It's National Bunion Day!

Jump to contents

Sole Bliss Sponsors National Bunion Day
Shirley Ballas Speaks Out About Bunions
What is a Bunion?
How are Bunions caused?

If you have any questions about finding the best shoes for your feet, please contact our Customer Care team who are highly knowledgeable and here to help!

Email Us:

customercare@solebliss.com

Call Us:

+44 (0) 1923 227400

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm UK time.

get in TOUCH

Jump to contents

Sole Bliss Sponsors National Bunion Day
Shirley Ballas Speaks Out About Bunions
What is a Bunion?
How are Bunions caused?

If you have any questions about finding the best shoes for your feet, please contact our Customer Care team who are highly knowledgeable and here to help!

Email Us:

customercare@solebliss.com

Call Us:

+44 (0) 1923 227400

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm UK time.

get in TOUCH

Pandora: Black Suede - Heels for Bunions

SHOP NOW

Sole Bliss is delighted to sponsor National Bunion Day, which takes place on Tuesday 15th April.

Did you know that more than 75% of bunion sufferers are embarrassed by their feet?

Sole Bliss established National Bunion Day to combat this problem by removing the stigma around bunions, providing practical advice and information, and encouraging those suffering to visit their podiatrist.

There are 14 million people in the UK suffering with bunions: 10 million women and 4 million men. Studies show that approximately 23% of adults aged 18-65 suffer from bunions, with numbers rising to 36% for over 65's. Women are TWICE as likely to develop them compared to men.

With such a prevalence of bunions, we believe that information and advice should be readily available and that you should never feel embarrassed or ashamed of your bunions.

Shirley Ballas Wearing the 'Remy' Platform Heel

Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge, Shirley Ballas, takes steps to remove the stigma On National Bunion Day

This year, we’re very excited to be joining forces with Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge, Shirley Ballas, to celebrate National Bunion Day. Shirley is one of the 10 million women in the UK who has bunions, and she is speaking out and celebrating her feet!

“Along with millions of other women I have bunions. Many people don't really understand what bunions are or how they got them. For most of us it's actually an inherited tendency, so genetics are usually the main cause, though poorly-fitting footwear can exacerbate the problem.

There's no denying that having bunions can be inconvenient, especially when it comes to finding shoes that fit well and are comfortable, but there shouldn’t be any shame or stigma and discussing bunions should not be taboo.

Rather than shame, we should be focusing on solutions, just like Sole Bliss, who provide super comfy footwear for people like me who have bunions.

We should celebrate our bodies for how wonderful they are and what they can do, bunions and all.”

Mercy: Black Suede - Comfortable Heels For Bunions

SHOP NOW

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a misaligned toe joint that manifests itself as a bony lump at the base of the big toe. Many believe bunions are simply a cosmetic issue, but they can be extremely painful and have a severe negative impact on physical function, mental health and overall quality of life.

Follow this link to learn more about what a bunion is and what causes bunions.

How are Bunions caused?

It’s a common myth that high heels are the sole cause of bunions. Bunions are a hereditary condition, so if you suffer from them it’s likely that others in your family do too.

However, tight and poorly fitting shoes can encourage bunions in those already predisposed to them. That’s why it’s so important to wear the right footwear!

Shirley Ballas Wearing the 'Mercy' Heel

Sole Bliss is proud to sponsor National Bunion Day

Since 2018, Sole Bliss has been the proud sponsor of National Bunion Day.

Every year, we join forces with expert podiatrists and healthcare professionals to bring you practical advice and information about living with bunions.

We have teamed up with TV’s Dr Zoe Williams and TV’s Dr Dawn Harper in previous years. Shirley Ballas is this year's spokesperson and is the proud owner of more than 12 pairs of Sole Bliss shoes. Below you will find a few of Shirley's favourite pairs...

Stay tuned for more updates on National Bunion Day over the coming days!

Shirley's Favourite Heels For Bunions

Ronnie: Fuchsia Suede

£199

+ 2 More

Addison: Metallic Tweed & Leather Shoes Sole Bliss

Addison: Metallic Tweed & Leather

£179

Kennedy: Pastel Blue Suede Shoes Sole Bliss

Kennedy: Pastel Blue Suede

£179

+ 2 More

Poet: Pale Taupe Patent Leather Shoes Sole Bliss

Poet: Pale Taupe Patent Leather

£189

Ruby: Pale Taupe Suede

£199

+ 12 More

Posted

Apr 01, 2025

Author

Lisa Kay

When it comes to comfort, Lisa Kay knows it all! Lisa has been a Shoe Designer for over 20 years. She has used her own experience dealing with bunions to create Sole Bliss - the shoe brand dedicated to women with bunions, wide feet and sensitive soles. Lisa has worked with Italian and Spanish artisans and the world’s leading podiatrists to create the best shoes for women with bunions and wide feet. Every pair of Sole Bliss shoes contains an award-winning, podiatrist-approved Comfort Technology.

Contributor

Dr Brad Schaeffer

Dr Brad Schaeffer is a Certified Foot Surgeon with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He trained at Hoboken University Medical Center with a 3 Year Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgical Residency.

After residency, Dr Schaeffer has continued training and crafting his skillset in cutting edge surgical techniques and regenerative medicine.

Dr Schaeffer was also discovered for the hit TV show, My Feet Are Killing Me. He is known for bringing his eye of aesthetic medicine and attention to detail to every patient that he treats.