What Are the Best Insoles for Bunions in 2023?

As anyone with the condition knows, bunions are a challenge to live with daily. Your footgear plays an instrumental role in how your feet feel, for better or worse.

Switching your inserts out for more supportive ones could make a difference in foot fatigue and soreness. We review the best arch supporting shoe inserts for bunions to get you back on your feet.

 

Our Top 7 Picks of the best shoe inserts/insoles for bunions

1. Superfeet BLUE Insoles

BLUE insoles by Superfeet have built-in rigid support rails and a deep heel cup for stability. The foam forefoot of the insert is high impact to absorb shocks and cushion the front of your foot.

 

2. Physix Gear Sport Orthotic Insoles

These arch supporting insoles for bunions are ultra-thin to fit into the majority of footgear without squeezing you out. The sturdy arch support corrects abnormal walking patterns that can worsen foot pain from flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and more.

 

3. Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles

Powerstep presents the Pinnacle insole with a flexible yet firm supportive shell to hold your foot in place. Plush cushioning serves to keep your feet comfortable and absorb impacts.

 

4. Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Insoles

These Walk-Hero insoles for bunions come equipped with seven millimeters of arch support to combat overpronation, flat feet, and other alignment troubles. The heel cup is deep and built with a silicone pad to absorb shocks and reduce foot pain.

 

5. Dr. Foot’s 3/4 Length Orthotics

The 3/4 length orthotics by Dr. Foot feature a slim profile with a gel pad at the heel to prevent slippage while you walk. A rigid anatomical build corrects fallen arches and encourages balanced weight distribution.

 

6. Superfeet GREEN Insoles

Superfeet GREEN insoles are built with a hard stabilizer cap at the heel for alignment. Closed-cell foam provides thick cushioning for comfort, and a deep heel cup absorbs shocks to protect your foot from impacts.

 

7. Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

These insoles by Spenco have lightweight PolySorb foam cushioning to decrease pressure on your feet and absorb impacts. A forefoot crash-pad should help with pain in the area caused by bunions.

 

Reviews of the best bunion orthotics

Ignoring your bunions or trying to bear through the pain isn’t a solution. A lack of support could aggravate rather than alleviate the discomfort of the bony protrusions.

Insoles can work to correct poor alignment or relieve conditions that can be responsible for the ailment, such as flat feet. We present our top 7 picks of the best insoles for bunions.

 

1. Superfeet BLUE Insoles

Superfeet is an established manufacturer of insoles with over 40 years of experience on the market. The company sells a diverse variety of premade and custom inserts.

 

The Superfeet BLUE insoles offer a medium level of support. At five-inches wide and two-inches high, they should fit in the majority of footwear, even some shoes without removable insoles.

Heel cups are built to keep your heel in a natural position while absorbing impact. A narrow stabilizer cap at the heel and rigid rails work to balance your feet.

This feature could correct abnormal foot positioning like overpronation or supination, which in turn may worsen your pesky bunions. The foam forefoot is also high-impact while providing cushioning for comfort.

These shoe inserts for bunions are available to fit both men and women. Sizes encompass 4.5 to 12 for women and 5.5 to 15 for men. Trim the insoles to get a perfect fit: this video shows you how.

Finally, the surface of the BLUE insoles offers organic odor control for freshness.

Those of you with wide feet may find these insoles are too narrow. The solid, unyielding build could make it uncomfortable for your feet to settle.

Pros

• Durable.
• Rigid heel support.
• Should fit in most shoes.
• Cushiony foam for comfort.

Cons

• Might be too narrow for wide-footed individuals.

Superfeet delivers a supportive insert made to last for one year or 500 miles. The sturdy support rails in the insoles keep your feet stable. They’re built to fit into most types of footwear.

 

2. Physix Gear Sport Orthotic Insoles

Founded in 2015, Physix Gear is somewhat of a newcomer to the insole industry. Still, in the years since, it built a reputation for producing quality athletic support products. The company promises a full refund or replacement if you’re dissatisfied with your insoles.

