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What I Actually Wear for Walking, Caregiving, and Everyday Life with Bunions
I spent most of my life cramming my feet into shoes that were honestly too small. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself tiny feet looked more feminine and heels made every outfit better. I thought sore feet were just part of being an adult. I’d buy shoes because they looked cute, then spend the rest of the day wishing I could take them off.
Eventually, I developed a bunion. I don’t know what it is about the word bunion, but it instantly makes me feel about eighty years old. Now hallux valgus? That sounds kind of sophisticated… maybe even a little sexy.
Not long after came plantar fasciitis. Working twelve-hour overnight caregiving shifts made it painfully obvious that I couldn’t ignore my feet anymore. When you’re getting up every forty minutes to help a client, every step matters.
That’s when I stopped searching for cute shoes and started researching wide toe foot-shaped shoes instead. One thing I’ve learned is that I don’t think one shoe works for everything anymore. Maybe that’s just part of turning thirty-five.
Walking shoes. Garden shoes. Dog-walking shoes. Work shoes. Summer shoes.
I don’t expect one pair to do it all anymore.
These are the wide toe shoes I actually wear throughout my week—and why they’ve earned a permanent place in my closet.
My Favorite Walking Shoe
Every night, I walk our dog. He’s an unruly eighty-five-pound Lab/Pit mix who’s always on a mission. I don’t stroll—I power walk while he’s trying to investigate every squirrel in the neighborhood. I originally thought barefoot shoes were the answer. But after my plantar fasciitis flared back up (something I thought I’d left behind after losing thirty pounds a few years ago), I realized my feet still needed some cushioning.
After trying several brands, I keep coming back to Topo.
What surprised me most was the arch support. So much of what I’d read suggested flat shoes were best for bunions, but I discovered my feet actually felt happier with a little more support for longer walks.
These wide toe shoes still feel supportive, stable, and comfortable enough for dog walks without feeling bulky. They’re roomy where I need them to be but still feel secure on my feet.
👟Topo Athletic Women’s Terraventure 4 → Check current price on Amazon
My Favorite Shoe for Night Shift
This one surprised me Hobibear. They’re not fancy. They’re not expensive. But they’ve become one of my favorite wide toe work shoes. During an overnight shift, I might get up ten or fifteen times in a night. Being able to slide my shoes on in seconds matters more than I ever realized. They’re easy to slip on.
Easy to kick off.
Quiet enough that I’m not clomping around while clients are sleeping. And because they have a wide toe box, my feet don’t feel squeezed after hours of being on them. For the price, they’ve been one of the best purchases I’ve made. I also like that these wipe clean after a messy shift.
👟 Hobibear → Check current price on Amazon
If you’re curious what else gets me through overnight caregiving shifts, I also shared everything that’s inside my caregiving work bag.
My Favorite Cute Everyday Flats
I still like wearing dresses.I swear since I went back to work as a caregiver my outfits resemble a healthcare worker, a cute summer girl, and a frazzled mom who hasn’t slept in three nights.
Finding wide toe flats that don’t squeeze a bunion can feel impossible. Most have a pointed toe. And hurt within minutes of wearing them. Luckily I have had great success on amazon. After plenty of trial and error, I finally found a pair that works for me.
These are the shoes I reach for when I’m wearing:
- Dresses
- Jeans
- Date nights
- Running errands
They’re comfortable enough that I don’t spend the day thinking about my feet—which honestly feels like a luxury.
👟WHITIN Women’s Round Toe Slip On → Check current price on Amazon
My Summer Flip-Flops
Summer calls for simple shoes.
Whether I’m gardening, walking around the backyard, or making a quick grocery run, I like having a comfortable pair of flip-flops that don’t aggravate my feet. Again, my biggest priority is making sure my toes aren’t being pushed together. I’ve reached the point in life where comfort wins every time. If a pair of flip-flops makes my feet ache after fifteen minutes, they’re gone.
👟COFACE Womens Orthotic Flip Flops Ladies → Check current price on Amazon
Why I Stopped Buying Shoes That Looked Cute but Hurt
Looking back, I realize I spent years forcing my feet into shoes that weren’t even shaped like feet.
It sounds obvious now. But most traditional shoes narrow at the front, pushing our toes together. When you already have a bunion—or your feet are simply tired—that extra pressure can make every step feel worse.Wide toe shoes are different.
