The best boots for individuals with bunions have ample space (particularly in the toe box), offer arch support, are made with malleable materials and have a low heel (if any).

Image Credit: Zbynek Pospisil/iStock/GettyImages

In This Article

    How We Chose
  
    Best Overall
  
    Best Work Boot
  
    Best Rain Boot
  
    Best Winter Boot
  
    Best Hiking Boot
  
    Best Tall Boot
  
    Best Ankle Boot
  
    4 Things to Look for When Buying Boots for Bunions
  When temperature dip, a pair of boots can help you weather rain, cold and other wintry conditions. But for folks with bunions finding a pair of boots that's protective and comfortable can be a challenge.

  Advertisement
 Bunions are a bony, sometimes painful, bump that develops near the big toe on the inside of the foot, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Bunions are formed due to an instability in the foot, which allows the big toe to deviate towards the smaller toes," says Alissa Kuizinas, DPM. This can is often due to an imbalance in the foot or by specific walking patterns, she says.

  Video of the Day
  What you wear on your feet matters when it comes to developing bunions — and also avoiding pain once you have them. "Because most shoes are designed with a narrow toe box, the big toe is chronically pushed out of alignment, and over time this will increase the instability of the forefoot," Dr. Kuizinas says. Particularly in the case of boots, this tightness (especially in the toe) can cause further pain for individuals with bunions, she says.

  Advertisement
 The solution: Opt for a boot that allows for plenty of space in the toe area, while also providing ample arch support.

The Best Boots for Bunions ‌Best Overall:‌ Lems Chelsea Boot ($135, LemsShoes.com) ‌Best Work Boot: ‌Birkenstock QS 700 Steel Cap Regular Boots ($93, MensShoesUSA.com) ‌Best Rain Boot:‌ Xero Shoes Gracie Minimalist Rain Boot ($69.99, Zappos.com) ‌Best Winter Boot: ‌Aetrex Jodie Fur Arch Support Waterproof Winter Boot ($189.95, Aetrex.com) ‌Best Hiking Boot:‌ HOKA Kaha 2 GTX ($240, Hoka.com) ‌Best Tall Boot:‌ Be Lenka Sierra Fleece-Lined Riding Boot ($209, Anyas-Shop.com) ‌Best Ankle Boot: ‌Aetrex Luna Ankle Boot ($149.90, Zappos.com)

How We Chose We tapped two podiatrists for recommendations on the best boots for people with bunions, as well as insight into what to look for (and what to avoid) in footwear. We kept these criteria top of mind when selecting boots for inclusion on this list:

  Advertisement

Price Durability Style or function Special features, including waterproof material or enhanced arch support

A Quick Language Note We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to sex and gender, but most brands market their products to men or women. Shoes are no exception. The main difference between most men’s and women’s shoes lies in the shoe width and size. Marketing aside, you can opt for any shoe that feels comfortable on your foot. Your best bet, according to the podiatrists we interviewed, is to try on a selection of boots before making a final selection.

  1. Best Overall: Lems Chelsea Boot Image Credit: Lems Shoes

    Pros

Available in traditional men’s and women’s sizes Ultra-wide base allows for ample movement throughout the foot

  Cons

Rugged, outdoorsy look isn’t always suitable

When it comes to all the hallmarks of a great boot for bunions — including a wide toe box, a supportive arch and all-around comfort — the Lems Chelsea Boot is a winner, says podiatrist Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM. “These are versatile, very comfortable and have a great wide toe box for bunions,” she says.

