Bunion splints, while effective in holding your toe straight, do not provide the level of protection that is sometimes needed for severe deformities. After all, the majority of pain from a bunion emanates from the bunion rubbing up against the shoe or sneaker. Now the best way to prevent that is to purchase a bunion proctector pad. I highly recommend that your bunion protector pad be one that loops over the toe. Avoid the bunion pads that stick as they tend to be transitory. So with that in mind here are what I consider the best Bunion protectors:
Pedi Flex Vico Gel Guard– When choosing a bunion pad, I would advise only choosing one with gel. The problem with other materials is they wear easily and will stop being effective in a week or two. A Gel Pad can last months and still be effective at protecting the bunion. The Pedi Flex Gel Guard is your basic bunion protector with a single loop and easy to apply. It will get the job done.
Footmatters Bunion Pad Spandex Gel Cushions– If you have problems with swelling along your bunion and foot area in general this spandex bunion pad may be the way to go. The spandex will provide general compression to help remove some of the swelling that appears in the foot and bunion area.
Bunion Gel Sleeve– This is probably my favorite bunion protector as it will provide the most comfortable fit and fits easily under a sock. The sleek design provides compression and you will at times feel like you are not even wearing a Bunion gel pad.