I have bunions on both feet - mostly don’t bother me because basically I wear sensible shoes ! Am now 12 weeks into running (completed C25K 3 weeks ago - now just did long run on week 3 of JuJu’s magic plan ie 44 mins reaonably comfortably) - but this week I’ve started to notice pain in right foot (a bit in the ball of the foot and also in the heel) and especially first thing in morning when first put weight on it. Has anyone here got recommendations for running with bunions ??
Is it my shoes or should I be doing different stretching exercises ? I admit I haven’t been doing stretching prior/post run, but my warm up and cool down walks are a good brisk 15 mins each, even when I do a shorter run. Also I do Ayengar Yoga 2x week so I do a lot of stretching outside my running. I’ll start proper stretches from today !
I had this problem about 4 years ago when I was doing a lot of walking, (though the pain was less when wearing less flexible shoes, e.g. walking boots) and eventually the pain extended up the right leg and into the glut so I went to a skeleto-muscular clinic who looked at my feet, took X-ray and told me a week later that ‘you have bunions’ (which of course I already knew 😂), but advised me to get shoes with ‘rocker bottoms’ and packed me off to Asics.
At Asics, they’d never heard of rocker bottoms and after explaining what I needed I think they just sold me something bog standard (but expensive at the time !) which make my right foot go numb if I wear them too long, even though as recommended I have a half size bigger than normal (The model is Asics Gel Nimbus 19 - but I don’t run in them). Besides, the pain went away eventually as I stopped walking so much.
Since I’ve started running I’ve been running in a pair of Nike flex fury 2 which I bought several years ago (before I planned to become a runner) because I liked the pink laces and if I remember correctly they were quite cheap. 😊 Actually they’ve been just great. (But I just realised now having googled them why i feel less confident running on grass in them - they are a concrete shoe which is mostly fine for me, though I do occasionally run off the path in the park).
So the other week I went to a specialist shoe store and asked for gait analysis and advice on running shoes given my history and basically they didn’t bother with gait analysis (it was hot) and I allowed myself to be fobbed off with a pair of On Cloud X - the rational being ‘if you got on well with Nike flex fury then you’ll like these’ - and indeed of the ones I tried on they were most comfortable. However I haven’t worn them out yet because I realised they felt tight after I got them home and I’m planning to go back to the shop to try next half size up next week.
Since then the pain has started and this is why I’m wondering if I’d be better off with a different shoe - before I go and exchange my lightweight Ons (which have great reviews !). I can’t run in walking boots !. I’ve done a bit more internet search and come across the ‘Hoka One One Bondi 6’ shoe which indeed seems to be ‘what the doctor ordered’ (this didn’t appear in my google search 3 years ago !!). But they look so bulky I can’t imagine - and I have no idea where they are retailed (but I live in London so shouldn’t be a problem!). Is what I’m describing available in other brands ? I looked at the Brooks site - and followed their online self gait analysis and they are recommending shoes with ‘guide rails’ - but that’s just for ‘support’ rather than to relieve pressure on the ball of the foot.
In short - this is very long post but I guess if you’ve read it you might have some advice ?? 🤓
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Juliet202
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Hi, my advice if you haven't worn your new shoes outside is go straight back to the store with them. I'm hoping it was a specialist running shop not a general sports shop. Mine are a whole size larger. Dont be swayed by good reviews, everyone has different shapes feet and styles of running. Stick to your guns, ask for a replacement pair, and try on as many as you need to, using a treadmill, until you find the pair that suit you. Happy running 🤗
I’m sure the shop will oblige - I already phoned them and they’re ok with it and have ordered me in the next size so I can try it. It’s more the medical side of things - it’s not just how the shoes feel it’s what’s happening to my bones as I run !! I will definitely be more assertive when I go back in and ask to use the treadmill - it was just such a hot day that day and in a mask I couldn’t get out of the shop quickly enough !!
Running indoors in the heat wearing a mask 😜 I’m not surprised you were desperate to get out. I do know my shoes have been perfect for running in, not so comfortable for walking so I probably wouldn’t have bought them if I’d just walked around the store. Good luck
I am just a week behind you, just finished my second week post graduating from C25K.
I have one bunion, and I too am wondering what to do next about shoes. I am running in a pair of trainers from a walking shop, and my feet are perfectly happy at the moment, so I am putting off looking for anything else.
