When you have hammertoes and bunions, the last thing you want to do is make matters worse by wearing the wrong shoes. But how do you know what kind of shoes are best for your foot problems?
The good news is that there are many stylish options available now, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. With a little research and some trial and error, you can find a shoe that will not only be comfortable for your feet, but also look great!
Best Shoes For Hammertoes And Bunions
The 5 Best Shoes for Hammertoe, According to Podiatrists
The best shoes for hammertoe are made with durable materials and have extra room in the toe box.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
If you’ve got hammertoe, you know just how bothersome it can be. And you’ve likely realized that choosing the right footwear is key to managing the condition.
Hammertoe is marked by an abnormal bend in one of the toes (most often not the big toe), as a result of an imbalance of the small muscles, tendons and ligaments that keep the toe straight, explains Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab Member.
According to the National Foot Health Assessment 2012 commissioned by the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, an estimated 3 percent of (7 million) U.S. adults are affected by either a hammertoe or a claw toe, a similar condition that occurs when the very tip of the toe bends downwards.
“A very common cause of this condition occurs from imbalances resulting from foot structure, such as when the second toe is longer than the great toe, as longer toes tend to jam into the toe box while walking and running and eventually will cause hammering,” Dr. Sutera explains. “Injuries, such as broken, stubbed or jammed toes may be more likely to develop hammertoe.”
Unfortunately, genetics may play a role as well, as people with inherently flat feet or a high arch are also more prone to hammertoe, according to 2013 research in Arthritis Care & Research.
Hammertoe can also develop over time as a result of certain lifestyle choices, such as overuse of tight shoes or high-heeled shoes for long periods of time, and long periods of standing and walking in heels, notes Dr. Sutera. “This type of shoe wearing can cause the toes to become bent and contracted.”
Largely due to the shoes they wear, people assigned female at birth tend to be more prone to this foot condition.
The good news: Most often, choosing the right shoe can make a world of a difference. Here, podiatrists reveal the best shoes for hammertoe
The Best Shoes for Hammertoe
- Best Overall: NAOT Galaxy (From $154.95, NAOT.com)
- Best on a Budget: Vionic Classic Walker ($105.95, VionicShoes.com)
- Best for Walking: OrthoFeet Stretch Knit (From $109.95, OrthoFeet.com)
- Best for Running: HOKA Bondi 7 ($160, Hoka.com)
- Best for Bunions and Hammertoe: Allbirds Wool Runners (From $110, Allbirds.com)
How We Chose
We reached out to four podiatrists, who offered product recommendations and broke down what to look for in shoes that can help with hammertoe. We selected these products based on their criteria, including:
- Fit
- Comfort
- Extra depth
- Spacious toe box
Why Are Certain Shoes Marketed to Men or Women?
Although hammertoe can affect men and women equally, the foot shape often differs between the sexes, notes Najwa Javed, DPM, podiatrist with Silicon Valley Podiatry Group and founder of E’MAR Italy. “Women tend to have an overall narrower, shorter and thinner foot versus their male counterparts, while men will have wider, bulkier and deeper shoe shapes than women,” she says. “When women cannot find a wide enough shoe, podiatrists will usually recommend that they buy a men’s shoe instead to give them the space they need.”
1. Best Overall: NAOT Galaxy
Image Credit: NAOT
Thanks to a lightweight knit upper material, these shoes offer ample room for a hammertoe without limiting movement and causing irritation. They also feature the classic NAOT footbed, which Tim Oldani, DPM, podiatrist at Missouri Foot and Ankle in St. Louis, notes provides pressure relief under the metatarsals, or the foot bones that sit just behind the toe.
Another perk about this shoe is that the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) gives it a thumbs up for promoting proper foot health.
2. Best on a Budget: Vionic Classic Walker
Image Credit: Vionic
All of Vionic’s shoes feature excellent support, whether you’re engaging in physical activity or staying stationary on the couch or behind a desk. Their activewear features their Active Motion System (AMS) technology that consists of an orthotic to alleviate pressure often associated with foot conditions such as hammertoe.
These shoes are made from a flexible material that’s also breathable, sweat-wicking and easy to clean with a simple washcloth (it’s not recommended to toss these shoes in the wash). They’re also durable and long-lasting, thanks to a rubber outsole and thermoplastic heel.
3. Best for Walking: OrthoFeet Stretch Knit
Image Credit: OrthoFeet
Designed to enhance the comfort of patients with myriad medical conditions, from back pain and arthritis to bunions and, of course, hammertoes, these shoes are a top choice among podiatrists looking to relieve their patients’ discomfort.
Thanks to their premium orthotic insoles, they give the right kind of support, and their wide toe box helps alleviate the pressure often associated with hammertoe.
“These shoes have extra depth in the toe box and a stretchable knit fabric upper to reduce irritation of hammertoes,” Dr. Oldani says.
