Best Running Shoes For Bunions

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Altra Torin 2.5
Test Winner: Altra Torin 2.5
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Did you know that a bunion on your foot that could also contribute to your lower body pain? In case you’re not familiar with a bunion, it’s that bony looking bump at the side of your foot near your big toe. When people have bunions, their toe usually looks deformed; the bump sticks out of the side of the toe causing the toe to cross over and meet the other toes. Bunions can be hereditary, but they can also be caused by a couple of other things. One could be arthritis, the other could be a bad pair of shoes. If it’s hereditary, or you have arthritis, then a bunion will probably be unavoidable, but the running shoes, on the other hand, can be controlled by you. Either way, finding the right pair of running shoes for bunions can be difficult. See our list of best sneakers.

Standout Picks

Salomon XR
The number one choice in our selection is the Salomon women’s running shoe. It has the highest rating for ankle support and it will fit perfectly on a wider foot.
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Brooks Launch 4
Not only do these shoes look great, they feel great too! These are a perfect choice if you need a good pair of shoes for standing on your feet all day.
New Balance M940V2
From running to walking, these shoes do it all. They fit true to size and offer excellent performance and quality.
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ASICS Gel Nimbus 18
These shoes offer an excellent fit and a wide width that is sure to avoid the discomfort caused by those annoying bunions.
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Saucony Omni 12
With these shoes on your feet, you will be able to smoothly run over the concrete or jump over tree limbs and other debris while running through the uneven terrain on the trail.
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Brooks Beast 14
Brooks offer shoes with the best toe box for bunions. They are wide, comfortable, and they look good too.
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New Balance M1540V2
These are another great pair of shoes provided by New Balance. They are wide enough to comfort your bunion and they are so comfortable you will feel as though your feet are naked.
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ASICS Gel-Foundation 12
Another great pair of shoes from Asics are these Gel-Foundation running shoes. They offer excellent comfort and support to those who suffer from pain associated with the muscles, joints, and back.
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ASICS Gel-Kayano 23
Perfect for your early morning run through the neighborhood, or your afternoon on the treadmill, these Asics will stand the test.
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Altra Torin 2.5
For that uncomfortable bunion, weak ankles, or a sore back, these shoes will help to give you relief from them all while you are on your daily run.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Breathability

This is important for many reasons; comfort and performance play a big part in these criteria as well. If your feet are hot and sweaty, they will be uncomfortable, and you won’t get the full satisfaction of your shoe’s performance. You want to be sure the shoes you choose are made of breathable materials. Usually, there is some amount of mesh or holes throughout the shoe for ventilation. Keep in mind that a leather pair of shoes have no airflow and they tend to get hot, leaving you with wet feet. Under those circumstances, you will not be comfortable, and you won’t be able to complete the tasks at hand to the full capacity.

Support

This could also fall into the same categories with comfort and performance. You will need the appropriate amount of support from your shoes to stay comfortable and active. If the shoes you choose won’t support your weak ankle, then the odds are high that you will turn your foot and twist your ankle. You also don’t want a shoe that is going to leave you with tired feet, sore calf muscles, and an aching back. Be sure the shoes you choose will provide you with all the benefits you deserve when it comes to support.

You’re shopping around for these shoes for a reason, so make sure you know what you plan to use them for before you make your final decision. Yes, these are the best running shoes for bunions, but that doesn’t mean you should only use them for running, in fact, some people who purchase these shoes never run. They can be used for walking, outside or on the treadmill. You can use them to walk on flat concrete or an uneven terrain. You might even choose to get a pair of these shoes for standing on your feet eight hours a day while you are at work. It doesn’t matter what your intended uses are, just make sure they will perform in the way you expect. The first thing you should look for is the soles. Obviously, the rubber will always give you the best traction, but they can also be more expensive. Shoes that are in lower price brackets might provide soles that have been constructed with synthetic materials and they might not give you the same performance as the rubber soles would. You will want to incorporate some of the support factors into this one as well. You need to be sure the shoes give you the proper support for accomplishing the task at hand. If you have no support, your shoes won’t perform properly, and they could even cause injury.