I walk a great deal, and about a year ago, when my bunion started to become obvious and hurting me, I consulted a podiatrist. I told him about my walking problems, and got some advice which has worked.
Basically, he said I should wear boots rather than low shoes of any description as often as possible, because the extra pressure they give on the top of the foot takes the pressure off the bunion. (He did explain this in great detail, and I understood at the time, but I can't remember now!) He gave me extra padding to put under the arch of my superfeet, which I was already wearing in my walking boots, and padding to stick inside the tongue of my boots to increase the downwards pressure. My boots are just half a size bigger than the shoes I used to wear, pre bunion. I now wear these boots for walking, however hot the weather, and I get no pain from the bunion, even when walking 14 miles (Just very hot feet!)
Then he told me that when I do wear low trainers, I should buy them a whole size bigger than my proper length, but make sure they lace up high on the front of my foot, and wear a pair of Superfeet inside them. This I have done, and I am running happily in a cheapish pair. As soon as they become uncomfortable or wear out I plan to go to a running shop but with the whole size bigger and lace up high advice in mind.
This might help a bit - or perhaps not, as I have not yet bought proper running shoes. I suspect I might need to once I start trying to run much longer than the current 30 minutes.
That’s really helpful, thankyou. I was also using a pair of insoles for a while (not for running) but back then when I had problems - but I’d just bought them over the counter in boots and they did make a difference but I was thrinking insoles were a second best solution as I wasn’t sure if they were the right ones and whether I might actually make it worse. The bunion itself doesn’t hurt and doesn’t rub - but it’s what causing the pain is that my bones to my toes are gradually splayed out more than in a non-bunion foot - so I need shoes that minimise that ‘splaying’ effect (not sure if that makes sense !). Would arch support with tongue padding combined do that ? I guess what it does is limit the flexibility of the foot so yes, it should prevent the splaying.
I just looked at the Superfeet website - which ones are you using ? Is it the ‘run pain relief’ ones ?
Ps I just found another ‘recommended’ shoe for bunions: a Saucony Progrid intensity ST2 - but I can only see it available on Amazon and I’m not about the buy shoes on amazon !!
My superfeet are the plain "blue" ones, bought originally for hill walking. I have just looked at the website for the first time for months - I won't know where to start when it comes to getting some especially for running!
The arch support and especially the upper padding have certainly made all the difference to pain for me - I am no longer aware of the bunion. If I have to walk a mile in a pair of "smart" shoes (always flat and sensible though) I really know about it.
Aha - blue appear to be the 'all purpose comfort' ones - or maybe they just updated their colour scheme. Who knows !? But still very useful advice ! Thanks again !
The soles of my Adidas Ultraboost are a bit thicker towards the heel than the Adidas Boost, so maybe that is another reason that they feel so comfortable, apart from being wider at the front.
I have what I think of as a bunion although a chiropodist once called it something else and said "you will have trouble with that by the time you are 30" I was 35 at the time and 28 years later I haven't really had any problems except on my annual holiday in Lanzarote I usually get a blister below it. This has happened in a range of walking boots but not at home. I am guessing it is because my feet get warmer and they are always our longest walks. I usually avert this by taping up with Second Skin adhesive tape as soon as I remember it.
I stopped wearing shoes with heels in my 30's when I realised they hurt my knees and I always choose comfort over fashion.
When I had my gait analysis the guy spent a lot of time helping me. I had insoles made to measure which were great and I bought Adidas Ultraboost. They were the last pair I tried of the selection he brought me, because I liked the other colours better!
But as soon as I put my foot in, I knew they were the right ones for me. No pressure whatsoever on the sides of my feet. They are probably not robust enough for serious long distances or speeds, but then neither am I The soles are made of Continental rubber (like the tyres) and they have lasted really well. Beware though, they squeak when used on tarmac at first! I wondered what the noise was first time it happened.
I have just ordered my 4th pair (one a year) because they feel so comfortable. My justification (apart from wanting new shoes) is that my first pair have been retired from running but I have been wearing them as trainers instead of heavier boots while the weather has been so nice for our lockdown walks and I noticed the sole is finally wearing a bit thin. I don't need to retire my second pair just yet to replace them but I worried that I might not be able to find new ones. It does seem as though they bring out a new model and colours every year so once again I bought last years model, saving about £60.
