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9 Best Running Shoes For Bunions (Runners Weigh-In)
Bunions can hurt more than a sprained ankle, and if you leave it to rot, they’ll put a halt on your running. This occurs when you put too much pressure on your big toe joint or have a medical record of arthritis. The condition can get worse if you’re rocking bad footwear.
A recent study by Jaws Podiatry found that about 18 million US Women and 4 million men face bunions every year.
Got a bad bunion? Blame it on your tight footwear, and get any of our 9 best running shoes for bunions. These neat sneakers come with a nice toe-box, and extra cushioning so you can lace up, pace up, and turbo-charge your runs to mile five and beyond. For now, go with Brooks Women’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 -eyes closed.
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Quick Picks
- Best Running Shoe For Bunions – Brooks Women’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe: This shoe offers supreme softness and a sleek fit for runners facing bunions.
- Most Budget-friendly Shoe For Bunions – New Balance Women’s Vongo V5 Running Shoe: It comes with a lace-up closure for solid wear and a bunion-friendly
- Runner Up Underdog – ALTRA Men’s Torin 7 Road Running Shoe: Synthetically designed footwear comes with a nice toe box. Plus, it comes with a 30-day refund guarantee, so go try it on!
1. Brooks Women’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe – Best For All
For ultimate softness and sleek fit, go for The Brooks Women’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe. It comes with a rubber sole and nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning making it the best running shoe for bunions and flat feet.
Buyers love to talk about its roomy toe box and how it’s true to size design. They love the nice stretchy fabric but some find its heel to be sturdy. Overall, it’s one of the best women’s walking sneakers for bunions.
Pros
- The nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning can relieve foot pain
- Integrated GuideRails holistic supports your physique during hardcore running.
- The StealthFit design makes it a snugly solid wear.
Cons
- Lacks diverse color options.
The New Balance Women’s FuelCell Propel V4 Running Shoe proudly offers FuelCell foam for forward momentum during serious running. The no-sew upper design maintains a sleek and fit feel. The TPU plate provides superb propulsion and traction, making it the best Nike running shoe for bunions.
Buyers adore this footwear for its super lightweight wear, and the springs are unbelievably stable. However, some can’t look past the fact that you might run into sizing issues (if you’re size 8.5 or below).
Pros
- The FuelCell foam offers exceptional responsiveness.
- The no-sew upper construction keeps the comfort and snug wear intact.
- It comes with a TPU Plate for superior propulsion and to maintain proper foot health.
Cons
- The 6mm drop can hinder high heel-to-toe
3. ALTRA Men’s Torin 7 Road Running Shoe – Best For Everyday Use
For a cushioned and responsive ride, go with ALTRA Men’s Torin 7 Road Running Shoe. It weighs 9.8 oz (278 g), has a stack height of 30 mm, and has a zero-drop design. The breathable mesh helps you reach a natural and balanced feel for long runs.
Related Article: “Long Distance Running Vs Sprinting (7 In-Depth Comparisons)“
People rave about the color combos ALTRA offers for this piece. And the well-fitting uppers aren’t something to deny while purchasing. If there’s one thing that buyers dislike, it is the narrow design. But if you look past it, the ALTRA Men’s Torin 7 Road Running Shoe is one of the best men’s running shoes for bunions.
Pros
- It only weighs 9.8 oz (278 g) which makes it suitable for long-distance running.
- The Altra EGO MAX midsole keeps your footing responsive and helps prevent bunion.
- The Zero-Drop design gives you a natural and balanced feel.
Cons
- Lacks diverse color options (It comes with a few variations of black).
4. New Balance Women’s Vongo V5 Running Shoe – Best For Budget Conscious Buyers
The Fresh Foam X midsole makes the New Balance Women’s Vongo V5 Running Shoe a comfortable fit for runs. The Hypoknit upper combines stretch with solid support, all while keeping the fit securely. The mesh material and medial post are what runners desire during long runs.
Runners that picked it up, love its spot-on arch support, and how they go well for gym and running. They give off the same vibes as the New Balance Women’s 1080 model.
However, they still need to work on their equal feet design as some buyers have faced odd sizing issues. Still a great purchase, and one of the best women’s running shoes for bunion.
Pros
- The Fresh Foam X offers exceptional cushioning and secure fit.
- The Hypo Knit stretchable material offers ample support.
- Medial post helps you control pronation during runs.
Cons
- The lace-up closure could use some work.
5. Orthofeet Women’s Orthopedic Knit Kita Hands-Free Sneakers – Best Medicated Shoes
If you’re having more than bunions, the Orthofeet Women’s Orthopedic Knit Kita Hands-Free Sneakers might be your thing. Designed with patented slip-on technology and solid heel design, they offer a snug fit without having to tie up laces.
71% of buyers love the sizing options and their suitability for various foot conditions including plantar fasciitis, arthritis, heel pain, diabetes, and many more.
Related Article: “8 Best Knee Braces For Runners (Handpicked By Experts)“
While the rest had an experience with this piece, with some seeing rough spots on top and a slightly disappointing arch support. Nevertheless, a great buy for runners who love a pain-free experience.
Pros
- The patented slip-on technology and solid heel design offer a secure experience.
- Works great for multiple foot conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and more.
- It comes with a wide toe box and stretchable upper for a customized and pressure-free fit.
Cons
- Limited color options.