Comfort

This one goes without saying; you know that your feet deserve to be comfortable, and so do you. When your feet hurt, chances are, everything on your body hurts, leading you to be irritable and exhausted. For these reasons, you want to pay close attention to the comfort level of the shoes. There is a strong possibility that uncomfortable shoes are what led you to your bunions in the first place. Be sure the shoes you pick provide you with a comfortable cushion to rest your feet in. A high arch is important for the added support because, without it, your feet will be hurting and tired sooner than you would expect. Without ankle support, you can turn your foot leading you to a twisted ankle, or worse, a fractured bone. Assure the shoes are not too heavy because again, that can also cause foot fatigue. The laces can play an important part where comfort is concerned too. If your laces are too tight or too loose, your shoes will either dig into your feet or they will flop with every step you take. You also want to make sure your laces won’t come untied every five minutes causing you to stop and tie them. That’s not as much a comfort factor as it is annoying. If your shoes are not the proper size, that will also cause a problem with comfort. Your feet will hurt, and you could end up with a hot spot or a full-on blister. Choose wisely where comfort is concerned. Know ahead of time what you can expect, and if possible, try the shoes on before you make the purchase.

Value

Make sure the shoes you choose are worth the price you pay. If you purchase shoes that don’t meet your needs, if they are uncomfortable, if they offer no support, and if they fail at performance, then that would be like tearing up your money and throwing it in the trash. There is no point in spending money on something that doesn’t work properly, or it falls apart during its first use. Pay close attention to things like brand name, quality, construction, and price.

Top 10 Picks

1. Salomon XR

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Salomon XR
Amazon Link

The number one choice in our selection is the Salomon women’s running shoe. It has the highest rating for ankle support and it will fit perfectly on a wider foot.

Read more

Breathability
These shoes provide a mesh upper that allows your feet to breath easier and sweat less. The elastic laces are in place to help your foot breathe better than if it was choking behind a lace.

Support
This shoe is the most popular for its ankle support assuring you won’t twist while running, and it will help you to run better with a weak ankle. It provides exceptional stability and amazing arch support. The rubber soles will hold a grip that will keep you on your feet while running through the neighborhood or on your treadmill. They also perform well for hiking the trails or walking through town.

Comfort
The generous support you will get from these shoes will offer a lot of comfort along with the soft upper material, the lace design, and the spacious toe box. These shoes are extremely comfortable and pair well with bunions and wide feet.

Value
You get a lot out of these shoes at a reasonable price, and the quality assures they will last a long time.

Summary
Overall, these shoes come out on top for their outstanding ankle support and performance. The attractive color choices and the true fit are good reasons to consider these when making your decision.

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2. Brooks Launch 4

Where to buy
Brooks Launch 4
Amazon Link

Not only do these shoes look great, they feel great too! These are a perfect choice if you need a good pair of shoes for standing on your feet all day.

Read more

Breathability
Providing a mesh upper, your feet will breathe easy in these running shoes. The laces are soft and adjustable, so your feet won’t suffocate behind the tongue.

Support
They offer excellent heel support and a responsive forward movement from inside the toe box. The support is so great that you will no longer suffer from ankle, back, or knee discomfort. You will experience excellent results from the performance of these running shoes. Not only does all that support help when it comes to running and hiking, but the rubber bottoms will keep you from sliding when you hit those wet leaves.

Comfort
They are lightweight, so your feet won’t feel heavy and tired at the end of the day. The cushioned lining will allow you the added comfort you deserve, and the toe box is wide enough to keep your toes stretched and away from each other.

Value
These are great running shoes for the money; they offer everything you would expect, not to mention all that comfort and support packed inside.

Summary
These shoes offer a variety of colors and sizes to suit anyone’s taste, and when you suffer from body and foot ailments, these are the perfect shoes to fit the bill.

3. New Balance M940V2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
New Balance M940V2
Amazon Link

From running to walking, these shoes do it all. They fit true to size and offer excellent performance and quality.

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Breathability
Like the others, these shoes provide a mesh upper, so your feet won’t sweat and become overheated. Your feet won’t choke behind the laces and your toes will spread freely behind the wide toe box.

Support
These shoes deliver positive stability and excellent ankle support, so you won’t have to worry about turning your foot and twisting your ankle. You will be surprised at the extreme performance you will receive from these running shoes. You can run in them with ease or wear them to work in the warehouse where your feet take an eight-hour beating from the concrete. No matter what their purpose, the rubber sole grip will keep you sturdy on your feet without disappointment.

Comfort
New Balance had your comfort in mind when they added the extra-soft cushion to the inside of these shoes. They are extremely lightweight, so they won’t weigh you down causing you to feel fatigued, and they are pretty accurate with a true fit, so you shouldn’t have a problem with getting the right size that molds comfortably to your feet.

