While many people believe they form because of low quality or ill-fitting shoes, it is also important to note that this is a condition that is hereditary. If you have a predisposition to developing it, then you need to take special care to save your feet as much as possible. With one-fifth of the world’s population suffering from the deformation and pain related to bunions. 

It is very surprising how difficult it can be to find the right pair of shoes that will alleviate the pain you are constantly feeling. Sandals can prove to be even more difficult to choose, as they often include straps that cut into the big toe joint and cause irritation, redness, and pain. They may do a poor job of covering the affected area, which is an aesthetic issue for many people. When compiling our list we made sure to choose footwear that would prove to be beneficial, and that would avoid adding any discomfort to the wearer.

It is best to go through all the models on this list of bunion sandals, in order to find a pair that would match your needs,  as not everyone has the same type of foot or level of pain. Here are the most important aspects of sandals that you need to look for if you want to find a quality pair of sandals that will be suitable for your feet if you have bunions.

A spacious toe box that provides you with the adequate width is crucial if you are looking for shoes that are good for bunions. One of the worst things you can do to your feet, regardless of the fact whether you suffer from any condition or not, is to put them in constricting shoes. Shoes that are too narrow,  pointy, or that distribute your weight unevenly, are sure to cause added pain and pressure. Instead, always choose comfort and quality, even if aesthetics may not be up to your standard.

Shoes that have a wide toe box allow for the front of your feet to be in their natural position and for your toes to spread out evenly. Your metatarsal area should be unconstrained and weight distributed on the whole foot equally. Some manufacturers allow you to get these benefits by creating shoes in various widths, ranging from narrow to extra-wide. Others disregard this need completely. If you know that you have wide feet, always look for plenty of width in your shoes. If a wide version of your desired style is unavailable, you can choose to go ½ or a full size up which will provide some additional space. This may not always be the best solution. Most shoes with any type of support were made with predetermined points at which the support is supposed to hit your feet.

With sandals, you will generally do better with sporty and casual styles as these take comfort into consideration without focusing too much on aesthetics. However, if you require something a bit more dressy, then it is crucial to look closely at the footwear of your choice in order to make sure they will suit you. It is always a good idea when ordering shoes online to try them on and wear them around the house for a bit, making sure that the fit is right. This way, you can return them should the need arise.

As with all other forms of foot pain, you need to make sure that the sandals you opt for are successful in helping you get through the day. Regardless of the number of steps, you will need to take throughout the day., a good pair of sandals will provide cushioning, both underfoot as well as in the upper so that you have soft landings and materials that are gentle hugging the top of your foot.

You can choose footwear that offers forefoot cushioning, which will help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling of the toe joints. In addition, it will help recover the metatarsal area from the hard landings you may have been taking in your other shoes or while exercising. Some companies will make their sandals with foam insoles or gel-like cushions that give you a better feeling when walking.  If possible, choose these features as they can make quite a difference in your wearing experience.

Excellent Shock Absorbing Materials

Something else you need to make sure of is that your sandals have protective soles. Flimsy, flat footwear may be lightweight, but it does little in protecting you from the shock you put on all parts of your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back with every step. Ideally, you will choose a pair of sandals with a shock-absorbing sole as this will allow you to step more lightly and to prevent any unnecessary damage to your joints. 

While you may feel like your bunion related pain is best managed by footwear that is wide and doesn’t rub on your joints, it is also important to note that there are other methods of preventing it from happening. One of these is the correct anatomical support that allows your feet, ankles, knees, and hips to be aligned in the correct manner.

Most people with flat feet have the tendency to overpronate, which means that they stand and walk on the inner part of their foot. This puts unnecessary pressure on the big toe joint, causing you to constantly put stress on your already painful bunions. This aids in irritation, pain, and inflammation. Footwear that is designed anatomically, with plenty of arch support and a deep heel cup that helps stabilize your steps. It can help alleviate the pressure and pain by stopping you from putting all of your weight on the inside of your foot. By lifting your arches, shoes like these help distribute weight evenly over the entire foot, preventing unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Other anatomical features you may want to look for in your next pair of sandals are a deep heel cup which helps stabilize the heel and prevents it from rolling inwards and outwards. This helps normalize your gate. Toe ridges that won’t allow you to scrunch and splay your toes while walking can increase pain. Anatomical support can help achieve perfect weight distribution and evening out the stress on all parts of the foot.

If you already have a pair of shoes that you love wearing despite having bunions, we can bet that these have a soft, stretchy upper. But what about sandals? Sandals are footwear that is made for summer use, often near water, and makers will be tempted to make do with rubber and plastic that can often be rigid and unable to stretch to accommodate the enlarged big toe joint. This can put too much pressure on it, and make your experience even more pain than necessary.

When choosing sandals, it is very important to opt for something that has an upper that will work specifically for you. Some people like leather. It is a natural, breathable material that will easily stretch and mold to the foot’s shape. Others, however, prefer synthetics that may also be soft, but that also works well with water and sweat. In addition, they are easy to care for.  Whichever of the two you choose, you will first need to make sure they fit correctly, as a pair of shoes that hurts your feet is not very likely to stretch enough so as to accommodate your exact needs.

A lot of the sandals on our list feature multiple points of closure. This allows you to adjust the shoe just the way you need it. Forefoot closures are especially important if you have bunions. Even the smallest amount of additional space in the metatarsal area can make a difference between a nightmare and a pair of sandals that you can comfortably wear for hours on end.

A lot of the options listed above are more geared towards casual or athletic use, which is a common problem for anyone suffering from foot problems. Because this type of sandals allows for a higher level of adjustability, it's generally more suitable for wear by individuals with bunion issues, but you may find that you need something more versatile to wear on dressy or professional occasions.

If that's the case, our best piece of advice would be to pay close attention to the width of the footwear you're choosing, as well as to try and go with a style that will accommodate your bunions. You can opt for a softer leather upper that'll mold to the feet, or even go with a canvas that's more comfortable in touch with sensitive and inflamed skin.

If you have the possibility, you may also want to use a comfortable pair of shoes on your commute, then change into more appropriate footwear once you're at the office/the event you're attending. Another good piece of advice we can give is to plan your day and footwear according to your activities. This way, you won't be stuck walking all over town in painful, unsupportive shoes with nothing to change into.