Obviously, steel is not a soft and comfortable material to be stuck to around the toe areas for the entire day! The steel toe caps definitely cause discomfort to the toes due to their hard and stiff texture.
Imagine your hands being tied to steel or iron shackles for the entire day! Won’t it hurt the bones of the wrist area?
It will definitely!
The bones when gets continuously hit against or cramped in steel or any hard surface will definitely cause discomfort and swelling.
That’s what happens with the toes inside the steel toe boots!
Bunion is the swelling or inflammation in the bone of the big toe. When the big toe gets cramped inside the steel toe box that has narrow space for the toes to remain freely in shape, it causes bunions! This is bound to happen as the toes inside the hard and narrow steel toe box changes its natural shape and gets pushed by the walls of the toe box to form a sharp posture instead of the natural wide and spread posture of the toes.
Well, not only steel toe boots, but many shoes can also be the cause of the bunions and this article will help you to find them out so that the next time you go to buy shoes and boots, you would know which ones to avoid for your bunions!
Not only that much, but this article has more in store for you like tips on how to prevent bunions and what are the best steel toe boots that you should buy for avoiding bunions further in life!
Curious, right?
I won’t take any further time and straightway head towards the main topic…
Can shoes give you bunions?
Shoes that have narrow toe-box, very tight fit, no cushioned insoles, front sloping design, no heels to take in pressure from the toe area, no arch support and shoes that are smaller for the size of your feet can definitely give you bunions.
In the next section, we will learn about the types of shoes and boots that can give you bunions…
What type of shoes cause bunions?
Let’s have a look what all features in shoes and boots can be the cause for bunions and why:
1.) Shoes with narrow toe-box are:
The shoes that have narrow toe-box area will continuously push your toes to be stuck to each other and you cannot move your toes in them or maintain your natural toe gaps. This is one of the foremost cause of bunions.
2.) Shoes with pointed tips:
Though it might sound exactly the same as the last point, but no! shoes with pointed tips are different. They decrease the space in the toe-box area even more and are more dangerous for bunions. The toes get stuck and cramped to each other inside such types of shoes and thus, bunions are inevitable.
3.) Shoes that are smaller than your actual size:
Yes, if you have selected the wrong sized shoes or boots that are smaller than the size of your feet, your toes will be the most effected in such case. They will remain cramped and experience the most pressure and discomfort while walking.
4.) Shoes that slope forward:
Shoes will very high heels and with no arch support will cause your feet to push forward while walking thus, putting all the pressure on the toes and hence result in bunions.
See also: How to Heighten Steel Toe Boots?
How to prevent bunions from shoes?
Following are the ways to prevent bunions:
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- Choose shoes and boots with a wide toe-box
- Choose boots that have soft toe caps or at least composite toe caps
- Be aware to select shoes and boots that are not too tight
- Choose boots and shoes that are ½ a size bigger than your feet
- Choose shoes and boots that have arch support
- The heels of the shoes and boots should not be too high
- The boots and shoes should not be sloping forward
- The shoes should not have pointed tips
- Choose boots and shoes with soft cushioning
- You can apply moleskin to the bunion before wearing your shoes
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- Wearing ZenToes Gel Toe Separators on the toe next to your big toe can help to keep the big toe in its position without squinching it and getting it pressed to the other toes
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- You can also wear Mind Bodhi Toe Separators in order to increase the distance between each toe and thus increase the width of the toe area
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- You can use these bunion cushions too ZenToes 48 CT Bunion Cushions for providing a cushioning to the toes as per your requirements
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- In case you have bunions in the little toe, you can use Dr. Frederick’s Original Tailor’s Bunion Pads.
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- You can also wear this orthopaedic bunion pain relief splint Bunion Corrector for Women & Men that offers support to the big toe and relieves pain
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Best Steel toe work boots for bunions:
Here are top 3 steel toe boots that are recommended by our experts in case you suffer from bunions! Let’s find out why our experts have recommended these boots especially for bunions:
1.) Caterpillar Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot
- Ankle-cut work boot with steel toe with padded ankle and oil-resistant outsole
- Engineered nylon mesh lining optimizes breathability and comfort
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
When we tested these boots for bunions, it gave some commendable results because there was ample space in the toe box area and the raised heel of these boots put more pressure on the heels than on the toes while walking.
Also, the shaft height and the padded ankle holds the feet tight in place so that there is no displacement in the toe area and as a result no chance for bunions.
2.) Timberland PRO Men’s 6″ Pit Boss Steel Toe Industrial Work Boot
- Slip-, oil- and abrasion resistant outsoles for traction & padded top collars for comfort.
- PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension technology. It helps reduce foot fatigue, support the arch and cushion every step.
- Heel measures approximately 1.5
- Rugged nubuck leather with breathable and moisture-wicking lining , built with goodyear welt construction for a durable mechanical bond
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These boots are one of a kind when it comes to comfort with the PRO 24/7 comfort suspension system and with the anti-fatigue technology insoles that returns the pressure from the feet to the ground.
Also, the arch support and the raised heels takes in all the pressure from the toes thus letting them rest freely within the wide toe box area.
3.) Skechers for Work Women’s Workshire Peril Steel Toe Boot
- Traditional lace-up design with sturdy metal eyelets and buffalo crazy horse leather upper
- Meets ASTM F2412/2413-2011 I/75 C/75, EH standards
- Relaxed Fit design
- Removable gel-infused footbed with memory foam cushioning
- Durable, oil-resistant outsole with lug pattern for traction
- Lug traction durable rubber outsole
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Why should men enjoy all the comfort! So, this boot recommendation if for all the women who suffer from bunions due to wearing of uncomfortable work boots at work.
This particular steel toe work boot is designed with a comfortable and relaxed fit so that you experience no pressure in the toe area while walking in them.
Truly! The toe box area is very roomy so that you get ample amount of space to keep your toes inside them as you wish.
Also, the gel infused footbed gives you the rest of the well-deserved comfort along with the memory foam cushioning. Not to mention, to take away the pressure from the toes, the boot also has a raised heel and arch support.
Oh! We have come to the END!
Always buy shoes and boots that are true to your size and having some room in the toe-box area for free movement of the toes.
That said, we have come to the end of this article and hope to see you soon in my next post!
Till then, mark the points that you should avoid while buying boots and shoes for bunions for the next time!
Take care guys! And hope you have a wonderful day ahead!
