Finding the Right Shoes When You Have Bunions

As a shoe salesman, I hear the word bunion more times than I can keep track of each day and also see the real problems they present, especially when choosing shoes. Maybe I can offer some help.


What Causes Bunions?

I am not a Podiatrist or Orthopedic Specialist, but even they have trouble pinning down the cause. With all of our medical technology, there remains only theories about how bunions develop and the exact cause still remains unknown. Doctors do believe that likely factors may include:

• Inherited foot type
• Foot injuries
• Deformities present at birth (congenital)

Experts tend to disagree on whether tight, high-heeled or too-narrow shoes cause bunions or whether footwear even plays a role in bunion development.

Bunions might be associated with certain types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory types, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What I do know is a bunion can make it very difficult to find the right shoe, especially if the sufferer is looking for something stylish.

What Bunion Sufferers Should Look for When Buying Shoes

• Choose a shoe with a little more width 
• Consider shoes made from a mesh or canvas material which offers more flexibility 
• Think about buying a slightly larger shoe size

Bunion-Friendly Shoe Styles

CAGE-TYPE SHOES

Steve Madden Women's Gal Dress Sandal - Available at Amazon

A caged shoe can often work, as the the gaps in the shoe give a little extra room. They can also do a good job of disguising the bunion. Caged shoes are almost always stylish and can be found in different heel heights.

MESH MATERIAL SHOE

Badgley Mischka Women's Blakely Dress Sandal - Available at Amazon

A mesh material shoe can serve two purposes as well. The material can "give" a little and also help conceal the bunion. Of course, you'll want to stick to the fabric mesh and avoid the metallic.

FLIP-FLOP-STYLE SANDALS

Dolce Vita Women's Marly Flat Dress Sandal - Available at Amazon

Flip-flop-style sandals are often a standby for bunion sufferers. Now, while it's true that basic flip-flops leave a lot to be desired, there are some stylish and even classy flip-flop-style sandals available.

CLASSIC-STYLE PUMPS

Footsmart Stretchable Women's Gina Pump - Available at Amazon

Do you think you are simply out of luck in terms of a classic-style pump? Well, think again, as there are choices available. While you probably won't find these at your local department store, they are available to order online.

By the way, if you have some shoes you really love, but hardly wear because of your bunions, there may be some hope to salvage them. Do you wish there was a way to stretch the shoe in just the right spot? Well, there is a tool that may be able to help.

FootFitter Cast Iron Ball & Ring Bunion Spot Shoe Stretching Device - Available at Amazon

Dealing with Bunions can be a chore, but it doesn't mean that you are now confined to only ugly, clunky shoes. With a little searching, there are always options. Happy shopping my friend.