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If you love hiking and spending time outdoors, you know just how frustrating bunions can be. They make hiking agonizing and a real struggle to find comfortable outdoor footwear. But that doesn’t always have to be the case!
With proper bunion hiking boots, you can spend long hours in the mountains comfortably and pain-free. That’s because these boots prevent the uncomfortable pressure and friction points that hikers with bunions experience.
If you’re unsure where to start, this article will explore a handpicked collection of the best hiking boots for bunions that cater to your specific needs. We understand that the one thing you need in particular is more space around your toe area.
That’s why each shoe on our list is sourced from brands that prioritize wide-toe boxes, arch support, and adjustable designs. Let’s dive in and find the perfect hiking boots for your bunions.
Top 7 Best Men’s and Women’s Hiking Boots for Bunions – Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | KEEN Targhee 2 Mid Height |
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 | Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II |
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 | Lowa Renegade GTX MID |
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 | Merrell Moab 2 |
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 | Keen Steens Wider Toe |
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 | Hanwag Alta Bunion II GTX |
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 | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX |
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Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Finding the Best Hiking Boots for Bunions
While there are many great hiking shoes for bunions in the market, you must narrow your selection to suit your specific needs. You want a hiking boot that allows you to focus on the trail rather than discomfort.
So in this section, we’ll discuss some of the key factors you should keep in mind when buying hiking boots for bunions to help you make the right choice.
1. Ensure a Wide Toe Box
When shopping for hiking boots for bunions, the first and most important feature to look out for is a wide-toe box. The extra space in the front area allows your big toe joint to spread more naturally without being squeezed together. That protects your feet from friction and pressure, reducing the likelihood of irritation or pain during hikes.
2. Seek Cushioning and Arch Support
The terrain might challenge you, but your hiking boots shouldn’t. So, when buying hiking boots for bunions, opt for boots with ample cushioning to absorb shock and reduce stress on your bunions and the rest of your feet.
But that’s not all! Also, ensure your boots have proper support to help maintain the natural alignment of your feet and minimize overpronation- a common issue caused by bunions.
3. Choose Breathable and Waterproof Materials
While the primary focus might be your bunions, don’t overlook the importance of your overall comfort. When hiking, you are likely to be exposed to extreme weather conditions and terrains that may expose you to moisture.
Therefore, choose boots made from breathable materials that allow air circulation. But at the same time are waterproof enough to prevent water from entering. That reduces the buildup of excess moisture and keeps your feet dry and comfortable throughout the hike.
4. Prioritize Durable Soles and Traction
Hiking trails can be very unpredictable. So, it’s crucial that you have boots that can handle anything that comes your way. Look for hiking boots with high-quality and durable materials that can withstand various terrains and weather conditions.
A sturdy, durable sole with excellent traction provides stability and gives you a secure grip on the ground on just about any terrain. That helps prevent slips and falls that could further irritate your bunions.
5. Go for Adjustable Lacing
Bunions tend to affect the overall shape of your feet. Therefore, when buying hiking boots for bunions, make sure you have an adjustable lacing system. Hiking boots with adjustable lacing make it easy to customize the fit to suit your feet’s unique shape.
Also, it can help reduce the pressure points on your feet and ensure you get the support they need. Not to mention, the custom fit promotes better air circulation and reduces the risk of blisters.
Top 7 Best Hiking Boots for Bunions – Our Recommendations
Here are the top choices for hiking boots with bunions:
1. Best Women’s Hiking Boots for Bunions: KEEN Targhee 2 Mid Height
Key Features:
- Weight: 14.2 oz / 402.6 g (per boot)
- Upper Material: KEEN DRY Leather
- Midsole: EVA
- Outsole: Rubber sole with multi-directional lugs
- Lining: Breathable mesh
- Closure: Lace-up
- Waterproof: Yes
Finding sturdy yet comfortable boots is not always easy. But the KEEN Targhee 2 hiking boots tick all the boxes for some reason and stand out as one of the best hiking shoes for women.
The fact that it’s built to endure rugged terrains provides great support, especially for hikers with bunions. We loved the fact that the mid-height design offered adequate heel and ankle support, reducing the risk of twists and sprains.
And just like the Merrel Moab, Targhee 2 boots come with a spacious toe box that provides extra room for your toes to move around freely and reduces irritation on your bunions. Notably, the boot has excellent cushioning that absorbs shock and encourages proper foot alignment.
The waterproof, breathable, and durable design also largely contributes to its versatility. So, your feet will stay dry and comfortable even when hiking wet trails. That’s very beneficial for hikers with bunions since moisture worsens the discomfort.
