The 11 Best Sandals for Bunions, According to a Podiatrist

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The best sandals for bunions provide arch support, proper cushioning and are wide enough to fit comfortably.
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If you have bunions, you probably spend a good amount of time researching how to reduce the discomfort that comes with these bony bumps at the base of your big toe.

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One big factor, of course, is your footwear.

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Sandals aren't always the best choice, as they tend to offer less support than other types of shoes, which can worsen bunions, says Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, DPM, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Dunn, North Carolina.

What's more: "Multiple issues such as blisters, joint inflammation and painful skin lesions can also develop from wearing a shoe, such as a sandal, that has a strap that comes across the bony prominence," Dr. Daughtry says.

That doesn't mean you ‌can't‌ wear sandals with bunions — you just need to pick the right pair.

Here are the best bunion-friendly sandals that are both supportive and comfortable (and while you're at it, check out our top picks for bunion-friendly shoes and boots to wear with bunions.)

The Best Sandals for Bunions

How We Chose

We chatted with a podiatrist, who shared her top recommendations for sandals that won't aggravate your bunion and may even help relieve some discomfort. We relied on her expertise and used the following criteria to narrow down our top picks:

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  • Comfort
  • Support
  • Materials
  • Cost
  • Availability

Find more information on how we choose and cover products.

A Note on Language

Sandal brands tend to market their products to men or women, which is why we've included this language below. However, we encourage people to choose the shoe that best suits them, regardless of marketing lingo around gender.

1. NAOT Kayla Sandal

Best Overall

NAOT Kayla

These sandals are supportive, stylish and designed to accommodate feet with bunions.

Pros

  • Backstrap for support
  • Anatomic cork and latex footbed
  • APMA-approved

Cons

  • Soles may wear out quickly
  • Pricey

Not only is this sandal functional, fashion-forward and versatile (because it comes in more than 20 different shades), but it also has a shape that will accommodate any foot structure — even with a bunion deformity.

“With a backstrap to support the heel and wide forefoot straps that fit around the bony prominence, this is a great option for women looking for a dress sandal that is comfortable but fashionable,” Dr. Daughtry says.

As a cherry on top, this shoe was given the stamp of approval by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health.

2. ‌Teva Women's Hurricane Drift Akle-Strap Sandal

Best on a Budget

Teva Hurricane Drift Ankle-Strap Sandal

Strap on these lightweight sandals to make just about any activity more comfortable with bunions.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Hook-and-loop closure
  • Adjustable straps

Cons

  • Tends to run big

Sandals designed for foot issues like bunions often come with a higher price tag, mostly because they’re higher quality than other sandals. That’s what makes this Teva sandal so special.

It retails for less than $50, yet it offers many features that can alleviate bunion-related issues. It’s lightweight, roomy and offers adjustable straps and a hook-and-loop closure so you can make sure it fits just right.

3. ‌Skechers Women's Reggae-Trailway Sandal Flip-Flop

Best for Walking

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing
  • Rubber traction
  • Webbing fabric

Cons

  • Can cause irritation if it runs too large

If you’re looking for a sporty, ergonomic sandal for the summer or a warm-weather vacation, these casual cross-strap sandals are a great choice.

They feature patterned webbing fabric with soft suede inside and a contoured footbed to provide maximum comfort, which means you can walk in them for hours without bunion pain.

They're also shock-absorbing, which comes in handy if you plan on clocking miles.

4. ‌Kuru Footwear Tread Sandal

Best for Hiking

Kuru Tread

These supportive sandals are ready for adventuring.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Ankle, heel and arch support
  • Durable design

Cons

  • Not easy to break in

Sometimes you don’t feel like wearing full-on hiking shoes, but would prefer a sandal that offers adequate support to allow you to do your thing.

This pick from Kuru Footwear offers all the key features that make for maximum comfort and minimize any pain associated with bunions — we’re talking arch, ankle and heel support.

They help keep you strapped in thanks to an advanced hook-and-loop closure and are even waterproof should you encounter any streams or puddles along the trail.

‌5. Vionic Women's Terra Flat Sandal

Best for Wide Feet

Vionic Women's Terra Flat Sandal

These podiatrist-designed sandals leave plenty of room for wide feet with bunions.

Pros

  • Podiatrist designed
  • Three-zone comfort
  • Wide sizing offered

Cons

  • Velcro strap opens easily

Deeper and wider shoes are always a great choice when you have a bunion, Dr. Daughtry says. The more narrow a shoe is, the less accommodating it is for a wider foot structure or one with foot problems.

Not only does this Vionic sandal have an open front that doesn’t pigeon-hole your foot, it also comes in wide versions for each and every size.

The footbed was actually designed by a podiatrist and offers comfort and support for those with bunions.

6. Fulton Athletic Insole

Best Orthotic

Fulton Athletic Insole

These insoles add a little extra support to the shoes you already have.

Pros

  • Custom molding
  • Shock absorption
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • Run small

Orthotics are inserts that go the extra mile when it comes to providing adequate support for your feet. They especially come in handy if you have bunions.

Fulton offers shock-absorbing insoles crafted from supportive and eco-friendly materials. They’re made by hand in Portugal and offer maximum shock absorption, custom molding and ultimate comfort.

