Moreover, those with bunions may find it difficult to wear narrow-front shoes. Therefore, the shoes assist in managing the pressure and support smooth running. These shoes are also crafted using soft fabrics and offer good arch support, wide forefoot, and a comfortable heel. While the right shoe may help heal the bunion, choosing the right shoe for such a condition can be cumbersome. Here, we have compiled a list of the ideal running shoes for bunions to make you comfortable. Keep scrolling to check all out!

7 Best Running Shoes For Bunions – 2022 Update

1. Best Cushioning:Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe

The Brooks Ghost 13 running shoes are made with a soft and smooth material and offer neat heel-to-toe transitions with a neutral support system. The rubber soles and high-energy cushioning provide spring and comfort during cross-training and gym sessions. DNA loft and BioMoGo DNA cushioning are combined in these shoes to supply the right amount of underfoot softness while keeping durability and responsiveness intact. In addition, they react adaptively to the unique stride of bunion feet. The shoes are lightweight and designed with segmented crash pads, which protect your feet with integrated shock absorbers on any terrain. The 3D fit print and mesh uppers provide a snug fit and excellent air circulation. In addition, the midsoles of the shoes adjust to your foot structure with every step to ensure maximum flexibility and support. Three cushioning, energizers, and speed levels give these running shoes a light lift and responsive stride. Pros

Three-level cushioning Certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoes Lightweight and breathable Durable

Cons

Poor arch support

2. Best Lightweight:Asics Women’s Gt-2000 Running Shoes

These running shoes by Asics feature a gel technology cushioning system for the fore and rear feet. It helps in shock absorption during impact and toe-offs. In addition, it ensures comfortable feet transition through the gait cycle, making multiple terrains easy to tackle. These shoes are carefully created with a combination of tested technologies for each part of the feet and the best running experience. The midsole is crafted with Flytefoam technology which provides excellent responsiveness and bounce-back at any distance. Moreover, it is made with organic fibers which do not pack out like other low-density foams. A duomax support system or dual-density midsole is placed in the shoes to enhance stability and support, especially during sports activities. The Guidance Line midsole technology offers grooves with vertical flex, which supports gait efficiency. In addition, guidance Trusstic System technology integrates guidance line construction while providing structural integrity to the midfoot. This YouTuber’s review will help you learn more about the shoes. Pros

Lightweight Comfortable Enhanced supportive Durable

Cons

Extra padding makes the shoe tighter and not true to size

3. Best For Maximum Support:Brooks Women’s Ariel 20

Brooks’s Women’s Ariel 20 Shoes provide a holistic and comfortable experience for runners with bunions. They are imbibed with soft cushioning and guide rails support technology, which keeps unnecessary movements of the feet in check. This helps bunions from getting rubbed or aggravating the pain. In addition, the shoes keep the natural stride intact even if the feet are tired. Guide Rails support the arch and the hips, knees, and feet. These shoes are lightweight and offer a customized fit. The front and back of the feet are provided with a secure yet spacious fit, and an engineered upper mesh provides breathability. Additionally, the embroidered saddle of the shoes makes them aesthetically pleasing and firm. Moreover, Brooks is known for its patented BioMoGo DNA midsole, which offers durability and softness. Other features of these running shoes include luxe sock liner on the inside for enhanced comfort. In addition, the rubber sole is anti-slip, and the DNA cushioning technologies react to a unique stride. Need more information? Watch this video. Pros

Proper cushioning Maximum support Enhanced fit Offers stability Durable

Cons

May feel heavy

4. Best With Extra Foot Space:Altra Women’s Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoes

The Altra Paradigm 4.5 version is an innovative and functional running shoe, especially for bunions. It is designed with a five-millimeter sculpted insole and the patented Altra Ego midsole. This design enhances cushioning and performance with proper energy return and responsiveness. In addition, the signature Foot-Shape comfort feature allows the foot to sit in its natural comfort form and adjusts as per your foot shape. The Fit4her technology allows customization to anatomically unique feet. The balanced cushion system keeps the forefoot and heel at the same distance from the ground, taking pressure off the bunions. It optimizes alignment and form and provides low impact on landings. GuideRail supports natural foot placement, and the Stabilipod acts as a tripod that stabilizes the three natural zones of the feet. This helps in the prevention of pronation and foot collapse. Pros

Customization technology Three-way natural stability Balanced cushioning Extra foot-space 30mm stack height

Cons None

5. Best Slip-Resistant:Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 24 Running Shoe

The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 is rebuilt with the latest Mizuno Enerzy technology. This iconic design features an enhanced midsole and an improved upper. The midsole makes it more comfortable during running. This new high-performance version is 17% softer and 15% more responsive. In addition, the Mizuno bio-based wave plate absorbs shock and disperses impact energy over a broader space. This plate is made of Pebax polymers from castor beans and is sustainable. The energy foam U4ic midsole is durable and provides a smoother ride. It creates a smooth transition from the heel to the toe, reducing jerks and injuries. The shaft of the sole measures low-top from the arch. A rubber outsole made of carbon rubber is durable, slip-resistant, and long-lasting. Moreover, the shoe is crafted with a breathable mesh top. Pros

Lightweight Breathable material Controlled temperatures Bio-based polymers Sustainable

