Bunions are generally genetic and usually occur due to a faulty foot structure. It is a bony and painful lump on the joint of your big toe.
Those who wear tight shoes or footwear with a narrow or pointed toe box may soon develop the condition.
Moreover, running while wearing the wrong shoes, if you already have a bunion, may cause more pain and swelling.
Finding the best running shoes for a bunion can help support smooth movement and manage pressure.
The correct running shoes generally use soft fabric with good arch support, comfortable heel, and wide forefoot.
We have listed a few running shoes that can make you feel comfortable.
Comparison Chart
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Best Running Shoes for Bunion in Men
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1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is one of the most comfortable, stable, and solid daily trainers today.
The manufacturer created these shoes to give you an excellent balance of softness and support.
Review
The Brooks Adrenaline belongs to the stability series of the brand. This model and the Ghost series are a favorite among beginner runners.
For the 22nd edition of Adrenaline, Brooks decided to make a few changes from the previous model.
Adrenaline provides moderate stability and a stylish colorway available in nine styles. The wide heel and toe box allow the foot to spread naturally, adding to its comfort.
These comfortable trainers, with a 12mm drop, also offer a responsive, balanced, and plush fit.
Also, a dense blown rubber is used for its outsole, providing traction to prevent slippage, especially on wet surfaces.
The Omega flex grooves on the outsole not only provide flexibility but also helps with the strike-to-toe-off transition.
Additionally, segmented crash pads are found on the outsole, absorbing the shock of foot strikes to maintain comfort extending throughout the midsole.
Speaking of the midsole, GTS 22 only used the DNA Loft cushioning technology and combined the GuideRails support system.
In the GuideRails system, two dynamic midsole foams on the sides cradle your foot and help you stay in your stride.
The combined DNA Loft and GuideRails technologies provide stability to the stride after some break-in period.
The one-piece upper of the Adrenaline 22 is made of a 3D Fit Print mesh providing comfort without irritation points.
This durable mesh upper also provides more flexibility, softness, and breathability than the previous edition.
Another update on the Adrenaline GTS 22 is the heel counter, improving its comfort and overall fit.
Similar to its predecessor, the new model uses a traditional lacing system with thinner laces, allowing a more secure tie.
PROS
- checkComfortable
- checkDurable
- checkStable
- Well-cushioned
- Smooth transitions
CONS
- Long break-in time
- Average outsole grip
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2. Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 4.0
Another excellent running shoe for a bunion is the Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 4.0. It features a stylish slip-on design that lets you stay active in comfort.
This versatile shoe will let you move freely in style.
Review
The Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 4.0 has a unique upper and lace-free design that locks your feet in place while providing a comfortable fit.
Adidas replaced the laces with an elastic band across the midfoot without causing hot spots or restricting your feet.
The sock-like fit of the upper also offers excellent breathability and comfort made from Primegreen, a material composed of recycled content.
Using this material supports the brand’s sustainability advocacy by reducing plastic waste.
The Lite Racer Adapt 4.0 design features a modest midsole, providing you with excellent ground feel.
The modest cushioning provides enough support to protect your joints using the Cloudfoam technology of Adidas.
It is a solid and resilient EVA compound that will conform to your foot’s shape over time and feels like squishy memory foam.
These trainers use a basic outsole made of 100% rubber, providing you with classic bounce, energy feedback, and excellent movement.
Around the midfoot of the outsole are loosely spaced shallow lugs, while around the toe box and heel counter are tightly spaced grooves.
The responsive and flexible design of the outsole allows for agility and excellent movement, suitable for short-tempo runs.
PROS
- checkStylish and sleek
- checkLightweight
- checkFlexible outsole
- Snug fit
- Comfortable
CONS
- Not for long-distance running
- Narrow toe box
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3. Asics Gel-Contend 7
These budget-friendly running shoes are perfect for beginner runners with a lightweight design ideal for all-day wear.
It will surely exceed your expectations, from ample cushioning to rugged construction.
Review
The Asics Gel-Contend 7 suits neutral runners with its offering of excellent cushioning and support.
It features the Asics rearfoot GEL technology, the durable AMPLIFOAM midsole, plus the Ortholite sock liner.
Combining all these features creates comfort and provides outstanding shock absorption for the wearer.
Additionally, Asics used its GUIDANCE LINE technology for this model for a more consistent and natural stride.
In its quest to become more eco-friendly, the Gel-Contend has used fewer resources to color its sock liner.
The shoe has a textured rubber for its outsole that works well in various weather conditions and terrains, be it track or gravel.
It also has flex grooves to improve the outsole’s flexibility, giving you an even ride.
Asics also constructed the cushiony midsole to maintain durability using the AmpliFoam technology, providing you with comfort, better flexibility, and platform adaptability.
Additionally, the Ortholite sock liner helps manage moisture during your running activities, adding to the shoe’s overall comfort.
The Asics Gel-Contend 7 also has a multi-directional mesh upper, enhancing its ventilation and stability.
Also found on the upper are three overlays with synthetic stitching placed over the heel and on the middle part on either side of the shoe and at the toe box.
