How to Choose a Shoe for Bunions

A bunion (hallux abductovalgus) is a deformity of the most commonly involves the base of the big toe where it joins the foot (the metatarsophalangeal joint). It is characterized by deviation of the big toe toward the outside of the foot and a painful lump on the inside of the foot at the base of the toe. The slant of the big toe caused by a bunion often leads to misalignment of the other toes with accompanying corns and calluses. Choosing shoes that fit well helps alleviate pain associated with a bunion and reduces the risk of it getting worse.

Things You'll Need

• Specialty shoe store

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Instructions

• 1

  Find a shoe store that specializes in footwear for people with foot and ankle problems. Call a local podiatrist's office for suggestions if you have difficulty locating a specialty shoe store.

• 2

  Have your feet measured, taking into account the length of each foot, and the width of broad area at the front of your foot and your heel. These measurements are important in selecting shoes that accommodate the natural shape of your foot. Shoes that fit well reduce pressure and friction on a bunion, often relieving pain.

• 3

  Choose shoes with a roomy, rounded toe box -- the part of the shoe that encloses the front of your foot and toes. Avoid styles that feature a tapered toe box that comes to a point at the front of the shoe. This type of shoe aggravates a bunion and often makes the deformity worse.

• 4

  Look for a shoe with a soft upper made of supple leather or another material that is not stiff to minimize friction against a bunion and any corns or calluses you may have. Avoid shoes made of inflexible leather or with stitching, straps or seams that run across the bunion.

• 5

  Avoid shoe styles that have a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches. High heels push the weight of the body forward to the front of the foot and commonly worsen a preexisting bunion.

• 6

  If you usually wear pads or a bunion splint on your foot, be sure to wear these when you go shoe shopping to be certain the footwear fits well with these appliances.

• 7

  Try on any shoes you are interesting in purchasing. Walk around the store to determine whether the shoe fits well without slipping, and if there are any areas of the shoe that feel uncomfortable. Professional stretching and pads placed inside the shoe may be needed to accomplish a good fit.

• 8

  Ask about the store's return policy before making a purchase, in case the shoes you buy are uncomfortable when you begin wearing them at home.