What are Bunions?
First off, what is a Bunion? Well, in the simplest explanation, it is a painful swelling on the first joint (MTP) of the big toe. The most common reason a Bunion is formed is due to prolonged pressure against the inside portion of the 1st MTP big toe joint. What causes prolonged pressure on the 1st MTP? The answer is simple; it can be due to potentially three factors, result of wearing pointed-toe shoes, wearing shoes that are too tight, or over-pronation.
Bunions can be especially painful in ill-fitting shoes. So no matter the kind of footwear, be it flip-flop, sandal, boot, or sneaker, it's important for you to shop for a pair of shoes that will alleviate discomfort and prevent them from getting worse. You can always ask your podiatrist for recommendations on bunion-friendly shoes. And what better ones to get than specially made shoes for bunions specifically?
A comfortable running shoe can be difficult to find. Especially if you have a bunion and it's been causing significant pain. Well, below is a list of the Top 10 Best Running Shoes for Bunions in 2023:
What Causes Bunions to Develop?
Despite the fact that they can be painful and even debilitating if you don't have the right shoes, bunions are usually not dangerous and can be caused by a number of factors.
The likelihood of a person developing bunions will depend largely on their body's biomechanical makeup, which is why this problem can run in families, which is to say, it’s also about genetics, with foot shapes that you inherited. There are also inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and previous joint damage that put people at greater risk of developing bunions, as well as years of wearing poorly-fitted shoes or heels that increase the risk of bunions.
Other Risk Factors For Bunions
Although most people develop bunions as adults, it is possible for children to get them too. In short, bunions can generally arise in these conditions:
- Having an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Living from flat feet
- Having Chitayat syndrome or any other disorder that alters bone development.
How We Chose These Running Shoes For Bunions
When it comes to running and bunions, finding the correct footwear is essential. Your run will be more painful if you wear the wrong shoes. Improperly fitted shoes might exacerbate existing foot issues or even cause you to stop jogging altogether.
After a few thousand miles of running workout on your feet, you'll need shoes with a roomy toe box or an upper that's spacious around the toes.
A big toe box is the most important attribute to look for in shoes with bunions. As an alternative to wide-toed shoes, you can look for comfortable shoes with a broader toe area made of a seamless, elastic mesh. In this way, the bunion will not be pushed or rubbed against the shoe's upper.
Support and durability were two other key considerations. Because bunions can be caused by other foot disorders, you'll require a supportive shoe. Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, under- or overpronation, narrow heel, sensitive feel, flat fleet, and other issues will be addressed.
Also, running shoes may be pricey, so we made sure to select sneakers that will last long enough to get you your money's worth!
Below you'll find our list of the most comfortable and supportive running shoes for Bunions.
A List of the Top 10 Best Running Shoes For Bunions in 2023
1. Brooks Men’s Cascadia & Brooks Women’s Cascadia
2. HOKA Men’s and Women’s Clifton 8
3. New Balance Men’s and Women’s 860v11
4. New Balance Men’s and Women’s Fresh Foam 1080
5. New Balance Men’s and Women’s 1540
6. HOKA Clifton 7 Men’s and Women’s
7. Brooks Ghost 14 Men’s and Women’s
8. HOKA Bondi 7 Men’s and Women’s
9. New Balance Fresh Foam More Men’s and Women’s
10. Brooks Ghost 14 Men’s and Women’s
Traits of a Good Running Shoe For Bunions
When it comes to bunion and fitness footwear such as running shoes, it can be fairly difficult to find the best shoes that fit comfortably especially around the bunion. If you want to know the best traits you’ll find in a good running shoe then keep reading! First, you’ll want to make sure the toe box (forefoot) area of the running shoe is wide, and provides your foot with lots of depth and cushioning. Next, you’ll need a shoe that will work with your gait cycle (Neutral, Over-Pronation, and Supination) finding a shoe that can offer you the proper support will lessen common bunion pain and help the bunion from growing tremendously. Lastly, you will most definitely want to wear arch support. People with bunions often also have flat feet and therefore an unstable arch. Wearing arch support helps to keep your foot aligned and in the most neutral position possible. Doing so will help keep excess pressure off of your bunion. For added support, we also recommend wearing arch support that has a metatarsal pad installed; this pushes right under the ball of your foot and decreases forefoot pressure. You can also use shoe inserts to help position the foot correctly. Either over-the-counter arch supports or custom orthotic insoles works. Lastly, you’ll want to find a running shoe that is offered in multiple widths. Doing so will give you the best chance at finding the most comfortable running shoe. In all, wearing a combination of good fitting shoes and arch support either over the counter or custom will give you the best possible outcome when it comes to supporting and finding a good running shoe for a bunion.
Comfort
Even the most expensive pair of running shoes will be of no help to you if they don't fit properly and bring you further discomfort due to your bunions, so we place a high value on fit during our selection process.
If you're wearing improper shoes, even the shortest distance might result in chafing, which makes running considerably more challenging.
For athletes with bunions, we offer a wide selection of custom-made and personalized shoes that are both stylish and functional. If you have bunions, you should only buy shoes that can help alleviate and correct the issue.
Breathability
Wet, clammy, stinking feet are the bane of our existence, so we made a point of checking the shoes on our list to see how well they breathe.