4. Best for Running: HOKA Bondi 7
Image Credit: HOKA
For a running shoe, this pair has one of the most spacious toe boxes with added depth on the market, plus a forefoot rocker that helps reduce the gripping of the toes, notes Dr. Javed. They’re packed with a ton of cushion to provide support as you click miles and are lightweight enough to not make you feel weighed down during your run.
Although these shoes are designed specifically for running, Dr. Javed points out that they can be useful for just about any activity for someone with a hammertoe.
5. Best for Bunions and Hammertoe: Allbirds Wool Runners
Image Credit: Allbirds
With a contoured upper design made of Merino wool, these stylish and comfortable shoes can accommodate even the worst of hammertoes, according to Dr. Javed.
Thanks to their wool material, they naturally regulate temperature, preventing your feet from becoming too hot or cold. They’re also ethically sourced, featuring laces that are created from recycled plastic bottles and insoles created from castor bean oil.
They’re also super lightweight, so you won’t feel tied down like you might with a heavier shoe.
What to Look for in Shoes for Hammertoe
Here are a few features to keep in mind when shopping for the best shoes to relieve the symptoms of hammertoe.
1. Extra Room
The best fitting shoes for people with hammertoes are ones that have wide, extra-depth, soft toe boxes, Dr. Javed says. “This allows for the toes to bend and rub against the material without causing blistering,” she adds. “If the toe box is narrow, the toes will become chaffed and blisters or corns can develop, which can irreversibly scar the skin.”
She recommends sizing up half a size to help ensure you have this extra room.
2. Durability
“Hammertoes will eventually wear through leather and cause holes in your shoes. Therefore, buying materials that are easily stretchable will help give the shoe longevity,” says Dr. Javed. “Adding stretching spray over prominent areas can also help to soften material without wearing it down.”
She recommends avoiding synthetic leather if possible, because it does not conform well to bony protrusions.
3. Cost
When seeking out shoes that can help with a medical ailment such as hammertoe, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality product.
“For athletic shoes, the budget is about $140 to $180, for sandals around $80 to $130 and for heels around $200 to $400,” Dr. Javed says.
4. Maintenance
It’s important to care for your shoes to ensure that they last the appropriate amount of time — a year or so, according to Pedram Hendizadeh, DPM, podiatrist and foot surgeon at Advanced Podiatry in the greater New York area.
“Give them a thorough clean-up job every two to three weeks to not only keep them visibly clean, but also rid them of bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms left over from all that daily sweat,” he says.
The 8 Best Shoes for Bunions, According to Podiatrists
The best shoes for bunions are comfortable, wide, supportive and have a minimal heel.
Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative
If you’re one of the estimated quarter of adults who have a bunion, per the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, you know how pesky a problem this can be — especially when it comes to wearing shoes.
Bunions, or those bony protrusions most often at the big-toe joint, can be more than just unsightly to look at, but they can also be quite painful and even debilitating for some people.
Fortunately, more and more manufacturers are hopping on the bandwagon of making bunion-friendly shoes that are supportive and comfortable — some that even help reduce the progression of the deformity.
The Best Shoes for Bunions
- Best Overall: Allbirds Wool Runners ($110, Allbirds.com)
- Best on a Budget: Vionic Denver Slip On Sneaker ($65, VionicShoes.com)
- Best for Walking: Kuru Atom ($160, KuruFootwear.com)
- Best for Running: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 ($109.95, BrooksRunning.com)
- Best for Hiking: Keen Targhee Hiking Shoe ($92.65 to $255.90, Amazon)
- Best Sandals: Oofos Ooriginal Sandal ($59.95, Oofos.com)
- Best for Flat Feet: Orthofeet ($119.95, Orthofeet.com)
- Best for Support: Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip-Ons ($30 to $140, Amazon)
How We Chose
Here, podiatrists Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, Emily Splichal, DPM, Michael Pliskin, DPM, and Nelya Lobkova, DPM, share some of their top recommendations for shoes that won’t aggravate your bunion and may even help it.
We relied on their expertise and used the following criteria to narrow down our top picks:
- Comfort
- Support
- Materials
- Cost
- Availability
Related Reading
The Best Bunion Correctors, According to Podiatrists
1. Best Overall: Allbirds Wool Runners
Ethically sourced using laces that come from recycled plastic bottles and insoles that come from castor bean oil, these shoes have gotten quite the reputation over the last few years — but not only for their resourcefulness. They’re also incredibly comfortable, especially for people with bunions.
They have a simple, contoured design that allows the shoe to be flexible, supportive and made to last. You can walk around in these shoes all day long and not feel the irritation that most other shoes can cause.
Another perk that customers rave about is the fact that these shoes are incredibly lightweight — clocking in at just 7 ounces per shoe, which is significantly less than most other shoes.
2. Best on a Budget: Vionic Denver Slip On Sneaker
Dr. Sutera is a big fan of this brand, which offers arch support, cushioning and a deep-seated heel cup. “The three-zone technology that is embedded into their shoes is very foot-friendly,” she says.
