If you have experienced the pain of bunions, you understand how difficult it can be to even walk at times, let alone run. Some days your feet are fine, but other days you’ll wake up with burning, searing pain. You enjoy running and hate to have your routine derailed by this pain.
You’ve been to the doctor, who has told you aside from surgery, there is no permanent treatment for the bunion. Your doctor did recommend you get a good pair of shoes that will help promote foot health. You were also cautioned to stay away from tight-fitting shoes and those pointy-toed shoes you are so fond of. And start looking for the best running shoes for bunions.
If bunions afflict you, you don’t have to stop your running routine. Instead, you should follow the doctor’s advice and purchase the correct shoes. There are many options out there, so where do you start?
We’ve taken the time to go through the choices for the best running shoes for bunions and compiled the following list. It takes into account the unique needs of those with this painful condition, as well as the stress and strain that running can put on your body.
Table of Contents
But First, a Little Bit About Bunions
If you think you might have a bunion but aren’t sure, here are some ways you can tell. Take a look at your big toe. Does it tend to curve in towards the second toe? If it does, look at the base of the toe. You may notice a lump protruding from the side of your toe. It may be small to start, but it will grow over time. Tight-fitting shoes are often the culprit and you’re starting to think of the best running shoes for bunions.
As you grow, your feet spread. It’s part of the aging process. If you are still trying to fit into the same size of shoes you wore a decade ago, it might start feeling uncomfortable and tight. High-heeled shoes are often a source of bunions.
They force the front of your foot into an awkward position for extended periods of time. Over time the bunion starts to form. Because of this squeezing, the big toe has to crunch over to the second toe. This repetitive practice will eventually cause the joint of the toe to start protruding. This bump is the bunion.
What You Need To Do
If you don’t make some changes, the pain associated with bunions is going to keep coming back, and it will most likely get worse. Therefore, it is imperative that you have proper shoes. The most important aspect of this is the fit. Make sure to go and get your feet measured so you know your correct shoe size.
Also, take into consideration that your feet will swell the more time you spend on them; this is entirely normal. A trained professional will be sure to tell you to size up or purchase a wider-toe box to ensure that when your feet swell, you’re not back to crunching that big toe. Aside from fit, what other features do you need to consider when buying a pair of the best running shoes for bunions?
How We Chose Our Ratings
We know you’re counting on honest and reliable reviews. We take the time and effort to search through product descriptions and customer feedback to give you the best options to suit your needs. Also, we know that you don’t have the time to do it, so we do it for you.
We looked at many types of best running shoes for bunions and then focused on what features of the shoes make them suitable for those with bunions: width of the toe, the softness of the toe box, breathability, and comfort.
Further, we compared the type of surface the shoe is made for, the color options, the price and finally the reviews and comments of prior purchasers. We then came up with an overall rating for each shoe and ranked them accordingly. Our hope is that this list will help you continue your running routine virtually pain-free.
The Top 5 Best Running Shoes for Those with Bunions
Salomon XR Mission – Women’s
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Overview:
The top spot in our ranking goes to the XR Mission by Salomon. The shoe is structured with plenty of support, space, and breathability. Salomon utilizes the latest technology in the XR Mission to promote foot health. The quick lace system ensures a comfortable and snug fit each time you put them on. We especially love the wider toe box and the protective toe fit. The dual technologies of Sensifit and Sensiflex work together to ensure you’ll be on solid footing on your run.
Comfort:
The XR Mission contains a molded EVA insole which gives you more than enough foot cushioning and support. The breathability and ventilation of the shoe control moisture and help keep the foot cool.
Type of Running Surface:
These best running shoes for bunions are designed to be used on trails and concrete. You can move safely and effortlessly between the two surfaces, and the shoes will hold up.
Color Options:
There are three color combination options: magenta, black and purple; score blue, very purple, and pop green; and celadon, papaya and pop green.
Customer Reviews and Feedback:
The reviews for the XR Mission are all high. It currently ranks as the eighth-best trail running shoe on Amazon. Several comments and feedback mention the wide toe box being an integral part of the comfort of the shoe. Other people also commented that their feet weren’t nearly as sweaty wearing these shoes as others.
Price:
Depending on the size and color, these shoes range in price from $79.95 to $110.
- Breathable mesh upper reduces moisture buildup
- Rugged Contagrip outsole for traction
- Quicklace system for fast, secure lacing
- stiff in sole
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 – Women’s
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Overview:
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 is loaded with style, sophistication, and stability. Built for stability, they keep your foot in a healthy position and keep the toes from sliding forward and sideways into the toe box. The outsole is reinforced to provide more durability in areas that are typically worn down quicker. There is also a version that is available in men’s sizes.
Comfort:
The Adrenaline GTS 18 contains a removable foam insole that provides more than adequate cushioning and support. It is described as “high energy cushioning.” The breathability of the fabric keeps your feet cool and reduces moisture from gathering.
Type of Running Surface:
These shoes are designed to be road running shoes.
Color Options:
There are three color combination options: silver and blue; navy and red; black and gray.
Customer Reviews and Feedback:
The GTS 18 is ranked as the seventh best-selling road running shoe on Amazon. One of the best running shoes for bunions. Customer reviews are positive and state that the arch support and stability are top notches.