Hi RunaroundSue ! Thanks for this. So were your insoles made to measure as part of your running-shoe purchase process or you had them done for more general, day to day shoe-wear ? And do you have customised insoles inside your Adidas Ultraboost ? I just looked at Adidas site and there are about 60 versions of Adidas Ultraboost even after i've put in my filters ! Aaagh ! Why so much choice !
Alas, I've never been able to wear heals. One of my bunions stems from being age 10 and deliberately pushed over in the school corridor by a group of boys. The way I fell on my foot means I couldn't walk without limping for about a week, but one day in PE I didn't want to sit it out and suddenly I was able to run around (with some pain) - and everyone thought I'd been putting on my limp ! And I was offered corrective treatment, but I rejected it because it would have meant wearing a brace on my foot for the whole summer and for some reason my parents didn't force me to have the treatment !
They heat up the insoles and you stand on them, changing foot position, then they chill them to set them. £45 I think, worth every penny to me. You take out the original insoles. Otherwise your shoes will be tight
I was encouraged to try them in the running shop, without obligation to buy but I had no hesitation in doing so. I now have three pairs, rather than keep changing them between shoes and boots.
Geoff had some but now prefers the original soles in his shoes. But he has more normal looking feet than me!
I don't think they are as keen to operate on bunions these days because it can make the pain worse. And I don't generally have pain in my feet.
That's brilliant - thanks ! I can see my local RunnersNeed does this (according to the website) - so I'll have to give them a call and see if they're still doing it in times of Covid (you can't catch it from sweaty feet, so I don't see why not !).
Update: new Ultraboost arrived but have to go back because they are too tight across right foot. They are made of a more rigid material than the others, almost like plastic. I knew as soon as I put my foot in.
Oh that's a shame ! but thanks for letting me know - am making a note of all these different shoes people say they are using (or not). It's typical isn't it - you find something that suits you and then they go an 'improve' the design !
I have replied below to tell you about my running shoes, but which walking boots do you have?
Mine are Scarpa - the most expensive pair (but not the best in terms of comfort)I have ever had and they are quite heavy.
The most comfortable boots I have ever had were Hi-Tec, relatively cheap from Go Outdoors. I have had three pairs I think but last time I tried to buy new ones they had obviously changed the model because they were too narrow.
I am now in Merrell boots, and very happy with them. The previous ones (which were my most expensive ever) were HanWag, and they, too were comfortable, but that was before my bunion became obvious so I don't know whether they would be right for that or not.
Excellent! My update - I got brave and ordered a pair of trail shoes online from Merrell, half expecting to need to send them back, as I have never bought shoes without trying them before. I am very pleased with them, and running in comfort.
Hi Jell6 - can I ask why you wear rockers, or how you find them different ? what do you like about them (apart from being ugly !! - i mean in terms of the running experience !).
On about consolidation run 5, I started to get severe pain in my left knee. I was on the IC for about 8 weeks.
Sports physio, gait analysis and video showed that I over pronate weirdly on my left leg ( imagine Phoebe from friends running, but just the left leg 🙄😅). The physio had a pair of rocker trainers from her own injury , so I ran in those, and it was a bit better.
I tried a selection of trainers from a running shop and the Hokas really managed to control my placement on landing.
They are lightweight, comfortable and 2 years later the knee is quite happy 🤞
I am on my second pair of Hoka Arahi trainers, and have another pair in the loft that I got in a sale waiting patiently ...
Phoebe from friends made me laugh !! (what, the arms too ?!). Anyway - i think what this is telling me is that i really need proper gait analysis. I have no idea if i am 'neutral' or 'pronate' or whatever the other extreme is ! And i think my bunion gives a different context to whether i'm just high arched or low arched (i reckon i'm neither high nor low - not sure whether that's 'normal' !). Might need a trip to Runners Need !
Definitely take the Ons back and get a refund. Not all stores sell Hoka.
I run in Hoka Cliftons. They do a wide version which I have. They are wonderful to run in and don't feel in the least bit bulky to run in. They feel light and bouncy and, in comparison, Brooks Adrenaline felt flat and 'dead'. Not everyone likes Hokas, but a lot of people love them! I suggest you find a retailer and physically try them (although I have a feeling you can send back within 30 days if you buy direct from Hoka online, even if worn).
