Bunions are the prominent bumps that usually form inside the foot at the base of the big toe. This condition occurs when the bones at the front of the foot move out of place, causing the tip of the big toe to get pulled towards the smaller toes. This, in turn, makes the base of the big toe stick out.
While bunions are caused by genetics in most cases, women are more prone to them because they have more flexible ligaments that allow them to give birth.
Wearing ill-fitting or shoes that fit too tight can also lead to the development of bunions. High heels and shoes that put more pressure on the forefoot are particularly exacerbating.
Fortunately, wearing the right pair of shoes can make living with bunions a whole lot easier. The best shoes for bunions usually feature a roomier width, wider toe box, and seam-free interiors for reduced irritation.
These shoes also tend to be low to the ground and crafted from materials with some give, such as soft leather and soft stretchy fabric to prevent pressure on the bunion.
Considering all that, Birkenstock is largely renowned for providing footwear that’s suitable for various foot ailments including plantar fasciitis. This article seeks to answer one of the most common questions among shoe shoppers dealing with bunions: Are Birkenstock good for bunions?
So Are Birkenstock Ok For Bunions?
Birkenstocks are comfortable wide sandals that provide your feet good support all around. With their molded footbed, Birkenstocks reduce the tension and pressure of your bunions. The more you wear them, the more they get accustomed to your foot, delivering personalized support for your feet. That said, we suggest contacting your local Birkenstock retailer for their healthy footwear recommendations.
Best Birkenstock Shoes for Wide Bunions
With its best-selling styles, Birkenstocks have become some of the most popular shoes around. Over the past few years, the brand has evolved from just being a casual style to a full-brown high fashion staple. Here are some of the best Birkenstock shoes for bunions.
Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Sandal
Featuring suede-lined contoured footbed, and arch support that gets comfier with every wear, the Gizeh Birko-Flor Sandal from Birkenstock won’t irritate your bunions. The footbed is made from absolutely renewable and sustainable cork, meaning the shoe is agreeable to the environment as well as your feet.
It also boasts other highlights such as shock-absorbing EVA outsoles, a deep heel cup that helps distribute your body weight more evenly. The adjustable buckle comes in handy for customized fit and the whole thing is durable.
Birkenstock Mayari Toe Loop Sandal
If you want to look effortlessly chic without skimping on comfort for your bunions, then the Birkenstock Mayari Toe Loop sandal is for you. Giving pronounced support, the latex footbed and suede-covered cork are lightweight, attenuate shock, and conforms to the shape of your feet with wear for that truly customized fit.
Often recommended for plantar fasciitis and other foot-related ailments, the Mayari Toe Loop Sandal works well for bunions too. It has a neutral heel cup that keeps the foot’s natural padding directly under the heel while the lightweight cork and latex footbed provide excellent arch support, including metatarsal support.
Plus, the overall design is meant to mold to your feet with wear. Speaking of sizing, Regular fits are for wider feet, while the Narrow fit is for medium and narrow feet.
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Sandal
Great for warm weather looks, the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Sandal delivers classic comfort and style. It comes with two adjustable buckle straps to help achieve a secure and personalized fit that accommodates your bunions.
And as the name suggests, it comes with a soft footbed that integrates the signature, contoured cork with an extra foam layer for maximum comfort and support. The EVA outsole is lightweight and flexible and delivers good traction on different surfaces. As for sizing, you can choose a Regular fit for wide feet, and a Narrow fit for medium and narrow feet.
Birkenstock Granada
Warm weather style meets comfort in Birkenstock’s Granada Sandal. This sandal allows for a personalized fit as it comes with two straps upper that features an adjustable buckle closure.
The latex footbed couples with the signature cork to deliver a double jute layer for shock absorbency, while the heel cup with footbed line helps to keep your feet in their natural alignment for even weight distribution and adequate support.
The lightweight EVA outsole provides traction while the oiled leather upper with adjustable straps serves for optimal fit. Similar to other Birks on the list, Regular fit is for the wide-footed while the Narrow is for the medium and narrow-footbed.
Birkenstock Florida
The Birkenstock Florida comes with three adjustable buckled straps for a truly personalized fit. The signature contoured cork footbed has been improved with a foam layer to provide superior support.
The synthetic leather upper and the stated adjustable buckled straps will ensure excellent fit while the Soft Footbed crafted from a cork with foam layer adds arch and heel support for sustainable comfort. Moreover, the lightweight and flexible EVA outsole provide good traction whether indoors or outdoors.
You might want to go for the Regular fit if you’re wide-footed as the Narrow fit is usually suitable for medium and narrow feet. As a warm-weather staple, the Birkenstock Florida promises to keep your feet happy all day.
What Can You Do for Bunion?
Bunions, corn, and calluses are common foot problems associated with improperly fitted footwear. While Birkenstock has many products that can help with bunions, warm soaks and ice packs may help especially when the bunion is irritated and painful. You might want to contact your local Birkenstock retailer for their healthy footwear recommendation. As the pain and inflammation settle, your doctor/podiatrist will most likely turn their attention to restoring your normal toe and foot joint range of motion and muscle length. The treatment may include alignment techniques, joint mobilization, massage muscle, and joint stretching, taping, and orthotics.