The 21 Best Sandals for Bunions, According to a Podiatrist

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If you struggle with bunions, you know that finding a shoe that feels comfortable throughout the day can be a tall order. Summer is approaching, and we’ve taken the struggle out of selecting a warm-weather shoe with the best sandals for bunions.

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Bunions are bony protrusions that often occur “when the big toe joint loses its natural position, and over time, deviates laterally,” says Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist and owner of Achilles Running Shop in Pennsylvania. The tip of the big toe ends up pulling toward the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out. Some people can also develop bunions on the base joint of the pinky toe; these are called Tailor’s bunions.

What’s to blame for this condition? Alongside biomechanics — how you walk and where the pressure goes — and good old genetics, those stylish yet unsupportive shoes you love could be one of the main culprits. Shoes that are overly tight in the toe box and/or that put your foot at a suboptimal angle (like super pointy pumps, for example), can cause or exacerbate bunions.

In severe cases, some people may opt for surgery, where a doctor would remove swollen and painful tissue and realign the bone, according the Mayo Clinic. But, there are some non-invasive ways of alleviating bunion pain, like wearing more comfortable shoes and sandals that won’t irritate the painful protrusions. Before your next footwear purchase, there are a few things you need to know to look for in the best shoes for bunions.

Top Sandals for Bunions of 2023

Cole Haan Mojave Slide Sandal

  • Size Range: 5-11

  • Materials: Leather and rubber

  • Colors Available: Black and ivory

  • Special Features: Flexible sole for comfortable walking

Cole Haan Mojave Slide Sandal is a simple, easy purchase for a summer slide that won’t destroy your feet. The cushioned sandals feature a braided suede upper that has some stretch to it, so your feet won’t feel pinched or crammed. The sole of the shoe is flexible, which eases the heel-to-toe transition with each step for a comfortable feel. This suede colorway is new for spring, and we love the neutral tan for easy pairing with denim or dresses.

What reviewers say: “Great sandals – comfy and stylish. They run a tad big. I usually wear a 9, but the 8.5 fit better. These will be a summer staple, definitely recommend.” 

Credit: Courtesy of Cole Haan
Credit: Courtesy of Cole Haan

Courtesy of Cole Haan

Cole Haan Mojave Slide Sandal at Zappos

Price: $130

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Cole Haan Mojave Slide Sandal at Amazon

Price: $130

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Kuru Glide Sandals

Best Sandals for Bunions and Plantar Fasciitis

  • Size Range: 5-12

  • Materials: Leather, metal hardware, and sheepskin lining

  • Colors Available: Walnut Brown, Jet Black, and Taupe

  • Special Features: Three layers of dense cushioning, designed specifically for those dealing with plantar fasciitis and bunions

If you’re dealing with any type of foot pain, odds are that Kuru has a shoe to relieve the ache. The brand’s website allows you to filter shoes by foot concerns: You can shop shoes for plantar fasciitis, shoes for heel pain, and shoes for heel spurs, and more. Kuru’s Glide sandals are created for maximum comfort and pain relief. The insoles feature substantial arch support, a rounded heel cup, and Kuru’s signature triple-layered cushioning that absorbs shock and molds to your feet. The Glides are made with high-quality materials, including top-grain leather straps and sheepskin-wrapped footbeds. If you’re between sizes, opt for the larger size so the shoe doesn’t feel too snug on your bunions.

What reviewers say: “I love the way these sandals look. I haven’t had warm weather yet to wear them but I will say that the footbed is perfect and I can tell that they will live up to the several other pairs of Kuru shoes that I have. I like the fact that I can adjust all the straps. I call Kuru my “miracle” shoes. I can’t live without them.”

Credit: Courtesy of Kuru
Credit: Courtesy of Kuru

Courtesy of Kuru

Kuru Glide Sandals

Price: $135

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Clarks Brookleigh Sun Sandals

  • Size Range: 5.5-11.5

  • Materials: Leather and suede

  • Colors Available: Black, Dark Tan, Grenadine, Light Sand, and Silver

  • Special Features: Responsibly sourced leather; perforated suede footbed for breathability

Clarks is a nearly 200-year old brand known for creating high-quality footwear with advanced construction techniques. The brand’s shoes have a reputation for peerless comfort and lasting durability — just take their new Brookleigh Sun Sandals. These sandals have an ergonomic design that allows your foot to lay comfortably in the footbed, and the adjustable double buckle straps let you customize the fit of the upper so they don’t press or squeeze your bunions. The EVA foam midsole and highly cushioned heel cup will have you walking on clouds. They run small, so consider sizing up.

