Orthopedic shoes might be helpful, but they can be expensive and not particularly attractive. Instead, you might be tempted to try to find the best sneakers for bad feet. We can help because we just reviewed the best tennis shoes for bunions.
We selected comfy athletic shoes with a wide toe box. Like all of the best shoes for bunions and plantar fasciitis, they have flexible soles that absorb impact. We gave preference to shoes with stretchy knit fabric that accommodates swollen joints, too.
As you know, high-heeled shoes are bad for bunions as they force weight onto the front of the foot. Therefore, we also looked for tennis shoes with low heels, preferably zero-drop soles. Here are our top picks:
| The best shoes for achilles tendonitis | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Akk Athletic Walking Shoes |
|
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 |
|
| HKR Women’s Walking Shoes Arch Support Comfort |
|
| Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk |
|
| Skechers Performance Women's Walk 3 Slip-On |
|
| Men's Slippers with Arch Support, Canvas House Slipper |
|
| Men's Slip-on Shoes Casual Canvas Loafers |
|
| New Balance Men’s 680v6 Cushioning Running Shoe |
|
| Salomon, Sonic 3 Confidence Running Shoe |
|
| GANNOU Air Athletic Running Shoes |
|
Which are the best shoes for bunions?
If you’ve been to the doctor already, you probably know the medical term for bunions: hallux valgus. (1)
Bunions form when the joint at the base of the big toe moves out of place. Some people are more prone to developing bunions than others, but wearing the wrong type of or poorly-fitting shoes almost guarantees they’ll appear.
To prevent and treat bunions, podiatrists recommend low-heeled shoes with plenty of space for the widest part of the foot, also known as a wide toe box.
Otherwise, if the shoes are too tight, they may cause blisters, or worse, bursitis and arthritis. There’s just not a lot of padding on the feet to protect the bones and joints. It’s best to have enough cushion and material that stretches to keep the foot cozy.
Three tips to find the most comfortable tennis shoes for bunions
You could shop for shoes with a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Or you could simply find your own comfy sneakers.
- First, how will you be using the shoes? Do you want a pair for daily wear or working out?
- Second, how heavy are the shoes? Lightweight tennis shoes with breathable fabric and flexible soles will be much more comfortable than heavy leather.
- And third, can you return them if they don’t meet your needs? (This is crucial for online shopping.)
Of course, there are other details that can help you winnow out the best pair. For example, does it matter whether or not they have laces or a removable insole? You might also consider the color and the price, or if you can machine-wash them.
Happily, there are brands like New Balance and Asics that have wide widths that accommodate bunions. But before we get carried away, let’s start with the reviews below.
Best Tennis Shoes for Bunions in 2024
Clarks Women’s Step Allenabay Sneaker
[su_amz asin=”B0794W4RS6″]
We noticed that lots of people are searching for Clarks shoes for bunions. That may be because they have a removable Ortholite footbed.
These “Cloudsteppers” are very popular with a lightweight EVA sole and Cushion Technology. They will really put a spring in your step. You may find yourself walking farther because it feels so nice.
The fabric uppers are breathable and elastic with no stiff seams that could press on toe joints. In fact, there’s no break-in time – you can enjoy them right out of the box. The slightest of curves in the rear will keep the heel from slipping up and down as you walk.
Moreover, it’s possible to get these in wide widths, making them even more suitable for feet with bunions. You may have enough space to add orthotic support, too.
Pros:
- Removable Ortholite footbed and EVA sole with plenty of cushion
- Stretchy fabric upper with no-tie laces and no stiff seams across the toes
- Available in wide widths
- Various colors available
Cons:
- The only available colors are discreet, like gray, blue, and white
- Not a zero-drop sole
Brooks Ghost 13
[su_amz asin=”B086T5K87K”]
This running shoe is available for both women and men. It comes in a variety of colors. But what’s most important is the soft and balanced cushioning courtesy of the latest shoe technology.
DNA Loft and BioMoGo give the shoes plenty of stability with just enough bounce. The soles are excellent for reducing the pain of bunions and tender feet. The wide toe box is the icing on the cake.
Furthermore, the neutral support system is suitable for cross-training, road running, or gym workouts. The breathable mesh tops with 3D Fit Print keep your tootsies comfortable while you’re busy with other things.
We’ve heard lots of positive feedback from a variety of users with bunions. Some say they are the most comfortable sneakers they’ve ever worn. We’re also happy to report that orthopedists are satisfied with them, too.
Pros:
- Wide toe box with soft and stable cushioning underneath
- Laces for the perfect fit and no seams across the toes
- Breathable mesh fabric available in a variety of colors
- Suitable for road running, cross-training, and everyday wear
Cons:
- They offer neutral support but not zero drop soles
Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief, Orthopedic Sneakers
[su_amz asin=”B003OHMTZU”]
They aren’t Nikes, but they carry a similar price tag. Instead of paying for style, you’re buying the best in orthopedic support. These fabric and leather sneakers come with a sixty-day money-back guarantee. Show us another brand of sports shoes with that good of a deal.