Unfortunately, while the boot has top-notch cushioning and support, we quickly noticed that it may not be the best option for hiking multiple treks in a row. It works better for recreational hikers who need waterproof boots for their adventures.
Pros
- Waterproof and breathableÂ
- The cushioned midsole provides excellent shock absorption
- The customizable fit makes it easy to hike with bunions
- Arch support
- Sturdy outsole and reliable traction
Cons
- It may take some time to break inÂ
- The mid-height designs felt a bit restrictive sometimesÂ
2. Best Men’s Hiking Boots for Bunions: Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
Key Features:
- Weight: 15.9 oz / 452g (Per Boot)
- Upper Material: Leather, Suede and Mesh
- Midsole: Techlite EVA
- Outsole: Omni-Grip Rubber
- Lining: Breathable mesh
- Closure: Lace-up
- Waterproof: Yes
Shopping for hiking boots, especially if you have bunions, can be surprisingly hard. That’s because you not only have to consider quality, style, and comfort but also the price point. But after testing out the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II, we could quickly tell why this is the most popular go-to men’s hiking shoe for the economically conscious.
Out of the box, we immediately loved the textures and sectioning. Something about them gives the boot a very tactical aesthetic on a non-bulky body. On top of that, the boot is made with Polyurethane leather, making it pretty flexible and comfortable.
In fact, you could toss the shoe in the air and catch it if you wanted. The only thing that might be an issue is that the leather feels a bit plastic-like. So, you can already tell it’s not the best quality. But given the price point, this is not something we were particularly mad about.
We especially loved the waterproof feature, which made walking through streams and wet patches along the hiking trail very easy. And since the leather has hydrophobic properties, we noticed that the boot gets wet very slowly but dries pretty fast. You can also take the boot on just about any terrain without worrying about the grip. These hiking boots did pretty well on icy-muddy trails.
Pros
- Plenty of cushioning for shock absorption
- Lightweight and comfortable
- WaterproofÂ
- Available in a wide array of colors and sizes
- Requires no break-in period
Cons
- Not very breathableÂ
- Limited ankle support compared to other hiking shoes
- The exterior construction is not sustainable for long-term use
3. Most Comfortable Hiking Boot for Bunions: Lowa Renegade GTX MID Hiking Boot
Key Features:
- Weight: 33.5 Oz / 950g (Per Boot)
- Upper Material: 100% leather
- Midsole: PU Monowrap
- Outsole: Vibram
- Lining. GORE-TEX lining
- Closure: Lace-up
- Waterproof: Yes
If you love long hiking or backpacking adventures with a full pack, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid won’t disappoint you. This is just the hiking boot you need for rough, muddy, and slippery terrains. We wanted to see if the boot lives up to the hype, so we decided to be a bit extreme with the testing.
We took the boot out for a three-day subsequent hiking and backpacking adventure and still performed well. First, this boot was surprisingly light and comfortable compared to other long-mileage hiking boots. It wasn’t stiff or rigid out of the box, although it took a couple of miles to loosen up and soften completely.
Notably, the Renegade boots also performed well on different surfaces. The deep and aggressive lugs on the outsole have a pretty good grip, especially when descending steep and sloppy terrain. They gripped on everything- icy mud, rocks, and even loose dirt. As a plus, the Gore-Tex membrane came in handy when we encountered muddy puddles.
The boot did a pretty good job of keeping my feet dry, all thanks to their climate control footbed that wicks away moisture. All the same, we recommend that you avoid submerging the shoe up to the collar. At some point during the last stretch of our trail, the Renegade grew very heavy with moisture.
Pros
- Excellent ankle support and stabilityÂ
- Comfortable for long hikes and backpackingÂ
- Excellent grip on almost every terrain
- Highly customizable lacing system
- Available in different colors and sizesÂ
Cons
- Not very breathable-they lack adequate ventilation due to the tough upper leather
- The thin leather upper doesn’t seem very durable for long-term wearÂ
- We’d recommended going a size up to achieve a good all-round fit
4. Best Budget Hiking Boot for Bunions: Merrell Moab 2
Key Features:
- Weight: 12 oz/888 g (Per Boot)
- Upper Material: Pig skin leather and mesh upper
- Midsole: EVA
- Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
- Lining: Breathable mesh
- Closure: Lace-up
- Waterproof: No
The Merrel Women’s Moab 2 hiking boot is a renowned choice among hikers with bunions and for a good reason. After all, these hiking boots are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. We decided to test the latest version, and it lives up to the hype.
