Good question — bunions need shoes that reduce pressure on the big‑toe joint and let the forefoot sit naturally. Below is a practical, compact guide: what to look for, good shoe types/brands, buying tips, and simple fixes.

1. Key shoe features to look for

• Wide, deep toe box (room for the toe to splay; look for “wide” or “extra‑wide” options).
• Soft, stretchy upper (knit/mesh or soft leather) so seams don’t rub the bunion.
• Minimal or no taper at the toe (avoid pointed toe boxes).
• Low heel (≤1–2 inches) or flat; avoid high heels.
• Good cushioning and shock absorption under the forefoot.
• Removable insole (so you can add custom or off‑the‑shelf orthotics).
• Adjustable closure (laces, straps, Velcro) to control fit without compressing the bunion.
• Rocker or tapered sole can reduce pressure on the joint when walking.
• Smooth interior seams or seamless lining where the bunion contacts the shoe.

2. Shoe types that often work well

• Athletic/walking shoes with wide options (stable cushioning, roomy toe).
• “Zero‑drop” or wide‑toe running brands for natural toe splay.
• Sandals with contoured footbeds and adjustable straps (avoid thin toe straps over the bunion).
• Orthopedic/comfort shoes made specifically for foot deformities.
• Wide‑fit dress shoes with rounded toe boxes for formal needs.

3. Brands and models commonly recommended (startpoints to try)

• New Balance (many models come in wide/extra‑wide).
• Brooks (Ghost, Addiction — known for cushioning and wide fits).
• Hoka (Bondi, Clifton — thick cushioning, some have roomy forefoot).
• Altra (Torin, Escalante — naturally wide toe box, zero‑drop).
• Orthofeet (designed for bunions/foot problems).
• Vionic (supportive sandals and shoes).
• Birkenstock (contoured footbed sandals with roomy toe area).
• Propet, SAS, Clarks, Ecco, Keen, Mephisto — many have comfort/wide options.

(Availability and specific model names change over time — use them as starting points, not guarantees.)

4. Practical buying and fit tips

• Shop late afternoon or after walking — feet swell during the day.
• Try shoes with the socks you’ll wear normally.
• Thumb test: you should be able to press sideways on the forefoot and have a little space between your longest toe and the shoe front.
• Make sure the bunion area doesn’t rub against a seam.
• Walk in the shoes for several minutes in the store (or choose retailers with a good return/exchange policy).
• Consider sizing up half a size if you need extra toe room; also try wide (W) or extra wide (EE) widths.
• Keep the original box and tags until you’re sure they’re comfortable.

5. Simple add‑ons and modifications

• Cushioned bunion pads or silicone sleeves (reduce rubbing).
• Toe spacers/splints (for nighttime use, not necessarily for walking).
• Over‑the‑counter orthotic insoles for arch support and pressure redistribution.
• Shoe stretchers or visit a cobbler to stretch an area of the shoe (works best with leather).
• Custom orthotics from a podiatrist if you need more structural correction.

6. When to see a professional

• See a podiatrist if you have persistent or worsening pain, difficulty walking, recurring redness/ulceration, or if conservative measures don’t help. They can advise on custom orthotics, physical therapy, injections, or surgery if needed.

7. Quick dos and don’ts

• Do: choose wide, soft, supportive shoes; use removable insoles; try shoes on and walk in them.
• Don’t: wear narrow, pointed shoes or high heels for long periods; ignore persistent pain.

If you want, tell me what activities you need shoes for (running, work, dress, sandals) plus your usual size/width and I’ll suggest a few specific models to try.