There is a common misconception that bunions are caused by shoes; they aren’t. They are just aggravated by them.

So you have a bunion. Don’t be embarrassed. Did you know that around a quarter of the population has them? So, you are definitely not alone. While constrained footwear or standing for long periods may aggravate or accelerate your condition, your bunion is more likely caused by:

Genetic Predisposition

Bunions tend to run in families because they are most commonly caused by hereditary defects in the foot, resulting in a weak mechanical structure. So, whereas you might have inherited your mother’s good sense of humor and beautiful smile, you might also (eek!) inherit her bunions.

Biomechanical Imbalance

Bunions are often caused by imbalances of the foot’s anatomical structure. Any changes in weight or structure can cause your foot bones to adjust and move to constantly work to keep our bodies balanced. Life experiences such as childbearing or having our feet expand as we age can act as a bunion catalyst. Whenever the bones of our foot get out of alignment, trouble can start.

What About High Heels?

It’s a myth that wearing high heels or pointy shoes that crowd toes actually cause bunions. However if you were born with any tendency toward mechanical imbalances, these types of shoes push the foot’s bones into unnatural shapes, aggravating the condition and causing symptoms to appear earlier in life.

Certain occupations may aggravate the condition

Source: WebMD website and American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website