Factors to Consider When Selecting Shoes for Bunions

Bunions are very painful, besides being disruptive and awful. The bunions are caused by a medical condition called Hallux Valgus but are worsened by the choice of your shoes. They develop when the foot’s first metatarsal bone pushes outwards, and the big toe turns inwards, leading to protrusion of joint at the base of your big toe. There is also a different type known as Tailor’s bunion, which affects the joints of the small toes to form bunionettes. Unfortunately, many shoes aren’t designed for protruding joints. Therefore, it will help if you consider the choose function over fashion and consider the following factors as you buy a pair of shoes for bunions.

Material

To begin with, you should consider the material the pair is made of. Shoes made of an elastic material, which makes the upper parts soft and stretchable, such as flats for bunions, are most suitable. The elastic material allows the bunions to press without resistance hence no pain. In addition, shoes designed specifically for this condition come with a space to add a panel for more comfort. It would be best to check the product description when shopping to ensure that the pair of shoes won’t hurt you.

Size

The right fit is also essential when buying a pair of shoes for bunions. It will help to ensure that the shoes don’t press the bunions and that your feet can move freely. You can measure your feet before placing your order or trying the shoes. And the end of the afternoon is the best time to do it because your feet swell a bit during the day. Additionally, it will help if you remove the insole and use it to determine if the shoe will fit. You will do so by placing your foot on the insole. The pair will be too narrow if your foot is larger than the insole.

Space for Orthotics

You must also consider if the shoes can accommodate orthotics, providing extra cushioning. There are three padding types: rigid, semi-rigid, and soft. It will be best if you choose a pair that has soft orthotics. However, semi-rigid ones can also help because they are used on flat feet and provide stability. This orthotics will provide extra cushion as you plant your foot on the ground and prevent pain in the bunions. You can consult a podiatrist if you are uncertain about shoes that can accommodate extra padding.

Structure

The shoes’ structure also helps with the bunion pain. Some structural features to check to include the width and depth of the toe box, heel, and forefoot rocker. It will help if you buy a pair of shoes with square or round toes because the widest part of the pair will align well with your foot’s widest part. And if possible, go for shoes with a rocketed toe, which won’t pressure the bunion. Additionally, the heels should be low because pressure increases with high heels. Ensure you get the structure right when shopping online or in physical stores.

Thickness of Soles

Soles’ thickness also affects the comfort of your feet hence the need to consider it when choosing shoes for bunions. The thicker, the better because it will last long before the treads wear out and you start feeling the impact of stepping on the ground, which will hurt your bunions. Suppose all other features are suitable besides the sole; you can take it for repair and get a thicker sole.

Adjustability

Feet and bunions increase in size with time. For that reason, it would be best if you consider the pair’s adjustability. Choose a pair of shoes with straps or laces that you can adjust to accommodate the growth of your shoes and bunions. You can ask for a recommendation from your podiatrist or someone with this condition. And when shopping online, review the description to ensure that the pair of shoes is adjustable.

Seams

Lastly, you must consider the seams because many shoe manufacturers overlook them and place the seams on top of the bunions, which is quite painful. For that reason, you should check if the pair of shoes is seamless or has soft-lined seams. Alternatively, you can choose one whose seams won’t pressure the bunions. Knowing about the seams’ position can be more challenging if you shop online. However, asking customer support or reading customers’ reviews can save you.

Conclusion

No known non-surgical treatment of bunions exists, but corrective surgery can rectify the underlying misalignment. However, note that you can manage the bunions without the surgery by putting on shoes like flats for bunions for everyday life or ballet. Failure to consider the factors you have read here can lead to hammer toe, a condition where the affected toes bend at the middle joint and cause pain. Other possible complications are bursitis and Metatarsalgia. The former is where the affected toes swell with fluid to cushion them, whereas the latter is swelling and pain in your feet ball.