Table of Contents
Are you looking for the best walking boots for bunion sufferers? Trying to find the right shoes when you have bunions can be a pain in the foot!
Any sort of foot condition has the potential to make walking quite difficult and in some cases, impossible. This situation is further exacerbated by wearing the wrong shoes. Bunions develop on the inside of the big toe over time.
They are a bony bump which is painful and hence impossible to ignore. They form when the big toe is put under pressure, at which time the joint leans toward the second toe.
Walking Boots for Bunion Sufferers
After some time, the shape of the foot changes and gives rise to a bump known as a bunion. This bump will cause pain and make wearing shoes quite a nightmare.
The shoes that you wear play a big role in causing or treating bunions. In this article, we take a look at the different shoes on the market that you can wear when you have bunions.
Given that your foot is not a regular shape, it means that you need shoes that can accommodate the new shape and not cause any further harm. It is possible to get shoes that you can walk in, with bunions, and not have to dread each step.

- Are you looking for the perfect walking boots for someone with bunions?
- Maybe you have developed bunions from your long-standing hours at work and now you need a pair of shoes that help and not hurt.
- Or perhaps you want to buy a gift for someone with bunions whose walking boots are past their prime.
Let us take a look at what manufacturers have in the way of walking boots for people with bunions.
In a Hurry
Are you in a hurry? You may need a quick guide to buying the best walking boots for people with bunions. There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind.
Firstly, ask yourself what has caused your bunions. Some are hereditary whilst others are caused by ill-fitting shoes. Some bunions are caused by joint conditions like arthritis. Knowing the origins will help you find the appropriate treatment.
Since bunions alter the structure of the foot, you will need to look for shoes that have a wide toe box. They need to allow your toes room to breathe and stretch as they need to.
You may also want to make sure that you get shoes that are made of soft material to avoid rigid material hurting you any further.
Also, check on the height of the heel on the shoe. The higher the shoe’s heel, the more pressure it puts on the bunion, so make sure you get a small heel.
If you feel the need to wear high heels then it is better to go with shoes that offer stability such as wedges.
Our Top Pick
We have done our research and found our favorite pick to be the Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe. It has a rubber sole and a Walk-trac comfort outsole. It also helps you overcome pronation issues thanks to the comfort of the shole. It has a full-grain leather upper with a forefoot stretching zone.
This shoe has an easy lace-up system that gives you the comfort and ease of wearing that you need. It also has a cushioned insole and this helps a great deal in giving you the support that you need. This shoe is durable and it is also flexible, which makes for a great walking shoe for anyone with bunions.
Product Reviews of Walking Boots for Bunion Sufferers
Propet Ridge Walker Hiking Boot
This is a boot that marries the trail to casual clothing. As you can already tell from the look this boot is clearly well made. There is something about the workmanship that’s gone into it that assures confidence in the product that you were getting.
The brand is not one that we are too familiar with as such we went into this with a very open mind.
The heels of these boots measure 2 inches. The shafts are about 4 inches on the ridge walker. These shoes have a moulded counter support and ridge toe bumper. This is in place to provide your foot with all-round support and comfort.
The top part of the shoes is waterproof. It is a bootie construction on the inside. It has a suede mesh upper and a padded collar. Both of these are resistant to abrasion.
They are capped off by the rubber toe cap. The footbed of the shoes is quite breathable. That is due to the open-cell PU. It is designed to allow free movement of moisture from the foot. This, of course, keeps your feet cool and healthy.
The soles of the shoes are of high traction, especially on the outside. They come with an EVA midsole that is perfect for the outdoors. These shoes are Medicare-approved.
This is what makes them perfect for those struggling with bunions. You also have the additional benefit of a removable footbed. This allows you to change your orthotics if you’d like to.
Pros
- They are comfortable right out of the box.
- They are quite good looking.
- There are options for those with wide feet.
- They are sturdily built.
- They usually run true to size.
Cons
- The eyelets could be stronger.
Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
Orthofeet is a brand that we become familiar with. For those who are just coming across it for the very first time, it helps that it comes with a 60-day wear test.
This allows you a two-month period to try out the shoes and return them if you’re not satisfied.
These are shoes that are designed specifically for those that have troubles related to their feet. They are ideal for issues such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, and so on.
One of the first things that you will notice is that these shoes are quite lightweight. They come with an ergonomic sole that has great cushioning.
It is then topped up with the presence of orthotic insoles that are designed to deliver anatomical I support. You also have the benefit of the presence of multiple layers of cushioning.
The inside of the shoes is very soft and protective. The discomfort that is known to ease the pain on your feet and your heels. The result, of course, is less pressure on your knees and hips as well as your lower back.
You’ll also be happy to know that the width of the shoes is extended to provide additional space to those that require it.
As with the pair above it, the shoes have been Medicare-approved and qualified for the therapeutic shoe. An incredible solution for bunions and hand at all.
They have a white tall box that is comfortable and provides you are fit though it’s not too tight around your foot. This, of course, reduces the pressure on your bunions.
Pros
- They are Medicare-approved.
- They are a perfect fit in most cases.
- They are very comfortable.
- There are three colours to choose from.
- They have extended widths.
Cons
- The soles are the weak link.
- Quality control could be better.
Saucony ProGrid Integrity ST2 Walking Shoe
And here is another shoe from a brand that we are quite familiar with. For those that may be concerned with the durability, you will be happy to find out that these shoes are made out of full-grain leather.
They come with rubber soles that are incredibly strong and protective of your underfoot. The shaft of the shoe measure, the lower top from the arch. These are shoes that are non-marking. They come with a padded tongue and collar.
One of the first things that make the shoe ideal for bunions either foot stretch zones. These are designed to make the shoes more comfortable and forgiving when it comes to space in the forefoot.
This means that there are less restriction and pressure on your forefoot. You probably would’ve noticed the pro-GRID marked by the presence of the letters GRID on the heel to meet saw area of the foot.
This is a great cushioning system that is made to keep the shoe lightweight.
We mentioned that these shoes have non-marking not sold. This is due to the durable rubber that is capable of taking on both indoor and outdoor conditions.
Another thing that these shoes are made for is those who struggle with pronation.
Away from the functional side of things, these are very good looking shoes that are casual.
They come with soles that are flexible and durable. You will not have any issues when it comes to traction and comfort.
Pros
- They are very comfortable.
- They are great value for money.
- They are incredibly lightweight.
- The toe box provides plenty of room.
- The heel support and cushioning are perfect.
Cons
- They do not always run true to size.
KEEN Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keen is one of the leading brands for walking and hiking shoes. If you can probably tell from just looking at the shoes that they are waterproof.
Well, perhaps not, but you should certainly be able to tell that they are made out of leather. Consequently, this is what makes them waterproof.
The shaft of the shoes measures 3 ½ inches from large. Together with their waterproof capabilities these shoes also have a breathable membrane.
They come with a removable jaw density EVA footbed that is known to provide additional comfort.
The only concern that you may have is the fact that they do not always run true to size. It is recommended that you go half a size larger than you would usually go. Having said that, they are very spacious and want to have them on.
Another key feature that the shoes bring is the torch and stability ESS shank. This is enhanced by the compression moulded EVA midsole.
There is no shortage of padding all around the shoes as well as in the ankle region.
You also find great benefit from having the 4 mm multi-directional lugs and the contour heel lock. These combined to provide you with incredible traction on all sorts of terrain and services.
The lacing system ensures that the shoes are stable once you have them on. This is also an important feature when it comes to protecting your feet from the pain that they come from oppression bunions.
Pros
- They are lightweight.
- They are designed and made to be sturdy.
- They provide good arch support.
- They provide plenty of room for wide feet.
- They provide you with great traction.
Cons
- Sizing is not always true.
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
It would be almost blasphemous to talk about walking boots without speaking of the mother of all points.
The Moab 2 from Merrell is an incredible shoe. You can probably tell from the images that this is a very sturdy shoe.
These shoes are made out of a combination of suede leather and mesh. The leather is responsible for providing you with great structure and durability. The mesh gives you breathability.
The heels of these shoes measure half an inch. They also have a platform that is just an inch. These shoes come with a removable insole and the trademark Merrell air-cushion in the Hill area.
This air-cushion it is known to absorb direct impact in shock. Delivers great stability thanks to the 5 mm lug depth.
You also derive great benefit from the protective rubber toe cap and the moulded nylon arch shank. The time of the shoe has a closed-cell foam. This is designed to stop debris making its way into the shoes.
You also have the M Select Dry which keeps water from making its way into the shoes. I am sure you will love the breathable mesh lining as much as we do.
When you come to bunion the spaces toebox and the sturdiness of the shoe is what makes them ideal. They reduce the amount of pressure that your feet are put under by providing you with adequate space.
You also have several colours and designs that you can choose from. The lacing system is an added bonus. It is well-made and airtight.
Pros
- They are comfortable right out of the box.
- They provide you with good arch support.
- The toe box provides plenty of room.
- They are suitable for those with wide feet.
- They provide great traction.
Cons
- They do not always run true to size.
- Not quite waterproof.
Buyer’s Guide

