Best Running Shoes for Bunions Tested & Rated
After looking at a ton of shoes, we settled on a small list, all with proven success when running with bunions. Though the Altra Torin came in first for us, the others were close behind, with options for different budgets.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Without a good comfortable fit, the most expensive pair of running shoes will be worthless to you and will cause you even more pain with your bunions, so comfort is a priority for our selection process.
Bunions make running more difficult especially with the wrong shoes since even the shortest distance can result in chafing.
The range of shoes offered here are carefully designed and custom made to fit all the athletes with bunions all the while paying attention to detail and general outlook. If you suffer from bunions, you should buy only shoes that can support and fix this problem.
The pain is normally brought by friction in the shoes and lack of enough cushioning. To eliminate this struggle, these shoes that are made available to you are heavily cushioned to make sure there is enough distance between the feet and the ground plus the outer sole thus ensuring no friction altogether.
Breathability
Few things are as annoying as wet sweaty stinky feet so we made sure to look at the breathability features each of the shoes on our list have.
The key feature in any shoe is its breathability. For any athlete, especially the ones with bunions, to be able to effectively run, they need a pair of shoes that allows for expansion and this can only be executed with those that have enough circulation of air.
It is common for feet with bunions to swell due to the friction, the strain of the muscles, the change of blood flow that takes place during running, among many other factors. Circulation or the free flow of air in shoes reduces the swelling and creates a conducive environment for the feet during the exercises.
The range of shoes available here guarantee breathability and comfort.
Durability
Runners put their shoes through a lot and a pair of running shoes can be subjected to a lot of wear and tear right from the start.
Any athlete with bunions knows how hard it is to get shoes especially because of the cost involved and the special features that are needed. A lot of stores that sell running shoes do not include those with bunion features hence make it rarer to find.
The ranges of shoes here ensure durability that will serve without having to take rounds in going to the store to shop.
Weight
The final factor we looked at during our selection process is how much the shoes weigh because we know that as a runner, you do not want to carry anything with you that is heavier than it needs to be.
Weight is another factor to put in mind; we want a shoe that exerts less pressure on your feet, especially if you still have a bunion. No matter if you're looking for the best running shoes for women with bunions or for men, this is an important factor.
Make sure you are comfortable in the shoes you pick so as to avoid the shoe inflicting pain on your toes. Always remember comfort is a primary factor here.
10 Best Running Shoes For Bunions
1. ALTRA Torin 4.5
Packed with premium materials and performance
Read moreThe most notable feature of the Torin 4.5 is the shape of the toe box. This wide toe box offers a natural curve that allows your toes to splay inside the shoe for added stability and comfort.
The upper is composed of breathable mesh materials that stretch over your foot for excellent lockdown. The midsole is comprised of ALTRA's proprietary Quantic foam materials that feel soft and responsive and help absorb the impact through all stages of your gait.
ALTRA's Torin is an excellent choice if you need extra support in a streamlined and straightforward design.
2. Brooks Ariel 20
Packed with excellent stability features
Read moreThis provides runners with extra room in the toe box. The stretchy mesh upper contours to the shape of your foot from the toebox all the way to the heel. Vented panels in the top of your foot help to wick away sweat.
Support in the midsole helps to absorb impact through all stages of your gait by utilizing Brooks’ DNA LOFT cushioning. This midsole provides excellent energy feedback while cradling your foot. The addition of guide rails along the side helps to craft an even gait that dispenses weight evenly throughout your foot to help mitigate pain.
The Ariel 20 is specifically designed for runners that need a little extra room in the toe box, as well as help with overpronation. It may cost more than most designs on our list, but the stability features and added durability makes it an excellent value.
3. ALTRA Olympus 4
Great stability shoe that can handle the trails
Read moreWith a responsive midsole for unmatched support. The upper boasts a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay. The responsive foam midsole is evenly cushioned throughout the foot. This smart design is great for those that overpronate or place too much weight in one area of their foot.
The outsole is made from deep lugs that really grip the ground under your feet, but they aren’t too deep that you cannot wear this design while working out at the gym or on sidewalks.
For bunions, you really can’t go wrong with any design in the ALTRA lineup. We selected the Olympus 4 for runners that like to travel off-road in high-energy stability trainers that help even out your gait and provide ample support. Excellent value.
4. Saucony Omni 19
A more supportive midfoot and arch fit.
Read moreSRC Impact Zone technology absorbs your impacts and offers a more stable transition. The Rundry lining wicks sweat and wetness away from the feet. This shoe has the XT-900 carbon rubber outsole. This feature offers outstanding durability and traction no matter what the conditions.
The dual-density SSL EVA technologies create so much cushion that even the toughest-to-please foot will feel comfy. A smoother ride results from the PowerGrid technology. The responsiveness of this sock fit, supported shoe means more fitness while the color schemes and styling mean more fun doing it.
This is an excellent price from the perspective of any qualified runner. The support inside the shoes for bunions frame keeps the foot stable even upon heavy impact.
5. ASICS GT-2000 9
Makes for problem-free running.
Read moreThe design of this upper is slightly more stiff and supportive. It boasts a wide toe box for excellent toe splay, even with bunions. It uses a blend of mesh materials and synthetic overlays to support your foot while keeping your foot cool and dry.
The midsole is composed of a DuoMax system that offers premium energy feedback and support. The Trusstic System Technology gently guides your foot to an even gait, which is ideal for overpronators.
While it doesn’t have the same durability as the higher-end options, it hosts all of the comfortable and supportive features for long runs. The best part of this supportive design is that it comes in at an affordable price tag
6. Asics Gel Foundation 13
Designed with optimum stability features.
Read moreThe lace-up runner utilizes the Guidance Line Vertical flex groove for a better, more stable gait. The Maximum Support Last, offers a greater depth and width in both the mid and forefoot making it the perfect fit for runners with bunions.
With Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning for less shock during impact and toe-off and Dual-density DuoMax Support System for midsole cushion and comfort, this runner creates a pain-free environment. Another patented feature that enhances support is the ComfortDry Sockline,
The SpEVA Midsole material supports bounce back. Though highly-priced, you are guaranteed a higher value with this pair. This is especially true if you struggle with moderate or intense cases of overpronation.
Sources
- , How often do you need to replace shoes?, Informative Website
- , Running With Bunions, Informative Website
- , The Most Frequently Asked Bunion Questions?, Informative Website
- , Can You Run If You Have Bunions?, Blog
