Top 7 Best Walking Shoes for Bunions
The right shoes might just help with the pain.
Did you know a staggering 25-35% of people experience bunions at some point? And they can cause foot pain, making it challenging to walk, stand, and balance. Unfortunately, I am one of them. And I have been researching a lot to find the best walking shoes for bunions.
The ACFAS research shows the importance of wearing properly fitting shoes to help prevent and manage bunions.
According to the APMA, bunions are one of the most common foot problems in the United States. So, I focused on cushioning, wide toe boxes, arch support, and durable materials when choosing bunion-friendly walking shoes for me.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
The Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2 is the best overall shoe for walking with bunions because it offers these three must-have features that help reduce bunion pain:
- Ample cushioning
- A wide toe box for maximum comfort
- Neutral support for proper foot alignment
If you are in a hurry, let me summarize all my top picks here.
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Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
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I selected these shoes for comfort and relief for people with bunions, offering:
- Breathability
- Wide toe box
- Arch support
- Cushioning
- Durability
Let’s dive a little deeper now.
Best Overall Walking Shoes for Bunions
Brooks Men's Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoe
- Reduces pressure on bunion area
- Promotes natural foot movement
- Distributes weight evenly across the foot
- Might be heavier than some prefer.
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2 offers comfort and support for those with bunions, making it a great choice for a walking shoe. They’re made to support your feet all day, with just the right amount of support and lots of cushioning. You’ll stay stable and comfy, even on long walks.
The Addiction Walker 2 has a big toe area, so your toes can move without squishing. This helps with bunions and makes it less uncomfortable. The shoe also spreads your weight nicely across your foot, making it easier on areas that get bunions. If you need a walking shoe that’s comfy all day, even with bunions, this Brooks shoe is a good choice.
At 14.5oz, the Addiction Walker 2 is both light and strong. It has a 12mm midsole drop for a natural walking feel, making every step smooth and comfy. Designed with care for comfort, the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2 is perfect for those who want to walk without hurting their feet and stay comfortable.
- Spacious toe box
- Neutral support
- Cushioning level of 3 (out of 3)
- Midsole drop of 12mm
- Supportive structure
Best for Bunion Comfort and Support
Feethit Women's Slip On Walking Shoes
- Offers flexibility for toe movement
- Shock absorption and ankle protection
- Easy on and off functionality
- Lacks traditional laces for adjustability.
Feethit Women’s Slip On Walking Shoes are your go-to if you’re searching for walking shoes that offer comfort for bunions. Designed with bunion sufferers in mind, these shoes prioritize both comfort and support. The lightweight, breathable knit fabric upper keeps your feet cool and dry throughout your walks, preventing sweaty feet and blisters.
The wide toe box, designed for bunions, lets your toes move freely, preventing the common discomfort of feeling squished. On top of comfort, Feethit provides excellent support for your walks. The high elasticity EVA soles absorb shock, reducing joint impact and minimizing pain from long walks. The anti-slip outsole provides a strong grip on different terrains, crucial for preventing falls and helping with bunion pain.
Also, the cushioned midsoles add extra comfort, minimizing pain often felt in unforgiving, traditional shoes. The slip-on design makes putting on and taking off your shoes a breeze, especially helpful if you experience pain bending down due to bunions or other foot conditions. This design also adds versatility, making them suitable for everyday wear beyond just walking.
- Breathable knit fabric mesh upper
- Wide toe box
- High elasticity EVA midsole
- Anti-slip groove outsole
- Slip-on design
Best Versatile Walking Shoe for Bunions
New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainer
- Superior cushioning for impact absorption
- Stable design for proper foot alignment
- Breathable materials to prevent moisture build-up
- Laces (might not be ideal for everyone)
The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 is a great choice for women with bunions who are looking for a versatile everyday shoe. It boasts a plush Fresh Foam midsole that delivers ultra-cushioned comfort with each step. This helps absorb shock and minimizes pressure on your feet, reducing bunion pain and discomfort.
The breathable upper is another key feature. It’s crafted from a combination of soft, flexible mesh and supportive suede. The snug fit accommodates bunions without causing irritation. And the mesh promotes airflow to keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day, preventing blisters.
Stability is important for those with bunions, and the Fresh Foam Arishi V4 delivers. The shoe features a durable rubber outsole that provides reliable traction and support. The proper foot alignment gives you the confidence to walk comfortably, whether you’re exercising or just walking.
- Enhanced ABZORB heel pad
- Durable rubber outsole
- Suede and mesh upper
- Snug fit
- Breathable
You can also check Top 8 Best Running Shoes for Bunions
Best for Everyday Walking With Bunions
New Balance Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe
- Ultra-cushioned and lightweight for pressure relief
- Breathable mesh upper for moisture management
- Versatile for walking, light workouts, and everyday wear
- Lace closure (might require effort to put on & off)
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe is one of the best walking shoes for bunions with an added comfort and style. The Fresh Foam midsole provides ultra-soft cushioning for a lightweight feel. This cushioning helps absorb shock and reduces pressure on your feet, including bunions. Your walks will be much more enjoyable without the constant ache.