It’s an even better choice for people with bunions, as its lightweight design allows you to transition from trails to urban environments hassle-free. For about $60, you get a boot with a spacious toe box that helps prevent pressure and friction. We have a list of recommended hiking boots under $100 here. Plus, the contoured footbed provides excellent arch support and reduces fatigue during longer hikes.
With suede leather and mesh upper, the Merrels boots provide a nice balance of sturdiness and flexibility, ensuring the shoe holds up well over time. Not to mention, it has ample cushioning in the midsole that helps absorb shock and enhances the shoe’s overall comfort.
We especially loved the fact that the breathable mesh upper allows air to circulate so your feet don’t build up moisture in hot and humid conditions.
Pros
- Wide toe box to accommodate bunions comfortably
- Effective cushioning and supportÂ
- Ventilated mesh upperÂ
- Durable Vibram outsoleÂ
- Excellent lacing system
Cons
- Limited waterproofingÂ
- The boots are heavy
- The low-cut design doesn’t provide ample ankle support for harsher terrains
5. Best All-Terrain Hiking Boot for Bunions: Keen Steens Wider Toe
Key Features:
- Weight: 17.6Oz/ 499.9g (Per Boot)
- Upper Material: Tanning Leather
- Outsole: All-Terrain rubber
- Lining: Mesh
- Midsole: EVA
- Fit Design: Wider Toe
- Waterproofing: KEEN DRY
If you don’t care about shoe aesthetics or simply love a minimalistic design, then Keen Women’s Wider Toe is the ideal choice for you. The Keen Wider Toe shoe is functional for day-to-day hikes. But the best part is that the boot comes in a simplistic silhouette that’s easy to put on and care for.
However, don’t let the laid-back design fool you! The Keen Wider shoe was created to offer support and comfort when you need it the most. As for the toe room, this pair comes with a spacious toe room ensuring your toes are well-protected in case of accidental impacts.
Above all, this pair of hiking boots is fitted with a mesh lining, perfect for breathing efficiency. You will also get an excellent TPU heel system that will snug the back of your foot and ankle as you climb steep slopes and rocky terrains. The anti-slip All-Terrain rubber and waterproof leather ensure you have nothing to worry about when striding your way through any mountainous region.
We especially loved the fact that these boots are tough, offering long-term service to their wearer. That said, if you are a hiker who already knows what you need, this shoe is potentially the best investment you will ever make. From the rugged look and reliable performance to the excellent comfort support, you could never go wrong with the Keen hiking boots.
Pros
- The keen boots are durable
- Industrial grade grip and traction that’s reliable on steep slopes
- Minimalistic design with incredible functionality
- This shoe stays dry even on extremely wet hiking days
Cons
- The design is too basic
- Tends to get too hot during summer hikes
6. Best Lightweight Hiking Boot for Bunions: Hanwag Alta Bunion II GTX
Key Features:
- Weight: 44Oz/1250g (Per Boot)
- Upper Material: Nubuck Leather
- Outsole: Vibram Endurance pro
- Fit Design: Bunion
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
If you suffer from bunions and are in the market for hiking boots, then the Alta Bunion is the ideal choice. The Hanwag hiking boot features extra space around the base joint to accommodate bent toes and forefoot. These lightweight mid-cut hiking and walking boots are designed specifically for the widened forefoot.
The result- a comfortable shoe that’s optimum for hiking and free from pain. On top of that, this pair is reinforced with PU foam that offers high-quality shock absorbency, increasing its comfort level. The Hanwag pair is one of the most reliable hiking boots for your day-to-day hiking on different terrains.
The Nubuck leather on this pair gives it a softer touch that’s lighter and more flexible compared to traditional full leather options. The sole is made of Vibram Endurance Pro, which edges around the heel to offer excellent stability during those long hiking adventures.
More importantly, it’s quite breathable despite the Alta Bunion II GTX being waterproof. Don’t even get me started on the waterproofing! GORE-TEX lining and the high-quality Nubuck leather give this pair a great look while ensuring you don’t have to worry about water splashes or muddy areas.
Pros
- Comfortable fitÂ
- Its waterproof and light nature makes it the ideal choice for hiking
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Limited colors
- Not as durable as the alternative options
7. Best Waterproof Hiking Boot for Bunions: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Key Features:
- Weight: 13Oz/370g (Per Boot)
- Upper Material: Textile/Synthetic
- Outsole: Contagrip MA Rubber
- Laces: Regular Laces
- Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is, hands down, the most rigid hiking and backpacking boot that’s packed with loads of features. This hiking pair comes with high-quality water and windproofing but still remains breathable. Meaning, you don’t have to worry about stepping on wet surfaces or getting cold feet.
