So you have a bunion.
Or two.
Finding trail shoes that fit and are comfortable is a challenge in itself.
Choosing a hiking boot when you have a bunion or are prone to them is worse.
We know this because we have bunions too; even the founder of this site has a bunion!
So helping youfind the right footwear isnear and dear to our hearts; thus, we did the research and created this review.
Now then...get ready, because you're about to discover the best hiking boots and shoes for bunions.
Table of Contents
- 1 Bunions and How to Choose the Right Footwear
- 1.1 Bunions and Bunionettes
- 1.2 Best Boot Features for Bunions
- 1.3 Tips for Hiking with Bunions
- 2 Full Review: Women'sBest Hiking Footwear for Bunions
- 2.1 Timberland Women's White Ledge Hiking Boot
- 2.2 KEEN Women's Targhee II Mid WP Hiking Boot
- 2.3 Hanwag Alta Bunion Boot - Women's
- 3 Full Review: Men's Best Hiking Footwear for Bunions
- 3.1 KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Shoe
- 3.2 Lowa Men's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
- 3.3 Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Wide Hiking Shoe
Bunions and How to Choose the Right Footwear
Bunions and Bunionettes
A bunion is a lump at the joint of your big toe that occurs when bone or tissue at the bottom of the toe is moved out of place. This happens as a result of abnormal motion and pressure on the joint. Without the right shoes or boots, your bunion will cause you a lot of pain and discomfort walking to the next room, not to mention how it will feel on a five (or ten) mile hike.
Similar to a bunion is a bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion. A bunionette will occur at the outside of the foot at the base of your little toe. Having a bunionette will cause you similar challenges to a bunion. With the wrong shoes, a hike with a bunionette can quickly turn unpleasant.
The key then, is finding the right footwear. But what makes footwear “right” when you have a bunion (or bunionette)?
Best Boot Features for Bunions
To get started, we will talk about a few features that are key when choosing a hiking boot that will keep you on the trails regardless of bunions.
Wide Toe Box
If you have bunions or bunionettes look for a boot with a wide toe box with depth. With such a boot, your toes won’t be squished and pressure won’t be put on your bunion. Many hiking boots are made with a wide toe box and there are also brands that offer a “wide” boot along with their “regular” width version. This is what you want to keep your eyes out for.
The toe box is the area of the shoe or boot where your toes are. A wide toe box will offer you comfort, especially when wearing them while active for a long period of time. This is because your toes will be able to move around and won’t feel cramped. The wide toe box will also help your balance, as they will have a larger platform that offers additional support.
Whether you have a bunion or a bunionette (or both), boots with a wide toe box are a must.
The Softer the Leather the Better
Boots made of softer leather are best for bunions as pressure on the bunion will cause friction and can lead to localized inflammation. Outside of a soft leather, you want to be sure the material is stretchable.
Support
Good arch support will be important in your boots as it will decrease the pressure on your big toe, which will relieve pain. With good arch support, your weight will be more evenly distributed and not concentrated on your big toe and your bunion. A removable footbed can be helpful; if necessary you can replace it with orthotics that work best for you.
Tips for Hiking with Bunions
Before we launch into our picks for the best hiking boots for bunions, we have a few recommendations for increasing your comfort while on the trails.
Coverage is Key
Think about adding a little extra protection for your bunion or bunionette. Lambswool or moleskin, for example, can be used as additional cushioning for your bunion.
When it comes to protecting your foot, don’t forget to think about your socks. You will want to avoid cotton socks, which have a high “coefficient of friction”. What this means is that they are rough and are likely to irritate the skin over your bunion. They also lack cushioning. Wearing cotton socks with bunions is like asking for trouble.
Instead, find a sock that is made of materials (acrylic materials are popular) that lessen friction from your boots and that offer padding for the bunion. Some socks even encourage separation between the toes. These socks should also wick moisture from your foot.
First, check out out our guide on how to fix a bunion without surgery.
Next, consider taping your bunion. This won't resolve you bunion but it will relieve some of the stress on your foot and encourage normal motion patterns. Check out the video below to learn how to tape your bunion.
FAQs
Keen's Targhee 3 Hiking Shoes offer the stability and traction you need for hiking, without putting pressure on bunions. The spacious toebox and grippy rubber outsole keep us sure-footed when traversing uneven or slippery terrain. Plus, the midsole shank helps stabilize our feet even more.
