This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more info. 

As some of you will know, I had a bunion on my left foot for about a year and a half. It was very painful at first and I actually never found out exactly what caused it. I first noticed it while I was practicing kicks and sparring at taekwondo. I figured I had kicked someone’s elbow and gotten a swollen bump on the inside of my foot from sparring. 

I really wasn’t sure how that could’ve happened but I knew that it hurt. Wearing my usual Converse shoes at that time was becoming harder to do because those are much more for looking cool than for proper foot function.

Kicking at taekwondo, kicking a soccer ball, and wearing my normal shoes were all becoming harder and more painful to do. While the weather was improving and permitted me to wear open-toed sandals most of the time, I had to start looking for other options. 

My mom used to tell me that I should look into buying wide-toed shoes but it didn’t feel like me. I had a mental barrier against the idea that wide shoes are only for older folks whose feet hurt for a number of reasons and if I wore those, I’d look like I was wearing big clown shoes. 

*face palm*

I finally gave into the idea and not only have I not turned back since, I will NEVER be turning back as they are no longer something I can do without. Which leads me into my first point…

Shortly after I had developed this bunion, I suffered a serious heel injury that left me with a nasty case of plantar fasciitis. This is the injury I talk the most about on this site. So now I had two painful conditions on the same foot and I really felt down and out. I was genuinely worried about not being able to pursue the sports I love at the same rate anymore. 

I needed shoes that didn’t hurt to wear and kept my heel and ankle out of pain too. After several months of trial and error, I stumbled across the minimalist/barefoot concept.

This article explains everything I learned about the traditional shoes most people wear and how minimalist shoes are better for us in just about every single way.

To make a long story short, I quickly swapped out all my old shoes for a new minimalist shoe lineup. They all have a wide toe box to let the toes spread out comfortably and put no pressure on bunions or big toe joints.

They also encourage you to walk with a forefoot to midfoot strike rather than a heel-first strike with their zero-drop sole which was great for my nagging heel pain.

Lastly, they allow your toes and foot muscles to engage more with the ground to build strength with the thin and flexible sole. All these factors were crucial in me being able to walk normally and pain-free. 

Here are the minimalist shoes that helped me get rid of a painful bunion and I would recommend to anyone with a similar struggle:

 

Hana from Xero Shoes

I wear these for just about anything other than exercise: walking, errands, events with friends, etc. They are easily the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I can’t quite explain it, but I think the extra room that your feet are allowed in the shoes is all they really want, not a bunch of cushioning. 

Some of their features include:

-wide toe box

-non-elevated heel (zero-drop sole)

-flexible sole

-very lightweight

-made from vegan materials

Z-Trek from Xero Shoes

I also wear these for about anything, even some light running or light trail usage. It’s summer now and I want as little on my feet as possible, so these are my everyday shoes when its warm out.

These are the ultimate all-purpose sandals because you really can do anything in them. I’ve walked through standing water with them, climbed and hiked in them, and they stay secure. Some people have ran marathons in them believe it or not!

Some of their features:

-wide and open toe box

-very lightweight

-comfortable and secure strapping design

-zero-drop sole

-flexible sole

-made from vegan materials

 

Whitin Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner

These are my “kick-around” shoes; anything goes in them. They’re made for running or trail running and I can definitely see how they’d be great for those, but I will also play indoor soccer with them, jog in them, climb on some rough terrain, etc. I couldn’t recommend these more for all-purpose outdoor use because they have many adaptable features for a great price. 

Some of the features:

-flexible, durable, rubber sole

-wide toe box for comfort

-removable sockliner for a more barefoot feel

-the whole shoe bends and contorts well while still providing protection

 

Vibram Men’s V Trail Runner

These are my workout shoes. Just like the last ones though, they’re good for everything. I walk and run in them a lot and I will be rock climbing in them more now that I started climbing again. They have been fantastic in helping my bunion heal itself.

Your five toes are obviously separated inside the shoes and it gets them to spread out more at a comfortable rate. They also encourage your toes to engage more so they can get stronger and help with your walking and running, a huge bonus that traditional shoes do not offer. 

Some of the features include:

-flexible, durable, rubber sole

-upper material is polyester and spandex for more flexibility

-great protection from outdoor elements

-very lightweight