The 10 Best Athletic Shoes for Bunions Reviews & Buying Guide 2020

If you are living with foot issues like bunions, you understand why investing in the best quality shoes is essential. Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe. While this is not actually caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes as most people believe, doing so can cause terrible pain and make your condition worse.

In this article, we picked and listed down the 10 best athletic shoes for bunions (5 for men and 5 for women) as well as their features and the factors to consider in choosing the perfect pair. Hopefully, this can help you stay active, pain-free, and comfortable all day despite having bunions!

Top Athletic Shoes for Bunions Revealed

ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe

The GEL-Venture 5 Running shoes from ASICS offer excellent fit and comfort both for everyday use and for running. These shoes also come with Asics High Abrasion Resistant Rubber (AHAR) outsoles that provide incredible traction on any kind of terrain or surface.

For a quarter of a price of other competing shoes, the GEL-Venture 5 also offers support for overpronation and has a rearfoot GEL cushioning for shock absorption.

They are great for those who have bunions or have large and wide feet because they provide the toes with plenty of room to move around. The removable sock liner is another plus since this allows you to use your own orthotic inserts without cramping up the space inside.

As for the appearance, these shoes have outdoor-ready mesh runners and underlays with brushstroke patterns that give it a rugged yet stylish look. These shoes are also available in a wide variety of color schemes to fit your personal style.

Brooks Men’s Beast 14

Brooks Men’s Beast 14 shoes are specifically made for wide, flat feet and also benefits those with bunions. They are best for moderate to severe overpronators who need a balance between proper cushioning and stability.

The breathable mesh upper is made with lightweight materials that hug the feet comfortably. These shoes also come with a moisture management element and sock liner technology to keep your feet fresh, cool, and dry.

For extra comfort, the collar and tongue are padded, and the soft fabric lining provides a nice feel. Moreover, the Biomogo midsole is an environment-friendly, non-toxic additive that adds a luxurious plush feel to the interior.

The outsole is made with Abrasion-resistant HPR Plus rubber for protection and durability.

Other features include the full-length patented Brooks DNA midsole that adapts to each stride, the segmented Crash Pad for a fluid heel-to-toe transition, Omega Flex Grooves to encourage natural foot movement, and the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for control.

ASICS Men’s Gel Nimbus 18 Running Shoe

Made with 100% textile and synthetic materials, ASICS Men’s Gel Nimbus 18 helps reduce the aggravation and irritation of bunions. The upper features the ASICS FluidFit technology that uses a combination of multi-directional stretchable mesh and stretch reinforcements to create a glove-like fit and adapt the shape of the shoes to the user’s feet.

Constructed to provide incredible comfort, this model has GEL cushioning systems on both the forefoot and rearfoot. This reduces shock and allows a wider range of movement throughout the gait cycle.

Thanks to the FluidRide midsole, you get ultimate cushioning and bounce back without the added weight. This type of midsole is also proven to be exceptionally durable, so your shoes last for years.

The Heel Clutching System Technology incorporates an exoskeletal heel counter for improved heel fit and support. Because of the seamless construction, your feet are also safe from friction, pain, or irritation that can be caused by the shoes’ seams or stitching.

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline Gts 17

Another pair from Brooks is the Men’s Adrenaline GTS 17. Like the Beast 14, it offers a combination of comfort, durability, and control to help you stay active without aggravating your bunions.

These running shoes provide support for overpronation. The upper is made with the same flexible and breathable mesh of the Beast 14, which follows the contours of the feet to give comfortable support. You can also adjust the asymmetrical midfoot saddle for an even more customized and secure fit.

The plush padded tongue and collar, soft fabric lining, the BioMoGo DNA environment-friendly cushion on the midsole which adapts to your stride, and the removable molded foam insole cushion all provide comfort for your feet.

Another notable feature is the Diagonal Rollbar which helps control pronation and maintain a smooth transition of your feet all through the gait cycle along with the segmented Crash Pad.

This model also has the same HPR Plus outsole with V grooves for enhanced durability, traction, and flexibility.

New Balance Men’s M1540V2 Running Shoe

The New Balance M1540V2 is packed with features designed to help you focus on running, walking, or working out instead of worrying about your feet or causing pain to your bunions. It also stabilizes the foot to prevent overpronation.

The upper is made with 75% synthetic materials and 25% mesh for breathability and comfort. The ACTEVA™ LITE foam offers lightweight foot compression without causing discomfort.

Featuring ENCAP®, the EVA midsole has a soft core with a sturdy polyurethane rim for added durability and support. The Rollbar Technology also gives you the ultimate control by minimizing rear foot movement.

This model also has a mesh collar and tongue made with breathable mesh for your comfort. We also like the subtle, neutral color combinations to choose from.

Salomon Women’s XR Mission Running Shoe

The Salomon XR Mission Women’s is a recently launched off-road running shoe from Salomon. This trail running shoe includes Salomon’s Quicklace system that gives every individual a one of a kind comfortable fit that is not too tight which can worsen your bunions.

The outsole incorporates the Contagrip innovation which combines proficiency and strength for excellent traction when you require it most. This technology allows you to move with confidence even on mud or other slippery trails.

For a comfortable running experience, the Salomon XR Mission offers lightweight support through the Sensifit and Sensiflex technologies. These technologies provide flexibility and allow your foot to transition quickly and smoothly from one terrain or surface to the next and along the gait cycle.

The breathable mesh upper wicks moisture while the foam footbed reduces friction between your skin and the interior, which can inflame the skin on your bunions. The molded EVA midsole also adds cushioning and support without the extra weight.

