The 11 Best Socks for Bunions That Relieve Irritation and Prevent Blisters
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Top Socks for Bunions of 2023
Best Bunion Socks for Walking
Sockwell Sport Ease Bunion Relief Socks
Best Bunion Socks for Runners
OS1st Bunion Relief Socks
Best Socks for Bunions and Hammertoes
Orthofeet Bunion Relief Socks
Best Bunion Socks for Hiking
Hanwag Bunion Socks
Best Compression Socks for Bunions
Sockwell Revolution Graduated Compression Socks
Injinji Men’s Sport Crew Toesocks
Thorlo Maximum Cushion Socks
Meaiguo Five-Finger Toe Socks
Sockwell Bunion Relief Socks
Best No-Show Bunion Socks
Hciot Store Projoint Socks
Best Bunion Socks for Yoga
Shashi Women’s Mesh Split-Toe Socks
According to the Cleveland Clinic, around one third of Americans suffer from bunions, so suffice to say that these bony protrusions are a common foot concern. There are a number of treatment options to consider, and finding the best socks for bunions can help relieve everyday pain and discomfort.
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A bunion is a bony growth that forms at the base of your big toe on the inner side of your foot. According to Saylee Tulpule, DPM, the big toe then leans over toward the second toe, which puts extra stress on the big toe joint. Bunions are often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, standing on your feet all day, foot mechanics, genetics, or health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Athletes, especially long-distance runners, tend to have a higher risk of developing bunions due to injuries or repeated pressure on the toe joint over long periods of time.
Gender is also a factor with this foot condition. “Women develop bunions far more commonly than men (most likely shoe related) and certain studies show that genetic causes factor in 70 percent of the time”, explains Tulpule. Bunions cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and numbness. They can make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes and can lead to other conditions like hammertoes, corns, or calluses.
If you suffer from bunions, there are several ways you can find relief. Wearing good shoes for bunions or sandals for bunions with plenty of room in the toe box, while not a treatment, will relieve pain and discomfort. Bunion pads can provide some extra cushion, and orthotic inserts or splints can help keep your toe in the correct position and reduce further aggravation. Physical therapy or corrective surgery may be needed in more advanced cases.
Over-the-counter socks for bunions are a great option for pain relief. While they will not correct the foot concern, these top socks for men and women can definitely provide some needed comfort. The best socks for bunions provide cushion, relieve friction, and some can even provide gentle straightening capabilities. You can find bunion socks to support a variety of activities and needs from gym socks to hiking socks and dressy knee-high socks.
After getting expert input on what features to consider, we researched bunion socks for a variety of activities, needs, and price points. Ahead, the best socks for bunions for every activity.
Sockwell Sport Ease Bunion Relief Socks
Size Range: 4-11 women’s; 7-16 men’s
Colorways: Gray, Black, Denim, Putty, Charcoal
Material: Wool, rayon, nylon, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
People who strap into walking shoes for men and women for regular exercise need a good sport sock but may not need high compression socks like runners. This split-toe sock from Sockwell is a great choice for its light arch support and moisture wicking capabilities. The toe pocket is seamless and cushioned to limit irritation and provide some comfort. Wool and bamboo rayon help with odor control and make this sock breathable for all day wear.
Price upon publish date of this article: $20.99
OS1st Bunion Relief Socks
Size Range: 4-10.5 women’s; 3-13 men’s
Colorways: Black, Gray, White
Material: Nylon
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you’re a regular runner, dealing with bunions can make those morning miles uncomfortable. OS1st was
is a company built on its founders’ experience in the medical device and sports industries, so their socks are perfect for runners. Dr. Tulpule recommends this brand for their great split-toe design, which features extra targeted padding near the big toe joint. Four separate medical grade compression zones provide arch support and aid circulation. Seamless fabric is infused with silver ion technology that helps prevent odor and moisture, and the thin fabric minimizes irritation that can cause blisters and keeps your feet cool. Note that for durability and longevity, these socks should be hand washed.
Price upon publish date of this article: $24.99
Orthofeet Bunion Relief Socks
Size Range: 4-13 women’s; 7-11.5 men’s
Colorways: Black, White
Material: Rayon, cotton, polyester, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
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These top socks for bunions from trusted brand OrthoFeet have a split-toe design to relieve pressure and prevent friction on your big toe. They also have a very loose knit, stretchy fabric that easily fits over hammer toes and won’t cause irritation. The socks are low cut and constructed thinner in the forefoot so they can be worn in lots of different types of shoes. For even more comfort, the sole is extra padded and the heel has a gel grip strip to keep the socks from slipping down inside your shoes.
Price upon publish date of this article: $26.95
Hanwag Bunion Socks
Size Range: 4-13 Unisex
Colorways: Black
Material: Wool
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Cotton socks are no good for bunions, as they cause friction and have limited cushioning. And they’re not good for hiking either. That’s why these Merino wool socks from Hanwag are perfect for hiking if you have bunions. While they only come in black, they’re offered in unisex sizing for ordering ease and a wide size range. The wool helps regulate your temperature and control moisture which is critical to avoiding bunion irritation on a long hike. And they feature extra cushioning on the big toe joint as well as the sole and heel for major comfort.
Price upon publish date of this article: $30.00
Sockwell Revolution Graduated Compression Socks
Size Range: 4-11 women’s; 7-16 men’s
Colorways: Black, Charcoal, Teal
Material: Wool, rayon, nylon, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Compression socks can boost circulation, reduce swelling in the legs and ankles, and help fight muscle fatigue. These compression socks from Sockwell also supports bunion relief with a seamless split toe design, as well as lightweight bunion pads that surround the toe to minimize irritation and chafing. They feature moderate graduated compression, making them good for everyday wear, and their wool construction helps with temperature regulation and moisture control.
