When the discomfort from a bunion becomes difficult to ignore, it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole searching for the best bunion correctors you can get over the counter—anything to avoid foot surgery, right? Unfortunately, the term “corrector” is a bit of a misnomer (and, for the record, only your doctor or podiatrist can rule out surgery for a painful bunion). No at-home device will totally fix bunions, but there are a few standout options that’ll provide some pain relief and prevent your foot condition from getting worse.
“If you can keep [a bunion] from progressing, that’s ideal,” Mary O’Meara, APRN, a nurse practitioner for OSF HealthCare in Cherry Valley, Illinois, tells SELF. Here, we spoke to experts about what OTC bunion products can (and can’t) do for you, then we found the best ones to try.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: NatraCure Gel Big Toe Bunion Guards & Toe Spreaders
- Best Sleeve: ZenToes Bunion Corrector and Relief Sleeve
- Best Splint: Dr. Scholl’s Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector
- Best Bunion Socks: Sockwell Sport Ease Bunion Relief Sock
- Best Bunion Cushions: ZenToes Bunion Pain Relief Pads
- Best Insole for Bunions: Powerstep Pinnacle Low Arch Support Insoles
- Best Night Splint: PediFix Nighttime Bunion Regulator
FAQs about bunions and bunion correctors
What are bunions, and what causes them?
A bunion is a bony point that forms around the base of your big toe, Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF. (Bunions can also form at your pinky toe joint, in a condition sometimes known as tailor’s bunions or bunionettes.) When that bump forms and starts to jut out from the rest of your foot, the tip of your big toe begins to point at an angle toward the rest of your toes, she explains. As a result, your shoes may feel tight or uncomfortable, and your feet may hurt while you walk, O’Meara says. She adds that the discomfort will only get worse if you let the bunion progress without taking steps to address it, so it’s important to talk to a podiatrist if you have a bunion. They can help you find the best treatment options—say, whether you need bunion surgery, or whether it’s a good idea to try an OTC device first.
There’s no single cause of bunions; according to Dr. Daughtry, certain foot structures and your genes can make it more likely that you develop the condition. Those with more flexible joints or inflammatory diseases like arthritis may be at greater risk of developing bunions, O’Meara says. And, while it won’t cause a bunion on its own, regularly wearing tight shoes, narrow kicks, or high heels can make existing bunions worse (as SELF has previously reported, experts recommend wearing shoes with wide toe boxes instead).
What types of products can help with bunions?
If you have a minor bunion that isn’t painful, you can slow or even halt its progression by wearing devices like splints, guards, sleeves, and toe spacers. These all fall under the umbrella term of “bunion correctors,” even though they’re technically preventative measures, rather than cures. Generally speaking, they work by gently stretching and encouraging your big toe back into proper alignment. Dr. Daughtry says it can take some trial and error to find a corrector that feels comfortable for you, “so I usually send people to stores with good return policies, especially when ordering online.”
You can also find adhesive bunion pads that add a little cushioning around the area, which won’t prevent it from getting worse, but will relieve some of the pressure and friction you may deal with while walking or wearing shoes.
O’Meara points out that there’s very little research on bunion-correcting devices, so experts don’t know how beneficial they actually are. But if you’re curious about them and want to keep a growing bunion in check, they’re certainly worth a try. “You’re not going to harm yourself or cause yourself a problem by trying these products,” O’Meara says. “If you’re already having problems with a bunion and [a corrector] gives you some relief, then I’m all for it—but I can’t guarantee that it’ll fix the issue.”
Shop the best bunion correctors
Ready to get some relief? We dug up the best options out there, according to online reviews and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Best Overall: NatraCure Gel Big Toe Bunion Guards & Toe Spreaders
Pros
Cons
- May feel a little bulky inside shoes, per Amazon reviewers
NatraCure’s gel bunion guard and toe spreader combo has a seal of acceptance from the APMA, meaning a panel of podiatrists have decided that it can help improve your foot health. Where the guard prevents your sock and shoe from rubbing against your bunion, the spreader sits between your big and second toes to help them lay straight.
Amazon reviewers felt quick foot pain relief from wearing this brace and also found that it helped counteract their growing bunions.
