Top 8 Best Running Shoes for Bunions
The right shoes might just help with the pain.
The NIH estimates that over 20% of adults in the U.S. have bunions and running is one of the best ways to stay healthy, improve your fitness and mental well-being. But it can be a painful experience if you have bunions.
Research by JFAS, has shown that wider, flatter shoes can help reduce pressure on the big toe and may slow the progression of bunions.For over 13 months, I searched and tried different running shoes that would not only offer comfort, but also support for my bunions.
After much testing and pain, I’ve found my favorites! Now, my mission is to help you find the best running shoes for bunions so you can avoid the pain I endured.
So without further ado, here are my top picks for both men and women.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
The most bunion-friendly shoes for running are the ones with a wide toe box and good cushioning. Let me share my top 3 picks, but if you don’t find a good match, read on to explore more shoe options below.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 are the best women’s running shoes for bunions. Why? They have a comfy, breathable top, a soft midsole, and a roomy toe box.
Altra Men’s Provision 6 Road are the best men’s running shoes for bunions because of the roomy toe area, The Altra EGO midsole, and the GuideRail tech.
Hoka One One is a great pair of shoes for trail running, thanks to its wide toe box and ample cushioning that helps with bunions. And, it has a superior grip for trail terrain.
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Best overall option for bunions
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
- Plush cushioning absorbs impact for comfort.
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool and dry.
- Designed for women's running needs.
- Comfortable but not the most durable option.
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 is a great pick for any runner. It’s comfy and supportive, catering to all types of runners!
These running shoes stand out for their balanced cushioning, weight, and flexibility, ensuring top performance and great comfort. The Fresh Foam midsole offers a soft feel without compromising on responsiveness or durability.
And that makes it a perfect choice for you if you have bunions needing extra support and cushioning. These shoes have great cushioning and a light, breathable Hypoknit upper for support where you need it. The mesh lets air flow, keeping your feet cool and dry while running. This helps those with bunions who might feel discomfort from rubbing or pressure.
The Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 design fits well, aligns with stride differences, and fulfills the needs of woman athletes. These running shoes are designed for both performance and style. Yes, they look great with any workout gear and provide all the necessary functionality serious runners need.
- Fresh Foam midsole for cushioning
- Hypoknit upper for breathability
- Designed for women's running needs
Best for men for bunions
Altra Men's Provision 6 Road Running Shoe
- Spacious toe box allows toes to spread naturally.
- GuideRail provides support without bulk.
- Altra EGO midsole offers soft and responsive cushioning.
- Moderate quality and fit.
The Altra Men’s Provision 6 Road Running Shoe has all the features you look for in the best running shoes for bunions. The GuideRail tech offers support where needed for stability and comfort without extra bulk. It helps runners go the distance with support and care for bunions.
The Altra EGO midsole in these shoes is great. It gives a comfy and bouncy feel, soaking up impact and giving back energy with each step. So, even on long runs, your feet are comfy and supported, reducing any discomfort from bunions.
The FootShape design helps you move freely and comfortably. The roomy toe box lets your toes relax and spread out naturally for better stability and powerful toe-offs. This design can greatly improve your running comfort by easing pressure on sensitive areas and bunions.
The spacious toe box has also been highlighted as a key factor in enhancing overall foot comfort during long-distance runs. I found the durability of these shoes to be impressive. I put them through intense training sessions without experiencing any wear or tear issues.
- Spacious toe box
- GuideRail support system
- Altra EGO midsole for cushioning
Best for women for bunions
Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
- Supportive design with arch and medial support.
- Certified for diabetic footwear needs.
- Secure fit reduces bunion pain during runs.
- A bit bulky due to the supportive design.
The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 22 is known for its great design and features, giving you stability during your daily runs. And it offers comfy cushioning for a smooth running experience even with bunions.
These running shoes stand out for their great support and stability. The Adrenaline GTS 22 focuses on providing excellent arch and medial support, making it perfect for individuals with foot issues like bunions. And, it helps reduce bunion pain during runs.
