5 Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Bunions (Buyers Guide)

Finding a pair of walking shoes for your bunion can be excruciating and time-consuming if you’re unaware of what style suits you best. A typical mistake women make when getting a pair of shoes is they always go for wider shoes, when in fact, there are only two important features to consider – the depth of the shoe and the space around the toe-box.

Bunions develop as the joint of the big toe receives too much pressure, causing it to split gradually over time and slant towards your second toe. Bunions can develop into joint pain and inflammation while walking around but could worsen due to inappropriate footwear or walking style.

Even a specialized shoe won’t instantly correct an existing bunion; an excellent walking shoe may help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with it and prevent it from worsening over time.

In this article, we’ve listed our five best women’s walking shoes for bunions with a complete guide on choosing the perfect one for your condition. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone in need of a comfortable, daily casual shoe, a good pair of walking shoes is best for both your needs and your lifestyle.

1. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe

2. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

3. TIOSEBON Casual Mesh Athletic Walking Shoe

4. Dr. Comfort Annie Casual Shoe

5. SAS Women’s Walk Easy Walking Shoes

5 Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Bunions

Skechers Women’s GOwalk Joy Walking Shoe

If you’re looking for a comfortable and sleek walking shoe, Skechers GOwalk Joy is a great option. Designed to meet every woman’s needs without compromising style. The foot-snuggling mesh upper provides adequate support and breathability, excellent benefits if you’re having bunions and heel pain. The Goga Max technology embedded in the footbed adds a little spring to your step. 

Skechers womens Go Joy Walking Shoe, Black, 8.5 Wide US

Sketchers GO Walk Joy

This walking shoe features a rubber sole for maximum comfort, thanks to the Goga Max high rebound footbed. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy offers optimal stabilization and a classic embossed “S” side logo with heel-fabric overlay panels. If you’re in a hurry, this shoe is easy to slip on and off using the easy-pull tab on the heels. The tapering midfoot system offers excellent arch support than other shoes, keeping you stable if you have bunions.

The soft mesh upper and seamless construction offers a comfortable fit. The Skechers GOwalk Joy has a midsole that also serves as the outsole. Manufactured to be hard-wearing and durable when walking on rough surfaces, this walking shoe is the best. The tread pattern promotes adequate flexibility and improves the traction of the material.

The 5GEN midsole keeps the foot safe and protected from abrupt impact. This cushioning system is engineered to be immensely responsive to reduce shock and foot fatigue. Inside the shoe is a Goga Max insole that adapts to the foot and improves the cushioning of the midsole for optimal support and long-lasting comfort.

Skechers GOwalk Joy fits better than other shoes and feels like pillows for the feet. The material used helps keep them cool despite wearing socks. If you need a great walking shoe with plenty of room and no toe squishing all day, you can opt for this one!

Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe

Ryka Devotion Plus 2 has a cushioned collar and tongue that prevent the shoelaces from sinking into the top of your foot, allowing optimal comfort throughout the day. This lightweight walking shoe makes it stand out from the rest, weighing at around 8.3 ounces. It helps support hips and knees with its anatomically-designed footbed and rounded toe. Since it’s comfortable and breathable, it’s an excellent option for bunions and other foot conditions that requires a well-cushioned shoe.

Ryka womens Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe, Black/Purple, 9 US

Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes

The insulated collar and tongue allow maximum comfort to the next level. Wearing this shoe all day feels so light without the laces sinking into your foot at all. It features increased ankle support, which is a huge advantage for a bunion walking shoe as it helps cope with various terrain.

The latest marbled print added to the breathable mesh provides a pleasing appearance. Composed with a modular network of exclusive re-zorb active foam, lycra-lined tongue, and cushioned comfort collar, Ryka Devotion Plus 2 provides exceptional comfort and support.

Although the appearance and style of this shoe make it practical, it’s not suited for a variety of occasions, considering the color choices are too vibrant. The shoe itself is also relatively larger compared to other walking shoes.

Overall, the soles of Devotion 2 Plus project the foot forward and feel bouncy. The insoles are also comfortable, while the arch is moderately supportive for high arches. If you’re into bright, neon color schemes and need comfortable and spacious walking shoes for your bunions, Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 might be the best one for you!