What brands are best for bunions? ›
To manage and prevent bunion pain, it's advisable to wear shoes that have sufficient width for bunions, a rounded toe box, and appropriate arch support. Brands like Rothy's, Dr. Scholl's, Hoka, New Balance, Clarks, Sole Bliss, Birkenstock, and FitVille offer shoes specifically designed for individuals with bunions.
What are the most comfortable shoes for bunions? ›
Skechers GO WALK FLEX Alani shoes are 100% vegan, and they're our pick for the best budget shoe for bunions because they don't compromise value for comfort (or fun). The foam insole adds a breathable, lightweight layer of long-term, responsive cushioning for all-day comfort.
How do you protect bunions while hiking? ›
You can also protect the bunion with a moleskin or gel-filled pad, available at drugstores. (Make sure your shoes have enough space to accommodate it.) A clinician may recommend semisoft orthoses (shoe inserts) to help position the foot correctly as it strikes the ground.
Are Merrell hiking boots good for bunions? ›
Best hiking boots for bunions: Merrell, Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots ($150) Best ankle bootie for bunions: Cole Haan, Chrystie Square Toe Bootie ($120) Best boot for recovering from bunion surgery: OOFOS, OOmg Bootie ($180)
Are hiking shoes good for bunions? ›
Most people with bunions need more than hiking boots with a wider last. This is why HANWAG has developed a special hallux valgus hiking boot last, our Bunion Last. Our Bunion Last models are designed to provide more room for the feet, but only at the point where you need it, at the base joint of the big toe.
What shrinks bunions? ›
Ways to shrink or prevent bunions from worsening include wearing supportive footwear, taking pain medications or using pain-relieving topical creams, doing bunion stretches and exercises, and using ice packs, warm soaks, and gentle massage.
What is the new fix for bunions? ›
Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone.
What does Epsom salt do for bunions? ›
Soaking your feet in the water a few times a week can help reduce pain and inflammation. You can also add Epsom salt in warm water. The magnesium in salt can help stave off soreness and soothe your bunion.
Are there special shoes for bunions? ›
Orthopedic footwear is specifically designed to address various foot conditions, including bunions. Orthopedic shoes typically incorporate features such as extra cushioning, wide-toe boxes, and arch support. These elements help alleviate bunion pain by providing a supportive and accommodating environment for the feet.
The women's HOKA Bondi 8 emerges as a superstar choice for runners contending with bunions due to its accommodating wide toe box, which offers extra room for bunions and hammer toes.
Are brooks good for bunions? ›
Brooks' solutions for bunions
The Glycerin collection for men and women is equipped with our DNA LOFT technology, which is a cushioned midsole made up of EVA foam, rubber, and air. For an even softer midsole, choose Glycerin 21s for men or women with DNA LOFT v3, our latest nitrogen-infused foam.
How do you wear bunions with boots? ›
Consider going up half a size, especially if you want your boots to accommodate an insert or orthotics. Go Wide: Avoid pointy-toed shoes and instead, opt for a roomy, deep toe box. Look For Straps And Laces: These kinds of boots can be adjusted for a more customized and supportive fit.
How did I cured my bunions naturally? ›
- Massage and Exercise Your Feet. One of the simplest ways to treat your bunions without surgery is to, in fact, exercise your feet. ...
- Take a Paracetamol. ...
- Soak Your Feet in a Foot Bath. ...
- Ice Your Feet. ...
- Put Your Feet Up! ...
- Try Castor Oil. ...
- Try Bunion Pads. ...
- Try Bunion Splints.
Surgical options
Surgical procedures for bunions can be done as single procedures or in combination. They might involve: Removing the swollen tissue from around your big toe joint. Straightening your big toe by removing part of the bone.
Are Merrell sandals good for bunions? ›
If you're looking for a sandal that can keep your feet comfortable all day long, then the Merrell Women's Terran Post II Sandal is definitely worth considering. The rubber sole provides excellent traction and durability.
Should I get wide shoes with bunions? ›
If you form a Bunion and continue to wear ill-fitted shoes, the Bunion will continue to get larger. Fitting a Bunion in a wide shoe, along with proper fitting arch support you are decreasing the chances of it getting any larger and it will also alleviate the pain associated with a Bunion.
Are Clark shoes good for bunions? ›
Pros: Clark's shoes are well-known among people with specialty shoe needs, whether they need a large size or a comfortable fit for a specific foot shape. Nearly any Clark's sandal is a good match for bunions with their memory foam cushioning and open design on the sides of your feet where bunions need room.
Is there a bunion corrector that actually works? ›
Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.
