip-ons that leave your bunion screaming by lunchtime.

If a shoe feels tight or pinches when you try it on, trust me—it’s not going to “break in.” If anything, it’ll just break you. I know; it has happened to me with pointy-toe flats.

Stylish Shoes That Are Actually Bunion-Friendly

Now, the fun part—cute shoes that won’t make your feet miserable. These are styles I’ve come across that combine comfort, support, and style in all the right ways. Whether you need something for everyday errands, a dressier occasion, or a long walk, these picks have you (and your bunions) covered.

Chic Closed-Toe Shoes for Bunions

Vionic Petaluma Slingback Flat

These camel and black slingbacks are a polished flat with chic cap toe, that instantly upgrades your outfit. The roomy toe box that gives your bunion space to breathe, and it has an adjustable strap, arch support, and a contoured footbed.

Rothy’s Casual Clog

If you have never tried a knit shoe, let me assure you they are very soft, light and comfy.  These clogs are comfy enough to wear around the house but cute enough to wear out in public! They gently hug the foot without putting pressure on bunions, and the rounded toe design provides ample space for toes to spread out comfortably.

ECCO Soft 7 Slip-On Sneaker

Everyone needs good slip on sneaker whether you’re running errands or taking a vacation and exploring a new city. These slip-on sneakers offer the perfect blend of fashion and functionality. This shoe is bunion-friendly due to its roomy toe box and cushioned insole, providing comfort and support without sacrificing style. I would wear them with jeans and a sweater in the fall and with shorts and a tee in the warmer months.

Benassal Low Heel Pumps

Can you have bunions and wear a pointy toe dress shoe? It’s difficult unless it’s these Benassal Low Heel Pumps. They’ve been thoughtfully designed with bunion sufferers in mind. They are classic with no toe crunch! These chic block heels have elastic panels and a wider fit around the toe, and strike a balance between fashion and foot health. You can choose from black, tan, brown, or light green.

Fashionable Open-Toe Shoes and Sandals for Bunions – Pretty and Practical

Quince Platform Sandals

If you’re looking for the perfect summer heel, the Quince platform sandal is a great one! I think they would look so cute with a flowy midi or maxi dress or skirt. They have a velcro strap across the toe box (giving you plenty of room for your toes to spread out comfortably), as well as an adjustable ankle strap for a custom fit.

VIVAIA Isadora Sandal

This VIVAIA Isadora Sandal is a great pick for bunions! They’ve got plenty of room for your toes to wiggle and adjustable straps so you can make sure they fit just right. Those features, combined with the cushioned footbed, let you rock these sandals all day long without worrying about bunion pain. P.S. If you don’t love the tan option, they come in three different strap styles with so many color choices!

ABEO Solstice Cross Slide Sandals

This is a new to me brand that I wanted to share! ABEO really focuses on foot health and creating shoes that help alleviate common foot conditions (like bunions). This adorable pair of slide sandals has a built-in orthotic insole and an adjustable strap that allows you to customize your toe box to your foot.

Sneakers and Tennis Shoes for Bunions ( Great for Walking)

Hoka Skyflow

Now, we are diving into tennis shoes and sneakers. Contrary to popular belief, tennis shoes aren’t just good for runners or gym lovers! The Skyflow from Hoka helps to both minimize discomfort and supports overall foot health, making it a top choice for those dealing with bunions.

Brooks Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe

Here’s another tennis shoe that’s great for bunions. Brooks is a super popular brand among the running and walking community. They have a really cool shoe finder on their website that helps you find the perfect tennis shoe for your body.

ALTRA Via Olympus 2

The ALTRA Via Olympus 2 are designed with a roomy FootShape toe box that lets your toes spread out comfortably. The cushioned midsole provides awesome support and shock absorption, perfect for keeping your feet happy and healthy on long walks or runs.

ABEO Addie Sneakers

I love a classic white sneaker! They are so cute with everything from sundresses to jeans. Most white sneakers on the market aren’t super comfortable or supportive, and they certainly aren’t made with bunions in mind, but this pair checks all of the boxes!

The Bottom Line on Bunion-Friendly Shoes

I totally understand why you may be frustrated with your shoe options because of bunions, so I hope my round-up gives you a little relief—and a lot of inspiration. You don’t have to choose between comfort and style anymore. There are options available, and they continue to improve. 

And if you’ve found a pair that’s been a total game-changer for your feet, send me a message! I’d love to hear what’s working for you—and maybe share it with others who are in the same boat.

Shop More Fashionable Shoes for Bunions:

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.