What reviewers say: “I am thrilled with these shoes having despaired over finding anything to fit a high instep without rubbing. The sole is really cushioned. They are light. I highly recommend them.”

Credit: Courtesy of Clarks
Credit: Courtesy of Clarks

Courtesy of Clarks

Clark’s Brookleigh Sun Leather Sandals

Price: $110

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Oofos Ooahh Slides

Best Slides for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-16

  • Materials: Foam

  • Colors Available: Black, navy, green, slate, blue

  • Special Features: Designed for recovery from workouts and walking

Oofos Ooahh Slide sandal is an uber-comfy slide has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s stamp of approval for encouraging foot health. The super-soft texture is meant to be supportive but also provide much-needed relief from pressure placed on your feet and joints, which is important when you have bunions. If you work from home often, switch to wearing these every few hours instead of going barefoot to provide some easy foot recovery.

What reviewers say: “I have neuropathy, flat footed with serious bunions. My feet gave been in constant pain for at least 6 years now. These sandals have made a remarkable difference. After a day of wearing these I have very little pain. This is a miracle for me. These sandals are incredibly supportive and hug my feet in all the right places. The spasms in my feet and calves has also subsided.” 

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon


Vionic Mayla Sandals

Best Podiatrist-Designed Sandal for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-11

  • Materials: Synthetic leather

  • Colors Available: Black, Cream, Blue, and Orange

  • Special features: Footbed designed by podiatrists

Vionic’s Mayla sandal gives your toes room to breathe and stretch, so you don’t have to worry about rubbing or pinching while you get from A to B. The sandal also includes a podiatrist-designed footbed that promotes stability and even weight distribution to prevent any pressure on your big toe. As an added bonus, the brand allows a 30-day wear test, so you can try these out for a month to be sure they’re comfortable before you commit to owning them.

What reviewers say: “I have a difficult time finding shoes. My feet are wide with bunions and I NEED arch support, which is why I often buy Vionic. As soon as I slipped these on, they were comfortable – especially because the straps are cushioned. I highly recommend these sandals.”

Credit: Courtesy of Vionic
Credit: Courtesy of Vionic

Courtesy of Vionic

Vionic Mayla Sandals at Zappos

Price: $110

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Vionic Mayla Sandals

Price: $110

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Vagabond Blenda Sandals

Best Fashionable Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 6-12

  • Materials: Leather and rubber

  • Colors Available: Black, Off-White, Light Brown, Dark Brown

  • Special Features: Responsibly sourced leather

Vagabond’s Blenda sandals deliver a secure foundation for hurting feet. They have a little bit of height to get your feet at a comfortable position, with a molded sole that keeps your foot stabilized all day. They’re made with high-quality leather materials, which means they might take a minute to break in but mold to your feet as they do. They’re the kind of supportive shoes you’ll look forward to wearing out to dinner. They’re also celebrity-approved: Gigi Hadid and Emma Roberts are fans of the brand.

What reviewers say: “I bought these sandals to wear on a European vacation, lots of walking! They are extremely comfortable from the first day, did not need to be broken in.” 

 

Credit: Courtesy of Vagabond
Credit: Courtesy of Vagabond

Courtesy of Vagabond

Vagabond Blenda Sandals at Vagabond

Price: $120

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Vagabond Blenda Sandals at Free People

Price: $120

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Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Sandals

Best Thong-Style Sandal for Bunions

  • Size Range: 4-11.5 in regular and wide widths

  • Materials: Acrylic and polyamide felt, cork, and suede

  • Colors Available: Black, gold, pearl, silver, white, brown, navy

  • Special Features: Arch support; sustainable materials

This thong-style Birkenstock Gizeh sandal won’t irritate your bunions, and features suede-lined, contoured footbeds with arch support that only get more comfortable as you wear them. The footbed is also crafted from 100% renewable and sustainable cork, so buying these is a good choice for the planet as well as your feet. Other highlights include durable, shock-absorbing EVA outsoles, a deep heel cup to help distribute body weight more evenly and an adjustable buckle to fine-tune the fit. Birkenstock shoes are consistently recommended by foot health experts because of their wide, supportive base that won’t crush toes.