The one in the middle keeps the round shoelaces, offering more support as you tie the shoes. Moreover, the heel and tongue have thicker padding to help reduce irritation and rubbing.
PROS
- checkFits true to size
- checkStable
- checkGood heel lock
- Well-cushioned
- Durable and grippy outsole
CONS
- Squeaky outsole
- Insufficient arch support
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Comparison Chart
Best Running Shoes for Bunion in Women
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1. Adidas Cloudfoam Pure
Adidas is a global brand known for producing high-quality footwear, like this Adidas Cloudfoam Pure model.
It is a stylish slip-on sports shoe that will look perfect with your casual clothing.
Review
You will love the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure running shoe’s design, which look slim and narrow on your feet, and the color variations available.
One of the surprising features of this footwear is its tongueless design. Its one-piece upper with decorative shoelaces does not pinch or restrict your foot’s movement.
The stretchy and innovative upper showcases the three-stripe design of Adidas on its sides, while the highly soft cushioning provides comfort.
On the other hand, the low-rise upper is made with a breathable mesh lined with membranes that allow hot air circulation and moisture management.
What’s more, the memory foam sock liner adds to the overall comfort of this lightweight running shoe, perfect for daily activities.
It uses the Cloudfoam technology for the midsole, made of an EVA compound, providing a solid foundation for the shoe.
The compound material of the Cloudfoam is exceptionally flexible and lightweight, making it easy to lift the shoe off the ground.
This Adidas footwear has a rubber outsole with average traction support, unlike other grooved running shoes.
On the whole, running can be damaging if you wear bulky or poorly designed shoes. But not with the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure trainers.
They’re the perfect shoe for casual wear with their athleisure look and classic feel, ideal for long simple walks and short runs.
PROS
- checkLightweight
- checkFlexible
- checkBreathable mesh upper
- Sleek design
- Comfortable
CONS
- Limited overlays
- Minimal arch support
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2. Asics Gel-Nimbus 23
Here is another selection we have included in our top three options for the best running shoes for bunion, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23.
We have included this trainer for its comfort, stability, and long-run impact absorption.
Review
Asics is another global brand known for its quality craftsmanship and durability, like this Gel-Nimbus 23 model.
This 23rd version has a new thick-pa, thick-padded tongue, and a filled-in arch area, giving it a smoother and more comfortable ride.
It is a running shoe model that appeals to many runners, from beginners to experienced marathon runners, because of its smoother transitions and balanced strides.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 is a good-looking trainer compared to other running shoes under the same category.
The upper has a softer mesh suited for long runs, while the shaping of the engineered eyelet allows a more natural foot movement.
Moreover, the stretchy midfoot panel properly hugs the foot, creating excellent flexibility. The recycled materials used for this part help reduce carbon and waste emissions.
The softer GEL technology and contoured design lines add more compression to the heel while providing more softness and excellent shock absorption.
A smooth gender-specific transition becomes possible through the TRUSSTIC device and its provision of modulated support.
Additionally, the gender-specific pillars under the toe cushion the body, giving runners a softer feel experience.
Similarly, the Ortholite X55 sock liner gives the runner a forgiving and responsive ride.
The various components used in the Gel-Nimbus 23 help increase its softness without waiving its integrity.
The midsole feels more lively and less dense through the use of Flytefoam. The first cushion layer directly underfoot is spongy and gets firmer near the outsole.
This dual foam setup uses Flytefoam, an EVA compound, as its main component, while the Flytefoam Propel is a blend of EVA and TPU found on the rearfoot.
The Nimbus 23 is surprisingly responsive and slightly springy because of the dual-foam setup, allowing the runner to push the pace effortlessly.
Although the shoe is not lightweight, it shines perfectly in recovery and relaxed daily runs.
The outsole uses two types of rubbers: the AHAR on the forefoot and rearfoot and the more durable AHAR+ placed on the heel’s tip.
PROS
- checkTrue to size
- checkSpacious toe box
- checkHeel lockdown
- Snug fit
- Supportive
CONS
- Outsole wears down quickly
- Slippery on wet surfaces
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3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS22 for Women
If you love running, you will love this shoe from Brooks with its modernized fit and balanced cushioning.
The Brooks Adrenalin GTS22 is one of the most well-loved stability shoes from the brand.
It is an all-around shoe providing a balance of support and comfort.
Review
The combined classic and modern look of the shoes makes them a favorite among runners.
The high stack of the GTS22 is similar to its predecessor. It has a heel height of 30mm and a 12mm heel-to-toe drop.
Its soft but firm midsole comes from the combined features of the BioMoGo DNA with its balanced density and the spongy DNA Loft.
For stability and classic guidance, the shoes have the famous GuideRail system, where firm units were placed on their lateral and medial parts.
This technology is part of the brand’s GTS or Go To Support system, guiding the foot as you run while preventing it from rolling.
It also offers more balanced stability, ideal for neutral runners and overpronation.
Brooks has used the simple but proven one-piece upper with a 3D Fit Print engineered mesh with minimal overlays.