TIOSEBON Casual Mesh Athletic Walking Shoe

This knit mesh upper women’s walking shoe from Tiosebon sets it apart from other mesh shoes available. It’s designed to be comfortable and easy to slip on and off, which is highly preferred and is found useful by people who aren’t fans of tying their shoelaces. The fly knit design allows the air to circulate the foot to keep it cool and dry all day. Aside from its breathability features, it’s also soft and light, without compromising its quality and structure. 

TIOSEBON Women's Athletic Walking Shoes Casual Mesh-Comfortable Work Sneakers 6 US Gray

TIOSEBON Casual Mesh Athletic Walking Shoes

TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes are among the best breathable slip-on shoes that don’t scrimp on style. The shoe’s knit mesh upper offers a “sock-like” while being sleek enough to be wearable throughout the day. The quick-drying features in this walking shoe are ideal for rainy walks. They also come in a variety of colors for you to choose from that perfectly match your style.

Tiosebon Athletic Walking Shoes are sleek-looking and comfortable and ensure they’re spacious enough to help the fresh, cool air circulate through the shoes all the time. The high-quality fabric upper allows your feet to breathe effortlessly. The stretchy uppers also contribute to the comfortability of this shoe. 

Since they’re stylish, you can wear these shoes with skinny jeans, shorts, a dress, or capris. They’re perfect for walking and casual errands. The elastic mouth of the shoe makes it easier to slip on and off. The outsole is designed to withstand wear and tear and offers excellent traction, perfect when worn on slippery surfaces.

These shoes are ideal for people looking for a healthier environment for their feet. They’re also quick-drying, so when you need them right away, you no longer have to wait or switch to other shoes. If you’re looking for stylish and lightweight walking shoes for bunions, TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes is your go-to choice!

Dr. Comfort Annie Casual Shoe

Therapeutic shoes are perceived as boring, but this walking shoe from Dr. Comfort Annie will change that concept. The exceptional stitching, versatile detailing, and classic appeal make it an ideal and fancy walking shoe for bunions. Aside from being visually appealing, Dr. Comfort Annie has a stretchable Lycra body with Velcro straps for a secure and optimal fit customizable according to each person’s comfort needs.

Dr. Comfort Annie Women's Casual Shoe Acorn - 6.5 Wide

Dr. Comfort Annie Casual Shoes

Moreover, the breathable upper promotes practicality on the wide toe box, a great feature to look out for in a shoe for hammertoes and bunions. The padded lining on both insides provides adequate cushioning for the sensitive parts of the feet, like the ankle and the heel. Along with the tread features, the flexibility at the front and tightness on the heel offers ample room for tired, inflamed feet.

These Dr. Comfort shoes are great right out of the box and have enough support without an orthotic. The insole is designed with gel-type reinforced padding on all the sides of the shoes. People with narrower feet than usual may settle on half-a-size smaller due to the shoe’s comparatively wide width. However, those who prefer removable inserts for their work shoes will enjoy the extra depth and width. 

Dr. Comfort Annie Casual Walking Shoe is a great option for a timeless style that meets luxurious comfort! For those who need extra support and protection for their bunions or other foot conditions that come in an attractive package, this shoe might be your daily companion.

SAS Women’s Walk Easy Walking Shoes

This Medicare-approved walking shoe from SAS features an odor-resistant and shock-absorbing footbed system, combined with ultra-cushioning insoles, genuine leather uppers, and a featherlight traction outsole. Foot-Shape® Last system allows the shoe to mold and move with the natural form of your foot and a Contoured Everbounce™ removable PU footbed intended for optimal support that contours to your foot while cushioning every step, beneficial for people with bunions and hammertoes. 

SAS Women's, Walk Easy Walking Shoe Black 10 WW

SAS Women’s Walk Easy Walking Shoes

The lace-up closure adds a cozy fit, while the adjustable strap accommodates the protrusions better. The set of removable and odor-resistant SAS Tripad cushions are designed to provide comfort to main pressure points: the inside ball, outside ball, and heel for all-day support.

The shock-absorbing feature helps with prolonged support. Moreover, the footbed is conformed with ridges to improve body weight distribution and reduce the impact of treading on rough and rocky terrain.

Despite SAS Walk Easy’s overall chunky look, they’re surprisingly lightweight. The S-Motion technology merged into the Supersoft sole provides a natural heel stride, preventing specific foot movements that may trigger the development of bunions and hammertoes. Additionally, the ergonomic shape enables a put-together movement with the feet and does not delay behind or stretch unstably. 

