People with bunions suffer pain and stiffness in the big toe because of swelling that causes the bones to move out of place. This problem forces the big toe to push against the next toe, causing a painful sensation.
A similar problem may occur on the little toe because of swelling of the fifth metatarsal bone. Experts call this little bony bump on the small toe a bunionette. The inflammation in the bunionette creates a swelling on the outside of the forefoot, causing the bones to move out of place. This problem causes the little toe to move inward, pushing against the next toe.
Experts estimate that more than half of the population of women in America has bunions. And 9 out of 10 people with bunions are women. But you can ease the joint pain caused by bunions through comfortable shoes.
What are the Best Running Shoes for Bunions?
The best running shoes for bunions have comfortable forefoot cushioning. They are roomy in the toe box where your toes can splay. The freedom of movement in the forefoot can make the toes more capable of delivering powerful movements to support your stride.
But these supportive shoes with wider toe boxes must be snug and don’t irritate the skin. Although the change of footwear won’t correct the actual deformity, it can decrease bunion pain in your big toe.
With thousands of shoes available on the market, choosing the right shoes can be a tough challenge. Since it’s hard to find a wide shoe that fits just right, trying the shoe on at your local store before buying is sometimes your best option.
If you have a particular brand in mind, which you have tried before and found success in it, narrow down your search to that brand to find your best shoes. As a growing trend, newer designs of footwear now come with wide options, so you can choose wider than usual if the standard width is narrow.
How We Choose a Running Shoe
We spend many hours testing new running shoes and reading discoveries, expert advice, and consumer testimonials on various foot conditions. And we choose the best running shoes for a specific foot problem.
Disclosure: We provide links to shoes mentioned in this article and use our affiliate links to earn commission income from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This website is an associate of Amazon, Zappos, and Spenco.
Best Running Shoes for Bunions
– Brooks Ghost 14 –
Brooks Ghost 14 is Brooks’ best seller and one of the most comfortable running shoes. It has a roomy toe box and plenty of support for long-distance running. This latest item of the Ghost model offers super smooth transitions with the help of its DNA LOFT technology, a soft midsole foam that now extends from the heel to the forefoot.
– Hoka One One Bondi 7 –
Hoka One One Bondi 7 is Hoka’s most cushioned neutral running shoe with stabilizing features and plush lining. It even has an option for width if the regular shoe (which is already wide) is not enough.
This APMA-accepted running shoe is excellent for both simple walking and long-distance running. It has a roomy toe box and a full-length compression-molded EVA midsole, which offers a soft cushion. It has a refined early-stage Meta-Rocker designed to deliver a smooth ride.
– Adidas Ultraboost 21 –
Adidas Ultraboost 21 is arguably the most comfortable Adidas running shoe. But this latest item of the Ultraboost just got better because it now has a 25% more boost cushion than its predecessor. And it continues to have a roomy toe box.
Adidas Ultraboost 21 has a level 5 cushioning, which is a maxed-out cushion in comfort and technology. It has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is the go-to drop in running shoes. Having a 10 mm drop means the shoe is (generally) gentle on your foot, ankle, Achilles, and calf.
– Altra Torin 4.5 Plush –
Altra is one of the favorite brands when it comes to relieving pain caused by bunions and bunionette. The Altra footwear is known for its roomy Footshape toe box, which guides the big toe to its proper position, And the women’s shoes have Fit4Her technology, which caters to the specific form of the female foot. Having a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, it offers a balanced cushioning, which encourages a low-impact landing.
If you are looking for a zero drop running shoe with plush cushioning, Altra Torin 4.5 Plush is your best option.
Another excellent option from Altra is Provision 4, a zero drop stability running shoe with level 5 cushioning, a maxed-out cushion in comfort and technology.
– ASICS GEL-Kayano 28 –
The GEL-Kayano 28 is ASICS’ flagship stability running shoe. It has Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL technology, which reduces impact and allows for a smooth transition. This new model continues to have a roomy toe box, and it feels softer and more flexible than its predecessor.
ASICS GEL-Kayano 28 has level 5 cushioning, which is a maxed-out cushion in comfort and technology. It has a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is the go-to drop in running shoes, designed to be gentle on your foot.
Best Insoles for Bunions
Here’s a list of the best insoles for bunions (in no particular order):
1. Powerstep Original
2. Powerstep Pinnacle
3. Spenco Medics Diabetic
4. Superfeet Premium Green
5. Superfeet Premium Blue
6. Superfeet Premium Black
7. Superfeet DMP Copper
8. Superfeet Premium Orange
9. Superfeet Premium Yellow
10. Superfeet Merino Grey
See also: Best Shoes for Sesamoiditis