These running shoes are special because they’re certified for diabetic individuals, meeting quality standards. The certification gives extra assurance about their suitability for those needing specialized foot care.
The Adrenaline GTS 22 gives a smooth ride with comfy cushioning, making running feel easy. It’s stable, comfy, and perfect for runners needing reliable shoes that cater to different foot needs without sacrificing performance.
These shoes help ease bunion pain during runs. I appreciate the snug fit, as it provides relief without making me feel restricted by my foot condition.
- Supportive design with arch and medial support
- Certified for diabetic footwear needs
- Comfortable and secure fit
You can check out overall Best Shoes For Bunions
Best budget shoes for bunions
Brooks Men's Glycerin 20 Neutral Running Shoe
- Soft and protective cushioning for long runs.
- Versatile for both road and treadmill running.
- Balanced fit avoids pressure on bunions.
- Moderate durability.
The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 20 Neutral Running Shoe stands out as an exceptional choice when looking for the best running shoes for bunions.
These shoes stand out for being soft and protective, providing a comfy fit. People with bunions can run comfortably without pain from friction or pressure on their feet.
The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 20 Running Shoe is super versatile for running on roads or treadmills, perfect for people who like different surfaces. The comfortable fit is perfect for runners with bunions, allowing for a stylish and high-performing run.
The high-level cushioning in these shoes ensures that each stride feels smooth. And the support reduces the impact on your feet and joints during long runs. This improves comfort and helps prevent any injury, allowing runners with bunions to go sky high.
The Brooks Men’s Glycerin 20 Neutral Running Shoe not only feels good but looks cool too. I’ve had great experiences wearing these shoes for long periods. They offer excellent support without feeling heavy or limiting.
- Soft and protective cushioning
- Comfortable and balanced fit
- Versatile for both road and treadmill running
Best Customizable shoes for bunions
Saucony Men's Guide 16 Sneaker
- Plush cushioning reduces pressure on bunions.
- Contoured fit offers stability and a secure feel.
- Durable for extended use.
- Not ideal for narrow feet due to the contoured fit.
The Saucony Men’s Guide 16 Sneaker stands out as a top choice. These stability shoes offer premium cushioning, making them ideal for daily runs and workouts.
The PWRRUN+ sockliner and cushioning in these sneakers offer a comfy ride, ensuring each step is well-cushioned. This is great for those with bunions, reducing pressure on sensitive foot areas during activities.
One great thing about these sneakers is how they fit comfortably, giving good support and a nice feel underfoot. You’ll feel secure and stable, with better awareness of your movements during runs or workouts.
Not only does the Saucony Men’s Guide 16 Sneaker give great comfort and support, but it’s super durable too. Runners can count on these shoes for a long time without sacrificing performance or comfort.
- Improved sockliner for comfort
- PWR RUN cushioning for shock absorption
- Contoured fit for enhanced support and feel
- Durable construction
Best with Arch Support for bunions
Inov-8 Men's Roadclaw 275 V2 Sneaker
- Wide toe box allows natural toe splay, reducing bunion pain.
- Lighter design for longer runs.
- Excellent traction for various terrains.
- Less responsive cushioning compared to other options.
The Inov-8 Men’s Roadclaw 275 V2 Sneaker are designed with foot health in mind. The most special thing about these sneakers is their lighter and more responsive design, making them ideal for longer training runs.
The increased levels of cushioning provide excellent support while reducing discomfort often associated with bunions or other foot issues. The enhanced durability ensures that these shoes can withstand regular use without compromising on performance.
One standout feature of the Inov-8 Men’s Roadclaw 275 V2 Sneaker is its iconic inov-8 grip, which offers exceptional traction on rugged roads. This means you can confidently take on various terrains without worrying about slipping or losing stability during your runs.
These sneakers are not only comfortable but also prioritize foot health by adding a wide toe box. This allows your toes to splay naturally, reducing pressure on the bunion area and promoting overall comfort during your runs.
