How to prevent bunions
Reading time: 3 min | Last updated: 17 March 2026
Let’s be honest: bunions are not exactly on anyone’s wishlist. That bony bump at the base of your big toe can sneak up on you – and once it’s there, it doesn’t simply disappear. But here’s the good news: there’s plenty you can do to prevent bunions (or at least slow them down).
TL;DR
Want to prevent bunions? Start with these basics:
- Choose shoes with more room at the base of the big toe
- Avoid high heels
- Go for proper support, not just softness
- Don’t automatically choose wide shoes – fit matters!
- Keep walking to strengthen your feet, but always in the right shoes
Wolky shoes are always a great choice for your feet. Already dealing with bunions? Take a look at our shoes for bunions.
What exactly causes bunions?
A bunion (also known as hallux valgus) develops when your big toe starts leaning inward, pushing the joint outward. The result? A bunion.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, a few things definitely increase your chances: wearing narrow shoes or high heels, genetics, and age. Read more about the causes of bunions in our blog.
How to prevent bunions
1 | Choose shoes that give your toes space
Your toes shouldn’t feel squashed, that’s not comfortable in the short or long term. The golden rule? Leave about a thumb’s width of space at the front of your shoe. This prevents pressure on your big toe joint and helps keep everything nicely aligned.
2 | Skip the sky-high heels
Heels can look lovely, but they can feel horrible. High heels shift your body weight forward, putting extra pressure on the forefoot. Over time, this can encourage your big toe to drift inward (hello bunion).
3 | Support your feet properly
“Soft” doesn’t always mean “good”. Your feet need support just as much as cushioning. Shoes with anatomically shaped footbeds, good arch support, and shock absorption help your feet stay in a natural position and reduce strain throughout the day.
4 | Don’t go “too wide” either
It sounds logical: bunion = wider shoes. But more often than not, that results in other problems. When you’re dealing with bunions, you don’t necessarily need wider shoes. You need shoes with extra room at the bunion. If a shoe is too wide overall, your foot may slide around. That can cause friction, blisters, and even more discomfort.
5 | Keep it moving
Your feet love movement. Walking keeps them strong, flexible, and healthy. But only if you’re wearing the right shoes. With proper support, you maintain better posture, avoid compensating movements, and reduce strain on other parts of your body. More walking starts with better shoes!
Read all about the first signs of bunions here.
Shoes for bunions
These Wolky shoes are good for women who are already dealing with bunions.
How to prevent bunions with Wolky
Wolky shoes are designed in-house to keep your feet properly supported – exactly what you need to help prevent bunions. With anatomically shaped footbeds, good arch support, and shock absorption, your feet stay in a natural position all day.
Plus, there’s extra room at the front of the shoe, so your toes aren’t squeezed. No pressure, no discomfort – just happy feet.
With over 40 years of experience, we know: the right support makes all the difference.
Stay in the know
- Early access to exclusive collections
- Our best offers, 2-3 times a month
