Tips For Finding The Perfect Work Boots Even If You Have Bunions

Whether you're on your feet all day at work, or just need a good pair of work boots for working around your own property, it can be challenging if you suffer from foot issues. Bunions and flat feet, two conditions that often go hand-in-hand, don't have to mean that you're stuck with uncomfortable foot wear.

Tip #1: Toe the Line

Although work boots are readily available for wide feet in general, this does you no good if you don't have exceptionally wide feet across the arch or heel. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to find work boots with a wide toe box. Most major manufacturers offer several options. When shopping for new boots (from outlets such as Cowpokes), verify that it's the toe box that's wider, and not just the entire shoe. You'll end up with both blisters and bunions if the rest of the shoe is too wide.

Tip #2: It's All Material

Work boots come in a variety of materials, including leather, nylon and rubber. You may be limited to certain materials, depending on your job. For example, if you work with electrical hazards chances are you want rubber boots to provide a ground.

The good news is that all boot materials will loosen up over time, but the amount of loosening and the time it takes depends on the material. Rubber and nylon only stretch slightly, while you can quickly shape and stretch leather so it fits around a bunion comfortably. If you have a choice in the material, leather is usually the most comfortable selection.

Tip #3: Get In Shape

Although it's usually recommended to pick out work boots that are comfortable as soon as you try them on, you know that's not always possible when you're dealing with a foot condition like bunions. Instead, pick the boot that is as comfortable as you can find in the store, and then get the boot in shape once you get home.

A rubbing bar, which is a curved bar with a rounded tip, can be used to shape the toe box of leather and nylon boots so they fit more naturally around your bunion. Simply insert the boot over the bar. Position the bar in the location that needs shaping or widening, and then rub the boot over the bar with heavy downward pressure for five to 10 minutes.

Tip #4: Take Up Space

One issue with wide toe boxes that can accommodate a bunion comfortably is that they may also be too wide in the heel. This will result in painful blisters as your feet shift uncomfortably. If your feet aren't wide completely down their length, plan to invest in quality insoles and heel pads to fill in the space. Lacing loosely across the toes but tightly just above the instep can also help prevent uncomfortable sliding.

No matter how perfect the fit, your work boots still require a full breaking in period. Wear them around the house for several hours each day before taking them into the field.

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