Bunions are a prevalent issue, particularly among women. They can be uncomfortable and make regular activities difficult. It is not always easy to find shoes that reduce bunion pain.
If you have bunions, you may wonder if sandals are off-limits for you or if there is a pair of sandals that would fit your feet and allow you to enjoy beautiful footwear pain-free. Lucky for you, we have a guide you can refer to before buying corrector sandals for bunions.
Keep these reminders in mind, so you know what to look for.
Bunions
Bunions are a frequent condition that develops when your big toe pushes against your other toes and curves. They can occur on the big toe or other toes. These can be caused by many factors, including genetics and wearing ill-fitted shoes.
Bunions can be treated with non-invasive options like orthotics (shoe inserts) or more aggressive interventions like surgery. Knowing how they develop will help you decide what treatments are appropriate for you and your lifestyle.
Causes
The exact cause of bunions is not understood. It is assumed to be caused by heredity, although it could also be caused by wearing tight or narrow shoes. Another factor that can cause bunion growth is foot injuries.
Bunions are often accompanied by other conditions such as hammertoes (when toes bend upward at the middle joint and the ends stay straight), hallux rigidus (where your big toe becomes painfully stiff), arthritis in your toes and foot, and plantar fasciitis (pain in the heel).
Treatment
Bunions don't always require treatment. But if they start causing you pain, it is time to consider over-the-counter medications, altering your shoes, or even scheduling a surgery consultation.
Below are methods to lessen your pain or prevent your bunion from worsening.
Surgical Method
If you experience persisting and severe foot discomfort when walking or wearing flat, comfortable shoes, you may need bunion surgery, especially if rest and medications no longer work.
From mild to severe bunion conditions, all types of operations include removing the protruding portion of the bone.
Non-Surgical Method
Bunions can be treated with a variety of non-surgical methods aside from surgery. Orthotics are considered the best treatment for bunions. They are devices that support and align your feet to prevent further deformity.
Bunion Splints
Bunion splints help treat bunions by realigning your toes while you sleep, so you don't have to wear a cast or brace during the day.
Bunion Sleeves
These sleeves, which resemble a turtleneck for your toe, slip over your big toe and the ball of your foot to provide a nice cushion for your bunion. Their primary function is to alleviate rubbing from wearing shoes with a narrow toe box.
Others find relief by simply covering the bunion with a bandage or callus pad to shield the skin from rubbing.
Shoe Inserts
If you have some pain in addition to the bunion itself, then pads may be useful as they can provide extra cushioning around the area. They also reduce pressure on sensitive bones and nerves that contribute to discomfort when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Cushions can provide relief from friction caused by rubbing against shoes as well. These cushions typically come with adhesive backing, so they stay put when placed inside footwear that tends not to fit properly.
Orthotics
If you are planning to buy sandals for bunions, orthotics can help prevent and manage bunion pain. Orthotics have been shown to reduce the risk of bunions by 80% and also improve foot posture. They work by improving your stride length and gait, which reduces the impact on your feet as you walk or run.
They are also an option if you can't to invest in sandals for bunions yet. When used with other footwear like steel-toed work boots and hiking shoes, orthotics can relieve bunion pain without having to go barefoot or wear open-back footwear all day long!
3 Traits of a Good Bunion Corrector Sandals for Women
If you want to find sandals that won't exacerbate your bunion, here are three things to consider before buying new orthopedic bunion corrector sandals for women.
A Solid Fit
By their very nature, sandals have less body and must work considerably more to provide the same level of support that a sneaker does.
Sandals are okay for particular occasions, but ensure they are the proper length and width for your foot. This helps your feet to spread out and reduces tightness in your toes.
Flexible Fabric
Materials with elasticity, such as soft leather or elastic fabric, will not stress bunions. Interior materials that are soft also help decrease inflammation. Cork materials are also a wonderful choice because they mold to your foot over time.
A Supportive Footbed
Like any other comfortable shoe, look for sandals with supportive footbeds that help relieve tiredness, stress, and strain across the entire foot and won't dig into uncomfortable regions. This is crucial if you have certain foot issues like flat feet, wide feet, high arches, or hammertoes.
Hiking sandals, on the other hand, are fantastic warm-weather selections because they are designed to provide long-lasting, sturdy support.
Finding the Right One
Some people may not consider the importance of having proper footwear when in reality, it protects the delicate skin of our soles and makes us comfortable. It also gives us the freedom to wear sandals that match our personalities. In addition, it alleviates pain and impact from using our legs all day, including bunions.
Bunions are not painful unless they are irritated or damaged by ill-fitting shoes, though they can become so if you don't address them early on. Here are what to keep in mind when you shop for your corrector sandals.
1. Make sure your footwear is comfortable from the start.
Try on many pairs of premium orthopedic bunion corrector sandals to ensure that your footwear is comfortable. If you have bunions, choosing footwear that fits well and has good arch and heel support is important.
Your toes should also have enough room in the toe box to move comfortably. If they are cramped or crowded, that can cause more pain over time. Pay attention to how each shoe feels on your feet and how they fit around your bunion.
For example, it is easy for some brands of sandals (particularly flip-flops) to have too much space between the straps and sides of their toes. This can result in a painful experience every time you wear them.
2. Consider many options.
When shopping, consider the type of sandal you want to buy, the brand, its features, and its ergonomic design. You should also consider how much you want to spend on them by setting aside a budget or ideal price point.
Other important factors include color and style, especially if they can't be changed easily or cheaply after purchase.
3. Look for features like adjustable straps and spacious toe boxes in your shoes.
These features will help ensure a good fit, which will help prevent discomfort and blisters. A little extra room in the toe box also allows your toes to move around as they naturally should without rubbing against each other or getting bunched up against the sides of your shoes.
When it comes to preventing new bumps from emerging, this can make all the difference.
4. Consider brands that specialize in shoes for women with bunions.
Fortunately, there are numerous brands that sell shoes for women with bunions. Check out these two brands that might just fit what you are looking for.
Xero:
- Since they are designed to fit naturally, your feet can move how they would naturally.
- They contain roomy toe boxes that encourage toe relaxation, as well as thin, flexible soles that allow your feet to flex and bend naturally.
- Additionally, they have a zero drop and equal amounts of cushion under the toe and heel to aid in better balance and posture.
Skechers:
- Their shoes have a memory foam insole for optimal comfort. It is like a snug bed for your feet, except for walking.
- They usually have flexible knit fabric that won't irritate your bunions.
- Additionally, Skechers sells Go Walk shoes in a range of widths, including narrow, regular, and broad.
If you are looking for items closer to your budget but still provide the same comfort, Amazon offers a wide range of options in terms of style, size, and comfort. They are easy on the wallet, too!
Conclusion
If you have bunions, chances are you have tried on a pair of shoes and found them too tight around the toes. This can be frustrating, especially if you are always on the go.
But you don't need to sacrifice foot health for fashion. There are a lot of options out there that will allow you to look great while maintaining your foot health. Don't let bunions stop you from wearing sandals and feeling your best! Remember the things above before buying your sandals.
To know more about foot health and foot care, explore our blogs and reviews here.
August 2, 2022
