But, there is hope, and it comes in the form of bunion correctors. “Bunion correctors work to correct the alignment of the big toe since, with bunion formation, the big toe moves towards the second toe,” says Liza Egbogah, a manual osteopath and chiropractor. “The correctors create space between the first and second toe and shift the big toe back to its normal position.” Bunion correctors can not only help to properly realign your toes, but, for many, they can also offer instant pain relief.
There are many bunion correctors on the market, though, so it can feel overwhelming to find what works best for you. Below, see the nine best bunion correctors for pain relief of 2023, according to user reviews.
Meet The Experts: Liza Egbogah BSc, DC, DOMP, a manual osteopath and chiropractor, Mauricio Garcia, orthopedic surgeon and senior project manager for Hyper Arch Motion.
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1
Most Soothing Bunion Corrector
Dr. Scholl’s Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector
Pros
- Includes massaging gel pad
- Promotes big toe alignment
Cons
- Feels bulky
When it comes to feet, Dr. Scholl’s knows a thing or two. This bunion relief toe corrector comes with a massaging gel pad and a corrector splint, so that you can sooth and prevent bunion progression at the same time. The adjustable gel pad cushions the bunion, while the foot wrap locks your toe in a straighter position.
Reviewers say the bunion corrector provides solid relief, as the gel cushioning alleviates pain. But, some customers said that when left on too long, the toe corrector can lead to irritation and even some slight pain. The adhesion of the gel pad is also pretty strong, so it may feel a little tricky to take it off, one customer said.
| Type | Splint |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | Low |
2
Most Adjustable Bunion Corrector
Tenicore Bunion Corrector
Pros
- Very customizable to your foot
- Heel strap prevents splint from moving
Cons
- Can’t be worn inside shoes
Not all bunions are made the same, as severity of the condition can differs from person to person. This bunion corrector allows you to adjust the size and positioning of the splint to your individual toe. It’s built with a knob design you can turn to achieve the perfect angle of correction. It’s also designed with a heel strap that prevents the splint from moving out of place during any foot movement.
While this bunion corrector did show results for some over time, a few customers said the tool was uncomfortable to sleep or move in because it is so bulky. So, if you’re looking for something to wear on-the-go, this one probably isn’t best for you. However, this is you can wear during downtime, like while you’re watching TV.
| Type | Splint |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | Low |
3
Most Undetectable Bunion Corrector
Promifun Bunion Cushion Protector
Pros
- Has a barely-there feel
- Can be worn inside shoes
Cons
- Toe realignment is very minimal
From personal experience, I can tell you one of the most annoying parts about having a bunion is the rubbing and pressure shoes put on them. This bunion pad made from silicone gel helps you avoid that by providing soft cushioning and extra space along your big toe. Because it’s made from silicone, the corrector is also washable and reusable.
The bunion corrector is pretty small, so customers say it’s easy to throw on with shoes, even feeling undetectable after a while. Reviewers also say they’re a low-lift way to relieve pain. “There was a significant change in the amount of pain to the point it was completely gone,” wrote one customer.
| Type | Spacer |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | None |
4
Best Bunion Corrector For Proper Toe Alignment
DR JK ToePal Gel Toe Separator
Pros
- Can provide immediate pain relief
- Promotes toe realignment
Cons
- Can feel uncomfortable inside shoes
If you’re trying to treat bunions and bunionettes (the ones on your pinky toe) at the same time, try this spacer, which promotes proper alignment for all your toes. Made from soft and flexible medical-grade gel, the spacers feel like squishy jelly. There are two separators included—one with loops and one without.