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.99
Injinji Men’s Sport Crew Toesocks
Size Range: 6-12.5 women’s; 5-13.5 men’s
Colorways: Black, Brown, Coyote, Foliage, Mustard, Neon, Orange
Material: Polyester, nylon, lycra
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Designed specifically for men’s and women’s winter boots, these tall socks from Injinji are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. With an individual pocket for every toe, they prevent blisters and irritation. The material is breathable and moisture wicking to provide all-day comfort. Featuring a double cuff and added arch support, these socks for bunions will give you all the support and pain relief you need for your winter activities.
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.00
Thorlo Maximum Cushion Socks
Size Range: 4-13 Women’s; 5.5-15 Men’s
Colorways: White, Black
Material: Acrylic, Nylon, Elastic
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
These socks have extra padding that surrounds the toes and heel, and extends across the arch for maximum cushioning and comfort. The rolltop feature on the heel protects your Achilles from rubbing and irritation, while also keeping the sock from sliding down inside your shoe. These socks are great for physical activity and sports that require stops and starts, or lateral movements like tennis or pickleball due to the padding wrapping up around your foot. Thorlo is known for their super thick padding and comfort as well as their durability, so you can count on that, too.
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
Meaiguo Five-Finger Toe Socks
Size Range: One size
Colorways: Black, Gray, Coffee, Green, Purple, Pink, Black, Tye dye
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Wearing toe socks can reduce blisters and hot spots, promote natural toe and foot alignment, and give you better balance and control. These five-finger toe socks only come in one size but are sold as a four pack for convenience. They’re made of moisture-wicking fabric and are machine washable, and to cut down even further on irritation, the toe pockets are seamless. The crew size offers more protection and warmth, and keeps the sock from sliding down.
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.59
Sockwell Bunion Relief Socks
Size Range: 4-11 Women’s; 7-16 Men’s
Colorways: Ash, Black
Material: Wool, Rayon, Nylon, Spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sockwell is a company committed to making quality, sustainably sourced products in the US. The Bunion Relief Micro Sock offers a seamless, cushioned toe pocket to support the big toe and prevent chafing. The sock has mild arch support that helps keep it in place and function as plantar fasciitis socks, too. And moisture-wicking fabric controls odor so you can wear them all day.
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
Hciot Store Projoint Socks
Size Range: One size
Colorways: Nude and black
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Bunion relief when you need to wear dress shoes can be challenging, but these no-show socks for women are a huge help. They feature super stretchy, breathable elastic and are sold as single pairs, or packs of three, six or ten for convenience. Individual toe pockets promote good balance and improve circulation as well as minimize friction and toe bunching. And a low-cut design allows them to be worn in a variety of shoes, including dress shoes for women. They also feature a grip in the heel to prevent slipping.
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.77
Shashi Women’s Mesh Split-Toe Socks
Size Range: 4-12.5 women’s
Colorways: Black, Charcoal, Nude
Material: Polyester, cotton, lycra
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Some people prefer to be barefoot during yoga. But if you have bunions, you may need pain relief in order to enjoy your practice. These socks have mesh across the top to keep you cool and comfortable. The grips cover the entire bottom to provide stability and traction, but there’s enough cushion in these socks that you won’t feel the grip dots when you’re standing on them. Bunion pressure and pain is relieved with the split-toe design and the socks are lightweight and moisture wicking.
Price upon publish date of this article: $15.99
What to Look for in the Best Socks for Bunions
There are several key features to consider when shopping for the best socks for bunions. Your personal needs and comfort level should be the top priority but in addition to those things, look for bunion socks with the following features:
Cushioning: Bunion socks with more cushioning, particularly around the bunion area, will help minimize pressure and friction from the shoe. Look for socks with extra bunion pads or extra padding in the toe area. Additional padding in the sole or heel of the sock will aid overall comfort as well.
Toe protection: “A key feature to a bunion sock is the split-toe design. This essentially separates the big toe from the second toe, which can help reduce muscle tightness and spasms and provide more cushion,” says Tulpule. A good sock for bunions will often have a pocket or sleeve for the big toe to separate it from the remaining toes. This helps avoid blisters and calluses from the toes rubbing together. Look for socks with minimal or no seams around the toe.
Materials: You’ll want socks for bunions made with materials that minimize friction and are also soft on tender feet. Cotton socks are not the best choice as they can cause a lot of friction on already sore skin. Moisture-wicking or antimicrobial materials are also a good bet for keeping your feet comfortable.
Correct fit: Making sure your socks fit correctly will go a long way to relieving discomfort. Socks that are too big will bunch or slide down and cause chafing, pinching or irritation. Be sure to check the sizing guide before purchasing.
How We Chose the Best Bunion Socks
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To choose the best bunion socks, we first got expert input on how the proper type of bunion socks can help and the most important features to look for. We looked for bunion socks suitable for a variety of activities like running, hiking, and yoga. We also considered socks that supported other foot ailments such as hammertoes or plantar fasciitis. We then researched the best options in each category based on top-rated brands and user reviews, paying special attention to bunion support, cushioning, quality materials, and cost. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Saylee Tulpule, DPM is a podiatrist practicing in Maryland and Washington, DC. She specializes in general podiatric medicine, sports medicine, biomechanics, and elective forefoot surgery. She is a physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Meet the Author
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is a freelance writer specializing in health and fitness topics and product reviews. As a fitness professional and someone who has worked with clients suffering with foot conditions, including bunions, Zeltwanger knows how all types of socks, shoes, and footwear can affect your feet, and knows what to look for when shopping for quality socks for bunions and other foot ailments.
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