Breathability is a critical component of every shoe. Shoes that allow for expansion and proper airflow are essential for runners, especially those with bunions, who must have this feature in order to run at their best.
Durability
As a runner, your shoes are susceptible to a great deal of wear and tear right out of the box.
As any athlete with bunions is well aware, finding shoes that have the necessary qualities and are affordable can be a challenge. Running shoes with bunion characteristics are harder to come by because many retailers don't carry them.
Weight
To avoid unnecessary weight, you should not carry more than you need to. Another consideration is the shoe's weight; if you still have a bunion, you'll want a shoe that isn't too heavy. Running shoes with good arch support are essential whether you're a woman or a man.
How to Relieve Bunion Pain
Nighttime Bunion Regulator – this device helps to put your toe into the proper position, this then decreases pain and pressure while you sleep. The bunion regulator should not be worn with shoes, only at bedtime.
Wide Shoes – wearing a wide-width shoe will help decrease the friction an ill-fitting shoe would cause and also, decrease the chances of your Bunion getting larger. If you start with a wide shoe from the beginning, chances are you’ll feel less pain at the end of the day or a run. Also, when trying on shoes, you should be able to play the piano with your toes. What this means is you should have plenty of room to wiggle your toes up and down in the shoe. If you are not sure what width you should get we recommend being fitted by one of our Lucky Feet Pedorthist so they can find you the proper fit!
Lacing Techniques That Help Ease Bunion Pain
Below are two lacing techniques you can try, that give your foot and bunion more room in a shoe!
Wide Forefoot – Targets the Bunion area.
- From the bottom of the eye row, lace vertically up the side of the shoe.
- Continue with normal crisscrossing.
More Room – Gives room throughout the entire shoe.
- Start on the side, lace vertically through the bottom 2 eyelets.
- Go across to the other side.
- Start a pattern of across and up (skipping an eyelet).
- Continue the pattern of across and up all the way (skipping an eyelet).
- Put laces into the top of an eyelet (during the repeat of the pattern).
- Finish by threading through the underside of the last eyelet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bunions
- I wear proper fitting running shoes, so why does my bunion still hurt?
The reason your bunion may still be hurting, even in a properly fitted shoe is more than likely because you need more than just a good shoe. You need to add an orthotic to your shoes. The shoe helps to keep your foot structurally sound and secure but arch support will keep your arches aligned and the pressure evenly distributed. When you wear arch support with your running shoes it offers your foot and body double the support and better alignment. In addition to arch support, you would also benefit from having a metatarsal pad on the footbed of the arch support. What a metatarsal pad does is, decrease pressure off of the forefoot and your Bunion.
- Can I continue to wear high heels if I have a bunion?
If you have a Bunion you will want to stay away from high-heeled shoes since high heels cause excess pressure on your forefoot aka bunion. If you consistently put more pressure on your bunion it will continue to grow larger over time and create excess pain to the bunion area. In all, if you do not want to cause more pain to your Bunion we would advise you do not to wear any type of high heels.
BONUS: That’s not to say that totally footwear is the answer. Wearing any footwear that has no support will make it harder for your feet to distribute weight effectively every time they hit the ground. Thus altering the biomechanics of your lower leg and leading to your feet feeling fatigued as well as drastically increasing chances of developing pain in the heels, knee, hip, and even lower back.
- Do bunions get worse over time?
Yes, if you do not properly care for a bunion it could potentially get worse over time. If you continue to wear shoes that are too tight, pointed toe, flat or heeled you risk having the bunion grow larger which all-cause excess trauma and pain to the bunion.
The forefoot can be alleviated by lacing your shoes in a variety of ways. Simply unlace your shoe, then replace it, but instead of starting with the bottom eyelets, start with those on the second row.
If the eyelet closest to the bunion is removed, the outer eyelet on the non-bunion side can be used instead. The bunion will be relieved of pressure as a result of this procedure.
- Are running shoes bad for bunions?
The right running shoes aren't harmful to bunions when used properly. Your bunions may suffer if you simply wear the shoes you already own. However, getting a pair of running shoes designed explicitly for bunions will be best.
When you have a bunion, running shoes with a limited toe box or an upper that cannot be stretched will be more problematic.
- How should I cover my bunions when running?
Bunion taping can be especially beneficial in the early stages of the condition. Stretching and straightening your big toe is a must. Keep your big toe straight by linking it to the rest of your toes in the opposite way with KT tape. Running may be more comfortable, but the bunion will not be corrected.
- How does bunion surgery affect my running?
Ninety percent of patients who had bunion surgery saw a considerable reduction in pain and improved physical activity, according to a survey carried out by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
After having surgery on your bunion, there is a significant probability that you will be able to increase the amount that you run. The more manageable your bunion is before surgery, the sooner you'll be able to get back to your normal routine after the procedure.
Wearing Properly Fitted Running Shoes
Overall, wearing properly fitted running shoes and arch support will keep your feet happy and healthy. Also, remember not to wear shoes that are more than likely going to cause more pain and trauma to your bunion. Talk to a medical professional about your bunions for more details. In all, we hope that this list of the top 10 running shoes for bunions has helped you to better understand the importance of a supportive running shoe, especially when it comes to having a bunion!
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