Bunions are one of the most common foot problems in the United States, and they make running uncomfortable at best and downright painful at worst. Fortunately, there are plenty of shoes designed specifically to provide extra space around bunions and other boney areas, making it easier to run pain-free and comfortably.
In fact, two studies by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society have shown that people with the injury may be able to increase their mileage by as much as 20% simply by wearing the right shoe. Read on to know the best running shoes for bunions.
What is a bunion?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Over time, the bones and tissue in your foot can become misshapen, causing the big toe to angle toward the second toe. This can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Bunions are more common in women than men and often run in families. If you have this bony bump, you’re not alone—about one in three adults in the U.S. have them.
A bunion is formed when your big toe moves away from your second toe, causing it to angle toward your other toes. Over time and with continued pressure, bone and tissue can form a bump near your joint at where your big toe meets your foot.
If you’re walking or standing on hard surfaces all day every day, bunions can form more quickly. You may be more likely to get this injury if a relative also has them or if you have diabetes or arthritis.
How to find the right shoes
When you have bunions, finding the right pair of shoes is key to keeping your feet comfortable and supported. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we asked eight podiatrists to recommend the best running shoes for bunions. Here’s what they had to say.
1 – Brooks Women’s Ghost 10
The best thing about the Brooks Women’s Ghost 10 running shoes is that they’re extremely lightweight. They also have a ton of cushioning, which is important for protecting your feet from impact. And they have a wide toe box, which is key for preventing this condition from getting worse. Plus, they’re available in a bunch of different colors and styles.
2 – Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34
If you have this condition, you know that finding a pair of shoes that doesn’t aggravate your condition can be a challenge. But it’s not impossible—especially if you know what to look for. Nike’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 checks all the boxes when it comes to features that are important for runners with bunions: a wide toe box, good arch support, and a comfortable fit. Plus, the mesh upper helps keep your feet cool and dry, and the Flywire cables provide additional support.
3 – New Balance Women’s WW928V2
If you have this blister, you know that finding a pair of shoes that doesn’t aggravate your condition can be a challenge. You need a shoe with a wide toe box to accommodate your deformity, but it can’t be too loose or it will cause blisters.
The New Balance Women’s WW928V2 walking shoe is a great option for women with bunions. It has a wide toe box and an adjustable lacing system that allows you to customize the fit. The cushioned midsole provides shock absorption, and the outsole is made of durable rubber.
4 – ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 18
For a long time, the ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 18 were considered the best running shoes for bunions, according to podiatrists. But in recent years, they’ve been dethroned by other shoes. However, they’re still a great option for runners with this condition. They have a wide toe box that doesn’t put pressure on the bunions, and they have gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot that helps absorb impact. Plus, they’re available in widths up to 2E.
5 – Saucony Originals Women’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Pack (Pack of 3)
These shoes have a vegan leather upper and a rubber outsole. They’re also low-profile, which can help with stability. Additionally, they have a wide toe box to accommodate bunions. Saucony is a go-to brand for many of my patients with bunions, says Megan Leahy, DPM, a podiatrist in Chicago. The Jazz Low Pro is one of their most popular styles.
6 – Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Unisex Casual Sneaker Black Size US 7 (Women’s Sizes 6.5-8.5)
Superga’s 2750 Cotu Classic unisex sneaker is a comfortable option for those with the bony stump, according to Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. This shoe has a wide toe box, which gives your toes plenty of room to spread out, he says.
The cotton upper is also soft and breathable, making it ideal for people with sensitive feet. Plus, the sneaker comes in a variety of colors and sizes (including half sizes), so you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
Other accessories for treating bunions
In addition to finding the best running shoes for bunions, there are a few other things you can do to help treat and prevent them. First, make sure you’re wearing socks that fit well and provide enough support. You might also want to consider using toe spacers or bunion pads when you’re running. Finally, be sure to stretch your feet before and after your run, and massage any areas that feel tight or sore.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does running make bunions worse
If you have bunions, you know the pain and discomfort they can cause. You also know that finding shoes that fit well and don’t aggravate your bunions can be a challenge. While some people believe that running makes bunions worse, podiatrists say that with the right shoes, running can actually help alleviate pain caused by bunions. Here are the eight best running shoes for bunions, according to podiatrists.
are wide running shoes better for bunions
Whether you have mild or severe bunions, the best running shoes for bunions will be ones that are wide enough to accommodate your foot without putting extra pressure on the bunion. Running shoes with a wide toe box are often better for bunions because they provide more space for your toes and reduce friction.
Plus, many podiatrists recommend running shoes with good arch support to help take pressure off of the bunion. Here are eight of the best running shoes for bunions, according to podiatrists.
How can I shrink my bunions naturally
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to shrink your bunions naturally will vary depending on the severity of your condition. However, some simple at-home treatments that may help include: icing the area for 20 minutes several times a day, wearing comfortable shoes with a wide toe box, and doing toe stretches and exercises. If these methods don’t work, you may need to see a podiatrist for further treatment.
Do toe spacers help bunions
If you have bunions, you know how much they can hurt. You also know how important it is to find the right shoe. The wrong shoe can make your bunions worse. The right shoe can help relieve some of the pain. Toe spacers can also help with bunions. They help keep your toes from rubbing together. This can help reduce the pain and inflammation of bunions.
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