  Advertisement
 These shoes have a zero-drop design, which places the forefoot and heel flat on the ground to encourage a mid-foot strike that helps align the spine and maintain balance

  Advertisement
  ‌Sizes: ‌6.5-11 (women’s) and 5-15 (men’s)

‌Buy it:‌ Lems Shoes ($135 for women); Lems Shoes ($135 for men) 2. Best Work Boot: Birkenstock QS 700 Steel Cap Regular Boots Image Credit: MensShoesUSA.com

  Pros

Boot has unisex sizing Outer material is formed with water-resistant microfiber Scratch-resistant, penetration-resistant, oil-resistant and nonslip

  Cons

Ordering directly from Birkenstock site requires international shipping cost (in addition to conversion from pounds to dollars)

Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo is a fan of the Birkenstock QS 700 Steel Cap Regular Boots as a work shoe for two main reasons. First, each shoe has a wide toe box and is zero-drop — ideal for comfort with bunions. The boot also contains a protective steel toe that’s critical for safety at potentially hazardous work sites.

  Advertisement
  ‌Sizes: ‌EU 35-EU 48

‌Buy it: ‌MensShoesUSA.com ($93); Birkenstock (£130.00 or $134) 3. Best Rain Boot: Xero Shoes Gracie Minimalist Rain Boot Image Credit: Zappos

  Pros

Comes in a variety of colors Lightweight design and pull-tab at ankle make boot easy to pull off and put on Slip-resistant rubber and a chevron tread keep feet sturdy in slick conditions

  Cons

Only available in traditional women’s sizes

“These rain boots have a wide toe box, are lightweight and flexible, plus, they come in great colors!” Dr. Kuizinas says. These cheery boots are available in yellow, pink, green and black. The boot is wide in general, allowing for extra freedom for the feet and a reduced chance for friction against painful bunions.

  Advertisement
  ‌Sizes: ‌5-12 (women)

‌Buy it: ‌Zappos ($69.99) 4. Best Winter Boot: Aetrex Jodie Fur Arch Support Waterproof Winter Boot Image Credit: Aetrex

  Pros

Available in several colors Suitable for other foot conditions, too A padded collar and faux fur lining add extra warmth and comfort in the cold Made with waterproof material

  Cons

Only available in traditional women’s sizes Boot contains a slight heel

“The Jodie Fur Arch Support Winter Boot by Aetrex is a mid-calf, slip-resistant boot lined with faux fur and is waterproof treated,” Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo says. That fur is cozy and functional as temperatures dip. “It also features a built-in orthotic that helps stabilize and align the feet,” she says.

  Advertisement
 
  Advertisement
 These boots are also suitable for people with other foot conditions, such as heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Keep in mind: This boot has a heel that's just over an inch, so if your feet are bothered by height, avoid this pair.

‌Sizes: ‌5- 1 (women’s) ‌Buy it:‌ Aetrex ($189.95); ComfortShoeShop.com ($189.95) 5. Best Hiking Boot: HOKA Kaha 2 GTX Image Credit: Hoka

  Pros

Available in men’s and women’s sizes Comes in multiple shades Features waterproof GORE-TEX membrane Abrasion-resistant toe cap and heel keep feet protected

  Cons

Pricier option Boot weighs nearly one pound (15.6 ounces), making it heavier than a traditional lightweight hiking boot or train running shoe

As Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo explains, these ultra-cushioned boots with great arch support offer forgiving impact on the trail — while also not squishing the toes in too much. She adds that the boot is made with waterproof materials and a built-in “Meta-Rocker” that helps add stability and ensures a comfy stride.

  Advertisement
  ‌Sizes: ‌5-11 (women), 8-12 (men)

‌Buy it: ‌Hoka ($240 for women); Hoka ($240 for men) 6. Best Tall Boot: Be Lenka Sierra Fleece-Lined Riding Boot Image Credit: Anyas Shop

  Pros

Available in three shades Foot-shaped toe box allows toes to splay (keeping pressure off bunions) Soft leather makes boots malleable (but still sturdy)