If you’re not into a typical sneaker but need a sneaker feel, the SAS Walk Easy shoe fits your criteria! It is roomy and provides great cushioning. If you don’t mind swapping your daily pointy heels for a more supportive and comfortable option, this walking shoe is right for you.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a condition where the big toe twists towards the smaller toes, comprising the two bones where the big toe forms an angle sticking out. In most cases, a bunion will deform the shape of the shoe. In this case, properly fitted shoes are crucial for comfortable, pain-free day-to-day wear. Bunions can be inherited or associated with arthritis. However, the most prevalent cause is due to ill-fitting footwear.

Skechers Performance174; Go Walk Joy153; Slip-On Women's Slip On 9.5 2A(N) US Tie Dye

Sketchers GO Walk Joy

Choosing the Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Bunions

Flexible and durable walking shoe for bunions is a must. Shoes with high heels aren’t recommended; instead, heels should not be higher than 45 mm.

Materials 

Soft materials are highly recommended for bunions, such as stretch leather and mesh. Hard and stiff materials like patent leather may rub on the bunions, causing even more discomfort and inflammation.

Leather is an extremely durable material, ideal material for a bunion shoe.

Rubber is commonly used for outsoles due to its lightness and durability. Rubber soles also provide improved stability due to the anti-slip feature. This is crucial in any shoe, more importantly for specially designed footwear in relieving bunion pain.

Shape

According to research, women are more susceptible to this type of toe deformity and other associated problems. Women’s tendency to wear very tight-fitting shoes contributes to the onset and worsening of bunions.

It’s vital to choose a walking shoe with a toe cap that properly fits the width of your forefoot. A shoe with a stretchable insert in the bunion area is also a great alternative for women who prefer to look stylish and elegant.

However, plenty of women’s shoes is designed to be worn in comfort and style. Shoes with wide, soft leather materials with lower heels are suggested to avoid compressing and putting pressure on your forefoot.

Insole

A soft foam insole helps in shock absorption when walking or running while providing a comfortable footbed. Removable insoles are preferable if you wish to replace them with your customized orthopedic insoles.

Ryka Women's Devotion Plus 2 Oxford, Pink Crystal, 5

Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bunions go away on their own?

Bunions without undergoing any surgical procedure will not go away. However, preventive measures such as wearing the right walking shoes for bunions and taking care of your feet can prevent the development of your bunions. Most doctors suggest trying orthotics and correcting the footwear before resorting to surgery to remove the bunion. 

Bunions have a huge impact on the quality of life, so it’s best to consider and pay attention to them as early as possible.

Are bunions supposed to be removed?

Bunions don’t need to be removed as wearing the right footwear and ensuring your feet are healthy can manage this condition properly. However, they can be excruciating, affecting your daily life. In case it prevents your proper foot movement and causes you to walk improperly, that’s when you need to undergo surgery to remove bunions. 

Does age affect the development of bunions?

If the problem occurs in a young person, doctors may suggest orthotics to correct and align the big toe in its proper place, and suitable footwear allows ample space for the foot to grow and the toes to realign.

Skechers Women's Go Joy Hot Pink Walking Shoe 6 M US

Sketchers GO Walk Joy

Unfortunately, the problem will gradually worsen for mature or older adults suffering from bunions as rheumatism and arthritis appear in the area. Wearing inappropriate shoes consistently causes a bunion to get worse, eventually getting more painful. 

The right shoes for bunions are recommended to be worn regularly to accommodate the relocated toes. Another possible problem associated with bunions is that the rest of the toes may rub on the upper of the shoe, causing them to develop.

Best Walking Shoes for Women with Bunions, final thoughts…

Shoes are designed to provide an additional layer of protection as you walk on concrete floors. They require a wider width for ample room for any custom insoles and socks. Moreover, the interior should be well-cushioned yet breathable to improve the wrap-around and provide a relaxed fit. 

Comfortable, wide, supportive shoes like this Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy are our top recommendation for bunions and other excruciating foot problems to prevent them from developing.

Suffering from bunions or other foot conditions requires good footwear to provide you with the maximum support, protection, comfort, and stability needed. They can be distressing; that’s why a great walking shoe for bunions that don’t prevent you from rubbing on them is recommended. Otherwise, this will aggravate and affect your daily activities.

Women’s Shoes for various Activities if you have Bunions

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