Customers say the spacers provide relief when worn after long days on their feet or at the hint of pain. However, they’re uncomfortable to wear in shoes or while walking, as they tend to slip off. Still, customers say that even 30 minutes of wearing these can make a difference. “I have nerve issues with my foot sometimes due to a bunion. It’s not pain and is difficult to describe,” said one reviewer. “I put this on for maybe about 30 minutes on the nights it is bothering me and it really helps!”
| Type | Spacer |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | None |
5
Best Insoles For Bunion Correction
Fulton Classic Insoles
Pros
- Adds cushioning to every step
- Can remove pressure off of the big toe
Cons
- Does not promote toe realignment
Proper arch support can help further alleviate pain to bunions by providing stability and proper alignment to the foot, lessening pressure on the big toe. These insoles from Fulton are made with shock-absorbing cork that reduces impact from each step, while providing a layer of cushioning to the foot. They aid bunion correction by providing much-needed arch support.
When I tested these, I found that they made my shoes feel wider, lessening the irritation against my bunion, and that my feet felt less tired after a day spent in sneakers. One customer also agreed that these soles provided relief to their sore feet. Less tired feet can mean a less irritated bunion for some.
Read more: Fulton Insoles Review
| Type | Insole |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | High |
6
Most Hygienic Bunion Corrector
Copper Compression Bunion Corrector Relief Sleeve
Pros
- Infused with copper for odorless protection
- Good for people with sweaty feet
Cons
- Customers report it may feel too snug
This bunion corrector sleeve from Copper Compression is designed to pad and offer alignment to bunions, while still being flexible enough to allow for a full range of motion. We love that it stays fresh and clean after wearing it all day, thanks to its copper-infused fibers that help keep it odorless and germ-free. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking which helps stave off sweaty feet.
With nearly 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, Copper Compression’s bunion corrector is a top-rated buy. Reviewers say the sleeve protects bunions from friction, but that it can feel a little snug after a while, possible leading to more irritation. Still, several customers did say they were able to comfortably use them in their running sneakers during workout sessions.
| Type | Sleeve |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | Low |
7
Most Comfortable Bunion Corrector
Welnove 12-Pack Gel Bunion Corrector
Pros
- Can be worn inside shoes
- Infused with aloe vera and mineral oil
Cons
- Not as effective as other bunion correctors
If you’re looking for toe separators you can seamlessly slip under socks or shoes, these are it. Welnove’s silicone cushions made from are infused with aloe vera extract and mineral oil to help alleviate pain and moisturize the bunion area. They gently help move the big toe into a more neutral position.
One of the words reviewers most used to describe this bunion corrector was comfortable, and we agree. We love that the Welnove’s cushion has a squishy feeling that’s soft against the skin. One downside: they’re so soft that the separators don’t provide enough tension to actually move the big toe back into proper alignment. These separators are probably best for those with more minor deformities.
| Type | Spacer |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | None |
8
Best Bunion Corrector Socks
OrthoSleeve Bunion Relief Socks
Pros
- Perfect for wearing inside shoes
- Reduces friction against the bunion
Cons
- Does not promote toe realignment
Another solution to bunion relief: socks. This option from Orthosleeve helps reposition the bunion gently to help reduce pain. The thin, moisture-wicking fabric is also designed with four zones that promote circulation, reduce friction, and aid recovery. Since it isn’t bulky like other toe correctors, you can easily use it like regular socks in most of your shoes.
Though whether these socks provide bunion correction is questionable, countless customers did say that they do help relieve bunion pain. One customer, a surgeon who stands up for hours, said that the socks have really been a great help. “The socks protect the bunion the whole day with complete comfort. I can still feel the relief even after taking my socks off,” wrote the reviewer.
Read more: Best Compression Socks
| Type | Sock |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | Low |
9
Best All-Day Bunion Corrector
Donnetty Bunion Corrector
Pros
- Very customizable to shape of your foot
- Provides 24-hour correction
Cons
- Not comfortable to use while walking or standing
Made with a pull-tether, this bunion corrector allows you to adjust the angle of correction according to the severity of your bunion. The brace is pretty bulky, so you may not be able to use it inside shoes, but it comes with a silicone spacer you can throw on when you’re not using the splint. Together, the two materials are designed to offer 24-hour bunion correction, so that any progress you’ve made isn’t lost when you’re not wearing the brace.