Let’s talk about the best features of these tennis shoes. First, they come in extended widths. If you have narrow feet, you might not think that’s important until you have bunions. Then that extra room makes all the difference.
Next, they are lightweight and ergonomic, designed to provide proper anatomical support not just for the feet, but also for the legs, hips, and lower back. Look inside and you’ll find orthotic insoles with multiple layers of cushioning. The structure helps relieve bunions, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and flat feet.
What’s more, the uppers have a smooth, padded interior to avoid putting stress on the tops of sensitive feet. They protect people with diabetes as well.
If you’re tired of suffering every time you go for a stroll, try walking on these cloud-like shoes instead.
Pros:
- Specifically created for relief from bunions, plant fasciitis, arthritis, and flat feet
- Orthotic insoles with multiple layers of cushioning
- Soft and smooth padded uppers and lightweight construction
- Extra-wide widths available
Cons:
- Only available in a handful of colors
ALTRA Women’s Torin 4 Plush Road Running Shoe
[su_amz asin=”B07NBK132P”]
The fact that these are called “plush” running shoes immediately got our attention. Then we saw all the positive comments from runners with hammertoes, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. They love these sneakers because the shoes allow them to relax and run naturally even up and downhill.
What magic is this? Well, it starts with the zero-drop soles that make sure your forefoot and heel are at the same distance from the ground just as if you were running barefoot. You won’t be putting extra pressure on the front of your foot.
Plus, there is a wide toe box with plenty of room to spread your toes for balance and comfort. But the wide width doesn’t mean that the heels slip – they fit snugly without that annoying curvature that puts pressure on the Achilles tendon.
Next, the shoes have something called a Perf-X insole with a Quantic midsole. Perf-X is an eco-friendly technology developed by Jones & Vining. They’re found in a variety of shoe types and brands because of their excellent support and moisture-wicking properties. Talk about putting a bounce in your step.
We could go on about the other fine details, but perhaps you should try these running shoes for yourself.
Pros:
- Loved by runners and regular people with bunions and hammertoes
- Wide toe box and zero-drop soles
- Specialized insoles and stretchy fabric uppers
- Extra comfortable for workouts and everyday wear
Cons:
- Few colors available
New Balance Women’s 806 V1 Tennis Shoe
[su_amz asin=”B07JP8F4K8″]
As we reviewed the best shoes for bunions, obviously, we needed to include the best tennis shoes – you know, the ones actually made for the sport. Here they are, and they may even be eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
The specs are typical: half leather, half synthetic, with a 10 mm drop between the heel and the toe. They come in a couple of colors like white and gray. Of course, the New Balance brand is well-known among athletes with wide feet. This model comes in widths like W and EE.
To get excited about the shoes, we had to dig below the surface information. We discovered that there are many people who have purchased them over and over for a decade. You know, for actually playing tennis.
Moreover, they are podiatrist-recommended because of the excellent stability and comfort they offer. The outsoles provide superior traction while the insoles support flat feet and problematic ankles and knees. They even have room for orthotic inserts.
The main complaint we saw is that the leather upper doesn’t give as much as a fabric upper, potentially putting a little more pressure on sensitive bunions.
Pros:
- Beloved by dedicated tennis players with wide feet and bunions
- Excellent traction, stability, and support
- Wide toe box and wide widths, roomy enough for orthotics
- Potentially reimbursable through Medicare
Cons:
- Only a couple of colors available
- Leather upper not as forgiving for bunions
adidas Women’s Ultraboost 20 Running Shoe
[su_amz asin=”B08ZZBC3GH”]
Here’s what people are saying about these shoes: “A really comfortable sneaker for feet that tend to hurt.”
If you have bunions and you’re on your feet all day, you’ll appreciate the luxurious comfort. They have breathable, stretchy uppers in combination with excellent cushioning. Furthermore, they are available in a wide range of colors for every outfit imaginable.
Keep in mind that these are slip-on sneakers even though they have laces. They have an excellent grip with Stretchweb outsoles. But it’s the insides that matter even more. The elastane heel protects the Achilles tendon from abrasion and lets it move naturally.
Then, the shoes have responsive cushioning that returns energy instead of just absorbing it. Users love the energetic feel.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable slip-on running shoes that aren’t just for runners
- Breathable, elastic uppers with wide toe boxes and cushioned soles that return energy in every step
- Wide range of colors available
Cons:
- Not really a lace-up which may be problematic for skinny feet
Conclusion
The best tennis shoes for bunions will allow you to enjoy being active again. Whether you’ve already had surgery or need a pair to accommodate bunion correctors, there are several options available. We hope our reviews today helped you find the best pair for your needs.
If you’re thrilled with your comfortable new shoes, we’d love to hear about them. Please feel free to leave us a comment below.
Source:
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-bunions-without-surgery/ published October 11, 2019, accessed April 22, 2021