Stop bunion pain in its tracks.

Medically reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD

Key Points

• The most recommended shoe for bunions is the Hoka Bondi 9 sneakeraccording to podiatrists.


• We asked four different podiatrists what bunions are and why having the right shoes matters.


• All four podiatrists agreed that sneakers with a wide toe box was important, so as not to irritate your bunion(s) further.

Of all the foot conditions out there, bunions—a name that never really rolls off the tongue—are one of the most well-known. Although common, bunions can be debilitatingly uncomfortable, and many people suffer in silence. (Or, if you’re anything like me, you’re likely very loud about any pain you might be experiencing!) It doesn’t have to be that way, though. According to podiatrists, carefully choosing the pair of shoes you wear can significantly ease bunion pain and make moving more comfortable.

“Because the big toe joint becomes enlarged and sensitive, people with bunions often require shoes with specific design features to reduce irritation and pressure,” says Bobby Pourziaee, D.P.M.a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who goes by the name “The High Heel Doctor.” “The most important characteristics include a wide toe box, soft and flexible upper materials and adequate arch support. Shoes that compress the forefoot can aggravate pain and inflammation, while supportive footwear helps distribute weight more evenly across the foot and reduces stress on the bunion joint.”

To help you find the right sneaker, I asked four podiatrists for their top recommendations: Pourziaee; Mikel Daniels, D.P.M., of WeTreatFeet Podiatry; Samantha Landau, D.P.M., a professor at Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine; and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., of Solely Podiatry. Their most common shoe recommendation was the Hoka Bondi 9but above all else, each podiatrist emphasized the importance of a wide toe box to give your bunions room to prevent further irritation.

Hoka Bondi 9

$175 at Zappos

$175 at Hoka.com

“A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity of the big toe joint where the first metatarsal bone drifts inward and the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes,” says Daniels. “The resulting deformity is a hard bump on the inside of the foot. Genetics plays a big role, as I often treat mothers and their daughters or siblings. I tell all of my patients that the bunion is mom and dad’s fault—blame them. Flat feet, ligament laxity, and certain types of arthritis increase the risk of bunion development. Tight, narrow or pointed shoes don’t cause bunions, but they absolutely speed things up and make them more painful.”

Other important considerations include “soft and flexible uppers with seamless construction, low heel heights, adjustable straps, arch support and cushioning,” according to Sharkey. These aspects are reflected in the common choice of Hoka’s Bondi line.

“The Hoka Bondi tends to do well due to a built-in cushioned sole, a fairly generous forefoot toe box and good shock absorption. This takes pressure off the big toe joint with every step,” Daniels says. Pourziaee agrees, recommending the shoe’s predecessor, the Bondi 8, which has been discontinued. “It is one of the most comfortable options for patients with bunions due to its maximal cushioning and wide forefoot platform. The shoe’s engineered mesh upper provides flexibility around the bunion area, reducing irritation while walking. Its rocker-style sole also helps propel the foot forward, decreasing stress on the big toe joint during gait.”

One thing Landau wants you to consider when shopping for your pair: “For a practical test when evaluating a shoe, remove the insole and stand on it. Your foot should not extend beyond the edges, especially at the big toe joint. If it does, the shoe will likely place pressure on the bunion during walking.”

Luckily, the Hoka Bondi 9 sneaker is available in a range of widths, including regular, wide and extra-wide, so you can choose based on your specific needs to ensure your feet have plenty of room to splay. Comfortable warm-weather walks, here you come!

Shop More Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes for Bunions

The podiatrists I chatted with offered a range of recommendations that work well for bunions. Below are more approved choices.

Brooks Ghost 17

$150 $120 at Zappos

Orthofeet Kita

$155 $135 at Zappos

Brooks Ghost Max 3

$160 at Zappos

Altra Torin 8

$160 at Zappos

New Balance 1080v13, Wide or Extra Wide

$165 $129 at Zappos

At the time of publishing, the price was $175.

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