  Cons

Only available in traditional women’s sizes Pricier option

When it comes to a stylish tall boot for special occasions, Dr. Kuizinas prefers the Be Lenka Sierra Fleece-Lined Riding Boot. That’s because the boot contains a wide toe bed (while still remaining sleek) and a warm fleece lining for especially cold days. These boots are available in black, dark brown and matte black. ‌Sizes: ‌36 EU-43 EU (women’s) ‌Buy it:‌ Anyas-Shop.com ($209) 7. Best Ankle Boot: Aetrex Luna Ankle Boot Image Credit: Zappos

  Pros

Available in several colors Cushioned arch support helps stabilize and align feet Durable rubber outsole helps provide traction on slippery surfaces

  Cons

Only available in traditional women’s sizes

Wide in the sole, the Aetrex Luna Ankle Boot is an ideal boot for folks with pain associated with bunions, advises Dr. Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo. It also has an adjustable buckle for strong support through the ankle. These boots are available in three colors: : black, charcoal and dark earth.

  Advertisement
  ‌‌Sizes:‌‌ 5.5-11 (women’s)

‌Buy it:‌ Aetrex ($149.95); Zappos ($149.90) 4 Things to Look for When Buying Boots for Bunions Wearing the right shoes is an important element to managing bunions. Here’s what to keep in mind as you looking for boots if you have bunions:

  1. Ample Space Throughout the Boot (and Especially in the Toe Area) Shoes that are too tight can rub up against or compress a bunion, making an especially wide toe area key in a boot, Dr. Kuizinas says. “The most important feature to look for in a boot is a wide toe box,” she says. “This means that the shoe becomes a bit wider at the end, rather than narrower, which is how most traditional shoes are made. Giving your big toe room to spread out is key when dealing with a bunion.”

  2. Strong Arch Support “Look for shoes with arch support,” Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo says. “This will help prevent the metatarsal from deviating and will decrease the pressure and pain on the bunion by redistributing the pressure to other areas of the foot.”

  3. Malleable Material That Conforms to the Foot Similar to a too-tight toe box, stiff material will compress the bunion. The key in alleviating pain, Dr. Kuizinas says, is allowing it to breathe. Softer materials can help. “Look for a soft upper material,” she recommends. “This will allow the shoe to stretch a bit over the bunion rather than restricting it. Avoid stiff materials.”

  4. A Low (or Non-Existent) Heel As Dr. Kuizinas notes, heels can be problematic when it comes to bunions. “Heel elevation will increase pressure on the forefoot, adding instability to the bunion and increasing pain,” she says. Related Reading The 7 Best Bunion Correctors, According to Podiatrists

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    references

       American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Bunions"
  Is this an emergency?

    If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

    references

       American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Bunions"

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.

The best boots for individuals with bunions have ample space (particularly in the toe box), offer arch support, are made with malleable materials and have a low heel (if any).

Image Credit: Zbynek Pospisil/iStock/GettyImages

Image Credit: Zbynek Pospisil/iStock/GettyImages

  • How We Chose
  • Best Overall
  • Best Work Boot
  • Best Rain Boot
  • Best Winter Boot
  • Best Hiking Boot
  • Best Tall Boot
  • Best Ankle Boot
  • 4 Things to Look for When Buying Boots for Bunions

‌Best Overall:‌ Lems Chelsea Boot ($135, LemsShoes.com) ‌Best Work Boot: ‌Birkenstock QS 700 Steel Cap Regular Boots ($93, MensShoesUSA.com) ‌Best Rain Boot:‌ Xero Shoes Gracie Minimalist Rain Boot ($69.99, Zappos.com) ‌Best Winter Boot: ‌Aetrex Jodie Fur Arch Support Waterproof Winter Boot ($189.95, Aetrex.com) ‌Best Hiking Boot:‌ HOKA Kaha 2 GTX ($240, Hoka.com) ‌Best Tall Boot:‌ Be Lenka Sierra Fleece-Lined Riding Boot ($209, Anyas-Shop.com) ‌Best Ankle Boot: ‌Aetrex Luna Ankle Boot ($149.90, Zappos.com)

We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to sex and gender, but most brands market their products to men or women. Shoes are no exception. The main difference between most men’s and women’s shoes lies in the shoe width and size. Marketing aside, you can opt for any shoe that feels comfortable on your foot. Your best bet, according to the podiatrists we interviewed, is to try on a selection of boots before making a final selection.

