Best Shoes for Bunions: Compare, Find, and Choose the Right Fit
Shopping for bunion shoes can be extremely challenging. My family has specialized in fitting them for fifty years, and I witness the frustration many customers feel when they arrive. They often come to us after trying numerous options without success, having purchased shoes that ultimately did not provide the relief they needed.
The reality is that many so-called bunion shoes on the market simply add a marginal increase in width and label it as “bunion relief,” charging a premium without delivering true support. Genuine bunion accommodation requires a fundamentally different approach to design and construction—one that prioritizes anatomical fit and durable materials.
Over decades of working closely with thousands of customers, we have learned which shoes consistently deliver comfort and which ones fall short. These recommendations are based on long-term experience, observing which pairs are returned and which ones customers reorder because they truly make a difference.
You'll find:
- Shoes that fit bunioned feet properly
- Honest reviews based on real customer feedback
- How to tell genuine bunion shoes from marketing nonsense
Best Women's Shoes for Bunions
Medium Bunions
- Waldlaufer Tonia Sporty - Athletic Size Zip Shoes
- Waldlaufer Inga - Professional Slip-On Shoes
Severe Bunions
- DB Wolf - Extremely Lightweight Trainers
- DB Keeston - Washable House Shoe with Great Structure
Best Men's Shoes for Bunions
Medium Bunions
- DB Reece/Benny - Leather Shoes with Velcro Closing
- Waldlaufer Klemens - Sporty Men's Shoe
Severe Bunions
- DB Benjamin - Lightweight Trainer Shoe
- Rebound V1 - Athletic Trainer
Comparison Table of Top Models
| Model | Ideal For | Width | Sizes | Insole Removable | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldlaufer Tonia Sporty | Women with medium bunions, gout, plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, diabetes, orthotics | 4E | 4–10 | Yes | £104.99 | Soft leather uppers, side zip, premium cushioning, lightweight, stylish |
| Waldlaufer Inga | Women with medium bunions, gout, plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, diabetes | 4E | 4–9 | Yes | £99.99 | Professional moccasin style, slip-on, cushioned insole, supple leather |
| DB Wolf | Women with severe bunions, very swollen feet | 2V/6V | 4–8 | Yes | £94.99 | Dual insoles, stretch panels, side zip, cushioned sole |
| DB Keeston | Women with severe bunions, very swollen feet | 6V | 4–9 | Yes | £59.99 | Velcro strap, machine washable, reinforced heel, indoor/outdoor use |
| DB Reece/Benny | Men with bunions, swelling, orthotics, diabetes | 2V/6V | 6–13 | Yes | £75.00 | Wide Velcro closure, seam-free toe box, soft leather |
| Waldlaufer Klemens | Men with medium bunions, orthotics | 4E | 7–12 | Yes | £119.99 | Sporty design, side zip, cushioned insole, premium leather |
| DB Benjamin | Men with severe bunions, very swollen feet | 6V | 7–14 | Yes | £107.99 | Deep toe box, air-cushioned insoles, lightweight nubuck |
| Rebound V1 | Men needing athletic shoe for severe bunions | 6E | 7–14 | Yes | £64.99 | Arch support, flexible sole, athletic styling |
Best Women's Shoes for Bunions – In-Depth Reviews
Medium Bunions
1. Waldlaufer Tonia Sporty – Ladies Wide Trainer with Side Zip (4E Width)
Price: £104.99
Sizes: 4–10
Width: 4E
Suitable for: Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer toe, Diabetes, Orthotics, Swollen foot, Bunions
German-made wide-fit trainers designed to look just like your favorite high-street styles. The convenient side zip makes them incredibly easy to put on and take off—once you’ve adjusted the laces to your perfect fit, you can simply use the zip for everyday wear. No more struggling to tie laces in a rush, and no more discomfort when you need to get out the door quickly.
Why customers keep buying these:
- 4E width that's actually 4E—not marketing 4E
- Leather stays soft
- Side zip means no daily lace battle
- Lightweight
- Looks like casual trainers, not medical shoes
2. Waldlaufer Inga – Ladies Slip-On Moccasin (4E Width)
Price: £99.99
Sizes: 4–9
Width: 4E
Suitable for: Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer toe, Diabetes
A professional shoe that looks right at home in any office setting. Inga’s clean, classic design means no one will guess you’re wearing a wide-fit style created specifically for bunion comfort. The supple black leather, subtle stitching, and elegant moccasin silhouette blend seamlessly with smart trousers or a skirt.
