Bunion Splint

A bunion splint is a really simple tool for reducing the pain associated with bunions, aka hallux valgus and can even help prevent or delay the need for surgery. 

There are loads of different styles of bunion splint available depending on what you are looking for and here we will look at each one.  

Bunion splints essentially work in one of two ways, some combining both.  Firstly, they can help correct the deformity at the toe, bringing it back into a normal position.  This prevents stiffness and tightness developing in the joint and surrounding soft tissues, relieving symptoms and helping to stop the progression of the toe deviation. 

Secondly, some have padding providing protection over the foot, helping to prevent the lump from rubbing on your shoe. As well as making activities like walking more comfortable, this can also help prevent the formation of corns and calluses on the foot over the bunion. 

Spreader & Protector Bunion Splints fit over the big toe and in-between the big and second toe to hold them apart. This helps to move the big toe into the correct position as well as providing protection on the side of the bunion.  They stay in place well simply by wearing a sock and can be worn inside shoes. 

There are a number of different manufacturers of Spreader & Protector Bunion Splints such as YogaMedic and AligNow, but they are all extremely similar.  They are made of medical grade gel and receive average user ratings 4/5.

Bunion Corrector Splints wrap around the big toe drawing it into a good position and anchor around the mid-foot, which helps to support the foot arches. 

There is often a metal bar at the side of the bunion splint which can be molded to hold the foot in a good position.  This helps to improve the position of the toe joint as well as stretching out muscles, ligaments and tendons.  

The are easy to fit and comfortable to wear with an adjustable strap that hooks around your heel. The cotton-lined, skin friendly material ensures good comfort and they stay in place well.

Bunion Corrector Splints are available from a number of different manufacturers such as Pedigoo and Sports Laboratory, with the best receiving average user ratings 4.4/5.

Bunion night splints work in the same way as day splints, but tend to be more rigid and less flexible.  The advantage of this is that they can provide stronger support to the foot, but as they are less flexible, they are uncomfortable to walk around in, hence being used at night-time. Most have a rotation hinge so you can control the angle of the big toe, gradually pulling it out further as it stretches.

Wearing a bunion night splint allows the foot to be held in a good position the whole time you are in bed which is a good proportion of the day. It certainly makes sense to be stretching the foot out as much as possible and this is a great way to do that. Average user rating 4.4/5.

Single Bunion Toe Spacers sit in-between the big toe and second toe. Some sit freely between the two toes, others loop around the first or second toe to hold them in place. 

This helps correct the alignment of the toes and reduces friction and pressure through the big toe joint. Made of silicone gel these bunion splints are soft and comfy and can be worn in shoes.

Single Bunion Toe Spacers are available from a number of different manufacturers but the most popular are ZenToes & Protectoe with average user ratings of 4.3/5.

Double Toe Spacer Splints attach around both the big and second toe.  Typically made of elastic gel, they are soft and comfortable to wear, even in shoes. The double loop helps it to stay in place well due to the extra anchor, but it will depend on the shape of your toes as to how well they fit.

They tend to give slightly less of a stretch than single spacers due to their design but they may also stay in place better - it comes down to personal preference. You often get a few spacers per pack so they are good value for money.

Again Double Toe Spacer Splints are available from a number of different brands, the most popular being DyKook and Sosede with average user ratings 4.4/5.

Whole Foot Toe Stretchers sit between each of the toes, stretching out the entire foot into better alignment. 

Typically made of soft gel, they are extremely comfortable but can only be worn when lying down or sitting, not walking around. They are great for stretching the whole foot and work well if you have bunions and bunionettes or other associated problems such as plantar fasciitis, but they don't always produce as strong a stretch between individual toes. 

There are lots of different styles and brands available and you can find out more about how they work and which ones work best for different conditions in the toe stretchers section.

Bunion Protector Splint Guards simply slide over your big toe.  They are made of soft, flexible gel and cushion the side of your foot to prevent rubbing, absorbing pressure and friction on bunions. The thin design means they can easily be worn in shoes. These are the most solid design of bunion pads and are extremely durable.

With Bunion Protector Splints you often get a few per set and they can be easily handwashed and airdried. Popular brands include ZenToes and Promifun. Average user ratings 4.2/5. 

The most popular brand of Gel Bunion Pads is Compeed.  They are made of hydrocolloid gel to provide a second skin. They stick well and mold to the bunion providing instant pain and pressure relief, stay in place for several days and are waterproof. 

They have a slim-line fit so they are comfortable to wear in shoes. The adhesive and tapered edges allow the plasters to flex with movement and fit well around any shaped bunion. They come in a handy little box which easily fits in your pocket, bag or first aid kit.

With Compeed Bunion Plasters you get five pads per pack.  These really are the bee's knees – to quote one user “These pads are miracles”. Average user rating 4.6/5.

Dr Scholl's Bunion Cushions are soft, comforting foam cushions that sit over the top of bunions to help prevent friction. They have two layers of soft cushioning felt for ultimate protection. Simply stick one over the desired area – they are self-adhesive and waterproof.  They are especially good at relieving or preventing calluses and hard skin and there are six cushions per pack.

Dr Scholl Bunion Cushion Pads typically stay in place well, lasting for a good few days before they need replacing. They cost a bit more than other brands but they receive much better reviews regarding comfort and durability with average user ratings of 4.4/5. 

Bunion Sleeves are ultra-thin, lightweight sleeves with a strategically placed gel pad that relieves pain and pressure through the bunion. Bunion sleeves simply slip on over the front of the foot, stay in place well and can be worn underneath socks or tights. 

They are hypoallergenic and odor resistant and are easy to wash making them extremely cost effective.

There are a number of different manufacturers of Bunion Sleeves but the most popular are ZenToes, Pedigel & Annchilio with average user ratings of 4/5.

Bunion Corrector Sets are a great place to start if you're not sure what type of bunion splint is right for you. They can be a good, cost-effective way to try out the different types of supports to find the best style for you in different situations.

It can vary what is in each set, but one if the most popular is from RFAQK. Their set contains 11 items including various styles of bunion splints, guards, toe spacers and bunion sleeves.

The RFAQK Bunion Splint Corrector Set is much cheaper than buying each of the items individually and gets great user reviews of 4.1/5.