People who have bunions often find that it is difficult to find shoes that fit properly. Bunions can develop as the result of wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, particularly high heels. High heels have a narrow toe box, which means that the toes are forced into a small area. The height of the heel then places all the pressure of the body on the front of the foot, which compounds the problem.
As a result, the toes are crushed. The shape of the foot can become distorted, and bony protrusions known as bunions can develop in the big toe. These bony protrusions can also develop on the little toe, in which case they are known as bunionettes. In some cases, bunions develop as a result of heredity, regardless of whether the person has worn ill-fitting shoes.
Once you have developed bunions, you can’t really get rid of them. Surgery is available for bunions, but even after surgery, it is possible that the bunion will return. You can cope with bunions & help reduce pain, though. A major contributing factor to relieving bunion pain is wearing the right kind of shoes. A bunion is a bony growth at the front of the foot, which essentially causes the foot to become wider in that area.
Any pressure or constriction of the foot will exacerbate the condition, so it is essential to choose comfortable shoes that are wide and deep enough to accommodate the bunion. Here’s a guide to selecting wide fitting shoes for bunions.
- Time your shopping trip properly. Your feet may be slightly different sizes at different times of the day depending on the level of swelling present. It is best to buy shoes that fit properly when your feet are at their most swollen. This way, there is plenty of room so that your feet won’t feel cramped as the normal level of swelling increases. Feet are usually most swollen later in the day, after you have been on your feet for hours. Go shopping in the late afternoon or evening, and you are likely to get the best possible fit.
- Choose shoes that have a wide, deep toe box. Go to a specialized shoe store where you can have your feet professionally measured. They can help you determine which width is best for you. They are also likely to carry a larger variety of shoe widths than the average shoe store. There are particular shoe brands, such as Mephisto, Ziera, Solidus & Finn Comfort that are specifically made for comfort and provide a roomier fit than other brands. Brands like XSensible use stretch leather technology in their shoes, so that the shoes are specifically designed to be softer in the bunion area.
- Always try shoes on. Don’t just select your size and take them home. Try the shoes on and walk around the store to get a feel for them. Your bunions should not rub against the top or sides of the shoes. If you feel any friction, you need a wider or deeper shoe. A specialized shoe store should be able to make minor modifications to the shoes to accommodate the bunion area.
- Consider using Custom Arch Supports or bunion shields. Many people who have bunions find that an off-the-shelf shoe just doesn’t fit them properly. You can customize those shoes even further, for the perfect fit by using Custom Arch Supports for additional support & by using bunion shields to provide extra cushion.
- In some stores, you may be able to order custom shoes. One way to guarantee the perfect fit is to order custom shoes. Custom shoes can be made to accommodate bunions in cases where standard sizes just don’t work.
If you have bunions, you can visit Foot Solutions UK. We have all of the solutions that you need for bunion pain, including Custom Arch Suports & the ability to make shoe modifications to accommodate the bunion area where necessary.