I have no idea whether or not they are good for you or for bunions, but do not be put off on looks alone.
Hi! I have some of these issues too. I would definitely get a gait analysis and if you can afford it, a visit to a physio might also help. I'm not medically trained but your foot pain sounds like it could be plantar fascitis. I have this at the moment (pain in exactly the same places) and the physio I see (who is also a runner) said it can occur from increasing distance. She also spotted that my big toes are beginning to curve over in tell-tale bunion fashion (I'm trying toe straighteners which seem to be slowly working 🤞).
There are exercises you can do to alleviate the pain - calf stretches, heel drops over a step, rolling your foot over a plastic bottle whilst watching TV etc. You can also buy compression socks which help with pf and give some support - not sure if your bunion will like them though?
I pronate quite badly and have high arches so I need the support inside. I have got custom made orthotic insoles but mainly wear them in boots as I wasn't keen on the idea of buying a neutral trainer & replacing the insole with the orthotics.
I started running in my son's old Nikes 🤣 then had some Brooks and have now gone for Hokas which I find very comfortable. I have the Challenger AT4 so I can swap between track/trail & concrete. They have a roomy toe box and I only need half a size bigger. I'm considering getting a different pair of Hokas now as these are getting old & I'd like a pair to help me through the winter on concrete.
I hope this helps. I have found Up & Running particularly good for advice. They are keen that to get the right shoe and you can bring them back if they're not right.
It sounds like you're doing well with your running. Hope you get these niggles sorted and can get on with some comfy running! 🙂
Wow thank you that’s really helpful. I’m building up a good list of potential good shoes now !! I can try the exercises and I’ll look up the plantar fasciitis - I’d seen it written about but I assumed I fitted into the ‘bunion’ category but I suppose the bunion could be an exacerbating factor and indeed it could be plantar fascitis. Thanks !!
I have a bunion on my right foot. I went to a specialist running shop and got fitted with the Mizuno wave equate 3. I now have version 4. I don't have any problems from the bunion when running and I haven't sought medical advice.
Running shoes should be a size above your normal shoes. i.e. if you normally wear size 8 shoes, running shoes should be size 9. I learned this 3 years from an American running book and haven`t had any blisters or corns since. It may help with bunions. Make sure the running shoes lace up tight. Good luck.
I’m 69 and have two bunions - one worse than the other and quite bad pronation now (hereditary). I completed the C25K over a year ago with no problems. I run in Hoka One One Challenger ATR 2 but they are quite old now. Then last Winter I developed pain in my least-worse bunion joint which kept locking and was painful if I put pressure on it, so I stopped running but continued with Zumba Gold, walking and swimming. I don’t know if it was the running or not that caused my problem. The toe is about 95% better. I must say Voltarol 2.32% gel helped. Anyway, I did my first 40 mins run/walk (mainly run) 3 days ago and no after effects with the foot - just slightly sore legs - even if I did stretch afterwards.
I have found my Hoka trainers to be very comfortable. Although they are trail shoes I live by the sea so mainly run on the grass Clifftop. I shall probably get a similar pair again (one size up) as I have found them to be comfortable.
Sorry you had to stop running for a while !! Hope you get to enjoy it now you've started again - the idea of running on a grass hilltop sounds idyllic - i'm in London, but at least we have a great park close by! Thanks for the advice - i'm starting to like the sound of the Hoka shoes, from the number of responses to my post, I really must try some. Thanks again !
Hiking boots. I found a pair of Crane boots (Aldi) in the charity shop I volunteer for. £3.
Hardly worn by the look of them. They claim to be a size 7 but are more like a 6. With a pair of leather insoles from Decathlon £6.99 they are really comfortable and much lighter than my Scarpa's, although those have been much improved by a pair of Aldi/Crane sports insoles.
Running shoes. While in Decathlon I thought I would try some on. A pair of Kipsports £59.99 are really comfortable, quite similar to my Ultraboosts, maybe slightly heavier but good grip.
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The soles are made of Continental rubber (like the tyres) and they have lasted really well. Beware though, they squeak when used on tarmac at first! I wondered what the noise was first time it happened. 
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