The streamlined and modern design of the GTS22 provides a precise lockdown and a snug fit for the runners because of the padded heel counter.
It also comes with a gusseted tongue to cradle the top of your foot as you run, while the flat laces let you adjust the fit accordingly.
The stretchy fabric on the toe box is perfect for wide-footed runners to prevent straining and constricting their feet.
Fortunately, you can also get this model in a wide variety if needed.
The GTS22 outsole uses blown rubber with flex grooves to maximize traction and protect the shoes’ platform. It also offers additional comfort, durability, and flexibility.
These features only confirm that the Adrenaline GTS22 is a great running shoe for recovery and daily training activities.
PROS
- checkWell-cushioned
- checkStable
- checkSupportive
- Durable
- Comfortable
CONS
- Short laces
- Treads are coming off
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What Are the Best Running Shoes for Bunion?
You need to have the best running shoes for bunion so you can still enjoy your daily dose of exercise.
These recommendations will help you find the perfect footwear to reduce the pressure on your forefoot.
From among our selections, the Brooks GTS 22 for men and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 for women are our top choices.
People Also Ask:
Is it OK to run with a bunion?
Running with a bunion is OK, but you should wear running shoes with heels. The heel will help the foot pronate (roll inward), which will help alleviate some of the pressure on the bunion.
A bunion develops when there are too many pressures on the outside of the foot, which causes a painful swelling in the ball of the foot. It can occur spontaneously with no underlying cause. It may also develop after an injury to the foot or ankle, such as a sprained ankle or torn ligament. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing them, but most develop them due to accumulated forces over time.
Does running make bunions bigger?
Although running may cause bony growths to become more prominent, this does not mean that the foot is growing in size or shape. The bone naturally grows to accommodate the body’s demands for more space. This is called osseous remodeling, and it is normal.
Osseous remodeling can make the joint surfaces more prominent. It can also change the surface shape of the joint. If osseous remodeling or forward rotation is extreme, a bunion may develop, as well as Achilles tendon enthesopathy (Ate) and plantar fasciosis (plantar fascial pain). All of these conditions may cause pain and discomfort in the foot and shin area.
Bunions, I have experienced first hand. It becomes very painful to walk with this condition, let alone run. Thank God that most of the time, I have not had an ongoing problem. However, you have provided valuable information about being able to prevent this from reoccurring by the use of proper footwear. Created these shoes to give you an excellent balance of softness and support. A balance of support and softness seems to be key in buying the type of shoe that I should be wearing. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 seems to be a great shoe for providing excellent support which I think will be vital; however, you say that the outsole wears down quickly. Is it possible to replace or to reinforce this shoe to make it truly more durable?
Hi, Toplink, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
No, unfortunately, you can´t. I would have loved it if they had used AHAR+ in the outsole as they did in the heel. It would have added durability.
But even so, this is a great shoe, special because it is comfortable to use it. You can use it in the long run, but for me, it is more daily training/using shoes because of the softness and comfort.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
You’re right; running while wearing the wrong shoes makes it more painful for those with bunions.
My friend/colleague suffers from this discomfort, making it difficult for her to shop for the right shoes. Considering that she’s very active (she jogs every weekend and at times joins marathons), she regularly buys shoes, like 2-3 times a year. ☺
Although she does her research and reads so many reviews about a pair of running shoes, she’s thinking of buying them, but at times, she still ends up buying the wrong one. She’s planning on buying a new pair again on payday (we get paid twice a month: the 15th and 30th), and she’s asked for my help.
She has tried Adidas Cloudfoan Pure, but she’s not too happy with it. Perhaps she should try Brooks Adrenaline GTS22 as it’s not only comfortable and supportive but it’s also durable.
By the way, do you suggest buying one size bigger than your actual shoe size? Or would the exact size be right?
Hi, Alice, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
It is a great shoe—one of the most popular today.
I have used a few brands, and Brooks is one of my favorites. This type of shoe, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22, is very soft and secure simultaneously. And it is good to remember that Adrenaline has been on the market for 21 years. That would only be if it were really good.
Too because you say she is very active, the Guiderails made the shoes very good for the knee, which is always good when running a lot!
The shoe is true to the size, so I would use exactly the right size.
You may be interested in looking at this article. It is about using the Brooks shoe too for walking.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Thank you so much for sharing the best running shoes for bunions!
This is incredible and very helpful for me as a trainer. I talk to many people and know a handful of people who have bunions and struggle with it! I will go ahead and share this with them if that’s fine!
The Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 4.0 looks so cool… does this have a good cushion?
Would you rather take the Adidas one or the Asics for running long distances?
Hi, Lorenz Valdez, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, and feel free to share them! Thank you for that!
The Adidas Lite Racer has a good cushion. But the Asics Gel-Contend is better for long-running.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Bunions are a common foot condition in which a bony lump develops at the main joint between the big toe and the foot. I can understand that it could be difficult to find the right running shoes when you are struggling with this problem. Thank you for outlining this article. It gives a great and detailed overview of the best running shoes.
Hi, Remote Vagabond, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could have interesting in this article too. It is about another known problem, overpronation.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.