Vionic’s Advanced Motion System (AMS) technology is designed by podiatrists and features a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable insole that allows for all-day comfort. Whether you’re going to the office or heading out for a fast-paced walk, these shoes won’t only look stylish, but will also provide the long-term comfort and support your feet crave.
3. Best for Walking: Kuru Atom
If you’re someone who likes to go on walks, short or long, you’re going to need a shoe that won’t rub against your bunion. In addition to hugging your foot so there’s minimal movement inside your shoe, Kuru shoes feature what the brand refers to as KURUCLOUD — a midsole that’s as cushiony as it gets, with an energizing bounce to keep you going during long walks.
They’re slightly wider than most shoes and lightweight so you don’t feel pulled down during movement. They’re also waterproof, which can come in handy should the weather not cooperate while you’re out and about.
4. Best for Running: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 amps up comfort with ample cushioning, added arch support and a secure fit that keeps your foot snug without overcrowding your bunion. While this shoe is made for runners, anyone looking for comfort while in motion can stand to benefit from this shoe — especially those with flat feet.
This shoe features DNA LOFT, which is the softest cushioning out of all Brooks’ running shoes, as well as GuideRails technology, which helps encourage your natural stride.
5. Best for Hiking: KEEN Targhee Hiking Shoe
Image Credit: Amazon
Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who’s looking to explore more of the outdoors, this waterproof hiking shoe will aid your adventures while ensuring your feet are comfortable and secure.
They feature a rubber outsole that has high-traction alongside a dual-density and compression-molded inside that gives your foot the security you need to handle all-terrain without the pressure that can often lead to pain.
The shoe has a torsional-stability ESS shank in the midsole that helps stabilize your foot as you move and a waterproof protective inner and outer layer that won’t compromise support due to inclement weather.
6. Best Sandals: Oofos Ooriginal Sandal
If you’re looking for sandals that will help alleviate the pain and general discomfort associated with your bunion, Dr. Lobkova recommends Oofos. Not only are they made extra wide to accommodate and stabilize the foot, but they feature a proprietary footbed design that helps take pressure off other targeted areas in your body, including your knees and ankles.
Perhaps the best part (for people with or without bunions), in addition to their 30-day money-back guarantee, is the fact that you can toss these sandals in the washing machine when they’re extra dirty or just need a refresh.
7. Best for Flat Feet: Orthofeet
Having flat feet is an inherited condition and one that can actually lead to the formation of bunions, says Dr. Pliskin, chief of podiatry at North Shore University in the Northwell Health System. “A supportive shoe that holds up the arch and decreases the flattening of the medial column limiting pronation will reduce the progression of the deformity,” he says.
A great pick for those who are flat-footed with bunions is Orthofeet, which are designed specifically for a wide range of pesky foot conditions, including flat feet, bunions, back pain, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma and more.
In addition to their stretchable upper material, they have a wide toe box to accommodate large bunion growths. They also have arch support, which can provide significant comfort for those with flat feet.
8. Best for Support: Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip-Ons
If you’re looking for an everyday shoe that’s equally stylish as it is supportive, consider Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip-Ons. As implied by its name, this shoe just slips right on, which can be quite convenient for people on-the-go.
The Insole Technology provides anatomical cushioning that supports the weight and protrusion of your bunion, and the flexible construction allows free movement without pressure.
If you’re eco-minded, you’ll be glad to know that this shoe is sustainably made and crafted with a unique microsuede that comes from recycled bottles.
What to Look for in Shoes for Bunions
1. Comfort
Because bunions are often associated with pain, the last thing you want is to purchase a shoe that makes that irritation worse. For this reason, it’s important to read customer reviews to make sure that the pair you are buying only adds comfort instead of taking it away.
2. Support
Podiatrist Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, foot and ankle specialist at LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida, recommends looking for supportive shoes that help promote better foot mechanics.
“Make sure to have your feet measured and fitted so you get the appropriate sized shoe especially at the width.”
She also suggests avoiding shoes with narrow toe boxes, as they can be less supportive than rounded shoes that are more accommodating.
3. Width
If you suffer from a bunion or two, it’s important to select a shoe that’s wide enough to accommodate the extra room taken up by your bunion. For this reason, it is important to understand the width of footwear needed to fit your specific foot — bunion included. Dr. Lobkova suggests tracing the outside of the foot with a pencil on a sheet of paper to be able to visualize this better.
4. Soft Upper Material
“Soft upper material to any footwear will not rub on the bunion joint and thus diminish pain and irritation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint,” notes Dr. Lobkova. She recommends seeking out a shoe made with materials like goat leather or neoprene that will conform to the contour of the foot instead of pressing up against the joint.
5. Minimal Heel
While you might initially think to avoid heels at all cost if you have a bunion, Dr. Lobkova actually recommends seeking out at least a 1-inch heel. “Totally flat footwear, including flat sneakers, is worse for bunions than a 1- to 1.5-inch heel or platform because lifting the heel slightly causes the rest of the foot to rotate in a more optimal biomechanical position that puts less pressure on the big toe joint,” she says.
