Stylish doesn’t always mean comfortable, and this holds true for fashionable sandals. If you have bunions—which appear as bumps on the side of the big toes—it can make it difficult to wear them. According to Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America based in Georgia, some sandals can be problematic because they don’t offer enough support and put abnormal pressure and stress on your toes. Think: strappy sandals that dig into your skin—not fun.
“This causes them to be misaligned over time,” says Dr. Alvarez. As a result, people may experience pain or difficulty walking. This doesn’t mean you have to ditch sandals altogether—you just have to find the best stylish sandals for bunions.
What to look for in sandals for bunions
The best sandals for bunions come down to a few factors. For starters, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the width of the straps. Bunions need room and air, too, so it’s best to steer clear of sandals with narrow toe boxes. Closed-toe and narrow shoes can bunch the toes close together, compress against the bunion, and further cause bunion irritation and pain, say Ashley Russo, DPM, MS, podiatry resident at NYU Langone Hospital. If you need more wiggle room, Dr. Alvarez suggests sandals with adjustable straps. You can customize the fit and adjustable straps “can help ensure that pressure is evenly distributed across your foot, preventing irritation and discomfort,” he says.
Strap material and design matters, too. A good general rule is the softer and more flexible the straps, the better. “Choose sandals with soft, flexible straps that don’t press too tightly against the bunion area; this will help relieve discomfort cause by rubbing or chafing,” adds Dr. Alvarez. He recommends materials like leather or canvas; these materials will minimize irritation against your bunions. Also, sandals with “either a cut-out or flexible material surrounding the bump, such as neoprene, are great options for patients suffering from painful bunions,” Dr. Russo adds.
And don’t forget arch support! Whether it comes in the form of a custom or prefabricated orthotic, supportive footbeds provide cushioning and shock absorption.
We chatted with several podiatrists about what to look for in the best stylish sandals for bunions. Ahead, find their bump-friendly recommendations.
Best bunion-friendly sandals
Teva, Ankle-Strap Sandal — $43.00
Sizes available: 5-12
Dr. Alvarez recommends roomier sandals at the forefoot, and “this lightweight sandal features a wide toe box and adjustable ankle strap, making it perfect for people with bunions,” says Dr. Alvarez. Engineered with a rubber and ergonomic sole, this shoe makes comfort a top priority and it’s fashionable, too, thanks to Teva’s signature straps. Best yet? The hook-and-loop closure makes putting the shoe on and off a breeze. Available in 15 fun colors, this shoe has endless outfit options.
Colors: 15
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Easy to put on
- Affordable
Birkenstock, Gizeh Birko-Flor — $97.00
Sizes available: 4-11.5, in half sizes and two widths
If you need a comfy shoe that won’t sound the alarm to the fashion police, a safe bet is Birkenstock’s Gizeh Birko-Flor. The thong style won’t irritate your bunion and is a classic style, so you know this pair will be wardrobe mainstay. The shoe touts an ergonomic footbed made of cork—which is renewable and sustainable—so your feet feel supported all day. Even Dr. Alvarez approves: “This classic sandal features a supportive leather footbed, shock-absorbing EVA sole, and adjustable straps that won’t press too tightly against the bunion.”
Colors: 12
- Durable
- Adjustable
- Has ergonomic footbed
Vionic, Mayla Sandal — $110.00
Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes
Podiatrists love Vionic because the brand offers comfy and stylish footwear—and when it comes to sandal options, the Mayla Sandal is one of the best. “This stylish sandal combines fashion and function with a wide toe box and podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed for superior support,” Dr. Alvarez notes. Since the puffer-like straps aren’t constricting, you won’t have to worry about bunion irritation. Complete the look with a flow-y dress. Hello, style. Farewell, bump pain!
Colors: 4
- Puffer-like straps
- Has podiatrist-designed footbed
- Easy to put on
Cole Haan, Mojave Slide Sandal — $130.00
Sizes available: 5-10.5, in half sizes
If you’re looking for thick straps, Dr. Alvarez says Cole Haan’s Mojave Slide Sandal should be at the top of your list. Fusing fashion and comfort, “this slip-on sandal features a cushioned footbed and thick straps that won’t press too tightly against the bunion,” he says. It’s also a shoe that will transcend time with its durable leather upper and lining. Also, no more slips and slides with the grippy bottom.
Colors: 4
- Cushioned footbed
- Thick straps
- Has a grippy bottom
Tory Burch, Miller Cloud Sandals — $198.00
Sizes available: 4-11, in half sizes
Beloved for their leather bags, Tory Burch also makes shoes that podiatrists approve of. Featuring a thong style, the Miller Cloud Sandals allow plenty of room for your toes and bump to move, and is unlikely to irritate your bunion. Another notable feature is the “dual-density foam insole for added cushion” and support, says Dr. Russo. It’s available in nine colors, from white to tan to black, so there’s plenty of outfit opportunities.
Colors: 9
- Thong style
- Dual-density foam insole
- Roomy toe box
Hoka, Ora Luxe — $78.00
Sizes available: 5-16
For those who say sporty sandals can’t be stylish, the Hoka Ora Luxe proves them wrong. These chunky soles are not only cute, but they’re podiatrist-approved. These sandals feature an adjustable Ariaprene strap, which is made of a blend of foam and mesh that’s non-irritating on the bunion bump, explains Dr. Russo. Choose from a whopping 18 colors, from eggnog to mauve, and take these sandals out for a walk, grocery store runs, or outings.
Colors: 18
- Adjustable strap
- Strap made of mesh and foam
- Lightweight
Vionic, Terra Sandal — $100.00
Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths
For people with bunions, Dr. Russo recommends shoes with wider toe boxes, and Vionic Terra’s Sandal comes in a wide width. Also a bonus? The thong style, which gives your toes and bunion more wiggle room. The shoe also “features an EVA footbed that contours to your feet with a supportive adjustable ankle strap” and absorbs shock, she says. Simple, comfy, and adjustable—what’s not to love about the Terras?
Colors: 4
- Adjustable strap
- Has an EVA footbed
- Has APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Microfiber footbed may get dirty easily
Vionic, Solari Toe Post Sandal — $110.00
Sizes available: 4-11, in half sizes
With the cutout leather medallion and molded-footbed style, this Vionic’s Solari Toe Post Sandal is a fashionable and comfy sandal. Featuring a cushy footbed and arch support, these are perfect for everyday wear or a vacation, says Sondema N. Tarr, DPM, founder and owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona. Meaning, you can actually use them on longer, more intense walks and strolls—and they won’t hurt your feet. Plus, they’re really cute. Enjoy them in three colors: cream, black, and orange.
Colors: 3
- Thong style
- Has molded footbed
- Minimalistic style
- Thong style may not feel secure for some
Teva, Flatform Universal — $70.00
Sizes available: 4-11
Recommended by Dr. Tarr, Teva’s Flatform Universal features polyester straps that are adjustable and flexible as to not irritate bunions. The EVA midsole with built-in heel cupping and arch nook adds support during walks, making it ideal for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and city dwellers. The rubber outer offers traction, and the shoe has been treated in a peppermint antimicrobial to keep odor causing bacteria away. Even more, it has a hook-and-loop closure, making these sandals easy to come on and off. It’s available in 12 fun colors and patterns, so you add a splash of color to your fits.
Colors: 12
- Has arch support
- Flexible straps
- Treated in antimicrobial
- May not be sturdy for some
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