Top 10 Tips When Choosing Shoes For Bunions

Most people, especially women, don’t realize shoes play a major part in the development of bunions and tailor bunions. If a bunion is already present, the wrong type of shoe can enlarge the bunion, as well as cause irritation and pain.  Many shoes, especially fashionable and/or high heel shoes are guilty of causing such bunions.

These types of shoes generally have heels greater than 1 inch and have a very tapered toe box.

The toe box refers to the area of the shoe, which wraps and protects the toes. Toe boxes are made in all shapes and types, but when it comes to bunions, they should have enough width and length to allow the toes adequate room. Not enough length in a toe box can, also, cause hammertoes, which is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe that becomes permanently curled due to a bend in the middle joint causing the toe to remain in that position. Ideally when choosing the length of a shoe, it should be a thumbs length from the toe to the tip of the shoe. Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. A solid heel counter.  The heel counter refers to small plastic insert used to reinforce the heel cup of a shoe and increase support. It helps cradle the heel and arch, which reduces over-pronation (a bowing of the feet outward). It helps lock the foot into the shoe and anchors it to the mid-sole.

2. A wide enough toe box that allows the toes to sit comfortably without squeezing them.

3. A semi-rigid or rigid shank.  A semi-rigid shank is used to partially control abnormal motion or position of the foot and leg while moving. A rigid shank offers minimal flexibility during use, which prevents abnormal motion or abnormal position of the foot and leg while moving.

4. A removable inner sole. This serves many purposes, among them it can relieve foot and joint pain from arthritis, or allow corrective shoe inserts (orthotics) or insertable insoles with arch-support to be worn.

5. A long Vamp.  The vamp is a part of the shoe that can cover anywhere on the top part of the foot between where the toes and the legs connect to the foot. A low vamp shoe cuts across the front of the foot near the toes (ie: ballet flat, flip-flps). A high vamp shoe comes up the foot and possibly up to the ankle (ie: high top sneakers, gladiator sandals). Straps and other details affect the shoe vamp.

6. A heel measuring between 3/4-1 inch.  Any higher over a period of time can cause foot deformities, can shorten the Achilles tendon over time, as well as cause a loss in the range of motion in your feet.

7. Shop in the afternoon.  The best time to shop for a new pair of shoes is in the late afternoon when feet tend to be swollen. Shoes purchased at other times of the day may experience tightness later. Never shop when your feet are in pain because it distorts your perception of the long-term comfort of new shoes.

8. Vertical pressure.  Select shoes that do not squeeze or press down onto your toes and the joint of your big toe. In spite of experts warning you that horizontal pressure from narrow shoes can cause bunions, they neglect to mention that vertical pressure can be just as faulty in causing bunions.

9. Go Barefoot.  When it is possible go barefoot, especially at home. Walking barefoot in sand and grass is a therapeutic form of foot message.

10. Message.  Take the time to maintain your feet with foot massages, foot soaks and foot exercises to keep the muscles, ligaments, and joints supple and flexible.

Image: healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Additionally, it would be beneficial to factor in the type of arch your foot has in order to support any pronation of the foot.  Tailor’s Bunion can worsen with the wrong shoes.  At www.mytailorsbunion.com is a great resource to find out what to expect if you do need a Tailor’s Bunion surgery.

The Discovery of Two Tailor’s Bunion

My name is Anna Frye, and I have been coping and living with a my tailor’s bunion for years. It began at the youthful age of 24. I had a great place only four blocks from the beach in California. I was an enthusiastic rollerblader, I loved running on the beach and playing beach volley ball. Then I discovered a tailor bunion that was situated just beneath each fifth toe on my feet.

I never discovered them before, but now they caught my eye.

My friend at the time, who is now my husband, had no concept what they were either. It was enough to encourage me to contact my regional podiatric physician for a consultation.

When I met the physician, he was very helpful, but he seemed to offer no alternatives right from the start. As soon as I took off my sneakers he realized right away, “you have tailor’s bunions.” I assumed tailor’s bunions were for senior citizens, I was a little surprised.

He said something to the impact of, “not a problem at all, I can eliminate those, it is not be an extensive process.”

It was said in such a calm way, I had to ask him, “your talking about surgery, right?” As soon as he said yes, I already new I was not going to do it. Not because of the medical procedures itself, but I just didn’t have insurance then.

The tailor’s bunions just didn’t harm or hassle me at all, and they were rather little. So I thanked him for his some time and I was on my way.

To read more about my experiences of living and dealing with My Tailor’s Bunion, go to http://www.mytailorsbunion.com. I went through foot pain, surgery, and recovery.  I discovered Tailor’s Bunion preventive care and stylish shoes to keep my bunions happy. I hope that my journey can help you cope with your Tailor’s Bunion.