9 wide/8 wide Chaco Z-2 sandals

[KnottedYet]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem.

I often suggest my bunion and bunionette (big toe and pinky toe) patients try Chacos, both pre and post surgery.

The straps are adjustable, so you can give the bunion all the room it needs. Also the toe loop on the Z2 helps to straighten the big toe for folks whose bunions are so bad they've started to deviate. And of course, with no pressure at the phalanges at all, they are great for letting all the toes return to proper position.

Remember the straps will be a bit slippery at first, so the adjustments won't stay well. Often the forefoot loops end up getting tighter the farther someone walks. Standing in water (beach, stream, whatever) and "flossing" some sand into the strap channels takes care of that. The whole Armor-All thing to make the straps MORE slippery is a bust, in my opinion.

ETA: there are familial bunions, and there are mechanical bunions. Mechanical ones tend to be caused by pressure at the toes themselves. Pressure at the ball of the foot tends to cause neuromas, not bunions. But once you have a bunion pressure there irritates it more. Upshot is: Nobody should EVER wear shoes that cause misery ANYWHERE in the foot, because whether you have a familial tendency toward bunions or not, shoes that cause misery to your feet will damage them. Feet are precious. Give them room!

ETAA: Trek420 has a honkin' bunion from breaking her toe. It always feels better (and the first ray has more mobility) after wearing her Z2 sandals a while.

ETAAA: I'm surprised you wore 8 in Chacos, not 8 Wide!