Being a mom means being on your feet — a lot. Between school drop-offs, grocery runs, and chasing after kids who have more energy than I could dream of, I didn’t realize how much I was ignoring the discomfort in my feet… until I couldn’t anymore.

It started with a dull ache at the base of my big toe, which eventually turned into a visible bump. After a visit to the doctor, I learned I had a bunion. Great. One more thing to manage.

The Daily Struggle with Bunions

At first, I thought I could just “power through it” like most things. But bunion pain is a different beast — especially when you’re trying to stay active. Some days, just wearing shoes felt unbearable. I found myself choosing outfits around footwear just so I could avoid pressure on that part of my foot.

I didn’t want to jump straight to surgery (and honestly, who has time for downtime with kids at home?), so I started looking into non-surgical solutions. That’s when I discovered bunion correctors.

My Experience with Bunion Correctors (Bunion Corrector Review)

Over the past few months, I’ve tried different types of bunion correctors, mostly through trial and error. I wasn’t looking for a miracle — I just wanted something to make it easier to get through the day without constantly thinking about my feet. This breakdown of the different types of bunion correctors helped me understand which ones might work best for my situation. Anyhoo, after months of testing, here’s what I found:

Toe Spacers
These were the first type I tried. They’re simple silicone or gel pieces you wear between your toes, and I honestly didn’t expect much from them. But I was pleasantly surprised. Wearing them in the evenings helped relieve some of the tightness I felt around the bunion. I don’t wear them all day (they’re not great in shoes), but for winding down after a long day, they’re actually pretty soothing. I pop them on while prepping dinner or folding laundry.

Bunion Sleeves and Gel Pads
These have become my go-to for running errands or going out. They’re soft, discreet, and fit easily inside my sneakers or flats. For me, they don’t correct anything structurally, but they make a big difference in comfort. The bump doesn’t rub against my shoes as much, and the padding helps ease the pressure. If you’re on your feet a lot and just want less irritation, I’d say these are worth trying.

Night Splints
This is where my experience got a bit mixed. I had high hopes for night splints — the idea of gently realigning my toe while I sleep sounded great. But in reality, they felt bulky and kind of awkward. The first few nights, I found myself taking them off halfway through because they were too rigid or made my foot cramp. I kept trying (and still do on occasion), but honestly, I use them less than the others. They might work better if you can tolerate that extra firmness, but personally, I find them a bit too uncomfortable for consistent use.

If you’re curious, I used this bunion corrector collection as a starting point. (Note: I’m not a doctor, just a mom sharing what’s worked for me!)

What I’ve Learned

Bunion correctors haven’t made my bunion disappear — at least not in any visible or dramatic way. If you’re expecting a quick fix or complete realignment overnight, you may end up disappointed. But what they have given me is relief. And when you’re a busy mom trying to keep up with work, errands, kids, and everything in between, that kind of comfort makes a real difference.

There’s something empowering about not dreading your shoes. About walking the grocery store aisles or standing through a school event without that constant nagging ache in your foot. Some days are better than others, but I’ve learned to manage it — and more importantly, to move through my day without my bunion being the main character.

I still have the bunion. It’s still there. But it doesn’t control my mood, my steps, or my decisions the way it used to. And honestly, that’s enough for me. Progress doesn’t always look like perfection — sometimes, it looks like putting on your shoes and walking out the door without hesitation.