What to Look for in Shoes When You Have Bunions

If you’re prone to bunion pain, switching to appropriate shoes may be just what the doctor ordered. Read on to learn the kind of attributes that define bunion-friendly shoes.

Bunions are common foot deformities, affecting about one in three adults aged 65 and older. While most bunions cause relatively mild symptoms, they can all cause foot pain and walking difficulties. That’s where bunion-friendly shoes come in.

Making smart shoe choices can go a long way toward minimizing bunion symptoms. Doing so may even help prevent the need for surgery in the future.

At Babak Kosari, DPM, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Babak Kosari provides comprehensive care for people dealing with painful bunions. Here, we explore six attributes that define bunion-friendly footwear.

1. Flat versus heeled

High heeled shoes place 75% more pressure on the front of the foot, making bunions and bunion pain far more likely. That’s one reason women are significantly more likely to develop bunion problems than men. Flat shoes can help reduce strain on your foot, leading to fewer bunion symptoms.

2. Supportive soles

Even flat shoes can exacerbate bunion pain if they provide little or no support beneath your soles. Supportive shoes fit well and have some amount of firm cushion. Custom orthotics can help by turning basic or even ill-fitting shoes into perfectly fitted, supportive footwear.

3. Good arch support

Bunion-friendly shoes also have good arch support. This is particularly important if you have flat feet, given the likelihood of overpronation. When you overpronate, your feet flatten too much or in an unbalanced way as you walk or run. This is another issue that custom orthotics can help correct, easing bunion pain in the process.

4. Roominess in the toe box

Similar to heels, narrow and tight shoes can fuel bunion symptoms by adding undue strain. If you wear tight shoes for lengthy periods of time, your feet can swell, making matters even worse. Instead of pointy footwear, choose shoes with a rounded or squared toe box. If your longest toe presses against your shoe, you need more space.

5. In good condition

You may be tempted to hang on to your favorite footwear for years, but worn out shoes tend to lose their supportive nature. Once you notice that your shoes are wearing out in certain places, it’s best to replace them. If you exercise regularly, your bunion may benefit from new athletic shoes every 12 months, even if they don’t seem terribly worn out.

6. High-quality materials

Ideal shoes for reducing or preventing bunion pain consist of good quality materials. While you don’t need to spend a fortune on your footwear, you don’t want to skimp on quality to save a few bucks. Examples of good materials include leather (animal or plant-based “faux” leather), breathable mesh, and suede. In addition to sturdiness and comfort, these materials bring longevity, lasting longer than cheap plastic.

To learn more about the traits of bunion-friendly shoes or get personalized bunion care, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today, or click online to book an appointment at your convenience.