6. Brooks Men’s Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe– Best For Comfort
The Brooks Men’s Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe balances your runs and is also breathable and durable. The 3D Fit Print ties up nicely with your foot so you can hit the pavement for running or cross-training.
Excellent comfort and on-point size options are the top selling points for this article. The cushioning might be what you’re looking for in a bunion shoe but it might hurt after a few miles.
Pros
- The DNA LOFT foam promises soft cushioning.
- The Air mesh uppers keep the wear comfortable.
- The segment crash pad promises smooth and sustainable running.
Cons
- Can wear out quickly.
7. Saucony Men’s Endorphin Speed 3 Running Shoe – Best For Daily Training
The Saucony Men’s Endorphin Speed 3 Running Shoe offers a reimagined S-curve winged nylon plate for solid foot support so you never miss a leg day. Its updated geometry and S curved wing Nylon plate are what keep a smooth ride and the increased pop and spring turbocharges your speed.
Buyers that picked it up love how they’re thin and made with top material. And the ample room at the base of the big toe makes it an instant go-to for bunion runners.
However, this pair rubs the heel vigorously which can be a painful experience during intense runs. Overall, it’s a solid purchase to accommodate bunions.
Pros
- The S-curve winged nylon plate offers excellent foot support.
- Improved ride quality and responsiveness keep your runner profile on-point.
- The redesigned upper wear makes it comfortable for running.
Cons
- Bad heel wear.
8. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Low-top Sneaker – Best For Intense Workouts
The HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Low-top Sneaker can be a nice addition to your post-bunion running wardrobe. Made specifically for overpronators, the Dynamic DuoMax system gives you a spacious toe box for comfortable running. Plus, with the FlyteFoam technology it keeps your pace smooth and sensational.
Buyers picked it up for its stellar design and squishy soles. They promise smooth and comfortable running during intense workouts. What they dislike is the high arch support that has been painful for some runners, leaving their hurried runs to brisk walks.
Pros
- The Dynamic Duo Max gives you both control and stability to go further.
- The plush cushioning is a great feat for long-distance runs.
- With a roomy forefoot design and wider toe box, it’s a dreamy pair.
Cons
- Wears up quickly.
9. Topo Athletic Women’s Lightweight Comfortable 5MM Drop Ultraventure 3 Trail Running Shoes – Best For Trail Running
The Topo Athletic Women’s Ultra Venture 3 Trail Running Shoes, are designed for long miles on light to moderate ground. Thanks to its 5mm drop and cushioned sole, this pair has the right protection and transaction for serious running. And for superior traction, count on the Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole.
Customers love its tailor-made sizes and their outstanding durability. However, some are disappointed at its hefty price tag. Also, the runners with Achilles experienced discomfort because of its huge drop design.
Pros
- Features recycled engineer mesh upper for a comfortable feel.
- Enhanced cushioning and protection with a 5mm drop and a new 35 x 30 mm platform.
- Durable and rugged construction paired with a lightweight design and roomy toe box for a natural running experience.
Cons
- Available in only four colors (Navy/Blue, Dusty Rose/Navy, Purple/Orange, Tea/Orange).
Buying Guide: Best Running Shoes For Bunions
A wide-toe box isn’t enough to look for a shoe for runners with bunions, it’s more than that. Here’s a super quick buying guide to get one of the 9 best running shoes for bunions:
1. Arch Support
Proper arch support means reducing excess pressure on your foot. Go for wide shoes with good arch support that can keep your foot from rolling in. So, it’s wise to go for ones with midsoles.
Additionally, to avoid overpronation make sure that the kicks feature medial posts or torsion systems
2. Cushioning
Is your pair shock-resistant? Think again. A good running shoe should reduce the impact of bunions on your mileage.
Go with the kicks that feature ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or compression molded materials for optimal cushioning which means they are good for bunions.
Pair up your running shoes with “8 Best Cushioned Running Socks (+ Complete Buying Guide)” for enhanced comfort during intense workouts.
3. Stability And Motion Control
Select motion-control shoes to alleviate bunions. They can reduce overpronation, and give off a nice feel for runners in a rush, making them go to shoes for bunions
4. Material And Flexibility
Good material and flexibility can help in reducing pressure on the bunion area. Search for shoes that have soft and flexible fabric designs. Shoes with rigid or non-stretchy materials can be a nightmare for runners with bunions.
Bottomline
Don’t let the bunions get worse from run to run, switch up your footwear game, and try the 9 best running shoes for bunions.
I looked up for you. For now, you can go with Brooks Women’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 as it features guide rails for confident running. The ALTRA Men’s Torin 7 Road Running Shoe comes with a nice toe box for bad bunions. And if you’re on a budget, select New Balance Women’s Vongo V5 Running Shoe.
To beat the other foot conditions like Morton’s Neuroma, check out our well market researched and self-tested “7 Best Running Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma (Podiatrist’s Opinion)“.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, but only those that are flexible. That’s because they bring out your natural foot movement and are great footwear for managing bunions.
Running shoes with adequate arch support and a nice toe box are great for runners with bunions. Go for the ones that come with cushioning that’s how you know, they don’t compromise on your running.
By switching to a running shoe with arch support and cushioning, you can get rid of bunions, gradually. You can also apply ice to soothe the pain. But if it’s severe, consult a medical professional for better treatment options.