Value
With a name like New Balanced labeled on these shoes, you know you will have instant value. The quality, performance, and great price prove these shoes are one of the best you can buy.

Summary
These shoes are designed to take a beating for the sake and comfort of your feet. They offer a great fit, an excellent feel, and high-quality. If you’re familiar with New Balance, then you already know why these awesome shoes made our list.

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4. ASICS Gel Nimbus 18

Where to buy
Amazon Link
ASICS Gel Nimbus 18
Amazon Link

These shoes offer an excellent fit and a wide width that is sure to avoid the discomfort caused by those annoying bunions.

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Breathability
The mesh material on the top is designed to keep your feet cool and the soft laces won’t smother your feet inside your shoes, causing them to sweat and blister.

Support
They offer outstanding support for your heels, ankles, and toes, assuring you will not fall or turn your ankle. With all the support in this one, along with the rubber soles, you can assure you will receive exceptional performance while running, walking, or working in these shoes.

Comfort
An exceptional amount of cushion gel has been added to the heels of these shoes, delivering the ultimate comfort you deserve. They fit well, and the toe box offers plenty of wiggle room keeping your bunion from rubbing against the side of the shoes.

Value
There is something to be said of a shoe with this much quality and performance. It’s made to outlast the rest while keeping your feet just as snug as the first time you had them on.

Summary
There are so many colors to choose in this style giving you the opportunity to match them up with your running shorts. The support and comfort of these shoes are reason enough for you to consider them as one of the best pairs of running shoes you own.

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5. Saucony Omni 12

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Saucony Omni 12
Amazon Link

With these shoes on your feet, you will be able to smoothly run over the concrete or jump over tree limbs and other debris while running through the uneven terrain on the trail.

Read more

Breathability
Your feet will stay cool and dry while breathing comfortably through the upper mesh portion of the shoes.

Support
These shoes offer all the support and stability you will need to keep your feet on the ground while running or walking through the woody trails. You’re already aware of the support and comfort you will have, giving you the best performance you have ever received from any other running shoe. They will perform the same if they are in the grass or on the rocky terrain.

Comfort
The sizing is true to fit with these shoes offering you the best comfort possible. They’re lightweight enough not to worry about foot and back fatigue and the extremely wide toe box will allow you to easily stretch out your toes. They offer better than average cushion and unlike some, they are comfortable right out of the box,

Value
Value is a no-brainer when it comes to the comfort, quality, and performance of an outstanding running shoe such as this one.

Summary
Although they are only offered in three choices of color, they do come in a variety of sizes. The sizing is on point and they offer plenty of control and performance.

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6. Brooks Beast 14

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Brooks Beast 14
Amazon Link

Brooks offer shoes with the best toe box for bunions. They are wide, comfortable, and they look good too.

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Breathability
They allow your feet all the oxygen they deserve by breathing through the mesh uppers these shoes provide.

Support
These are extremely supportive with just the right amount of cushion you need in your running shoes. They offer stability, motion control, and high support in the heel. With the support from these shoes on your feet, your legs will feel better than usual after a hard run. You won’t be disappointed with the performance of these shoes. No matter whether you’re walking through the mall or running a marathon, they will deliver the performance you deserve and expect.

Comfort
The right amount of cushion adds spring to your steps, and these shoes offer just that. The roomy toe box will allow your feet and toes to stretch, avoiding cramps and blisters, and your bunions won’t rub against the walls of the shoes.

Value
A good shoe with a lot of comfort and support is not easy to find, so when you find one, you need to hang on to it for a long time. That’s where the value lies with these shoes; they are affordable and long-lasting, so you will save money when you won’t have to replace them after the first use.

Summary
Overall, these are great shoes despite the fact that they are only available in a few colors and the sizes are limited. They are comfortable enough to make you forget you’re wearing them, and the quality will keep them with you for a long time to come.

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7. New Balance M1540V2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
New Balance M1540V2
Amazon Link

These are another great pair of shoes provided by New Balance. They are wide enough to comfort your bunion and they are so comfortable you will feel as though your feet are naked.

Read more

Breathability
Just like the others, these too offer a mesh upper, so your feet will breathe and stay cool. The laces are designed to adjust keeping your feet dry and cool.

Support
They provide a sufficient amount of support with a rollbar to keep your ankles from turning. New Balance always delivers outstanding performance no matter what they are doing. From running to walking, and even doing chores, they won’t disappoint.