It even has some skin care benefits: The device’s gel material slowly releases moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, mineral oil, and aloe vera while you wear it to prevent irritation.
Best Sleeve: ZenToes Bunion Corrector and Relief Sleeve
Pros
- Soft and stretchy
- Good for early prevention
Cons
- Might not provide enough separation between your big and small toes
Here’s another corrector that protects your big toe joint while also realigning your feet. The built-in padding reduces friction on your bunion, and the sleeve’s design gently separates the big toe from the rest of your toes. It doesn’t use a physical spacer like other options on our list, so the separation will feel subtler—it’s a great option for very mild cases of bunions.
“These socks target the bunion area with gentle pressure, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I noticed a significant reduction in soreness after wearing them for just a few hours.”
Sizes: Small (fits SU shoe sizes 5 to 7) and large (fits US shoe sizes 7 to 12)
Best Splint: Dr. Scholl’s Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector
Pros
- Adjustable
- Designed to be worn for long periods of time
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers noticed early wear and tear on the straps
- Too bulky to wear with most shoes
Bunion splints can feel more aggressive than sleeves and spacers—but this highly rated one from Dr. Scholl’s is adjustable, with Velcro straps that fasten around your big toe and midfoot, so you can find your just-right fit and intensity.
Some Amazon reviewers mentioned that it took a little time to get comfortable using the splint, but after that, they noticed results. “It took a little getting used to the feel and the pressure and tension,” one wrote. “That being said, within days I was feeling lasting relief!”
Best Bunion Socks: Sockwell Sport Ease Bunion Relief Sock
Pros
Cons
- Might not provide enough separation between your big and small toes
If you’d rather not wear an additional device, there are socks that can help with bunions too. Sockwell makes a few different bunion-friendly styles, all of which have a split toe design that separates, cushions, and lightly straightens your big toe. We like the Sport Ease socks for their soft, stretchy, breathable fabric (they’re made with Merino wool, which naturally wicks sweat and helps regulate your feet’s temperature).
Sizes: S/M (fits US shoe sizes 4 to 7.5) and M/L (fits US shoe sizes 8-11)
Best Bunion Cushions: ZenToes Bunion Pain Relief Pads
Pros
- Easy to wear with shoes
- Can be worn all day long
- Available in large packs of 24 or 48
Cons
- Protective, not corrective
- Some Amazon reviewers dealt with skin irritation from the adhesive
As we mentioned earlier, a good bunion cushion can relieve pain in your big toe and make your shoes noticeably more comfortable. ZenToes’s Bunion Pain Relief Pads are a top seller on Amazon for how easy they are to apply and the level of protection they provide. “These are slim but cushioned, stick very well on dry skin, and don’t leave gunk behind,” one reviewer (who mentioned they’d tried several other brands before landing on these) wrote.
Plus, they’re made to stay on all day, so you don’t have to cancel your hike or sightseeing tour.
Best Insole for Bunions: Powerstep Pinnacle Low Arch Support Insoles
Pros
- Sturdy arch support
- Breathable, odor-reducing top layer
Cons
Both O’Meara and Dr. Daughtry say using supportive insoles can help keep your feet aligned, preventing bunions from worsening. While your best bet is to see a podiatrist for a custom pair of orthotic inserts, you can try an OTC insole too.
Powerstep is a top brand among experts for their semi-rigid (yet flexible) designs and deep heel cups. These features help the insole move with your foot and keep it stable inside your shoe. It won’t guarantee that your toes realign perfectly, but it can help steer them in that direction.
Sizes: US shoe sizes 6-6.5 to 12
Best Night Splint: PediFix Nighttime Bunion Regulator
Pros
- Adjustable
- Comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time
Cons
- Not designed to be worn with shoes or while walking
If you’re comfortable wearing a splint all night long, PediFix’s Nighttime Bunion Regular is a great choice. It works like the splint from Dr. Scholl’s, using adjustable straps to pull your big toe back into alignment with the rest of your foot. Reviewers on PediFix’s site were happy with how easy it was to use and keep on through the night, and noted that it helped their feet feel better during the day too.
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