What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is an unnatural, bony hump that forms at the base of the big toe where it attaches to the foot. Often, the big toe deviates toward the other toes. When this occurs, the base of the big toe pushes outward on the first metatarsal bone -- which is the bone directly behind the big toe -- forming a bunion. If this happens on the little toe and fifth metatarsal, it's called a bunionette.
Because a bunion occurs at a joint, where the toe bends in normal walking, your entire body weight rests on the bunion at each step. Bunions can be extremely painful. They're also vulnerable to excess pressure and friction from shoes and can lead to the development of calluses.
Ideal shoe specifications for a foot having bunion:
- Laces or Velcro for secure fastening
- Closed backs
- A strong heel counter
- Roomy and deep toe box
- Stretch vamp with stretchy leather or lycra, mesh, etc.
- A dense mid-sole and have enough support on the medical aspect of mid-foot.
- Removable foot beds and can fit custom/prefab orthotics.
Ideal shoes for bunion from Comfort and fit range:
- Propet: Wped-6, Olivia
- Finn Comfort Finnamic Range: Ikebukuro, Pretoria, etc.
- Finn Comfort shoes and sandals: Blatrum, Adelaide, Flachau, Biscaya, Barletta
- Schein Classic/Kinetic Shoes: Sven, Achim
- PWM Shoes: Leisure Time, Leisure Time DX2, Leisure, Leisure DX2, Performance Walkers, Pleasure DX2, Natural DX2, Velvet,
- Orthofeet athletic range: Sprint, Verve
- DB: Rowena, Carloline-2, Eunice-2, Joseph, Daniel, Juliet, Justine
- Apis: 608, 618, 708, 718, 9214
Orthotics, bunion splints and bunion sleeves could be helpful on many occasions.