The Salomon boots are also coated with leather to make the shoe durable and provide optimum comfort. Put simply, these Salomon boots would never be confused for clunky old hiking boots, all thanks to their impressive design.
One of the primary reasons we ideally picked this mid-cut boot design was to get that extra layer of protection. Also, this Salomon boot outperforms most of its competitors despite being significantly lighter. This pair comes with a cushion cover that runs up to the ankle and offers protection when walking or hiking in tight spaces or rocky terrains.
On the front side, the Salomon women’s hiking boot is fitted with a large toe cap that works magic to protect your toes from the harsh environment. Even though this pair has a thin covering, it’s still quite effective.
Above all, the All-Terrain Contagrip offers just the right amount of grip on different terrains. From muddy trails to loose spree and wet boulders, the Salomon X Ultra is the go-to option for any adventurous rock climber.
Pros
- Perfect heel and ankle support
- Lightweight but still offers enough protection
- Waterproof with excellent traction
- Durable outsole
Cons
- The Salomon is less breathable compared to other alternatives
- Not ideal for casual wears
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Hiking Shoes for Bunions
Here we will look at some of the frequently asked questions about hiking boots for bunions.
What should I look for in hiking boots if I have bunions?Â
When choosing a hiking boot for bunions, one of the most important things to consider is the fit. Bunions can be extremely painful when irritated. Therefore, the boot should be able to give you ample room, especially in the toe area.
We recommend prioritizing features like a wide toe box, adequate ankle support, midsole cushioning, and an adjustable lacing system. That will significantly help reduce pressure and minimize discomfort despite the nature of your hiking trail.Â
Why is the wide-toe box essential for bunions?Â
Hiking is already a strenuous activity, but when you have bunions, the whole experience can be a nightmare if you have the wrong shoes. Luckily, most brands are starting to make their hiking boots with a wider toe box. That creates a comfortable environment for your toes, minimizing friction and pressure.
A wider toe box allows your toes to spread out naturally, preventing irritation that can further strain the affected area.Â
Are there specific brands that cater to people with bunions?Â
Yes! Today, we have many brands that excel in creating footwear that caters to people with bunions. Some of the most notable brands in this niche include; KEEN, Salomon, Altra, Merrell, and Vasque. These brands have shown their commitment to accommodating individuals with different foot conditions, including bunions.
Their hiking boots prioritize features like wider toe boxes and adjustable designs. That reduces discomfort and makes the hiking experience enjoyable.Â
How do I know if my hiking boots are a good fit for my bunions?Â
A properly fitting hiking boot should offer you generous space within the toe area without irritating or causing any pressure and discomfort on your bunions.
So, before you take your boot out for a hike, make sure you walk around in it to assess how comfortable it is. The only way you will have an enjoyable hiking experience is if the boot doesn’t cause unnecessary pressure on your toes.Â
Should I consult a podiatrist before buying hiking boots if I have bunions?Â
Absolutely! Seeking advice from a podiatrist is crucial, especially if your condition is severe. A podiatrist will assess your condition and specific needs and then recommend appropriate features you should look for in a hiking boot.
With their insights, you can prevent your condition from getting worse. On top of that, you can ensure you choose hiking boots that align with your foot’s well-being during your outdoor hiking trips.
Can I hike with my regular boots if I have bunions?Â
While it’s possible to use your regular boots to hike, opting for new boots specifically for people with bunions has more advantages. To start with, boots tailored for bunions have specialized features that prioritize your comfort and prevent your condition from worsening.
Therefore, you should invest in boots that cater to your needs for the sake of your foot health and experiencing a more enjoyable and pain-free hiking adventure.Â
Final Words
As we wrap up, remember that outdoor activities and hiking don’t always have to be painful and uncomfortable if you have bunions. Many brands cater to your specific needs today, ensuring you have pain-free outdoor experiences.
With that said, the best hiking boots for bunions will have ample space in the toe box, customizable closures, and plush cushioning to minimize pressure and friction on your bunions. Additionally, keep in mind that your individual preferences and foot shape will also determine what works best for you.
But if you’re unsure where to start, you can consult a professional to get personalized insights on which shoes would work best for your specific condition. Or you can choose from the extensive list of boots reviewed in this article.
