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Spring and summer 2026 will begin in about four or five months, the sandal season will be just around the corner – but for millions of women, looking at their feet will be torture.
For many, a hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, develops from a cosmetic problem into a real burden.
What initially only causes visual disturbances can, over time, lead to severe pain and restricted movement.
When high heels take their toll
The numbers speak for themselves: Approximately one in three women over 65 suffers from hallux valgus. The condition is significantly less common in men. The reason is obvious – or rather, it's in the foot.
Wearing shoes that are too tight, pointed, or have high heels for years forces the toes into an unnatural position. The big toe deviates outwards, while a painful bulge forms at the base of the toe.
The real drama begins when open shoes suddenly become a challenge. The deformed big toe and the often reddened, protruding area on the ball of the foot are almost impossible to conceal.
Many sufferers are genuinely ashamed of their feet and avoid beach walks or wearing elegant strappy sandals.
Celebrities struggle with the same problem
That even celebrities aren't immune to bunions is evident from numerous paparazzi photos. Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been photographed several times with clearly visible bunions. Decades of working on the catwalk in extreme designer heels have taken their toll.
Oprah Winfrey also went public with her foot problems and spoke openly about the pain caused by her bunion (hallux valgus). The talk show host even underwent surgery to correct the deformity.
Victoria Beckham, known for her penchant for dizzyingly high heels, has also repeatedly been seen with noticeable toe deformities. The designer admitted in interviews that she pays a high price for her choice of footwear.
Meghan Markle is also affected – and has apparently undergone medical procedures. So is Amal Clooney, George Clooney's wife. And Jennifer Lopez, too. The list of prominent women could go on and on.
More than just a cosmetic nuisance
What initially begins as a cosmetic flaw often develops into a medical problem. The misalignment leads to uneven pressure distribution when walking.
Calluses and pressure sores are the result. In advanced stages, the joint becomes inflamed, swells, and hurts with every step. Finding suitable shoes becomes an odyssey.
Standard shoes press on the protruding area, further aggravating the inflammation. Many women resort to increasingly wider, more comfortable shoes – often a compromise that goes against their personal style.
The psychological burden is often underestimated. Studies show that women with pronounced hallux valgus rate their quality of life as significantly impaired. They avoid situations where their feet would be visible and sometimes develop real complexes.
Prevention is better than surgery.
Orthopedists advise taking early action to counteract the problem. Comfortable shoes with sufficient toe room should be the standard for everyday wear. High heels can certainly be worn on special occasions, but should not become a constant strain.
Targeted foot exercises strengthen the muscles and can prevent further deterioration. Walking barefoot whenever possible is good for the feet and trains their natural posture.
In mild cases, splints and bandages worn at night can help. They can at least prevent the deformity from progressing further. For severe symptoms, surgery is often the only option. The operation is considered a routine procedure, but requires several weeks of recovery.
The message is clear: feet deserve attention before a minor imperfection becomes a major problem.
Sierks Media / © Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Lamiot, CC BY-SA 4.0 (1) AI-generated visualization created with Microsoft Designer (designer.microsoft.com) and DALL·E (OpenAI) (1)
