People in general and especially runners who have bunions will agree that finding the right and most comfortable shoes is crucial for their overall wellbeing and for comfortable and painless walking and running.
Bunions are a deformity which can cause serious discomfort and pain especially from the friction with uncomfortable shoes when running. This is why when looking for the best running shoes for bunions, you should always pick models which are wider and with bigger toe boxes and have soft mesh or fabric uppers which are stretchy and can adjust to the bunions. Also, the shoes need to provide sufficient cushioning to protect the bunions from the impact and shock of running. Whether you choose them to be neutral or stability depends on whether you have high or low arches.

QUICK ANSWER: the Best Running Shoes for Bunions

  • Mizuno WOMEN’s Wave Rider 20
  • Mizuno MEN’s Wave Rider 20
  • ASICS Women’s GT-2000 6
  • ASICS Men’s GT-2000 6
  • Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18
  • Altra Torin 3 (MEN)

Thankfully for all bunion sufferers today shoe makers are designing and manufacturing all kind of shoes, including running shoes made especially for people who have this condition.
The sad fact is that bunions are often the result of intensive and heavy training and running, so we have made our top picks for running shoes which are best for people with this painful condition.

Best choice of bunion shoes for women

Mizuno Wave Rider 20 running shoes

Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 20

The latest update to the wave Rider series offers that added cushioning and comfort, which made the line famous in the first place.
The lightweight 3-D printed upper features a Mizuno fit, and is designed to provide a roomy toe box, perfect for ladies who have bunions. The upper and laces are stretchy, so everyone can adjust the tight fit individually.
The parallel wave technology and extra Strobel board offer total comfort for the foot. The insole is removable, so you can replace it with your own orthotics, if you have special needs.
Overall, this is a neutral running shoe, so if you suffer from bunions and have high arches or do not pronate, this particular model could be the perfect running shoe for you. It is an excellent combination between comfort and performance, and will help you enjoy your runs without the pain form the friction of the bunions and the shoes. More info

ASICS GT-2000 5 running shoes

ASICS Women’s GT-2000 6

These running shoes are another top pick for women with bunions, and are definitely among our favorites for 2020. They are fitted with full-length ASICS gel cushioning insoles, combined with FluidRide bounce back cushioning for a soft and comfortable fit and proper shock absorption while walking or running, especially for overpronators with bunions.
They have an AHAR+ high abrasion outsole for extra durability.
These sneakers are wide enough to provide a comfortable fit for ladies with painful bunions, and will help reduce the risk of friction between the foot deformity and the inner part of the shoes even during intensive running. Their design and light weight will help improve your performance and will reduce the fatigue and soreness after long distance or intensive running.
Best of all, they offer sufficient support to keep the feet and legs safe from injuries during training.
Overall, this shoe is perfect for women who have bunions and are overpronators. Just keep in mind that when ordering online you should consider ordering a ½ size larger from this model.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 running shoes

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18

The adaptable DNA midsoles of these shoes allows for the person wearing them to receive the best cushioning for their particular foot shape and size. The shoes offer extra comfort and shock absorption thanks to their segmented crash pads which help reduce the strain, fatigue and lower the risk of foot and leg injuries, and at the same time improves the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition while striding or running.
The toe box is wide enough to provide a comfortable fit for ladies with bunions, and especially for those with flat or medium arches.
The midsole drop is 12mm, the unique diagonal roll bars add extra support to the feet, and the upper is lightweight and breathable, so your feet will remain cool and dry even during intensive running or activity.
Comfortable, wide enough and yet stable, light and reliable, these shoes are definitely worth being in our top choices of running shoes for women with bunions for 2017. Read the full review

Altra Torin 3 running shoes

Altra Women’s Torin 3.5

These running shoes are very suitable for women with bunions, mainly because of the extra wide toe box, which provides sufficient space for the toes and for the bunions, and limits the friction between the foot and the shoe during intensive running or training sessions
These shoes have a FootPod outsole which actually fits to and maps the tendons and bones in the foot, and helps the natural flex and offers an even better fit. Their special foot shape also provides added stability and speed when running.
The dual level EVA midsole and the contour footbed insoles add to the comfort, cushioning and shock absorption while running or walking.
You may want to try out this model in a brick and mortar store before ordering, just in case you need to order a ½ size smaller than your usual size because of the wide toe box.
As a whole, these shoes are of high quality and very durable, so if you get the sizing right, they will ensure comfortable, natural and painless running for miles and miles. Read the review