Marketing aside, you can opt for any shoe that feels comfortable on your foot. Your best bet, according to the podiatrists we interviewed, is to try on a selection of boots before making a final selection.

Image Credit: Lems Shoes

Image Credit: Lems Shoes

Available in traditional men’s and women’s sizes Ultra-wide base allows for ample movement throughout the foot

Rugged, outdoorsy look isn’t always suitable

‌Sizes: ‌6.5-11 (women’s) and 5-15 (men’s) ‌Buy it:‌ Lems Shoes ($135 for women); Lems Shoes ($135 for men)

‌Buy it:‌ Lems Shoes ($135 for women); Lems Shoes ($135 for men)

Image Credit: MensShoesUSA.com

Image Credit: MensShoesUSA.com

Boot has unisex sizing Outer material is formed with water-resistant microfiber Scratch-resistant, penetration-resistant, oil-resistant and nonslip

Ordering directly from Birkenstock site requires international shipping cost (in addition to conversion from pounds to dollars)

‌Sizes: ‌EU 35-EU 48 ‌Buy it: ‌MensShoesUSA.com ($93); Birkenstock (£130.00 or $134)

‌Buy it: ‌MensShoesUSA.com ($93); Birkenstock (£130.00 or $134)

Image Credit: Zappos

Image Credit: Zappos

Comes in a variety of colors Lightweight design and pull-tab at ankle make boot easy to pull off and put on Slip-resistant rubber and a chevron tread keep feet sturdy in slick conditions

Only available in traditional women’s sizes

‌Sizes: ‌5-12 (women) ‌Buy it: ‌Zappos ($69.99)

‌Buy it: ‌Zappos ($69.99)

Image Credit: Aetrex

Image Credit: Aetrex

Available in several colors Suitable for other foot conditions, too A padded collar and faux fur lining add extra warmth and comfort in the cold Made with waterproof material

Only available in traditional women’s sizes Boot contains a slight heel

‌Sizes: ‌5- 1 (women’s) ‌Buy it:‌ Aetrex ($189.95); ComfortShoeShop.com ($189.95)

‌Buy it:‌ Aetrex ($189.95); ComfortShoeShop.com ($189.95)

Image Credit: Hoka

Image Credit: Hoka

Available in men’s and women’s sizes Comes in multiple shades Features waterproof GORE-TEX membrane Abrasion-resistant toe cap and heel keep feet protected

Pricier option Boot weighs nearly one pound (15.6 ounces), making it heavier than a traditional lightweight hiking boot or train running shoe

‌Sizes: ‌5-11 (women), 8-12 (men) ‌Buy it: ‌Hoka ($240 for women); Hoka ($240 for men)

‌Buy it: ‌Hoka ($240 for women); Hoka ($240 for men)

Image Credit: Anyas Shop

Image Credit: Anyas Shop

Available in three shades Foot-shaped toe box allows toes to splay (keeping pressure off bunions) Soft leather makes boots malleable (but still sturdy)

Only available in traditional women’s sizes Pricier option

‌Sizes: ‌36 EU-43 EU (women’s) ‌Buy it:‌ Anyas-Shop.com ($209)

‌Buy it:‌ Anyas-Shop.com ($209)

Available in several colors Cushioned arch support helps stabilize and align feet Durable rubber outsole helps provide traction on slippery surfaces

‌‌Sizes:‌‌ 5.5-11 (women’s) ‌Buy it:‌ Aetrex ($149.95); Zappos ($149.90)

‌Buy it:‌ Aetrex ($149.95); Zappos ($149.90)

The 7 Best Bunion Correctors, According to Podiatrists

      American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Bunions"