How to get rid of bunions
Reading time: 4 min | Last updated: 18 March 2026
Bunions are stubborn things. That bony bump at the base of your big toe can sneak up on you and make every step uncomfortable. Really, the only solution is surgery. However, there are some things you can do to make your life a whole lot more comfortable. Let’s check them out.
TL;DR
Bunions don’t go away without surgery, but you can reduce pain with the right approach.
- Wear supportive shoes with targeted space
- Avoid narrow and high-heeled shoes
- Use insoles or orthotics for better pressure distribution
- Apply ice when your bunion feels sore
- The right support helps you walk comfortably and stay active
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First things first: what is a bunion?
A bunion (also known as hallux valgus) is the bony bump at the side of your big toe. Some people barely notice them, others can suffer quite a bit while walking. Read all there is to know about bunions here.
Can you actually get rid of bunions?
Short answer: not without surgery.
Bunions don’t disappear on their own (unfortunately), and surgery is the only way to fully remove them. But there are some things you can do to make walking a little less painful and a little easier.
How to get rid of bunions: 5 things to lessen the pain
1 | The everyday solution: good shoes
If there’s one thing that makes a huge difference, it’s what you put on your feet each morning. Want to know what to look for in bunion-friendly shoes? Extra room at the toes (especially around the big toe), soft materials, proper support, and a good fit.
We have to add a side note here: don’t overdo it. You don’t want too much space at the toes, because that’s just not necessary. Also, you don’t want your materials to be too soft, because then it won’t support your feet in the right position.
Well… how hard is it to actually find proper footwear for bunions? Not that hard, actually. And you’re already halfway there: Wolky’s shoes for bunions are perfect for women suffering from those pesky bumps. With enough room for your bunion (but not too much), stretchy materials (but not too much), and proper support, these shoes are perfect for your feet.
2 | Avoid narrow or high-heeled shoes
This also has to do with what you’re putting on your feet: do not wear narrow or high-heeled shoes. Narrow shoes squeeze your toes together, which causes friction along your bunion. High-heeled shoes put extra pressure on the front of your foot and toes, which increases pressure on the bunion.
3 | Use supportive insoles or orthotics
Insoles or orthotics help distribute pressure evenly and improve your posture while walking. This reduces tension on the bunion.
4 | Apply ice when sore
If your bunion feels sore or painful, applying ice might help reduce swelling after a long day on your feet.
5 | Surgery
Truly, the only solution to actually get rid of a bunion is through surgery. Bunion surgery aims to realign your big toe, remove the bony bump, and restore a more natural foot shape.
Surgery is usually only considered if you have ongoing pain that limits your daily life, walking becomes difficult, and other treatments no longer help. Read more about bunion surgery in our blog.
Shoes for bunions
These Wolky shoes are super comfortable if you have bunions.
Why the right support matters more than you think
When you’re in pain, you naturally adjust how you walk. It might not seem like a big deal, but over time this can affect your posture, knees, and even your back.
Supportive shoes help you walk naturally, reduce pressure on the bunion, and avoid extra strain elsewhere in your body. All in all, this means more freedom to get on with your day, whatever it brings.
Wide shoes are not the answer you’re looking for
It’s tempting to grab the widest pair you can find, but hold on. If your feet aren’t naturally wide, overly roomy shoes can lead to: less support, slipping and rubbing, and tired, achy feet.
The trick is targeted space – extra room where your bunion needs it, while keeping the rest of your foot properly supported.
Wolky's shoes for bunions
Unfortunately, our shoes can’t help you get rid of your bunions. However, they do alleviate the pain, rubbing and pinching. Our shoes for bunions are specially designed for women with bunions. They feature extra space right at the spot of your bunion. Nothing to see from the outside, a major difference on the inside. That’s what we like at Wolky.
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