Can shoes help correct bunions?
Bunions form when the joint or tissue at the bottom of the big toe moves out of place. This can lead to an alteration of the foot and they are also painful. One of the reasons why they form is wearing shoes that are too tight.
It is a funny thought to think that a shoe could also be able to solve an issue caused by another shoe. Bunions are generally permanent and can not be removed without surgery.
However, there are ways to help ease any sort of pain. You can get shoes that can help slow down the progression of bunions and also ease the pain bunions cause.
Do bunions go away?
Bunions will not go away on their own. They will generally continue to progress over time until you remove them with surgery. It is important, however, that you consult your doctor so that he or she can prescribe the best way forward.

Usually, treatment depends on just how severe and far gone the bunion is. Treatments may not always result in surgery.
There are options such as using orthotic devices or doing exercises. However, if you want to get rid of a bunion, you will have to go into surgery.
How can I prevent bunions?
If they are not hereditary, bunions may be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. This means that you need to avoid tight shoes to prevent bunions.
You may also prevent them, by wearing a protective pad that helps protect your toes and also reduces discomfort.
Orthotics and custom made insoles also offer a way to prevent a bunion from developing. You can also wear toe separators as a way of keeping bunions at bay.
Conclusion
One of the ways in which bunions are formed is through wearing ill-fitting shoes. This is why it is so important to know which shoes to shop to help treat the symptoms and to make you more comfortable as you walk.
You do not have to dread getting up on your feet anymore, you can still be comfortable in a pair of shoes regardless of what has caused your bunions.
Before reaching for any remedies, find out what your doctor has to say about them first. We hope that the boots we have reviewed help you find the perfect fit that will not hurt you. Keep your feet happy in the right pair of walking boots. Happy shopping!
- How wide should the toe box of a shoe be? - January 7, 2022
- Can you run a marathon in trail shoes? - January 7, 2022
- What running shoes do ultra runners use? - January 7, 2022