 

Despite the sports-oriented manufacturer, these insoles can serve as bunion orthotics too. Whether you’re aiming to go for long hikes or only want to stand up at work without pain, these lightweight inserts might suit your needs. They’re low-profile by design to fit into most shoes.

A deep heel cradle keeps feet aligned and prevents overpronation, which could aggravate your bunions. The non-slip heel will also ensure that these arch supporting insoles for bunions will stay in place during use.

Overall, the insoles are semi-rigid for sturdy arch support. A dual-layer EVA foam base cushions your heel and forefoot to reduce discomfort. The topmost fabric is antimicrobial to tackle odor-causing bacteria and keep your feet fresh.

Bunion sufferers can find sizes for men and women from 3 to 14.5, and 5 to 16.5, respectively.

A disadvantage of these slim insoles for bunions is the limited cushioning. The foam layers may not be sufficiently comfortable for individuals with very sensitive feet.

Pros

• Low profile.
• Suitable for athletic shoes.
• Money-back guarantee.
• Antimicrobial surface.

Cons

• Lack of thick cushioning.

These shoe inserts for bunions come with a satisfaction guarantee from Physix Gear. Strong arch support fights overpronation and keeps your foot stable to ease bunion pain. An antimicrobial surface works to fight smelly feet.

 

3. Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles

Powerstep is approved by the distinguished American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The Pinnacle insoles come in diverse unisex sizes: 3 to 16+ for men, and 5 to 15.5 for women.

 

EVO foam and PORON make up the double layers of cushioning to relieve pressure from your feet. Powerstep’s Variable Cushioning Technology (VCT) allows for soft, targeted support throughout.

These shoe inserts for bunions feature a semi-rigid arch support and heel cradle. The components work together to correct misalignment and encourage stability, whether your arch is low, neutral, or high.

The design is intended to address discomfort from everyday soreness as well as medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis and overpronation.

An antimicrobial surface works to prevent smelly feet, something you don’t need on top of bunions.

A caveat is that these insoles might not pass the test of time. If you’re always on your feet or performing high-impact activities, they may deteriorate quicker than you’d expect.

Pros

• Compatible with every arch type.
• Dual-layer cushion.
• Rated for a variety of foot ailments.
• Antimicrobial surface.

Cons

• Might not withstand frequent wear.

The Powerstep Pinnacle insoles work for every type of arch. A deep heel cup combined with flexible support should correct misaligned, overpronated feet and reduce pain. There are two layers of cushioning for comfort.

 

4. Walk-Hero Comfort and Support Insoles

Walk-Hero delivers us insoles to correct a wide range of foot issues, including plantar fasciitis and bunions.

 

These shoe inserts for bunions have seven millimeters of strong arch support for those with flat feet. Firm metatarsal support reduces overpronation and keeps feet stable.

A deep heel cup helps distribute your weight and contains a silicone pad to absorb shock. High-density foam cushions your entire foot to reduce pressure.

The wide-fitting design is made to suit a variety of casual and dress shoes, as well as athletic footwear like basketball sneakers. They aren’t trim to fit but there are half sizes available to help you find the perfect fit. Men will find sizes from 4 to 16.5, and women 6 to 14.5.

The Walk-Hero insoles are built to last up to two years. They may be a good pair for those of you who find your shoe inserts wear out quickly.

One disadvantage of these inserts is that the arch support is inflexible, which could be painful for feet that could benefit from more yield. For instance, those of you with severely collapsed arches may find the adjustment period too painful to get through.

Pros

• Shock-absorbing heel pad.
• Suits most footgear.
• Long-lasting.

Cons

• Arch support may feel excessive.

These bunion orthotics have a pronounced heel cup to stabilize your feet and encourage even weight distribution. The sturdy arch support works against flat feet, and the wide-fitting design should fit into many types of shoes.

