30 Best Running Shoes for Bunions

At its core, the best running shoes for bunions have wide toe boxes and excellent support in the forefoot.

According to study, the primary factors that contribute to bunions are genetic and repetitive wearing of tight-fitting shoes. Although the exact cause is unknown, people with bunions suffer pain and stiffness in the big toe because of swelling that causes the bones to move out of place. This condition forces the big toe to push against the next toe causing a painful sensation.

A similar condition may occur on the little toe because of inflammation of the fifth metatarsal bone. Experts call this little bony bump on the small toe as bunionette. The inflammation in the bunionette creates a swelling on the outside of the forefoot, causing the bones to move out of place. This condition 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. A separate study showed that women tend to wear tight-fitting shoes. This is a major risk factor. But you can ease the joint pain caused by bunions through comfortable shoes. That is why wearing proper shoes for women with bunions is a must.

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What are the Best Running Shoes for Bunions?

The best running shoes that work well with 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 step.

These supportive shoes with wider toe boxes should 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 in 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 your search to that brand to find your best shoes. As a growing trend, newer designs of footwear now come with options for width, so you can choose wider than usual if the standard width is narrow.

Since running shoes offer more cushioning than other types of shoes, they’re good shoes to wear after bunion surgery.

Table of Contents

1. Best Running Shoes for Bunions
2. Best Insoles for Bunions

Important: If your support type is neutral to supination (and high arches), your best shoes are neutral shoes because they are flexible and supportive. Neutral shoes can give support up to mild overpronation with no foot problems. But if you have issues with overpronation and flat feet, your best shoes are stability shoes because they have the most overpronation correction.

Plus, if you have tight calves and an aggressive heel strike, you may need a shoe with a higher heel-toe drop (8-12 mm) to stay comfortable on your foot, ankle, Achilles, and calf. But having a higher drop shoe may direct more stress to your knee and hip. So if you also have knee and hip issues, you may choose a heel-toe drop between 4 mm and 8 mm. Although the lower the shoe differential, the more calf flexibility and ankle mobility you need.

Note: The foot is a complex unit, but the right shoe feels good right away. If the shoes you are using aren’t comfortable and you experience pain while running, you should try a different pair.

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30 Best Running Shoes for Bunions

Here’s a list of the best running shoes for bunions (in no particular order):

1. Saucony Peregrine 10 – Best buy, OutdoorGearLab
2. Saucony Guide ISO 2 TR
3. Saucony Omni ISO 2 – Best stability shoe, RW
4. ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 – Best for marathon training, RW
5. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 23
6. ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 – Best for stability, RW
7. ASICS GT-2000 9
8. ASICS GEL-Venture 7 – Best budget buy, OutdoorGearLab
9. Mizuno Wave Rider 24 – Responsive and durable, RW
10. Mizuno Wave Creation 20 – Best for heavier runners, RW

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The best Saucony running shoes have EVERUN technology which offers an easy run through a more flexible and durable cushioning, SAUC-FIT technology which allows the heel and forefoot to flex and move comfortably with the foot, and FLEXFILM technology which provides exoskeletal support without compromising comfort.

The best ASICS running shoes have Rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning systems which provide superior shock absorption and protection, Dynamic DuoMax technology which creates a stable and responsive ride, Guidance Trusstic System which enhances gait efficiency, and I.G.S technology which enhances natural gait during foot landing until toe-off.

The best Mizuno running shoes have DynaMotionFit technology which adapts to your foot’s gait cycle, SmoothRide engineering which offers the smoothest transition from heel-strike through toe-off, and Mizuno Wave technology which enhances both cushioning and stability.

11. Brooks Ghost 13 – Best for long runs, RW
12. Brooks Glycerin 18 – Editor’s choice, OutdoorGearLab
13. Brooks Launch 7 – Best bargain, RW
14. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
15. Brooks Revel 4
16. Brooks Addiction 14
17. Brooks Ariel ’20
18. Brooks Beast ’20 – Cushion for days, RW
19. New Balance 990v5
20. New Balance FF Beacon v3 – High energy return, RW

The best Brooks running shoes have BioMoGo DNA technology which increases cushioning and support, Omega Flex Grooves which offer more flexibility and natural forefoot movement, and IDEAL Pressure Zones which offer a more comfortable and effortless ride by distributing pressure evenly under your foot.

The best New Balance running shoes have Rollbar technology which reduces rear foot movement and prevents foot from rolling inward unnecessarily, Ortholite technology in insoles which delivers superior performance, comfort, and arch support, and Dual-density ENCAP midsole which provides long-lasting comfort.

21. New Balance 1080v10 – Editor’s choice, RW
22. New Balance FF Vongo v4 – Best mild stability shoe, RW
23. New Balance 840v4
24. On Cloudsurfer – The ultimate ride, On Running
25. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 – Best for everyday training, RW
26. Altra Torin 4 Plush – Best for long runs, OUTSIDE
27. adidas Ultraboost 20 – Best for recovery runs, RW
28. Hoka One One Bondi 7 – Best for long runs, RW
29. Hoka One One Clifton 7 – Best for recovery runs, RW
30. Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

The best Altra running shoes have InnerFlex technology which offers flexibility, stability, and propulsion, FootShape toe box which provides enhanced comfort and allows the toes to relax and move freely, and Zero Drop technology which places the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground.

The best Hoka One One running shoes have comfortable fabric lining for a great in-shoe feel, early stage Meta-Rocker which encourages a smoother transition from heel-strike through toe-off, flat-waisted geometry which provides essential stability, and Full-length EVA midsole which supplies high-performance cushioning.

Most of these brands stay away from any orthopedic claim, but we have included their shoes in the list because of consumer reviews and testimonials. We hope that these shoes will work for you.

10 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

The best Powerstep insoles for bunions have contoured heel cup which provides stability and effective relief for heel and arch pain (including bunion pain).

The best Superfeet insoles for bunions have maximum support, stability and shock absorption, as well as, extra deep cup which cradles your heel and provides comfortable support by aligning the bones of your foot to prevent heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

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