Cons

Narrow fit

6. Best Flexible:Vionic Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers

The Drift Tokyo Leisure shoes from Vionic are supportive jogging shoes. They have been crafted with a three-zone comfort feature called Vio-Motion footbed technology for extra arch support, which keeps the pressure off the bunions. In addition, they feature a deep heel cup and better forefoot cushioning. The active sneakers are lightweight, firm, and flexible and offer stability. A removable textile cover is inserted with EVA orthotic insoles. The outsole is made of durable, ergonomically designed rubber which gives it a good grip on any terrain. Advanced Motion System technology combines the cushioned outsole with the podiatrist-designed orthotic to create the perfect support for the feet. The First Ray technology enhances the mobility of the feet and improves gait efficiency. The breathable upper allows air circulation and keeps sweat at bay. The sneakers are fancy and attractive and suitable for all-day wear. Pros

Breathable mesh upper Three-zone comfort Enhanced stability Flexible Ergonomically-designed rubber sole

Cons

Outer mesh may not be very durable

7. Best Arch Support:Altra Women’s Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe

The Altra Lone Peak 5 is a trail running shoe designed with a rock plate that offers traction on rock-strewn terrains. The Altra Ego midsole is made of dual-layered EVA, which provides extensive cushioning and a responsive ride. The MaxTrac outsole offers extra grip and is crafted with angled Trail Claw lugs for better traction on muddy grounds.  Additionally, the shoes have a wide toe box that ensures flexibility of the toes and feet. The heel has a loose fit, apt for women, and a mesh upper construction for excellent air circulation. Moreover, their foot-shaped design is comfortable on long trails. Finally, the shoes have a zero-drop design ideal for mid or forefoot strikers. Pros

StoneGuard in the forefoot Roomy toe-box Claw-like traction Cushioned midsole Additional arch support

Cons

Fit may be loose around the heel

Bunions are painful, and they can restrict your flexibility if you don’t treat them properly. However, a good pair of running shoes can help you remain flexible and perform your workout and daily activities without worrying about pain. Read the following section to ensure the best buy –

How To Choose The Best Running Shoes For Bunions?

Arch Support: The curved area at the bottom of the foot is the arch. People with bunions have unstable arches or flat feet which need extra support. The shoe you choose should have good arch support, or you can buy supports installed with metatarsal pads in them. The arch support reduces pressure on the forefoot and curbs discomfort for runners. It keeps the feet aligned in a neutral position. Toe Box: This is the forefoot area. A tight forefoot area of a shoe can cause pain and discomfort for runners with bunions. The toe box area needs to be wide with good cushioning. The shoe should also have a quarter to half-inch depth to provide ample foot space. Gait Cycle: This refers to the time taken by the foot to touch the ground repeatedly. It is denoted by neutral, overpronation, or supination. A stride is a single gait cycle. Different shoes support different gait cycles, and you need to pick a shoe suitable for bunions. This will help to reduce pain and stop the bunion from growing. Breathability: This ensures proper air circulation within the shoe. Sweaty feet can be slippery and also cause mal-odor and bacterial growth. Pick shoes with light fabric material or mesh uppers for optimal breathability. Adjustable: Leather or canvas material can be stretchy and helpful. Go for shoes with laces or straps to adjust the fit so that it is not too snug. This will allow you to adjust the shoe while the bunion changes size.

Regular workout or a simple running session can make your bunions painful. A shoe with better arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box will help decrease the pain dramatically. Our recommendations of the best running shoes for bunions will help you find a perfect shoe that decreases the pressure on the forefoot for a better alignment. So, pick the suitable pair and don’t let the bunions stop you from working out!

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Aditi Naskar is our in-house health and fitness expert who makes sure you take good care of your mind and body. She knows that the right shoes can make all the difference in fitness training and routines. After considerable research and scouring through several health forums, she has shortlisted the best running shoes for bunions. Crafted with soft fabric material and wide forefoot, these give you that required comfort and cushioning and provide proper support for your knees and joints. How should I cover my bunions when running? You can cover your bunions with bandages or toe separators while running. This will reduce friction between toes and keep the pain away. How does bunion surgery affect my running? Some patients can perform lightweight swimming or cycling within a month of a bunion surgery. Many athletes take six to ten weeks to go for a run or perform heavy exercises. What is the best way to lace up bunions? Ignore the eyelets opposite to the bunions in your shoes. Lace up without tightening your shoes too much. However, your shoes must be snugly fitting your feet without loosening up. Can the wrong shoes make bunions worse? Yes, continuously wearing the wrong shoes can make the bunions bigger and more painful. Wearing the wrong shoes can also develop more bunions. Should I stop running if I have a bunion? Yes, running can cause more pain in your toes if you have bunions. However, wear the right shoes to run if you have bunions. How do you tape a bunion for running? Use a 1-inch tape to securely attach it from the toe down the inside of the foot. Repeat this twice but make sure not to suffocate your foot. You can also apply two overlapping 1-inch strips over the big toe and the middle of the foot. Are running shoes bad for bunions? No. Running shoes with a wide toe box can be opted if you have an increased risk of bunion development. However, running shoes with narrow designs are not great if you have bunions. However, How can you stretch shoes for bunions? You can stretch your shoes by inserting a bag of frozen water and placing the shoes in the freezer. When the bag of water freezes inside the shoes, it will stretch and expand the fabric in your shoes.

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