 

5. Dr. Foot’s 3/4 Length Orthotics

Dr. Foot offers up these low-profile three-quarter length bunion orthotics. There are four unisex size categories: extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. This covers sizes 5 to 12.5 for the ladies and 3.5 to 13.5 for men.

 

Two layers of memory-foam cushioning serve to pad your feet. The base of the insoles are made of EVA plastic to preserve the shape.

Anatomical arch support assists with flat feet, overpronation, supination, and plantar fasciitis. A deep heel cup and rigid support work to hold your foot in place and prevent abnormal positioning.

The surface is anti-slip and anti-sweat to keep your feet fresh and in place. A gel pad at the heel is made with adhesive to stop the inserts from sliding around.

As they’re not full-length, you should still have space for bunion toe supports, if you wear them.

It may take time for your feet to acclimatize to these insoles due to the strong arch support. If you’re not willing to risk experiencing more pain temporarily before you see improvement, these Dr. Foot insoles might not work for you.

Pros

• Anti-slip surface and bottom heel pad.
• Fit in tighter shoes.
• Memory foam cushioning.
• Anatomical arch support.

Cons

• Might take time to break in.

Dr. Foot’s three-quarter-length insoles offer anatomical arch support to correct misalignment that can irritate your bunions. As they aren’t full length, they could be a good choice for shoes with a tighter forefoot that are too narrow for regular insoles.

 

6. Superfeet GREEN Insoles

Superfeet remains a popular choice for many when it comes to insoles. The GREEN model is intended for roomier shoes, such as hiking boots and other footwear with removable insoles.

 

At two-inches high and four-inches wide, they’re classified as a high-profile, high-volume design. This means they’ll take up a fair amount of space in your footwear and offer substantial features.

There’s a wide, deep heel cup for shock absorption and firm support. At the base, a rigid stabilizer cap braces the cushioned foam layer above. This closed-cell foam stays comfortable and shouldn’t compress over time.

The women’s sizes are 4.5 to 12.5, and men can choose from a size 5.5 to 17. As with most Superfeet inserts, these are trim-to-fit. If you want to know how to trim them the right way, check out this video.

These bunion orthotics have one setback. They may be noisy and squeak as you break them in. Furthermore, if you have a wide foot overall, you might find the deep heel cup unpleasantly tight.

Pros

• Pronounced heel cup to absorb shock.
• Thick foam for comfort.
• Stabilizer cap for support.
• Includes odor control.

Cons

• Heel cup might prove too narrow.
• Squeaky.

Superfeet GREEN insoles are padded with high-density foam for long days on your feet. The stabilizer cap and deep heel cup keep your foot securely aligned to reduce pain from bunions and other common conditions.

 

7. Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

Spenco is a company with a central focus on foot care that has been in action for over five decades. Products include blister treatments and insoles for foot protection during low-impact activities to high-performance sports.

 

You’ll find the PolySorb Cross Trainer insoles in sizes 3 to 10.5 for women, and men’s sizes 6 to 15.5. As they’re not trim-to-fit, Spenco suggests ordering the next size down if you’re a half size.

These insoles have a neutral arch and full-length foot cushioning made of proprietary SpenCore material for total comfort. This padding is also made to absorb shocks for those of you who enjoy running and similar sports.

Lightweight PolySorb foam cushions your arch and heel to keep your foot balanced and stable. The thick heel pad protects you from impact, and the forefoot crash pad takes the pressure off the front of your foot.

A four-way stretch fabric helps to lower your risk of blisters and is treated to be odor-resistant.

As these inserts are on the thicker end, they may not work in tight-fitting shoes that don’t have much room to start with.

Pros

• Impact-absorbing cushioning.
• Crash pad at the forefoot.
• Reduces blister risk.
• Ideal for high-impact sports.

Cons

• May be inappropriate for low-profile shoes.

These shoe inserts for bunions by Spenco offer comprehensive shock absorption for your heel and forefoot. The flexible cushioning gives an energy return during high-impact sports and makes for comfortable padding overall.

