In an episode of Sex and the City, Manolo Blahnik-obsessed columnist Carrie Bradshaw calculates that she has blown around $40k on her addiction, and is consequently about to become homeless (“I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!” she wails upon her epiphany).
That was back in the Nineties: in today’s money, that’s close to $100k, or on this side of the pond, £78k, depending on which way the currency rates are swinging.
The truly horrific part? What such shoes could be doing to your long-term foot health.
The fashion-obsessed might argue that such designs are worth surviving on beans-on-toast for. They are art, they’ll cry, you live your life in them. But in many cases, they, and their ill-fitting high-street counterparts, could be crippling their wearers, ironically causing a raft of issues like corns, hammertoes, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and the most unfashionable of the lot: bunions. One is reminded of the outdated Chinese practice of foot binding (a torturous ritual performed to enhance a woman’s beauty - well, so said the marketing, I imagine).
According to Orthopaedic Research UK, women are eight times more likely to have bunion surgery than men. A report by the charity also revealed that 14 million Brits need bunion treatment of some description. Like Ms Bradshaw, I can't help but wonder: is it all down to ill-fitting heels?
On the hunt for insight, I quizzed BSc (Hons) Rina Harris, Vivobarefoot Podiatrist, on all things bunions.
How do bunions develop?
Bunions (aka Hallux Valgus) are a dislocation of the big toe joint. It’s when the first metatarsal is angled away from the other metatarsals and the big toe points toward the other toes, resulting in a characteristic bump. Bunions lead to structural changes in the foot, causing the forefoot to become wider than normal and unstable.
Are bunions hereditary?
Although genetics can play a role - especially in hyper-mobile feet - the majority of bunions are caused by poor foot function and footwear.
Conventional shoes that compress the toes and restrict natural forefoot movement contribute significantly to bunions. We know from studies that shoes play a role because bunions are rare in barefooted populations.
Who is most likely to develop bunions?
Women are more prone to developing bunions than men, largely due to the fashion shoes that prioritise style over foot health.
Can children develop bunions?
Yes, it usually occurs around the ages of 12 to 14 and is called Juvenile Hallux Valgus. It is caused by hyper-mobility syndrome and traditional shoes with a narrow toe box that compresses the toes and restricts natural forefoot movement.
What are the signs that you might be developing bunions?
A misaligned big toe, with the big toe pointing toward the other toes. A bump on the inside of the foot can be painful when walking and may appear red and swollen from rubbing against the shoe. The forefoot will be wider than normal and unstable during the toe-off phase of walking.
Can you correct early bunions?
You can, with foot-focused exercises. They help to mobilise the big toe and strengthen the structure around the big toe joint.
Footwear is really important when it comes to bunion rehabilitation so I recommend foot-shaped shoes with a wide toe box like Vivobarefoot. They create space for toes to splay which helps to activate the arch muscles, improving function and big toe alignment.
What are the risks of leaving bunions unchecked?
Bunions can get worse over time causing further instability to the foot and ankle, affecting the whole chain not just the feet, making them more prone to injury and dysfunction later in life.
Are there any topical products or tools for correcting bunions?
I recommend barefoot footwear like Vivobarefoot, toe spacers and toe socks.
Heeding the expert’s advice, we’ve rounded up bunion-busting tools below. Save those stilettos for special occasions, and take care of your feet - they’re the only pair you’ll ever have.
Shop now
Welnove 8 Pack Toe Separators
You might need to build up time wearing these separators, but keep to it - your reward will be perfectly spaced toes, as nature designed. As well as bunions, this inexpensive tool made from medical-grade, latex-free gel, can also address encroaching hammertoes. Wear them all day and night if you like, but we find sleeping ours the best time to take them off and allow the skin to breathe.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Boots Toe Spreader
Keep your big toe on the straight and narrow with this unassuming invention made from advanced polymer gel. Designed by Boots, it can be worn comfortably with shoes, soaking up impact and cutting friction. You can even wash it for reuse when needed.
Buy now £4.59, Boots
Neo G Bunion Hallux Valgus Soft Support - Right
For those who need stronger support against the scourge that is bunions, check out this foot brace-style contraption. With straps to pull your toe back into its correct position, it’s crafted from light and washable fabric that should fit all feet and can be worn pre- or post-surgery.
Buy now £14.00, Argos
SPORLCO Toe Separator Socks
Bunion relief can hardly be considered one of the most glamorous parts of self-care. These colourful socks do their best to bring some brightness to the endeavour with a warm and comfy body finished with playful separators to keep those little piggies apart. The designs are available in small, medium and large sizes.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
DYKOOK Bunion Corrector & Big Toe Straightener Bunion Protector Sock
Balenciaga is a luxury fashion house that loves pushing the fashion envelope, but I never thought I'd see the day when it took inspiration from bunion care.
This bunion corrector looks a lot like the designer's newly released Zero Slip-On shoe, part of its Fall 2025 collection. Yet while the fashion label doesn't reveal whether its controversial design can repair distorted feet, Dykook's is all about healing with a cushioned wrap to gently coax the big toe back into line.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
OrthoSleeve BR4 Bunion Relief Socks
Give your toes the space they need to thrive with this pair of separating moisture-wicking socks. Reducing toe friction, it’s made with silver ions to keep feet looking and feeling fresh.
Buy now £14.37, Amazon
YogaMedic Bunion Corrector
Perfect for those who don’t need separators to line the length of their toes but require gentle bunion correction, YogaMedic’s dedicated silicone realignment tool is a brilliant investment in your podiatric care. It helps to cushion painful bunions, cover sensitive pressure points and better align the big toe for instant relief.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Podobrace Hallux Valgus Advantage Package - 3 Bestsellers (per pair) + Free Practice Sling
A three-in-one training solution for treating chronic foot pain, Podobrace’s kit has been developed with the help of medical professionals to help combat hallux valgus – otherwise known as bunions. Each of the three devices comes in pairs for use on either your left or right foot, or both feet. Podobrace recommends using the splints during the night and the toe spreaders during the day to ensure the best possible results.
Buy now £45.99, Podobrace
Podobrace Toe Separators
Particularly suited to those recovering from bunion surgery, these gentle toe separators focus on the three middle toes for subtle and gentle relief.
Buy now £17.99, Podobrace
Podobrace Toe Separator for All Toes
Specially designed to help correct all toes – whether you’re suffering from bunion pain, hammertoe, pinky toe overlap or blisters – these spacers offer a handy one-size-fits-all solution to chronic podiatric pain.
Buy now £21.99, Podobrace
