The shoes you’re wearing now can be causing your bunions. Investing in a good pair of running shoes for bunions can help relieve pain while also preventing them from getting worse
The best shoes for bunions have a wide toe box that allows your feet to splay naturally and a lower drop that relieves pressure on your toes. While there is no cure for bunions (aside from surgery), a good pair of trainers designed to give your toes more room can help relieve pain and keep you out on the trails.
shoestorenyc.com compiled a list of Top 10 Best Running Shoes For Bunions in this guide to keep your feet happy and healthy.
What exactly are bunions?
In the simplest terms, it’s a painful swelling on the first joint of the big toe (MTP). Prolonged pressure against the inside portion of the 1st MTP joint is the most common cause of a Bunion. What causes the 1st MTP to be under strain for such a long time? The answer is straightforward: it could be caused by one of three things: wearing pointed-toe shoes, wearing shoes that are too tight, or over-pronation. Our picks for the most comfortable and supportive running shoes for bunions are listed below.
Why do bunions happen?
Bunions are caused by a variety of factors.
There are many misconceptions about bunions and what causes them, with many individuals blaming genetics or even wearing high heels. It’s a little more complicated than that, though.
The muscles on the bottom and side of the foot stretch when the arch of the foot descends, or pronates. Pronation puts more pressure on the inner part of the foot. Bunions form when the muscles on the top of the foot pull back to compensate, causing the bone to protrude.
Top 5 Best Women’s Running Shoes For Bunions
1. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail V1
These New Balance sneakers are built for comfort and confidence, and they are versatile and loaded with several performance characteristics. For suitable support, they contain an EVA foam insert and a fresh foam midsole cushioning. Sharp objects, rough terrains, rocks, and debris are all protected by the sturdy toe tip. These running sneakers have a sleek fit and are made of 50% synthetic and 50% textile.
- A variety of colors
- Sewing-free construction
- Outsoles with a long-lasting AT tread
- Lightweight
- There may not be enough padding
2. Mishansha Women’s Running Shoes
Mishansha sneakers are one of the best athletic shoes for bunions and are ideal for walking, running, jogging, yoga, cycling, and sports. For comfort and breathability, the upper is constructed of lightweight knitted fabric. To prevent friction between the foot and the sneakers, they have a soft sponge inner lining. The arch support insoles provide additional comfort and support by keeping the foot in the proper position. The knees and feet are protected by the shock-absorbing air cushion. The soles are covered with an oxford patch, which increases friction.
- A variety of colors
- Rubber sole with a high wear resistance
- It may appear clumsy
3. Orthofeet Running Shoes
These Orthofeet shoes may be an excellent choice if you suffer from foot or heel pain. These bunions-friendly running shoes with a wide toe box can provide both comfort and style. Their lightweight, ergonomically designed soles give excellent cushioning. The insoles provide arch support, while the cushioning layers provide support, comfort, and aid in the relief of pain in the feet, heels, knees, and lower back. These women’s sneakers come in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths for a comfortable fit. Their one-of-a-kind therapeutic design can help relieve joint stress and improve walking stability.
- Padding made of extra-thick foam
- 60-day wear test with anti-odor fabric and foam heel cushioning
- It’s possible that it won’t last
4. Easy Spirit Running Shoes
These sneakers can make running more fun because of their comfortable lace-up style and high-quality material. They’re comprised of 95 percent leather and 5 percent mesh, making them one of the best sneakers for bunions. The densely cushioned inner and insole will provide full support whether you’re at the gym or at work. The flexible rubber soles give traction to avoid slipping and injury.
- Synthetic sole with a lightweight
- Insole that can be removed
- A long-lasting outsole
- It’s possible that you don’t have enough arch support
5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks’ adrenaline for women is designed for runners who want maximum support and cushioning. The crash pad adapts to your stride, enhancing breathability and providing a comfortable and modern fit for your feet. The item is 10x15x6 inches in size and weighs two pounds. These running shoes provide a smoother ride, more stability, and consistent support. They’re great for running, working out at the gym, and doing cross-training.
- Comfortable and soft
- A variety of colors
- Diabetic shoes with the PDAC A5500 certification are long-lasting
- It’s possible that the toe box is too small
Top 5 Best Men’s Running Shoes For Bunions
1. Asics Men’s Gel Kayano 24
Because of its wide toe box, arch support, and cushioning, the Asics Gel Kayano is a top choice for pronators with bunions.
The Kayano is similar to the GT 2000 in that it uses Flytfoam instead of EVA foam, has slightly higher quality materials on the interior, and includes additional external heel support.
These workhorses are comfy and supportive, making them ideal for long-distance jogging.
- The seat is well padded.