Instead of squeezing your toes together, they give them room to spread naturally. That simple difference has made walking feel much more comfortable for me. They aren’t a cure for bunions. They won’t magically erase plantar fasciitis. But they can reduce rubbing, relieve pressure, and make long days on your feet feel much more manageable.
My Experience with Bunions and Plantar Fasciitis
I still have a bunion. Changing my shoes didn’t make it disappear. What it did do was make everyday life more comfortable. I notice far less rubbing. Less aching after long walks. And I’m much more comfortable after a twelve-hour caregiving shift than I used to be.
I also struggled with plantar fasciitis. One thing I’ve learned is that I have to be careful with barefoot shoes.If I transition too quickly or walk long distances in very minimalist footwear, my plantar fasciitis lets me know about it. Even after losing more than 30 pounds, I still pay attention to what my feet are telling me. That’s why I wear different shoes for different situations.
Some days I want the freedom of a lightweight barefoot-style shoe. Other days I need more cushioning and support. I’ve stopped believing there’s one perfect shoe. Instead, I’ve built a small collection that works for the different rhythms of my life.
These aren’t the shoes an influencer told me to buy.
They’re the shoes I’ve worn while walking my dog every night, helping clients at three in the morning, wandering Costco, working in my garden, and trying to rebuild my life one ordinary day at a time.
Maybe in ten years I’ll have completely different favorites. But right now, these are the shoes that are carrying me through this season of life—and my feet are grateful for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wide toe shoes good for bunions?
Wide toe shoes can be a great option for people with bunions because they allow your toes to spread naturally instead of being squeezed together. They won’t make a bunion disappear, but many people find they reduce pressure and rubbing. I’ve personally noticed that switching to foot-shaped shoes has made long walks and twelve-hour caregiving shifts much more comfortable.
Can you wear barefoot shoes with plantar fasciitis?
It depends. Some people find barefoot shoes helpful, while others need more cushioning or a gradual transition. If you have plantar fasciitis, it’s often best to introduce minimalist shoes slowly and pay attention to how your feet respond. I personally use different shoes for different situations rather than wearing one style all the time.
Do wide toe shoes help with walking?
For me, yes. Having room for my toes to move naturally makes my daily dog walks feel more comfortable, especially after being on my feet all night at work. Everyone’s feet are different, but many people appreciate the extra space.
Are Topo shoes worth the money?
In my experience, yes. They’re one of the few shoes I consistently reach for when I’m walking my dog because they combine a roomy toe box with enough cushioning and support for longer walks.
Are Hobibear shoes good?
I like them because they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to slip on during overnight caregiving shifts. They’re not the shoe I choose for long walks, but they’ve been a practical option for work.
Do I need completely barefoot shoes?
Not necessarily. A wide toe box and a barefoot shoe aren’t the same thing. Some people prefer a minimalist shoe, while others want a roomy toe box with extra cushioning. I personally wear both depending on what I’m doing.
What’s the difference between barefoot shoes and wide toe shoes?
A barefoot shoe is designed to mimic walking barefoot, with a thin, flexible sole and very little cushioning. A wide toe shoe simply gives your toes more room, but it can still have plenty of cushioning and support. For example, my Topo walking shoes have a wide toe box while also providing more cushioning than a true barefoot shoe.
One Step at a Time
These aren’t the shoes a podiatrist told me to buy.
They’re simply the ones I’ve actually worn through dog walks, twelve-hour caregiving shifts, grocery runs, homeschool days, and rebuilding my life one step at a time.
I’ve learned that taking care of my feet isn’t about finding the trendiest shoe.
It’s about choosing shoes that help me keep showing up for the life I’m building.
If you’re dealing with sore feet, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, I hope my experience helps you find something that lets you move a little more comfortably.
Because sometimes the smallest changes—like giving your toes a little more room—can make a surprisingly big difference.
Shop This Post
Everything below is something I personally use, love, or would happily recommend to a friend.
👟 Walking Shoes
👩⚕️ Work Shoes
🥿 Everyday Flats
👡 Summer Sandals
Until next time,
Be gentle with yourself, stay curious, and keep becoming.
Jerica
Founder of Sovereign Becoming
