A bunion, which is the knobby, round enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, can be painful. But unless the condition is severe, most women with bunions don't need to stop running. It is easy to cope with the problem by finding footwear that is specifically tailored to help alleviate the problem. The right running shoes will make all the difference.
Pronation Correction
If you have bunions, you probably tend to overpronate, a common occurrence meaning the foot rolls inward and the arch of the foot flattens as part of your walking or running gait. Overpronators put more stress of the front area of the foot. The condition is so well-known in the world of running that you should look for shoes that are billed as being for overpronators. They will be more comfortable for you and will help prevent a worsening of your bunion condition. The Asics Gel 3010 is one example of a shoe designed specifically for overpronators.
Wider Toe Box
Finding a shoe with more room across the toe box will help ensure that your bunions are not cramped. Saucony brand shoes, especially its "Grid" series, are known for being suitable for women with bunions because they tend to be made with a wider toe box, while offering a comfortable fit for the rest of the shoe. Saucony also offers wide widths, which also can remedy bunion problems.
Motion Control
For women who overpronate, a motion control shoe will help provide extra support in the arch area on the inside of the midsole. "Motion control" is one of three categories of running shoes. "Stability" is a type of shoe for people who have medium arches. A "cushioned" shoe is often the choice for runners with high arches. New Balance is one company that offers four choices of shoes specifically made for women with bunions, featuring extra cushioning for motion control.
Mesh Covering
Along with a wider toe box, a mesh covering will allow your foot to spread out as needed while pushing off on your step. Many running shoes are made with a mesh forefront to give that extra stretch to the shoe to accommodate a bunion. Adidas Glide 2 and Adistar shoes specifically offers stretch mesh material with no overlays in the bunion area. Another way to enlarge the toe box of any shoe is to simply leave the first eyelets unlaced, allowing the show to stretch out a bit across the front.
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