Reviewers say this bunion corrector provides relief, but its bulky build makes this better to use sitting down rather than standing. Though you may feel relief right away, you may not see immediate results, so this option is best for people who will be using this product consistently.
| Type | Splint |
|---|---|
| Arch Support Level | Low |
How our team chose the best bunion correctors
For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated bunion correctors. Our team consulted two feet experts for opinions, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best bunion correctors for a wide range of needs and preferences.
Do bunion correctors actually work?
It depends on what you mean by work, says Mauricio Garcia, orthopedic surgeon and senior project manager for Hyper Arch Motion. If you’re looking for pain relief, then yes. “Bunion correctors can provide temporary relief and slow down bunion progression, especially for people whose bunions are in the early stages of the condition,” says Dr. Garcia.
But they will not permanently rid you of your bunion. “There is no evidence wearing a bunion corrector will reverse the deformity,” he says. Dr. Egbogah agrees. “They work when you’re wearing them, but the effects do not last when you remove them,” she says.
Who should wear bunion correctors?
People who experience mild to moderate discomfort could consider using a bunion corrector for temporary relief, says Dr. Garcia. He recommends working with a professional. though. “Although they’re designed with the same purpose, not all bunion correctors are the same. A qualified professional will help determine the best course of treatment for your bunions,” he explains.
For those with more minor issues, bunion correctors can prevent the deformity from worsening, Dr. Egbogah adds. “You can wear a bunion corrector to encourage proper alignment while wearing your shoes, so it doesn’t get worse.”
When should they be worn?
Dr. Garcia recommends wearing bunion correctors during low-impact activities, like walking around the house or working at a desk. But be careful about wearing them for extended periods of time. “Overuse can lead to discomfort in other areas of the foot,” he says. You can use bunion splints, specifically, overnight, though. “These help mitigate pain and provide additional protection against rubbing caused by your mattress or sheets,” says Dr. Garcia.
You can also wear bunion correctors at night to provide a light stretch for the fascia and muscles that you have between your toes, since they can often act as a toe spacer, Dr. Egbogah says.
Are there other ways to shrink bunions at home?
While there is no way to reverse bunions without surgery, there are a few things you can do at home to help treat and manage the condition. “Things like regularly engaging in toe stretches can increase mobility while using ice packs can help reduce any swelling or inflammation around the bunion,” says Dr. Garcia. You can also use toe separators and spacers to promote the realignment of toes, while giving them room to breathe, Dr. Garcia adds.
Another tip: Select the proper footwear. “Shoes should have adequate spacing in the toe box to allow toes to spread naturally, and be made of a stretchable material that can accommodate the bunion without compressing the bony protrusion,” Dr. Garcia says. These are all factors Dr. Garcia considered when helping with the creation of Hyper Arch Motion sneakers, which are designed with orthotic accessories like bunion sleeves and toe spacers.
Dr. Egbogah recommends massaging your feet with a massage ball or massager to improve how your bunions feel and look. “Doing foot exercises and wearing supportive slippers at home will also help,” she explains. “While the bony growth won’t shrink, the inflamed area around the bunion will be less and this will make them look smaller.” Like Dr. Garcia, she says the wearing proper footwear is important. A slipper she helped develop, the Dr. Liza slipper, has a great orthotic footbed, which prevents you from overpronation (rolling in on your feet, which aggravates bunions), she says.
Read more about the best products for yoga workouts
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she’s not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Jacqueline Andriakos is the Executive Health & Fitness Director at Women’s Health, where she oversees all health and fitness content across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has more than a decade of experience writing and editing in the wellness space and has contributed to national publications including Time, Self.com, Health, Real Simple, and People, among others. Jacqueline is also certified in personal training by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
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