Best choice of bunion shoes for men

Mizuno Wave Rider 20 running shoes

Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 20

They feature a wide and high toe box, which can accommodate the foot and its bunions without causing pain or friction while running. The breathable upper and the classic 3-D Mizuno fit of these shoes also help minimize the irritation and friction with the bunions even during intensive running sessions.
These shoes feature the parallel wave midsole technology combined with the Strobel underfoot board for comfortable cushioning and shock absorption. The insole is removable, which means that you can insert your own sports orthotics if you prefer so.
The heel to toe transition is 12mm.
As a whole, this model from the Wave Rider series offers the traditional comfort, durability and improved performance similar to its predecessors.
For those of you who are active runners and do not want to hinder your performance because of their bunions, and want to make the experience of running as painless, safe and efficient as possible, this is one pair of shoes you should seriously consider purchasing. More info

ASICS GT-2000 5 running shoes

ASICS Men’s GT-2000 6

These are great running shoes suitable for men with bunions and overpronators, mostly because of the excellent support and the perfect width and comfort they provide. The support and stability offered by these shoes are provided by the unique dynamic DuoMax support system.
They are fitted with a special impact guidance system which helps enhance the natural gait of the foot. This is combined with a vertical flex groove which too improves the gait efficiency.
The rear and forefoot ASICS Gel cushioning provides efficient shock absorption and padding at all times, which helps protect the bunions from direct impact while running.
The toe box of this model of running shoes is wide and deep enough to provide a comfortable fit for men with bunions. Along with that the mesh and textile upper minimize the friction with the bunions during running or walking.

Altra Torin 3 running shoes

Altra Men’s Torin 3

These sneakers have a wide and high toe box, amazing cushioning and a super soft fabric and synthetic seamless upper, which all are crucial features for good running shoes for bunions.
The anatomical toe box area is sufficient to comfortably accommodate the bunions. The dual-layer cushioning protects the bunions and the rest of the foot from heavy impact with the ground when running or walking. The seamless and soft upper stretches with the foot shape, so the risk of uncomfortable rubbing or friction of the bunions with the shoe is minimized.
As with most other running shoes for bunions, you should consider ordering a ½ smaller because of the wide toe box if your bunions are not as serious an issue.
Overall, with their soft cushioning and upper as well as the anatomical toe box, this is the perfect pair of running shoes for men who suffer from bunions and do not want this painful deformity to stop them from running and staying active. Read the review

Saucony Omni 16 running shoes

Saucony Men’s Omni 16

These are great shoes for runners with bunions and for overpronators, or for both.
The extra cushioning provides added support to the feet, ankles, toes and arches, and makes these shoes one of the top picks for running shoes for men who suffer from bunions. The toe box is sufficient enough to accommodate the bunions comfortably and with limited friction with the shoe.
These shoes are wide enough and have removable insoles, so you can wear your own orthotics for arch support and for bunions, which is definitely a plus especially for those of you who run long distances.
This stability running shoe is durable and provides a long-lasting comfort for the feet, toes and for the bunions, so the soreness and pain from friction while and after running will be minimized if you choose to wear these shoes. The nice moisture control lining helps prevent this painful friction from occurring and keeps the feet dry and cool even during intensive runs.

The characteristics of the best running shoes for bunions

The main characteristics you should be looking for when shopping for the best running shoes for bunions are:
• A sufficiently wide and high toe box, to fit the foot with the bunions freely and limit the possible friction of the bunions with the shoe during running. It is a good idea to try on the shoes before you order them because in some cases you may need to order ½ a size larger and in other ½ a size smaller depending on the particular model, the shape of your foot and the bunions you have.
• A soft and flexible mesh or textile upper, which can stretch along the shape of the foot and the bunions, and causes no friction for the bunions while running or walking. The seamless or 3D printed ones with no overlaps or seams which can irritate the bunions should be preferred. Some of the latest models of running shoes for people with bunions have mesh “bunion windows” which you may try out too.
• Other features which will help decrease the discomfort and pain from running with bunions include proper soft cushioning, arch support, light weight as well as overall comfort.

ALWAYS make sure you are aware of your feet problems, so you can address them better. For example we have a separate guide with recommendations for running shoes specifically for plantar fasciitis.

How to properly lace shoes when you have bunions?

People and especially runners who have bunions could help alleviate the discomfort and pain from running with bunions by making more space for them via a slightly different lacing technique. In short, it includes starting to lace up the shoes from the bottom row and up the sides of the shoe until you reach to the midpoint. After you have passed the toe and bunion area, you can finish up the lacing with a cross-lacing technique up to the top.
For those runners who have narrow feet and yet have bunions, the best tactic is to miss the lace hole on the inner side of the foot, and then just continue upward with the standard lacing technique.