The shoe’s upper is made of breathable mesh, allowing your feet to stay cool and dry throughout the day. This is important for bunions, as sweat and friction can cause irritation. The durable rubber outsole adds a touch of style while providing reliable traction for stable walking.
New Balance designed the Fresh Foam Arishi V4 to be both comfortable and stylish. It’s not just for running! This shoe is perfect for walking, light workouts, or even just running errands. With the Fresh Foam Arishi V4, you can experience all-day comfort and support, no matter your activity.
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole
- Lace closure (adjustable fit)
- Versatile design
Best Lightweight Walking Shoe for Bunions
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
- Provides shock absorption for pressure relief
- Breathable mesh upper for ventilation
- Balance of flexibility and cushioning
- Not wide enough toe box for some
The Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe is your go-to for a comfortable walking experience, especially if you’ve bunions. These shoes come with a lightweight mesh upper that breathes well, keeping your feet cool and dry on walks. This is especially helpful if you suffer from bunions, as sweaty feet can irritate the condition.
The star feature of this shoe is the Charged Cushioning® midsole. This tech offers a ton of cushioning and support, which is essential for reducing bunion pain. It absorbs shock with each step, taking the pressure off your sensitive feet and making your walks more enjoyable.
These Under Armour shoes aren’t just for running. They’re perfect for anyone who needs a balance of flexibility and cushioning while walking. The design offers both comfort and support, without sacrificing style. It also allows for plenty of airflow, preventing your feet from getting sweaty and uncomfortable, especially during long walks.
- Lightweight mesh upper with 3-color digital print
- Charged Cushioning® midsole
- Lace closure (adjustable fit)
- Lightweight design
- Breathable
Best Durable Walking Shoe for Bunions
New Balance Women's 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe
- Provides cushioning to reduce impact on feet
- Durable construction for various terrains
- Versatile for different walking needs
- Not ideal for all bunion severities
The New Balance Women’s 577 V1 is one of the best walking shoes for bunions because it’s both tough and comfortable. With a strong outer shell, these shoes can handle daily wear and tear, making them ideal for all terrains.
The secret to the shoe’s comfort lies in its cushioning. The inside is engineered to absorb shock as you walk, reducing pressure on your feet. This is a big plus for anyone who experiences pain or discomfort during walks. But that’s not all! These shoes are versatile too.
The New Balance Women’s 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe is a popular choice for those seeking comfort, durability, and support. And that’s why they’re especially great for people with bunions or ankle problems because of their supportive design.
- Lace-up closure (adjustable fit)
- Tough exterior for durability
- Cushioned interior
- Versatile design for walking
- Great feel and comfort
You can also check overall Best Shoes For Bunions
Best Stylish Walking Shoe for Bunions
Skechers Performance Go Walk Max-54601 Sneaker
- Promotes air circulation and reduces pressure on bunions
- High-rebound cushioning for shock absorption
- Comfortable walking
- Might not suit everyone with bunions.
The Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk Max-54601 Sneaker offers great comfort and commendable support. These walking sneakers for bunions feature a lightweight and breathable mesh upper that reduces pressure on sensitive areas.
One of the key features of these shoes is the Goga Max technology insole. The insole offers exceptional cushioning and responsiveness, absorbing impact with every step. This helps reduce discomfort for people with bunions who experience pain during walks. The supportive sole design offers stability and ensures a gentle walking experience.
For further comfort, the Skechers Go Walk Max-54601 Sneaker boasts a padded collar and cushioned heel. This extra padding helps alleviate pressure points around the ankle and heel, offering additional relief from bunion pain. The bunion-friendly walking sneaker combines comfort and style for effortless walking.
- Mesh fabric upper (lightweight and breathable)
- Goga Max technology insole for high-rebound cushioning
- Supportive sole design for athletic walking
- Padded collar and cushioned heel
- Sleek design with color options
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here Are My Top Picks
Feeling overwhelmed by all the bunion-friendly walking shoes? Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2 is a great option for men with bunions because it offers comfort, neutral support, and ample cushioning. And for women like me, I would recommend Feethit Women’s Slip-On Walking Shoes because of its wide toe box and excellent shock absorption for bunions.
Why Trust Me?
How Exactly I Tested And Chosen the Best Bunion-Friendly Walking Shoes
Walking shoes that you can adjust with straps or laces for a perfect fit did better in my tests. I also checked how well the shoes worked on different kinds of ground by looking at the sole and tread pattern. And, I thought about how the shoes look because style matters too. After trying lots of options, I found the most comfy and stylish shoes for people with bunions.