- The toe box is wide.
- Arch support is excellent.
- The heels are well-fitting.
- Lightweight.
- Tread that is long-lasting.
- Shock-absorbent technology in the midsole.
- The insole is removable
- Expensive.
- Like other Asics, this shoe is likely to be thin through the midfoot
2. New Balance M1540v2
The 1540v2 is a motion control road running shoe made for overpronators and flatfooted people.
The 1540v2 is a great choice for pronators with bunions because it is specifically designed to alleviate podiatry conditions such as bunions through its numerous cushioning systems.
On a 10mm drop, the Rollbar posting system reduces heel movement for improved fit and control, while the EVA foam core provides cushioning and comfort.
- Breathable.
- The Upper is made of mesh.
- Toe box is roomy.
- Cushioning using ADZORB.
- Excellent assistance.
- Sizes that are extra-wide are available
- It’s a little heavy
3. Altra Men’s Torin
The Altra Torin is a neutral shoe with a foot-shaped toe box that allows for a lot of toe splay and relief from bunions pressure.
The zero-drop is designed to promote a natural running style by keeping the stride even and balancing muscle activity during the foot strike.
For persons with high arches, the midsole design gives the proper type of support. The Torin has a 28mm stack height, making it highly cushioned despite its zero drops.
- Toe box is quite large.
- Well-cushioned.
- Lightweight.
- Breathable.
- Male-oriented design.
- Responsive.
- The fit is perfect.
It’s a little size.
- Not the most secure grasp
4. Altra Men’s Instinct 4.5
This is on the list because Altra’s toe boxes are always spacious and wide. The Instinct is the men’s version of the Intuition, offering a well-cushioned, zero-drop shoe with a natural feel. These are ideal for transitioning to minimalist running shoes while still allowing your bunions to breathe.
- The toe box is quite large.
- Male-oriented design.
- Cushioned.
- Flexible.
- Lightweight.
- Mesh top that dries quickly
- It’s a little size
5. Hoka One Men’s Clifton 6
After its introduction in 2014, Hoka’s Clifton line earned a solid following for being a highly cushioned but extremely light shoe. There aren’t many shoes on the market that have both well-cushioned and lightweight.
This comfortable shoe for longer runs has a rockered style that helps you maintain forward propulsion. It also boasts a high-quality designed mesh upper that is soft and comfy and will not wear out quickly.
- Mesh upper with no seams.
- Lightweight and well-cushioned.
- Rubber outsole with high abrasion resistance.
- For easy transitions, the profile is slightly rockered.
- The toe box is wider than in prior generations
- If you already have a broad foot, the toe box may be insufficient
How Do You Pick The Best Running Shoes For Bunions?
Before you buy running shoes for bunions, keep the following considerations in mind:
Comfort
If your bunion is minor, you’ll want to wear shoes with plenty of toe room and low heels (less than one to two inches). Inside the shoes, the space should be broad enough to comfortably allow the full foot.
Custom-made
You should wear custom-made running shoes if you have severe bunions. When it comes to these shoes, utility over fashion is the way to go. Look for shoes with lace-ups or straps so you can modify them if your feet shift due to a bunion.
Fit
Make sure the shoes have adequate cushioning and a secure fit. The softness of cushioned insoles is felt by the feet.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
Why does my bunion still pain even if I’m running incorrectly fitted shoes?
Choose a shoe with a big toe box to allow your toes to flex freely. Protective cushioning, such as bunion pads or sleeves, can help to alleviate the pain. To avoid bunion pain, a podiatrist may recommend that you use custom-fitted orthotics inside your shoes.
If I have a bunion, can I still wear high heels?
You should wear high heels since they put too much pressure on your bunion, aggravating it. If you continue to apply pressure on your bunion, it will grow in size and become more uncomfortable.
Is it true that bunions deteriorate over time?
If your shoes do not have enough width for your feet, bunions can worsen over time and cause excruciating pain. The bunion will grow in size and cause more pain and discomfort if you continue to wear ill-fitting shoes with pointed toes or heels.
Is it safe to run if you have bunions?
Yes, you can run with bunions as long as you have the right running shoes for your size and comfort. Slowly increase your speed, and if you feel any pain, stop immediately.
Is it possible to get rid of bunions by going barefoot?
If you have a bunion, walking barefoot may seem appealing because nothing rubs against it, but you should avoid it. Overpronation can result from a lack of arch support, which can aggravate the bunion.
Running in properly fitted running shoes will provide you with comfort, stability, and traction. A good pair of running shoes that give your toes more room can help relieve bunion pain and keep your feet healthy and happy. We hope that our list of the best running shoes for bunions can assist you in finding a product that is right for you.