Are Flip-Flops Good Shoes for Bunions?
With warm weather fast approaching, many wonder if you have bunions, should you wear flip flops? What other shoes could be better?
While flip flops certainly may provide additional comfort during hot weather, ordinary flip-flops generally don't provide the support needed by someone who has bunions. Shoes worn by a person with a bunion who is experiencing pain should reduce the pressure1 exerted on the big toe joint while standing or walking. Recommended shoes for people with bunions will deliver more arch support, thus distributing weight more evenly and more toward the arch itself.
So, if you've been wondering "Are flip-flops bad for bunions?," the answer is - ordinary flip-flops probably are.1
With ordinary conventional shoes, such as sneakers, it's easy to provide that extra arch support by inserting custom orthotics or over-the-counter arch supports. This clearly won't work with flip-flops or sandals, so you'd have to purchase special orthopedic bunion corrector sandals or flip-flops for bunions that provide built-in arch support. Some types of sports sandals also deliver the kind of support needed by bunion patients. Consult with your doctor for the right type of shoe support for your specific needs.
Best sandals for bunions
Sandals for bunions or flip-flops for bunions should be able to lower the pressure exerted on the big toe, or it may continue to be painful to walk or stand. Useful sandals or flip-flops should therefore include an arch that closely mimics the natural arch of a person's foot. This may allow some of the pressure to be transferred away from the big toe, and onto the arch area, relieving pain to a significant extent.2 These footwear types can be made even more comfortable by installing a flip-flop gel toe spreader if recommended by your doctor, which slips right onto the flip-flop, between the big toe and the second toe.
The same holds true when considering sports sandals. As with flip-flops and sandals, ordinary sports sandals typically do not provide enough support to relieve pressure on the big toe and this may result in feeling more pain. However, some manufacturers have made special versions of their products specifically for bunion patients.3 These sandals provide the requisite arch support, which in turn can relieve pressure on the big toe, and potentially reduce or eliminate pain when walking or standing.
If you have questions regarding the proper shoes for your specific foot pain, consult with your doctor to find the best solution for you and your feet.