- Lightweight and responsive design
- Increased cushioning for support and reduced discomfort
- Inov-8 grip for exceptional traction on various terrains
- Wide toe box for natural toe splay
You can also check Top 7 Best Tennis Shoes for Bunions
Best for running and workouts for bunions
On Men's Cloud Terry Sneakers
- Breathable mesh upper prevents irritation around bunions.
- Moderate toe drop promotes natural foot movement.
- Spacious toe box without sacrificing a secure fit.
- Not the most durable option for pro-runners.
The On Men’s Cloud Terry Sneakers, with their lightweight design and versatility, are the best shoes for running. Loved by runners, these sneakers work for all athletes, from newbies to pros. They have a special cloud flow design that makes your run better.
And, the cushioned midsoles offer great support and reduce bunion discomfort.
The mesh tops of On Men’s Cloud Terry Sneakers let air flow, keeping your feet cool and dry during tough workouts. This helps if you have bunions, as it lowers rubbing and discomfort. The toe area gives space without losing a snug fit, so your toes can move freely and comfortably.
These shoes have a moderate toe drop, which is the height difference between the heel and forefoot. This balance offers stability and allows for natural foot movement. The mix of mesh and leather adds durability and flexibility when wearing them.
- Lightweight design for versatility
- Cloudtec performance for enhanced running experience
- Mesh upper for breathability
- Moderate toe drop for balance and natural movement
- Combination of mesh and leather for durability and flexibility
Best for walking with bunions
Hoka One Men's Running Shoe
- Extra roomy toe box for maximum bunion comfort.
- Wide midsole accommodates wider feet.
- Targeted support in heel and big toe areas.
- Not as sturdy as they look.
The Hoka One One Men’s Running Shoe offers speed and lightness and is one of the best shoes for trail running with bunions. It boosts your performance in races or workouts. With a light and responsive design, they help improve your performance while staying comfy.
Podiatrists also recommend these shoes to help with foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis. The design focuses on the heel and big toe areas, providing support for bunions.
These shoes are designed for people with foot conditions like bunions. They have extra space in the toe area, offering relief for bunions and similar issues. The wide midsole makes them comfy for wider feet. These well-fitting and supportive shoes offer ideal comfort and address foot problems like bunions.
- Lightweight and responsive design for speed
- Ample room in toe box for bunion relief
- Wide midsole for wider foot accommodation
- Strategic design for targeted support in heel and big toe areas
How I Tested and Picked the Best Running Shoes for Bunions
Finding the perfect bunion-friendly running shoe can be a challenge. So, I tested dozens and picked the best running shoes for bunions based on these factors:
- The Wide Toe Box Test
- Comfort and Breathability
- Cushioning and Stability
The Wide Toe Box Test
This was my major criterion. I started with shoes labeled “wide” or “2E” to ensure ample space for my bunions. For each shoe, I inspected the toe box. And then I asked myself these questions:
- Did my bunion rest comfortably without any pressure from the sides?
- Could I freely wiggle my toes?
Comfort and Breathability
Running can create a lot of heat, so breathability was crucial. I looked for shoes with mesh uppers that allowed for good airflow. During wear tests, I paid close attention to how my feet felt throughout a run. And I asked questions like:
- Did they get hot and sweaty?
- Or did the shoes stay cool and comfortable?
Cushioning and Stability
Impact absorption is important for bunion sufferers like you and me. I choose shoes with well-cushioned midsoles that provided ample shock absorption to protect my joints. Also, for runners who overpronate, I tested the stability features of different shoe models.
And I asked questions like, “Did the shoe offer enough support to control inward rolling and prevent further irritation to the bunion?”
Final Verdict
After testing for 13 months, I chose these shoes for their great fit, breathability, comfort, cushioning, and stability. It came down to personal choice – picking the shoe that felt most natural and comfy for my running style.
Although I tested well, don’t forget that everyone’s feet are different. What’s good for me may not work out for you. That’s why it’s best to see a foot specialist or go to a specialty store for a proper fit. They can evaluate your needs and suggest the right shoe to enjoy your runs without bunion pain.
