Tailor’s Bunion Shoes

Tailor’s bunion shoes should be worn if you have developed a little toe bunion or if you are recovering from bunion surgery. Footwear choice is a major factor in the formation of tailor’s bunions and if changes are not made to footwear, it is likely that your bunions will deteriorate or return after surgery.

Bunion shoes may not conjure up a mental picture of cutting edge fashion; however there are some excellent footwear choices out there which are trendy and good for your feet. Just because shoes are good for the feet it doesn’t mean that they need to be unattractive or unstylish.
To help prevent a little toe bunion from forming or to decrease the time it takes for an existing little toe bunion to heal, you should avoid wearing high heeled and narrow shoes as much as possible. It is the narrow toe box and elevated heel which often causes bunions to develop.

Why Do Shoes Cause Bunions to Develop?

There are five metatarsal bones in the foot; each of which should line up perfectly with the phalanges of the toes. When pointed shoes are worn the toes are forced out of alignment. When the bones are out of the proper alignment, force cannot be distributed correctly and this can take a toll on the joints. Although some people are predisposed to develop tailor’s bunions, one of the main contributory factors is footwear choice.
Any shoe which moves the toes out of the normal position or causes pressure to be exerted on the sides of the feet has potential to cause a bunion. Choose healthy footwear and you will reduce the risk of foot problems developing.
If you suffer from bunionettes, choosing a good pair of tailor’s bunion shoes will get you on the road to recovery in next to no time.

Important Considerations When Choosing Tailor’s Bunion Shoes

Choose Shoes with a Wide Toe Box

The most important thing to consider when choosing suitable tailor’s bunion shoes is the size of the toe box. When you try on shoes they should feel comfortable and your toes should not be restricted. The toes need to align naturally and you should bear in mind that toes splay a little when walking. There should be enough room in your shoes to allow a little toe movement. Crocs are a good choice because the toe box is wide although they are not to everyone’s taste.

Avoid High Heels!

Shoes do not need to be totally flat to be healthy for your feet, but the higher the heel, the tougher it will be on the joints of your toes. Always try to avoid shoes with a high heel and try not to go higher than a low wedge. If stilettos are a must, make sure you limit the time you wear them as much as possible. Sandals are a great choice as tailor’s bunion shoes as they have open toes so do not exert lateral pressure on the feet, plus the heel is low. Always choose sandals with good arch support to ensure your feet stay healthy throughout the summer.

Choose a Pair of Shoes with Good Arch Support

Sneakers are great tailor’s bunion shoes. The uppers are flexible and this type of footwear usually gives excellent arch support. The fabrics are breathable and this can help to keep the feet cool and comfortable. Sneakers can usually accommodate an orthotic insole for added support. Buy a pair of off the shelf insoles from a reputable brand such as Dr. Scholls or Superfeet and slip them inside your shoes. This will ensure your arches are supported and the bones of your feet are encouraged into a normal and healthy position.

Shoes Should Have Flexible Uppers

Old leather shoes are a great and can be one of the best choices of tailor’s bunion shoes. Worn leather has a good degree of flexibility and the material yields a little. This will ensure only a little pressure is exerted on the side of the feet. Fabric shoes are also a good choice, but make sure you avoid materials such as PVC and cheap plastic coated shoes like the plague! These modern materials have no give and will rub and irritate your little toe bunion.

Wear Bunion Pads

You can insert bunion pads into most styles of footwear to turn them into great tailor’s bunion shoes. Bunion pads ease pressure on the side of your foot and provide extra cushioning to the joints of the big and little toe. Bunion pads should be positioned directly over the joint to cushion the outside of the foot where it comes into contact with the upper of the shoe. Moleskin bunion pads are the best choice as they are the most comfortable.