It takes about 10 hours of wear, but they ultimately provide a fit that’s unique to your foot in sandals or other shoes.

7. Orthofeet Paloma Sandal

Best for Bunions and Hammertoes

Orthofeet Paloma Sandal

This foot-friendly sandal offers support without sacrificing style.

Pros

  • Padded interior
  • Cushioned sole
  • Orthotic insoles

Cons

  • Limited colors available

Hammertoes are another common foot problem marked by an abnormal bend in one of the toes that leads to an imbalance of the tiny muscles and ligaments that maintain the toe’s structure.

As with bunions, hammertoes can’t always be prevented; sometimes they're caused by genetics. The right shoe, however, can make a big difference.

This Paloma Sandal by Orthofeet cushions the foot thanks to premium orthotic insoles and an arch booster that actually realigns your foot and body posture. Its padded interior cuts down on irritation, and its cushioned insole provides adequate comfort.

Don't miss our full roundup of the best shoes for hammertoes.

8. Orthofeet Hydra Sandals

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Orthofeet Hydra Sandals

It can be hard to find sandals that support feet with both bunions and plantar fasciitis, but this pick does the trick.

Pros

  • Designed for foot ailments
  • 60-day comfort guarantee
  • Arch support
  • Cushioned sole

Cons

  • Limited colors available

These sandals are especially designed to support feet with myriad anatomical issues, including bunions and plantar fasciitis.

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They have cushioned soles that have a mild rocker that gives you a little boost while you're walking and a rubber outsole that helps you grip the ground.

Their two-way strap system helps facilitate simple on-off maneuvering and their soft, padded fabric cuts down on irritation.

9. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed

Best for Bunions and Flat Feet

Birkenstock Arizona

There's a reason these sandals pop up on so many "best" footwear lists.

Men's and Women's

Pros

  • Anatomically correct footbed
  • Natural heel profile
  • Deep heel cup

Cons

  • Limited sizes available

Bunions actually develop from the flattening of the front part of the foot (or pronation) movement during the gait cycle, Dr. Daughtry says, so it can be helpful to wear shoes that help correct that flatness.

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These shoes have a deep arch, which helps support the natural curvature of your foot.

Their anatomically correct cork footbed helps distribute your weight evenly so you feel well-balanced and fully in control of your movements.

The flexible EVA outsole is lightweight and shock-absorbing to ensure durability through years of use.

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(Psst: See our full list of the best shoes for flat feet.)

10. NAOT Elegant Eliana Sandal

Pros

  • Back strap for support
  • Anatomic cork and latex footbed
  • APMA seal of approval

Cons

  • Limited sizes available

Despite wedge sandals being challenging to find in a style that provides comfort, true to their brand, NAOT delivers with the Elegant Eliana Sandal.

It has a slingback design that provides comfort and a double hook and loop strap that makes for easy on-off.

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The latex footbed molds to the shape of your foot and supports the arch well.

Like many other NAOT shoes, this one gets the APMA seal of approval for promoting good foot health.

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11. ‌Tread Labs Men's Covelo Sandal

Best for Men

Tread Labs Men's Covelo Sandal

These sandals are made with men in mind, although anyone can wear them.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Arch support
  • Replaceable rubber outsole

Cons

  • Runs small (size up)

While bunions are more common in women, according to InformedHealth.org, men suffer from them too, and owning the right kind of sandal that offers support for this bone deformity can make all the difference.

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This one from Tread Labs offers maximum arch support, a sturdy midsole and a replaceable rubber outsole. The side buckle allows you to adjust the fit and the open back makes for an easy on-off.

What to Look for in Sandals for Bunions

1. Cushion

Proper cushioning and padding in sandals is beneficial for bony prominences. This, Dr. Daughtry explains, is due to the various foot deformities that can occur with bunions, as the padding helps protect skin from blistering and corn or callus formation.

"Forefoot and heel areas naturally lose their elasticity and fat over time, just like shoes, so finding a shoe that offers this as an option is always a plus," she adds.

2. Support

It can be difficult to find a sandal that offers adequate arch support, but it is important to do so, especially if you have a bunion.

Dr. Daughtry recommends seeking out a brand that offers the ability to add insoles or makes a sandal with built-in arch support or padding in the central arch area (metatarsal padding), as this will limit excessive pressure on the forefoot and prevent excessive pronation or flattening of the arch leading to progression or worsening of bunions.

3. Width

It's important to select a sandal wide enough to accommodate the extra room taken up by your bunion. For this reason, it's important to understand the width of footwear needed to fit your specific foot — bunion included.

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Unsure of the width of your foot? You can always take a pencil and paper and trace the outside of your foot to better visualize and measure the width.

4. Depth

Just as with width, the depth of a shoe matters when you're dealing with a bunion.

"Skin irritation or pain when walking can be avoided if the style of the sandal is made to accommodate for the bony protrusion of foot deformities," notes Dr. Daughtry. "The thing to be careful of with shoes that are deeper in regards to sandals is the fact that straps should fit across the foot snug enough that the foot does not slide around, as this makes the shoe more difficult to walk in but also can cause additional friction."

When to See a Podiatrist

If, at any point, your bunion is causing you debilitating pain that affects your ability to carry out day-to-day activities, it's time to see a podiatrist who can better guide you toward a solution that can alleviate your discomfort.

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.