The 11 Best Sandals for Bunions, According to a Podiatrist

If you have bunions, you probably spend a good amount of time researching how to reduce the discomfort that comes with these bony bumps at the base of your big toe.

One big factor, of course, is your footwear.

Sandals aren't always the best choice, as they tend to offer less support than other types of shoes, which can worsen bunions, says Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, DPM, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Dunn, North Carolina.

What's more: "Multiple issues such as blisters, joint inflammation and painful skin lesions can also develop from wearing a shoe, such as a sandal, that has a strap that comes across the bony prominence," Dr. Daughtry says.

That doesn't mean you ‌can't‌ wear sandals with bunions — you just need to pick the right pair.

Here are the best bunion-friendly sandals that are both supportive and comfortable (and while you're at it, check out our top picks for bunion-friendly shoes and boots to wear with bunions.)

We chatted with a podiatrist, who shared her top recommendations for sandals that won't aggravate your bunion and may even help relieve some discomfort. We relied on her expertise and used the following criteria to narrow down our top picks:

• Comfort
• Support
• Materials
• Cost
• Availability

Find more information on how we choose and cover products.

These sandals are especially designed to support feet with myriad anatomical issues, including bunions and plantar fasciitis.

They have cushioned soles that have a mild rocker that gives you a little boost while you're walking and a rubber outsole that helps you grip the ground.

Their two-way strap system helps facilitate simple on-off maneuvering and their soft, padded fabric cuts down on irritation.

Bunions actually develop from the flattening of the front part of the foot (or pronation) movement during the gait cycle, Dr. Daughtry says, so it can be helpful to wear shoes that help correct that flatness.

These shoes have a deep arch, which helps support the natural curvature of your foot.

Their anatomically correct cork footbed helps distribute your weight evenly so you feel well-balanced and fully in control of your movements.

The flexible EVA outsole is lightweight and shock-absorbing to ensure durability through years of use.

(Psst: See our full list of the best shoes for flat feet.)

Despite wedge sandals being challenging to find in a style that provides comfort, true to their brand, NAOT delivers with the Elegant Eliana Sandal.

It has a slingback design that provides comfort and a double hook and loop strap that makes for easy on-off.

The latex footbed molds to the shape of your foot and supports the arch well.

Like many other NAOT shoes, this one gets the APMA seal of approval for promoting good foot health.

While bunions are more common in women, according to InformedHealth.org, men suffer from them too, and owning the right kind of sandal that offers support for this bone deformity can make all the difference.

This one from Tread Labs offers maximum arch support, a sturdy midsole and a replaceable rubber outsole. The side buckle allows you to adjust the fit and the open back makes for an easy on-off.

Proper cushioning and padding in sandals is beneficial for bony prominences. This, Dr. Daughtry explains, is due to the various foot deformities that can occur with bunions, as the padding helps protect skin from blistering and corn or callus formation.

"Forefoot and heel areas naturally lose their elasticity and fat over time, just like shoes, so finding a shoe that offers this as an option is always a plus," she adds.

It can be difficult to find a sandal that offers adequate arch support, but it is important to do so, especially if you have a bunion.

Dr. Daughtry recommends seeking out a brand that offers the ability to add insoles or makes a sandal with built-in arch support or padding in the central arch area (metatarsal padding), as this will limit excessive pressure on the forefoot and prevent excessive pronation or flattening of the arch leading to progression or worsening of bunions.

It's important to select a sandal wide enough to accommodate the extra room taken up by your bunion. For this reason, it's important to understand the width of footwear needed to fit your specific foot — bunion included.

Unsure of the width of your foot? You can always take a pencil and paper and trace the outside of your foot to better visualize and measure the width.

Just as with width, the depth of a shoe matters when you're dealing with a bunion.

"Skin irritation or pain when walking can be avoided if the style of the sandal is made to accommodate for the bony protrusion of foot deformities," notes Dr. Daughtry. "The thing to be careful of with shoes that are deeper in regards to sandals is the fact that straps should fit across the foot snug enough that the foot does not slide around, as this makes the shoe more difficult to walk in but also can cause additional friction."

If, at any point, your bunion is causing you debilitating pain that affects your ability to carry out day-to-day activities, it's time to see a podiatrist who can better guide you toward a solution that can alleviate your discomfort.