What reviewers say: “I love/loved everything about these…they’re comfortable, mold to my feet and provide great support. However, they only lasted two summers before cracking on the sides and the sole is completely worn down. I’ve worn Birks for years. I have pairs that have lasted for years. None have have ever cracked on the sides like this pair. The quality has gone straight down the tubes. It’s upsetting because it use to be a great supportive shoe.”

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos
Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

Courtesy of Zappos

Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Sandals at Zappos

Price: $100

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Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Flip Flop at Nordstrom

Price: $99.95

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Aerosoles Lucas Lug Platform Slide Sandal

  • Size Range: 5-12

  • Materials: Leather and synthetics

  • Colors Available: Brown, gunmetal, black

  • Special Features: Lug sole

Aerosoles Lucas Lug Platform Slide Sandal are a great option for those who want to get in on the chunky, lug-sole sandal trend but without sacrificing their feet. Aerosole’s signature support won’t feel flimsy in the slightest and the thick, single leather strap across the top looks great with wide-leg linen pants and sundresses.

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

Courtesy of Nordstrom


Eileen Fisher Duet Tumbled Leather Sandal

Best Sneaker-like Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-11

  • Materials: Leather

  • Colors Available: Black and Sunbeam Yellow

  • Special Features: Substantial padding on the heel, arch, and toe

Eileen Fisher Duet Tumbled Leather Sandals are sneakily supportive. At a glance, they look like a chic pair of steppers for a casual day at the office or a weekend errand run. But unlike some slide sandals, these have a secret thong sandal element that helps your feet stay secure after you slip them on. The buttery leather won’t rub your bunions, and the platform style sole gives you a little lift without putting pressure on the front of your foot.

Credit: Courtesy of Eileen Fisher
Credit: Courtesy of Eileen Fisher

Courtesy of Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher Duet Tumbled Leather Sandal at Nordstrom

Price: $195

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Eileen Fisher Duet Tumbled Leather Sandal at Neiman Marcus

Price: $195

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FitFlop Eloise Back-Strap Espadrille Wedge

Best Wedge Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-11

  • Materials: Leather and synthetic

  • Colors Available: Beige, Blush, Navy, Cream, Tan

  • Special Features: Ergonomically designed footbed

FitFlop Eloise Back-Strap Espadrille Wedges are some of the most stylish sandals we’ve seen that don’t skip out on foot health or arch support details. Fitflop — one of Mendeszoon’s brands of choice — starts with a biomechanically correct footbed and then designs the shoe from there. These will save your feet and, more importantly, all of your very good summer outfits.

What reviewers say: “I had a bunion surgery and broke my toes this year. My doctor recommended this brand because I don’t want to live in my hokas when I go out. Wide enough and no blisters. I was doubtful but wore them I full day (over 12 hours) with no issues. Definitely worth a shot!” 

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Price: $160

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Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals

Best Outdoor Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-12

  • Materials: Vegan EVA

  • Colors Available: White, sand, birch, black, lavender, cyan blue, green, aloe, pink, red, lavender blue, rose tan, yellow, mango

  • Special Features: Waterproof and lightweight

Teva’s adventure-ready Hurricane Drift sandal also leaves room for bunions and features hook-and-loop straps to stabilize and support your foot while walking on uneven terrain. Tevas are Mendeszoon-approved, and these are particularly great if you experience more rubbing or pressure in a heavy shoe. At seven ounces, they’re super lightweight and even designed to float should you decide to take them waterside. These come highly recommended by Amazon reviewers for being easy to wear and pack.

What reviewers say: “I’ve been wanting Teva’s forever and thought I would give this simple style a shot. I absolutely love them! I have more of a narrow foot and am between a 6-7 in shoes. I ordered a 6 and they fit perfectly! Definitely will order more colors and styles in the future!” 