Many compliments the GTS 18 design as the most comfortable shoe they’ve worn. More than one person indicated they were like wearing slippers. We found no amount of adequate feedback to include in our ranking.
Price:
At $120 these are the most expensive shoe on our list, which is why they came in second.
- good stability
- Cushioning is just right, supportive, and stable
- Very stable and comfortable shoes
- sizes are little bit smaller
Saucony Omni 14 – Men’s
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Overview:
The Omni 14 is the top men’s shoe on our list. It utilizes a heel-locking system to keep your foot stabilized from the heel. This keeps your foot from sliding forward while you run, keeping the pressure off your toes and the bunion. The lightweight design and the cushioning of the heel-to-toe drop help you run harder, and longer. The Omni 14 also comes in women‘s sizes.
Comfort:
The cushioning in the Omni 14 is more than adequate. The lightweight material makes every step seem effortless and light.
Type of Running Surface:
These shoes are designed to be road running shoes.
Color Options:
There are nine color combination options: navy, teal, and mint; ebony, silver, and pink; black; white and gray; blue, mint, and pink; purple, pink, and silver; pink, plum, and champagne; white, purple and gray; gray and rose gold; purple, black and champagne; white, black and gray.
Customer Reviews and Feedback:
Most customers enjoyed the fit and feel of this shoe. Positive feedback included mentions of how light the Omni 14s are. The stability offered by the heel lock was a significant positive attribute. One repeated negative we found was that people felt like the toe box was narrower than in previous versions of this running shoe.
Upon further research, we saw more evidence that suggests this is true. This doesn’t seem to make sense for a shoe that is supposed to help relieve bunions; however, the heel lock technology does stop your foot from sliding forward, so we are still confident this narrower box won’t be much of a drawback.
Price:
Starting at $79.99
- lightweight
- offered stability
- Highly cushioned running shoe designed for moderate stability and everyday training
- toe box is narrower compared to previous versions
Brooks Beast 14
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Overview:
Brooks is back in our ranking again, this time with the Beast 14 model. This stability shoe is more rigid than the other shoes we’ve reviewed and provided the best support against moderate to severe overpronation, a common problem for those with bunions. Therefore, the shoes are designed to keep your feet in place.
Comfort:
The redesigned midsole keeps your feet comfortable. The upper material is well-ventilated to keep your feet cooler than previous versions of this shoe.
Type of Running Surface:
These shoes are designed to be road running shoes.
Color Options:
There are three color combination options: silver, black, and gold; electric, pavement, and silver; mars, anthracite, and silver.
Customer Reviews and Feedback:
The reviews and comments for the Beast 14 are mostly positive. The people who purchased the shoes did so for the stability factor. They were not disappointed. Most people commented the shoes were stiff; however, they didn’t seem to mind this aspect in large part because of the support received.
Quite a few people indicated they were larger individuals who were all directed to this particular shoe by doctors. The negative comments we found seemed to be about the smaller sizing. We did see that these shoes typically run small, so be warned before you shop and make sure you keep that in mind before buying.
Price:
- built for the moderate to severe over-pronator who requires a combination of reinforced stability and cushioning
- breathable mesh and lightweight synthetic materials that hug the foot for a glove-like feel
- Moisture-managing Element mesh upper and sockliner technology keeps feet feeling cooler and fresher
- shoes is quite stiff
Asics Men’s Gel Nimbus 18
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Overview:
If you are looking for stability and extra cushioning, look no further than the Asics Gel Nimbus 18. This shoe is best if you have a mild case of overpronation. The lightweight design is entirely devoid of stitching, which is a first of its kind. This reduces the amount of impact and pressure points along the shoe and your foot. It employs a heel-clutching system to keep your foot in place throughout your run.
Comfort:
Asics continues using the patented gel cushioning that molds to your feet each time you wear them. This system gives you just the right amount of bounce-back as you run. The breathability is stellar, allowing excellent ventilation and air circulation.
Type of Running Surface:
These shoes are designed to be road running shoes.
Color Options:
There are six color combination options: titanium, white and turquoise; turquoise, iris, and methyl blue; silver, titanium, and hot pink; flash yellow, pink glow, and Asics blue; carbon, black, and cockatoo; and indigo blue, white, and spring bud.
Customer Reviews and Feedback:
These shoes are rated very highly among customers. Most feedback was complimentary and raved about the comfort of the gel insole. Stability was also a significant component of the Nimbus 18’s success.
People indicated that they were able to run long distances without discomfort. This version of the shoe fixed a narrow toe box issue, so long-time customers were happy with this change. The negative comments were very spotty, and the only one worth sharing was the fact that these may run small. Upon further review, it appears that you may need to size up when buying these shoes.
Price:
Starting at $60 depending on size and color
- FluidRide provides the ultimate combination of bounce-back and cushioning properties
- well-built and comfortable
- improved support and creates an improved heel-fitting environment
- sizes are somewhat smaller
Buyer’s Guide: Best Running Shoes for Bunions
After reviewing many kinds of best running shoes for bunions that claim to help you deal with bunions, we felt these were the five best options available. Some of these shoes may be a generation or two behind the current offering; however, please note that since shoes change frequently, we don’t necessarily believe the newest version is the best for bunions.
When shopping for something as important as shoes, it’s essential to have the best information available. We have given you what we believe are the five best options when looking for the best running shoes for bunions. You should be able to walk and run without pain.