 

How to Choose Inserts for Bunions

Choosing the best insoles for bunions requires some thought beforehand. A pair that has one sufferer walking on air might not do anything for you. Consider your own unique situation:

• Your shoes: You may like a pair of shoe inserts for bunions, but if they’re too slim or thick for your footwear they won’t be of much use. Factor in the shoes you wear most often and the room available in them to ensure the insoles will fit properly.
• Support demands: Find insoles that correct your specific troubles, whether you’re struggling with abnormal alignment or flat feet. Removing factors that cause and aggravate your bunions could provide immense relief.
• Other aides: If you wear an assistive device like a toe separator, you might already be out of room in your shoe. Three-quarter length insoles or very slim ones might be more compatible than ones with a thick forefoot.
• Activities: Are you aiming to relieve bunion pain while playing tennis, or at a job that requires you to stand up for hours? If it’s the former, insoles that can absorb or minimize impact to your feet are essential. Those of you who don’t plan to run marathons may want to prioritize comfort cushioning instead.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Insoles Work for Bunions?

Yes, some doctors can and do recommend trying insoles to relieve the pain of bunions. In fact, insoles can work against the discomfort provoked by various foot deformities.

However, insoles alone can’t reverse your bunion or correct the affected toe.

 

What Causes Bunions?

Bunions are sacs of bone and fluid that grow at the base of your toe joint. The medical term for them is hallux valgus (HV).

These growths can impact your little toe or big toe. This video summarizes the causes and types of bunions.

Risk factors include:

• Genetics: Although rare, some people are born with bunions. Others will develop them as they grow older. The latter manifestation is known as adolescent or juvenile HV.
• Gender: Women are more likely to end up with bunions than men. Researchers believe this is because women often choose tight-fitting footwear like high heels, which leave toes confined to an unnatural position.
• Joint hypermobility: Unusually flexible joints can also cause bunions to form. There isn’t much you can do as it’s a genetic condition.
• Metatarsus primus varus: This condition is a deformity where the first metatarsal bone in your foot is rotated and angled away from the second one. It’s almost always a precursor to bunions, and can result in a recurrence of removed bunions as well.
• Flat feet: Collapsed arches increase your likelihood of developing these uncomfortable growths. This is why arch support is crucial when considering insoles for bunions.
• Overpronation: Feet that tend to roll inward can develop so-called “bunionettes,” or “tailor’s bunions,” smaller protrusions that grow on the little toe. Insoles that provide added stability may help correct this condition.
• Tight calves: If one or both of the muscles at the back of your calf are consistently tight, it can boost your chances of a bunion forming. This tightness can be the result of overusing these muscles and a little stretching could go a long way in providing relief.
• Arthritis: Joint disorders such as arthritis can lead to deformed feet over time, which heightens the likelihood that a bunion will grow.
• Footwear: There isn’t a proven link between certain types of shoes and bunions, but we know that some shoes are less ideal than others. As we touched on, a poor choice of footwear that encourages the deformity can speed up growth.

 

Are There Insoles for Bunion Prevention?

In a sense, the answer is “yes,” as insoles can alleviate foot troubles that can cause bunions. Nevertheless, there’s no miracle shoe insert for bunions that can guarantee you’ll never get one.

Being aware of your foot health and opting for comfortable shoes are great preventative strategies. Part of that can include choosing suitable insoles.

 

Start Managing Bunion Pain

If you have bunions, it’s vital to start paying attention to your foot health. The bony growths won’t disappear on their own, but you can avoid severe pain and potential surgery with proper foot care habits.

Buying bunion orthotics can have you enjoying fun activities and getting through work days without being overwhelmed by discomfort. As everyone has distinct needs, we can’t select a winner out of our best insoles for bunions. Find a pair that’s most compatible with your feet, whether you need extra cushioning or serious stability.

Leave us a comment if you have any thoughts. We hope you’ll share our article with others in your circle affected by bunions.