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals

Price: $22-$101

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Dansko Racquel Sandals

Best Shoes for Standing All Day With Bunions

  • Size Range: 5.5-12

  • Materials: EVA, rubber, recycled webbing

  • Colors Available: Black, blue, herringbone, yellow, sky multi

  • Special Features: Extra support in Dansko Natural Arch technology

The Dansko Racquel sandal is built for ultimate comfort. The adjustable straps around both the top of the foot and the ankle sit softly around your bunions rather than irritate them. Dankso is one of North Carolina-based podiatrist Jane Anderson’s favorite brands for work shoes for women, especially to wear at jobs that require long hours on your feet, thanks to the label’s stabilizing arch technology that keeps your foot in a supported, neutral position.

What reviewers say: “If you have heel pain, issues with walking due to poor knees and/or heels. This is the shoe for you. For me the only shoes I buy are Dankso. Basically “ortho” shoes that are cute.”

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon


Aetrex Jess Sandals

Best Sandals for Bunions With Arch Support

  • Size Range: 35W-42W

  • Materials: Leather, synthetic leather, microfiber and foam

  • Colors Available: Smoke

  • Special Features: Built-in orthotic arch support

This strappy Aetrex Jess sandal is designed with an orthotic system built right into the foundation of the shoe. The expertly-designed arch support shoes for women stabilize and align feet in a way that helps alleviate pain from bunions and other foot ailments, too, like plantar fasciitis and arch pain. The memory foam footbed has just the right amount of softness and molds to your foot for lasting ease of wear. The straps are adjustable, making them great for working around bunions that are acting up.

What reviewers say: “I have very bad feet and walking around all day is just miserable for me with most shoes. I went on vacation and spent 3 full days walking and my feet didn’t hurt at all. I will be ordering more of these shoes.”

Credit: Courtesy of Aetrex
Credit: Courtesy of Aetrex

Courtesy of Aetrex

Aetrex Jess Sandals at Amazon

Price: $99.95

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Naot Verbena Sandals

  • Size Range: 4-11

  • Materials: Cork, latex and suede

  • Colors Available: Black, beige, olive, maple brown, slate, navy, brown

  • Special Features: Slip-resistant

These Noat Verbena sandals are designed with a soft suede upper, adjustable leather ankle straps and breathable cork footbed with arch support that can be removed to accommodate custom orthotics. They’re offered in a variety of colorways to choose from and lend a subtle boost of height, too. A little bit of height puts your foot in a supported position and can help relieve pressure put on pain points while you walk.

What reviewers say: “These sandals fit my foot perfectly and were comfortable from the start–no break in period required. Yeah!! I have been wearing them for a month and the footbed feels like I’m walking on a cloud and is already taking the shape of my foot. The padded ankle strap feels so cushy. I’m ordering another pair in a different color today!”

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Naot Verbena Sandals

Price: $180

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Chacos Z1 Classic Sandals

Best Hiking Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-12 with wide options

  • Materials: Jacquard webbing, rubber, 

  • Colors Available: Black, moss, tie dye, lavender, clay, navy, brown, red, green, blue, and more

  • Special Features: Fully adjustable straps allow a custom fit

Chacos’ Z1 sport sandal is another favorite for the outdoor-inclined and go-to brand of Mendeszoon. It’s probably no surprise that cheap flip-flops aren’t the best bet for promoting proper foot ailment, but these are a solid replacement. Chacos are known for staying on, offering the kind of security that’s ideal for a foot in pain. The jacquard webbing straps wrap around the foot and ankle for sneaker-like support without any of the rubbing.

What reviewers say: “I have wide feet and I was pleasantly surprised to see that these came in a wide! I have another pair of wide Chacos but the straps go around my toe and sometimes it feels uncomfortable and is harder to slip in an out of. These don’t have the toe loop and it makes them easier to put on and take off. This is an original footbed, meaning there will be a break in period, if you don’t want to have to break in your Chacos, buy one with the cloud footbed. I got the tie dye and I couldn’t be happier with them!”

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon


Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Best Cork Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 4-12.5 with wide options

  • Materials: Leather, cork and suede

  • Colors Available: Black, brown, navy, blue, tan, khaki, iron

  • Special Features: Wide sole accommodates bunions

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the ultra-comfy Birkenstock Arizona sandal (aka the shoe that launched a thousand spin-offs). Podiatrists, including Mendeszoon, love the moldable cork footbed in Birkenstocks. This shoe specifically has a wide, supportive base for proper toe and foot alignment. Shoes are often made too narrow, but Birkenstock slides are soft but supportive and don’t push up against any painful points.

