7 Best Running Shoes for Bunions in 2024
Last Updated: July 26, 2024 | Author: Dr. John Anderson
Bunions is a foot deformity mostly common among women. It develops on the base of the toe as a bump and can be painful. Caused by various factors, the condition can get worse when wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Finding the right shoe for bunions is crucial. If you are looking for running shoes for the condition, you must be aware that bunion doesn't mean the end of your running. You still can run with the right shoes that will go easy on bunions.
We are here to help you with a list of the best running shoes for bunions carefully selected for comfort. Shoes are going to make a difference in reducing discomfort caused by bunions while running.
![Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet](https://nutcutt.com/images/assets/media/M1284.webp)
Table of Content:
- Brooks Ghost 15: Best for Road Running
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13: Best for Daily Training
- Hoka One One Arahi 7: Best for Comfort
- Brooks Glycerin 20: Best for Long-Distance Running
- Saucony Guide 16: Best for Stability
- New Balance FuelCell 990 V6: Best for Arch Support
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 26: Best Lightweight
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Brooks Ghost 15: Best for Road Running
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Feature | Description |
Sole Material | Rubber |
Shaft Height | Ankle |
Certifications | PDAC A5500 Diabetic, APMA Seal of Acceptance |
Support | Neutral |
Cushioning | High energizing, DNA LOFT V2 |
Use | Road running, cross training, gym |
Midsole | DNA LOFT V2, Segmented Crash Pad |
Upper | Engineered air mesh, 3D Fit Print |
Ride Quality | Smooth, stable, seamless transition from landing |
Price |
The Brooks Ghost 15 is a neutral road running shoe with abundant cushioning. The soft cushioning ensures you get a soft ride that is not too squishy. I have been a big fan of the Ghost series in particular as they promise utmost comfort and durability and never fail to deliver it.
The shoe has a segmented crash pad along with an updated, much lighter midsole. These features ensure a smoother toe-off and a light feel. The shoe is light as well so you won't have the feel of dragging extra weight while running. It's a huge plus for bunions as well and another huge plus is the different width options.
The Brooks Ghost 15 is available in 4 different widths. You can choose your fit accordingly rest assured that the shoes have a roomy toe box. It provides ample space for your bunions without causing any discomfort.
I have further found the shoes to be stabilizing enough to support various strides. The shoes are further constructed carbon neutral with the upper made of recycled material.
Pros:- - Supreme comfort.
- - Optimized for heel strikers.
- - No heel slippage.
- - Great grip in wet conditions.
- - Available in up to four different widths.
- - Slightly heavier than its predecessor.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V13: Best for Daily Training
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Feature | Description |
Sole Material | Rubber |
Outer Material | Mesh |
Midsole | Fresh Foam X with approx. 3% bio-based content for cushioning; bio-based content from renewable resources |
Outsole Technology | NDurance rubber for superior durability in high-wear areas |
Upper Material | Engineered air mesh |
Additional Features | Reflective accents for visibility |
Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm (approximate) |
Price |
The Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 from New Balance is a stellar choice for runners with bunions. The shoe is highly cushioned plus you will be surprised how lightweight it feels. It is ideal for daily training with great impact absorption you will barely feel the pavement under your feet.
The shoe is designed with a wide toe box making it the ideal choice for foot problems like bunions. The midsole has ample cushioning with a bounce feel. It provides better heel-to-toe transitions and you will notice a faster pace.
Furthermore, its exceptional comfort is enhanced with a breathable mesh upper. It is highly flexible that you won't even feel it sitting on top of your feet. With better airflow, it will keep your feet cool and dry even in the hot weather.
Pros:- - Exceptional comfort.
- - Outstanding breathability.
- - Incredibly soft ride.
- - Long-lasting outsole.
- - Lightweight for its size.
- - Lacks stability.
Hoka One One Arahi 7: Best for Comfort
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Feature | Data |
Pace | Daily running |
Arch Support | Stability |
Weight | 9.6 oz / 272g |
Drop | 5.0 mm |
Strike Pattern | Mid/forefoot |
Midsole Softness | Balanced |
Breathability | Moderate |
Stiffness | Moderate |
Heel | 34.0 mm |
Forefoot | 29.0 mm |
Widths Available | Normal, Wide |
Price |
The Hoka Arahi 7 is a champion of comfort ideal for people dealing with bunions. The super cushioned shoe comes with a lightweight design and toe box with extra room ideal for running with bunions.
The shoe can be worn for longer times without any discomfort. It has a plush tongue along with Hoka's signature EVA foam cushioning. They offer a smooth ride and greater stability making each step effortless. The shoe has a lightweight upper that gives a secure fit without being too tight.
The lightweight trainer provides moderate stability effective for all footstrikes. It is durable with a thick rubber outsole that is resistant to wear and tear. The outsole further provides greater traction on various surfaces.
Pros:- - Premium and comfy upper.
- - Subtle yet effective stability features.
- - Versatile for all footstrikes.
- - Excellent fit and security.
- - Cushioned.
- - Limited breathability.
- - Low energy return.
Brooks Glycerin 20: Best for Long-Distance Running
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Feature | Description |
Sole Material | Rubber |
Outer Material | Mesh |
Ideal For | Road running, cross training, gym |
Support | Neutral, maximum cushioning |
Certifications | PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe, APMA Seal of Acceptance |
Previous Model | Glycerin 19 |
Cushioning | DNA LOFT v3: Soft, responsive, durable |
Fit | Plush bootie, breathable mesh upper |
Transitions | Smooth, with a widened platform |
Price |
The good news is you can run long distances even with bunions. The Brooks Glycerin 20 has all the features to make this possible. With great comfort made possible with responsive cushioning, the Glycerin 20 is the ideal running shoe for long distances.