Comfort
There is an extreme amount of cushion in these shoes with an extra-roomy toe box that adds to the comfort of your feet. The breathability factor will keep your feet cool and dry, so your feet won’t get wrinkled from the moisture. They are lightweight keeping your feet from feeling like they are carrying boulders.

Value
You can’t put a price tag on a durable pair of shoes that provide extreme comfort and durability.

Summary
Once again, New Balance comes through when it comes to the best pair of running shoes for bunions.

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8. ASICS Gel-Foundation 12

Where to buy
Amazon Link
ASICS Gel-Foundation 12
Amazon Link

Another great pair of shoes from Asics are these Gel-Foundation running shoes. They offer excellent comfort and support to those who suffer from pain associated with the muscles, joints, and back.

Read more

Breathability
They are designed with a mesh top, so your feet can breathe. The ventilation allows the air to flow, keeping your feet dry. The shoe laces are not so tight that the top of your feet will feel smothered.

Support
There is a generous amount of support in these attractive shoes. They provide great motion control and the soles are extremely supportive. The excellent stability will keep you running in a straight line and the support from the arches will keep your feet happy. They perform just as you would expect from a shoe of this quality. You can run through the obstacle course or the neighborhood, either way, the performance will be the same.

Comfort
They are lightweight giving your feet a chance to relax, and the great fit these shoes offer will assure better comfort.

Value
Asics provide the consumer with a quality product every time and this pair of shoes is no exception. With the economical price, along with the comfort and performance, these shoes are worth every dime spent.

Summary
Where these shoes lack in color choices, they make up for in quality, support, comfort, and performance. You won’t go wrong with this pick.

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9. ASICS Gel-Kayano 23

Where to buy
Amazon Link
ASICS Gel-Kayano 23
Amazon Link

Perfect for your early morning run through the neighborhood, or your afternoon on the treadmill, these Asics will stand the test.

Read more

Breathability
The ventilation holes designed in the top of these shoes provide oxygen to your feet, so they don’t sweat and blister. The laces might be a bit tighter on these shoes, so be sure and loosen them to allow your toes to breath.

Support
They offer great stability and excellent support in all the right places. The cushion is soft and will provide support to the bottoms of your feet. Perfect performance is what these shoes are all about. They will perform the same from the first use until the last, through uneven terrain or on the blacktop streets, it’s all the same.

Comfort
They deliver the same quality and comfort that you get from all Asics. The rubber sole will keep your feet on the ground and you won’t slip when they are wet. The upper material is soft, providing added cushion and comfort to the top of your feet, while the wide toe box keeps your toes relaxed.

Value
These shoes are built with the quality you would expect to keep them performing for many years to come. With that in mind, you will not find yourself in need of another pair of shoes for a very long time.

Summary
Overall, these are a good pair of running shoes that are a must-have for anyone even if you don’t run. Some people complain that the shoes don’t fit properly and that they are a bit tight. If you should run into that problem, just loosen the laces right from the box and you should be good to go.

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10. Altra Torin 2.5

Where to buy
Altra Torin 2.5
Amazon Link

For that uncomfortable bunion, weak ankles, or a sore back, these shoes will help to give you relief from them all while you are on your daily run.

Read more

Breathability
The soft mesh covering the entire upper part of the shoe will help your feet stay dry and breathe with ease. The wide tongue and soft laces can be adjusted to your comfort level so that the top part of your foot won’t feel suffocated.

Support
These shoes offer exceptional support to those who suffer from back pain, weak ankles, knee and joint paint, and hip and calf discomfort. The high heel covering will keep you from turning your foot and twisting your ankle. No matter if you’re running, walking, or doing chores, these shoes will get the job done. They are constructed with durable materials that will aid in the efforts of a heavy-duty performance.

Comfort
All the added support this shoe offers should also factor into the comfort category, and unlike most, these shoes offer comfort across the entire top with the soft mesh material the shoes are made of. The toe box is extra- wide making these the best pick for people with a wider foot. They are lightweight, so no worries that your feet will get tired of carrying around excess weight. The durable rubber soles offer additional comfort and support with every step you take.

Value
Just knowing that these shoes will relieve your pains and discomforts is value enough, and if that isn’t enough, the attractive price attached to these shoes should say the rest.

Summary
Overall, these shoes would be the perfect fit for those with bunions. They are comfortable and true to your size, and with the color choices they offer, you should be sure to find something to match your taste.

Sources

  1. Kristan Dietz, Can You Run If You Have Bunions?, Running Advice
  2. MICHAEL BRANDON , Best Running Shoes for Bunions Reviewed, Buying Guide