What reviewers say: “Most comfortable sandals ever! I got the suede and they are the softest of the styles. I have a pair of the other kind and they are nowhere near as comfortable. The regular width size is way to wide for me. I have the buckle on the last hole tightened all the way and they are still too wide. so unless you have really fat feet…get the narrow size.”

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals at Zappos

Price: $135

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Birkenstock Arizona Slide Sandal at DSW

Price: $110

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Nisolo Go-To Flatform Sandals

Best Summer Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-11

  • Materials: Leather and EVA

  • Colors Available: Almond, brandy, black, bone, black and bone, rose and bone, rose

  • Special Features: Cushioned insole

The flatform on these Nisolo sandals is the same height all around (one inch), which helps to evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure on the forefoot. The silhouette also feature a wide, open toe and soft, supportive footbed with an adjustable heel strap to help reduce pressure on your feet. It’s made with an airy EVA midsole and shock-absorbing, memory foam insole for the most lightweight kind of support you can get. Plus, the leather upper is water-resistant — ideal for keeping on hand poolside during the summertime.

What reviewers say: “Very comfy sandal!!! Fit true to size and good width.”

Credit: Courtesy of Nisolo
Credit: Courtesy of Nisolo

Courtesy of Nisolo

Nisolo Go-To Flatform Sandals at Amazon

Price: $130

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Aerosoft Daffodil Sandals

  • Size Range: 5-10

  • Materials: Synthetic leather

  • Colors Available: Brown, green, black

  • Special Features: Water-resistant material

Aerosost’s Daffodil sandal features a soft, synthetic leather upper that will wrap around your bunion comfortably and provide coverage. Orthotic arch support insoles and a deeper heel cup help aid in proper alignment for enhanced stability. What’s more, the pair is also water-resistant and quick-drying, so you can even wear these when it’s dewy outside without worrying about damaging them.

What reviewers say: “I have purchased this brand before- doesn’t disappoint . Well crafted and the sole is comfortable – no need to break in.” 

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

 

Aerosoft Daffodil Sandals at Walmart

Price: $36.99

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Vionic Tide Post II Sandals

Best Flip-Flops for Bunions

  • Size Range: 5-12

  • Materials: Rubber, leather and cork

  • Colors Available: Cream, purple, black, orange, pink, gray, red, blush and more

  • Special Features: Podiatrist-designed footbed and deep heel cup for extra support

Vionic’s Tide Post II sandal is a stellar flip-flop. Not only does it give painful bunions some space to breathe, but it also has arch support and a podiatrist-designed Motion Control footbed, which cups around your heel to prevent your foot from gripping with every step. What’s more, the footbed feels soft to the touch, going gentle on bunions and other foot pains.

What reviewers say: “This is my second pair of these in black. I also have two other colors. I live in Hawaii and ran into trouble with plantar fasciitis after walking around barefoot. Since then I have worn nothing but these except for fancy nights out when I wear a slightly fancy sandal. Hey, I live in Hawaii. I have actually been surprised how my very painful problems have gone away. Sizing of these run a bit large. If you usually wear size 7-1/2, size down to 7, for example. They also last a long time. I won’t wear anything else.”

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon


Bronax Pillow Slippers

Best Affordable Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 4-14.5, unisex fit

  • Materials: EVA

  • Colors Available: Black, brown, blue, green, pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, and more

  • Special Features:

Bronax Pillow slippers have been all over the Internet because of their cloud-like construction. Similar to a recovery slide for women, they have a super-soft construction that takes the pressure away from your joints and other pain points. These are really soft and malleable, which makes them a great shoe to have around on days when your bunions are especially painful. We also like them for wearing around the house.

What reviewers say: “Bought these shoes after seeing them all over TikTok and they really are great! The most comfortable shoes I own, it really is like walking on clouds! I usually wear a 8.5 and I got the 7.5-8.5 size and they fit perfectly. Highly recommend and way cheaper than the name brand!”