The Glycerin 20 is the plushiest model in the Brooks lineup. It is made better for comfort with an additional nitro-infused midsole along with its signature DNA. It provides better transitions with a wide platform resulting in a smooth and stable ride.
Furthermore, the shoe surrounds your feet with cushioning reducing the pressure on the bunions. I have found it great for alleviating discomfort that is mostly related to the condition.
Pros:- - Plush cushion.
- - Responsive ride.
- - Breathable for hot days.
- - Weighs less than it looks.
- - Comfortable fit.
- - Expensive.
Saucony Guide 16: Best for Stability
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Feature | Description |
Sole Material | Synthetic Rubber |
Closure Type | Lace-Up |
Water Resistance | Not Water Resistant |
Midsole | PWRRUN foam for soft cushioning |
Ride Quality | Fluid ride, smooth heel-to-toe transitions |
Fit | Cradles and contours to the foot |
Price |
The Saucony Guide has proved to be a forerunner in terms of stability. They provide a tailored fit with a wide-toe box ideal for bunions. You can immediately feel the level of comfort when slipping into them for the first time. They feel luxuriously comfortable without compromising on stability.
The shoe upper is made flexible enough to adapt to your feet as you run. It won't restrict your foot movement resulting in comfort for long-distance runs. Furthermore, the internal heel counter of the shoe is excellent for holding your feet in place.
The shoe has a gusseted tongue adding more comfort to your feet. Despite the comfortable upper area, the shoes still are breathable. You can wear them for longer durations without worrying about your fee sweating.
Pros:- - Softer, more comfortable upper.
- - Excellent lockdown.
- - Good guidance without being too intrusive.
- - Protective and fairly responsive.
- - Good grip.
- - Uncomfortable for going sockless.
- - Firm cushioning.
New Balance FuelCell 990 V6: Best for Arch Support
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Feature | Description |
Sole Material | Synthetic Rubber |
Closure Type | Lace-Up |
Water Resistance | Not Water Resistant |
Midsole | PWRRUN foam for a softer cushioning and comfortable run |
Ride Quality | Fluid ride that transitions effortlessly from heel to toe |
Fit and Support | Designed to cradle and contour to your foot, providing a supportive and incredible underfoot feel |
Price |
The New Balance FuelCell 990 V6 offers an astounding level of arch support. It is a premium quality shoe with great value that justifies its cost. The whole shoe is made of high-quality material that delivers the best performance.
The groundbreaking FuelCell midsole is not just soft but propulsive which marks the ultimate comfort. Furthermore, the shoe has a highly structured upper responsible for greater arch support. The shoe is specifically designed for various conditions including bunions.
The stability running shoe has a spacious toe box to provide ample room for your feet. It further provides a bouncy feel with each step making it the ideal choice for runners seeking high-energy return.
Pros:- - Unexpectedly lighter than average.
- - Real suede and quality materials.
- - Exceptionally hard-wearing outsole.
- - Fantastic breathability.
- - Well-padded all around.
- - Very delicate toebox mesh.
- - A bit stiff.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26: Best Lightweight
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Feature | Description |
Sole Material | Rubber |
Closure Type | Lace-Up |
Upper Material | Engineered knit, 75% recycled |
Sockliner | Solution dyeing reduces water and carbon emissions |
Cushioning Technologies | PureGEL, FF BLAST PLUS ECO |
Price |
The success of Asics Gel Nimbus is well worthy and with the 26th iteration, they have updated the shoe for the best. It is build on solid foundation of its predecessors each designed for premium comfort and durability. The shoe is the lightest pick for our list of best running shoes for bunions.
The Nimbus 26 has maintained its plush cushioning for premium comfort. The shoe has redesigned upper that is made more breathable. It has slim tongue that provides ample comfort also allowing better air flow. The tox box is wide as in the previous models making it worthy pick for bunions.
Furthermore, the outsole of the shoe is made more durable. It has added rocker aiding in natural foot movement also propelling you to go forward with great ease.
Pros:- - Premium all-around comfort.
- - Enhanced toebox design.
- - Exceptional durability.
- - Surprisingly stable.
- - Superb knit upper.
- - Increased weight.
- - Limited energy return.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shoe for your foot conditions such as bunions can be life changing. You have to take various factors into consideration before plunging into buying the right fit. We have made it easy for you with our list of the best running shoes for bunions. Each shoe is specified for the purpose it serves the best to help you choose as per your needs.
From arch support to stability, we have picked the best that provide the best value that helps you perform at your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I look for in running shoes if I have bunions and flat feet?
Look for running shoes that offer great stability and a wide shoe front to prevent rubbing against the big toe. Shoes known for their supportive and breathable uppers are best. If you have flat feet, prioritize shoes with a medial post to help prevent overpronation, which can aggravate bunions.
2. Can I wear regular walking shoes for my running journey if I have bunions?
While walking shoes can be comfortable, they might not provide the necessary support and stability for running, especially if you have bunions. It's important to know that running shoes often have specific features like DNA loft foam and flexible design to protect your toe joint and foot health. Choose a new pair of running shoes designed for this purpose.
3. How do I know if my sneakers are suitable for wide feet and bunions?
Sneakers suitable for wide feet and bunions typically offer wide shoes designs and a flexible arch. Before buying, check the shoe features, such as the entire shoe width and feedback from other runners with bunions. Running shoes that prioritize space for the big toe and minimize rubbing are essential.
4. What is the best way to prevent bunions from worsening while running?
To help prevent your bunions from worsening, choose running shoes with a breathable upper that provides room for the big toe and avoids tightness. Flexible design in the shoe can accommodate wide feet without extra pressure on the toe joint. Consult a podiatrist for personalized advice tailored to your foot health.
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