Mizuno Wave Rider 19 Running Shoe for Women

If you are looking for a consistent fit, fantastic performance, and unbeatable comfort, try the Mizuno Wave Rider 19 running shoes for Women! It offers smooth and delicate landings and takeoffs without aggravating your foot issues.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 19 also flaunts the new U4icX Strobel lasting board which offers extra cushioning and comfort for an improved underfoot feel. The Parallel Wave and U4ic midsole take care of the responsiveness and resilience of every step.

Aside from a stylish appearance, the Evolved Hado designed upper also has a classic 3D fit that conforms to your feet to provide support where you need it most while the stretched laces help you customize the fit.

The blown rubber used in the forefoot and the protective layer on the toe cap not only offer durability but also keeps your feet safe.

New Balance Women’s w940v3 Running Shoe

With new and improved transition and cushioning properties, the New Balance W940v3 running shoes vow to provide the ultimate stability for your feet.

The ABZORB rubber material improves compression resistance, adds cushioning, and helps absorb shock. It also makes sure that you have incredible control over your stride while also reducing stiffness and overall weight of the shoes.

Another amazing feature is the T-Beam which is a flexible and lightweight TPU shank that protects your feet from twisting when walking or running on rocky terrains or uneven surfaces. It also supports the arch via a one-of-a-kind center beam design.

These shoes are specifically designed for overpronators but also offers comfort for those with bunions by absorbing impact and having a comfortable-fitting synthetic mesh upper. The polyurethane inserts, no-sew material application, blown rubber traction outsole, and the dual density midsole also add both comfort and support.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Athletic Shoes for Women

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18 is a fashionable choice for a flexible, supportive, and comfortable pair of shoes. The upper is made with a breathable and elastic synthetic mesh material that not only provides structural support but also leaves the feet with space to move around and has a sleek design.

The shoes have a lace-up closure system and an asymmetrical midfoot saddle that can be adjusted for a better custom fit.

Like the GTS 17 for men mentioned before, this model features removable molded foam insoles, BioMoGo DNA cushioning, the tri-density Diagonal Rollbar midsole, a segmented Crash Pad, HPR Plus rubber outsoles, and V grooves for improved transitions, pronation control, and durability.

Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 16 Running Shoe

Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 16 shoes offer multiple features intended to give your feet a natural feel and save them from pain. With heat-bonded internal forefoot overlays, this pair provides amazing hold.

Thanks to the mesh upper, your feet can work in unity with the shoes and achieve a natural fit that’s not too tight nor too loose. This will give space to allow your toes to move and protect your bunions from pain while also maintaining the security of each step.

The improved heel counter even enhances the fit but still keeps everything lightweight at just 8.2 ounces. You can also choose from four different color schemes!

What makes these the 10 best athletic shoes for bunions?

While prevention is always better than cure, there are many ways to choose your shoes if you already have bunions. The right pair will not irritate the skin or inflame the bump, which can cause pain, but give enough space, support, and comfort to your feet. Here are some of the features to look for:

1. A wide toe box

Narrow shoes or those with pointed toes will inevitably pinch and put pressure on your bunions. So, look for those with wide, spacious toe boxes that are either square or rounded.

2. No Heels

Elevated heels will cause your feet to slide forward and squeeze your toes to the front part of your shoes. This can aggravate your bunions and cause inflammation. To avoid this altogether, opt for shoes that have no heels or are no higher than 2 inches in heel height.

3. Sufficient padding

The most popular equivalent of comfort in athletic shoes is padding or cushion. This helps prevent pain by shielding your feet from hard components of your shoes or outside forces. Look for shoes with padded insoles, an extra cushion on the forefoot, and a molded insole. This will let your toes move freely with enough space in between and reduce compression on your bunions.

4. No straps

Shoes with straps that fall directly on top or near your bunion will hurt. If you really have to have straps, choose those that are wider and made with soft, stretchable materials.

5. Stretchable and Accommodating upper material

Taking care of your bunions means the bumps are not restricted or pinched in any way. So, look for shoes with stretchy uppers. Usually, a stretchable mesh is the best since it also allows sufficient airflow to keep your feet cool and dry and to ward off a bad odor. Fabric and soft leather are great too because they can stretch and conform to the shape of your feet.

6. Adjustable

The best shoes for bunions should be adjustable in some way. Laces or straps that allow you to tighten or loosen the fit as you deem necessary is always great. However, make sure that the shoes still give you a secure fit. Otherwise, they might come off or rub at your skin.

7. The right fit

Supportive shoes are a must-have if you are suffering from bunions. Look for shoes that are not too tight and have extra cushioning that will keep the fit snug. However, do not wear shoes that are too spacious, either. This can cause your feet or toes to slide or move around too much, risking some irritation and friction that can hurt you.

8. Arch support

Any type of shoes, in my opinion, should have proper arch support. This will allow your feet to relax in a more natural position that prevents them from falling flat forward.

However, it’s worth noting that everybody has different needs when it comes to arch support. Some people have high arches while some have flat arches. Those with flat feed need more cushion in the arch to distribute shock properly since this impact can make bunions worse.

People with high arches, on the other hand, put most of their weight and the force of their stride on the balls and heels of their feet, which also adds extra stress if you have bunions. This also increases the risk of getting injured or developing other foot issues. If you want to make sure you get the best arch support, you might want to consult a specialist and ask for an orthotic inserts recommendation.

Conclusion

Overall, out the 10 best athletic shoes for bunions, our clear winner is the ASICS GEL Venture 5 for men and the Salomon XR Mission for women.

The ASICS GEL Venture 5 provides all of the required features to take care of bunions at a relatively affordable price. The Salomon XR Mission delivers comfort and support and fits true to size as well.