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon


Dr. Scholl’s Only You Platform Sandal

Best Wedge Sandals for Bunions

  • Size Range: 6-11

  • Materials: Leather and rubber

  • Colors Available: Honey, Black, White, Blue

  • Special Features: Contoured insole

Dr. Scholl’s Only You Platform Sandals that Dr. Scholl’s comfort guarantee into a slight heel that won’t put your foot at a dramatic (and painful) angle. The strappy design keeps your foot firmly in place, but the leather material has a bit of stretch to accommodate your bunions. The insole is contoured to fit your foot without forcing your foot to fit into it, and the soles are flexible. Expect these shoes to move with you rather than against you.

What reviewers say: “These shoes are sleek and comfortable. I have wide feet but it gives my foot a slimmer look.”

 

Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Scholl's
Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Scholl's

Courtesy of Dr. Scholl's

Dr. Scholl’s Only You Platform Sandals at Amazon

Price: $59.99

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Dr. Scholl’s Only You Platform Sandals at Nordstrom

Price: $70

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What to Look for in the Best Sandals for Bunions

  • A solid fit: By their nature, sandals have less meat to them and generally have to work much harder to provide the kind of support that something like a sneaker can. Sandals are fine to wear periodically, says Mendeszoon, but make sure they fit your foot well both in length and width. This gives your foot room to spread out and keep your toes from cramping up together.

  • Flexible fabrics: Materials with some give, like soft leather or stretchy fabric, won’t put excess pressure on bunions. Soft interior materials also help reduce irritation. Additionally, Mendeszoon recommends looking at cork materials, which mold to your foot over time.

  • A supportive footbed: As with any other comfortable shoe you’d buy, look for sandals with supportive footbeds that help minimize fatigue, stress and strain on the whole foot and won’t dig into areas of pain, Dr. Mendeszoon says. If you also suffer from additional foot conditions like high arches or flat feet, Mendeszoon recommends wearing sandals periodically rather than all the time. Look for shoes for flat feet, shoes for wide feet, and walking shoes for high arches with cushioned, supportive footbeds. As a rule of thumb, hiking sandals are usually great warm-weather options, as they’re built to provide lasting, durable support.

  • A neutral heel-to-toe drop: High heels put pressure on the front of your foot, which can exacerbate bunions and cause them to feel more painful throughout the day. If you’d like a little height, look for platform sandals rather than three-inch-tall wedges.


Are There Fashionable Sandals for Bunions?

Although words like “bunions” and “orthopedic sandals” don’t exactly scream New York Fashion Week, brands are prioritizing comfort across their sandal styles, meaning you don’t have to settle for clunky, unstylish shoes just to work around your feet. Brands like Vagabond and Birkenstock are of the moment, and they make fashionable sandals for bunions in a variety of styles — celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Katie Holmes have been spotted wearing bunion-friendly Birkenstocks, for example. And functional footwear is a whole fashion trend unto itself — just take Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance MM6 x Salomon sneakers, or Hailey Bieber’s Nike Air Max 95 shoes. In the realm of sandals for bunions, you can find cute summer sandals with flirty and fun details to wear to work or out to brunch, and plenty of platform wedge sandals for dressier occasions. There’s no shortage of sandals that leave enough room for toes and support your feet.


How We Chose the Best Sandals for Bunions

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 select the best sandals for bunions, we started out by interviewing a top podiatrist. Using the podiatrist’s picks and shopping tips, we scoured the market to find sandals with a roomy toe box, flexible fabrics, supportive footbeds, and a neutral heel-to-toe drop. We made sure to choose sandals in a variety of styles for different occasions. We also included sandals that feel comforting for other foot conditions, like high arches or flat feet.


Meet the Expert

Dr. Mark Mendeszoon is a multi-board certified podiatrist who treats all surgical and non-surgical conditions of the leg, ankle, and foot in both adults and children. He specializes in trauma, sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including Total Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery. Dr. Mendeszoon also owns Achilles Running Shop, which caters to runners, walkers, and athletes of all levels.


Meet the Authors

Christine Flammia writes about style, grooming, and more; she is the former associate style editor of Esquire and is currently pursuing a PhD in communications at Columbia. When Flammia is not at school, she can be found testing the latest and greatest footwear, including comfortable sandals for bunions. Flammia wrote the original version of this best sandals for bunions story, interviewing experts, conducting research, and cross-checking customer reviews to select the very best.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, sandals included. Sullivan wrote the update of this best sandals for bunions story for 2023 with new the product selections to reflect new technology and styles on the market this season.

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