Why it works:
- Real leather adapts to your foot shape instead of fighting it
- Cushioning that doesn't flatten by lunch
- Slip-on means no pressure over bunion area
- Removable insole for orthotics
Severe Bunions
1. DB Wolf – Ladies Extra Wide Trainer (2V or 6V Width)
Price: £94.99
Colours: Beige or Beige/Black
Sizes: 4–8
Width: 2V (2E–4E) or 6V (6E–8E)
Suitable for: Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer toe, Diabetes, Orthotics, Large bunions, Swollen feet
The DB Wolf is a smart choice for women needing reliable comfort and extra space. The dual insole system lets you adjust depth, and the side zip makes them easy to put on and take off. Soft leather and stretch panels help reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
Why customers love it:
- 2V or 6V fittings for different bunion severity
- Stretch materials adapt to swelling
- Side zip opens wide enough for bandaged feet
- Fashionable wedge-trainer design
- Laces can be set to desired fit
2. DB Keeston – Ladies House Slipper (6V Width)
Price: £59.99
Width: 6V
Suitable for: Severe bunions, swollen feet, high insteps
The DB Keeston offers 6V width to fit very swollen feet or high insteps. A wide Velcro strap and fully opening tongue make it easy to put on and adjust. Soft lining, a reinforced heel, and removable insoles ensure comfort and support. The sturdy sole works for short trips outdoors and is machine washable.
What makes it different:
- 6V width accommodates severe swelling
- Velcro opens completely flat for easy access
- Luxurious feel, not medical
- Washable construction
Best Men's Shoes for Bunions – In-Depth Reviews
Medium Bunions
1. DB Reece/Benny – Men’s Extra Wide Velcro Shoe (2V & 6V)
Price: £75.00
Colours: Brown or Black
Sizes: 6–13
Width: 2V (2E–4E) or 6V (6E–8E)
Suitable for: Large bunions, very swollen feet, Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer toe, Diabetes, Orthotics
An excellent option for serious width and easy adjustability. DB Shoes has a long track record of making footwear for problem feet, and this model offers dependable comfort without looking clinical.
Why it works:
- Available in two widths for moderate to severe swelling
- Wide Velcro strap is simple to adjust throughout the day
- Seam-free toe box and padded collar safe for diabetic feet
- Removable insoles for custom orthotics
- Soft leather feels comfortable for long wear
2. Waldlaufer Klemens – Men’s Sporty Wide Shoe (4E Width)
Price: £119.99
Colours: Sand or Black
Sizes: 7–12
Width: 4E
Suitable for: Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer toe, Diabetes, Bunions, Swollen feet, Orthotics
A great choice if you want extra width without compromising on style. Waldlaufer combines sporty looks with real comfort for wide or sensitive feet.
Why it works:
- 4E width gives toes room even with bunions
- Removable cushioned insole fits custom orthotics
- Side zip for easy entry
- Premium leather construction feels supportive
Severe Bunions
1. DB Benjamin – Men’s Extra Wide Trainer (6V Width)
Price: £107.99
Colour: Navy Blue
Sizes: 7–14
Width: 6V (6E–8E)
Suitable for: Severe swelling, large bunions, Gout, Diabetes, Orthotics
A modern trainer built for men needing serious width. DB designed the Benjamin for comfort, flexibility, and a clean look that pairs with casual wear.
Why it works:
- 6V width expands to 8E when insoles are removed
- Deep toe box relieves pressure on joints
- Lightweight nubuck uppers keep feet cool
- Dual air-cushioned insoles absorb shock
- Healthy Footwear Guide approved
2. Rebound V1 – Men’s Athletic Shoe (6E Width)
Price: £64.99
Sizes: 7–14
Width: 6E
Suitable for: Large bunions, very swollen feet, Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetes, Orthotics
Athletic shoes that truly fit bunioned feet are hard to find. Rebound V1 combines generous depth and width for comfort during sports and daily wear.
What makes it special:
- 6E width and deep toe box let toes spread naturally
- Arch support helps bunion-related gait
- Heel design stabilizes rolling
- Flexible for sports and active use
What Bunions Actually Are
Bunions are more than simply wide feet. As the big toe shifts toward the smaller toes, it creates a prominent bony bump. Standard shoes press against this area, causing discomfort. Around one-third of adults develop bunions, with women affected two to three times more often. Without proper footwear, bunions worsen over time, causing pain and mobility issues.
Features That Actually Help
- Real width—4E minimum for moderate, 6E for severe
- Soft materials that adapt to swelling
- No seams over bunions
- Adjustability—Velcro, zips, stretch panels
- Removable insoles for orthotics
- Lace-up designs for adjustability
Orthotics Help Everything
Custom orthotics reduce bunion pressure by over a third when paired with proper shoes. All recommended models feature removable insoles for orthotics.
Final Thoughts After 28 Years
Bunion-friendly footwear may not always be the most fashionable, but the right fit transforms daily life. The earlier you start, the better your long-term comfort and mobility. These eight models are the most effective solutions we’ve found.
