stylish "sensible" shoes for bunions!

[griselda101]

went to the GP, have a bunion!! the GP told me to wear sensible shoes.

having had a quick look online the "supportive" shoes are all ugly and old ladyish.

i have quite small feet and am short, and big round toed monstrosities do not suit me

i like boots like slouch boots, ankle boots, flats like ballet style pumps etc and don't really go for trainers (quite like high tops etc) so I'm not sure what I can find that will suit. (also yet to see podiatrist to discuss suitability). I also like a fairly narrow (at least not wide!) toe look to avoid looking like a clown.

I never really wear things with a heel.

My budget is pretty limited, I don't want to be spending over the odds. Additionally to this I would rather avoid leather as I am attempting to be vegan (don't always stick to this so might be open to non-leather too).

Any suggestions welcome!!

[CeeceeBloomingdale]

I think unfortunately all your requirements are the opposite to what you need (and could have caused bunion in the first place. I image you'll be advised to get something with a slight heel (ballet flats and high tops are probably too flat), with a wider toe area and with good support (so sandals would have a back strap rather than flip flops, shoes might be laced up etc). Brogues could be suitable but also lots of other styles. Clarks might be a good starting point but they tend to make their shoes in leather which has the benefit of naturally stretching to the shape of the foot but obviously isn't meeting the vegan criteria

[Jenninlw]

Unfortunately leather is going to one of the better materials for shoes made for bunions because they are flexible and will give to the shape of your foot. There are other materials like satin but the shoe has to be designed so that there's enough room for bunion - a problem I know too well after suffering from bunions for most of my life! If the need arises where you want to wear heels please take a look at Calla shoes, they're due to launch soon and the promise is that they'll be comfortable and stylish and perfect for our poor bunions! //www.callashoes.co.uk

[griselda101]

thanks everyone and sorry to take a while to reply. I will check out all your suggestions!

I didn't really know that bad shoes caused bunions, but I know now...a bit too late!!

I'm sure there must be some nice ones out there that will suit me. A shopping trip is in order...

[LastUnicorn]

Cotton traders could be the answer. Don't know about vegan but they have comfy, pretty, summer shoes. I work on my feet all day and they are brilliantly supportive

[ExConstance]

Wills Vegan shoes look nice, and are mainly sensible but not frumpy styles, I've seen them on display at Viva events and the quality is great. I'm thinking of getting the lace up boots for work.

[SuperFlyHigh]

I have a bunion on left toe (big) not a huge one but its there... I wear ballet shoes, slouch boots etc and combine with normal shoes.

you don't 'have' to wear sensible shoes but the Calla shoes sound good for bunions.

basically you need space for the bunion so round rather than pointed shoes. also if you do need to smarten up wear trainers or ballet shoes then change into the nicer heeled shoes.

[Peregrin]

I second El Naturalista. I am not into the wilder styles they have, and in theory I would also prefer a more elegant toebox, but unfortunately we are trying to square the circle here if you want to be kind to your feet. I basically wear their El Viajero flat mary janes or the El Viajero slip-on for casual occasions, and I wear another brand for the office - but that unfortunately did have me spending over the odds.

[Jenninlw]

I've found that Toms are pretty good for day to day wear and you can get them in lots of colours and styles too