Should you be buying specially made tennis shoes for bunions?
Short answer: YES. Let me explain it to you.
What is Bunions?
Bunions is a feet condition where the bones of the big toe gets misaligned or enlarged, causing the toe to move towards the second toe, and sometimes to overlap or get beneath it. This puts tremendous pressure on the big toe joint, pushing it outward beyond the normal profile of the foot.
Anyone with bunions would know that pain is miserable and cannot be ignored. Tennis players, in particular, cannot afford to ignore bunions. They have to be careful of it before it gets too late. If you keep putting this issue off, it can cause you big time on the match day.
Hence, make sure you get tennis shoes specially made for bunions. There are plenty of them. You will never run out of the options.
What causes Bunions?
Bunions is mostly genetic – most of the people have inherited flat feet or feet that rolls inward or some other issues that leave feet more susceptible to the event of bunions.
It can also be triggered by narrow, tight, pointy shoes or high heels, shoes that put pressure on toes in front of the shoes. High Heels is the reason bunions is more common in women, in fact, 90% of the times bunions is found in women. (Time to ditch those stylish shoes may be and get into something comfortable!)
What to look for in tennis shoes for bunions?
- They should provide enough cushioning to midfoot area to absorb shock that a tennis match demands.
- Shoes should be roomy, have big toe box so that there is space for toe to wiggle and they do not get cramped.
- Shoes for bunions should me made of softer fabric for added comfort.
- Midsole should be able to absorb shock and support lateral movements without putting unnecessary pressure on front part of foot.
Which tennis shoes brands are suitable for bunions?
ADIDAS, NIKE, New Balance, and ASICS are some of the brands suitable for bunions. New Balance Men’s 520 V5 Running Shoe, Nike Men’s Revolution 5 Running Shoe and ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 Running Shoes are few of the bestsellers.
Top 4 recommendations for tennis shoes for bunions
1. adidas Women’s Gamecourt Tennis Shoe
These shoes give a glove-like fit to your feet. It has a soft breathable mesh that literally hugs your feet, as you play on the tennis courts. adidas Women’s Gamecourt Tennis Shoe have TPU reinforcements on the outsole for support.
The shoe’s Cloudfoam midsole gives long-lasting comfort on and off the court. It has got superior cushioning, toe-guard that gives adequate protection for bunions. This one is durable and give firm grip on tennis court. Highly recommended.
2. Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
Nike Air Monarch IV is the shoe of choice when you are looking for tennis shoe for bunions or for gym or simply for daily wear. It will meet all your needs. These shoes have upper body made of leather that means extra strength and durability. Upper body is adequately perforated for optimized air circulation.
Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV provides comfort all day with their comfortable sole and cushioned heel. It makes a perfect tennis shoe because of a solid rubber outsole that gives traction on all types of court surface.
3. ASICS Gel Resolution 6 Women’s Tennis Shoes
You will not find a shoe better than this one for someone suffering from bunions or other issues like Plantar Fasciitis. ASICS shoe comes with P-Guard toe protector that protects forefoot from injuries and chafing.
Midsole has got great cushioning and stability. The Flexion Fit upper provides comfort and support to the T.
Its design absorbs shock and provide comfort & stability when on the court. Get this one without thinking anymore.
4. Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker
Skechers is a well known brand and preferred for variety of sports. Skechers Men’s Afterburn is one of the popular tennis shoe for bunions. The perforated, synthetic-mesh fabric of the shoe provides improved air circulation within the shoe.
Inner walls of the shoe are lined with smooth fabric that prevents outer surface from rubbing against the toe. Soft memory insoles take really good care of bunions. These shoes are really easy to take on and off, thanks to its padded collar and tongue.
What do podiatrists recommend for bunions?
Podiatrists recommend open toed shoes for bunions – like sandals so that there is enough room for front foot. But sandals cannot be used to play tennis or any other sport. Hence wear brands like adidas, ASICS, Nike that would not cause any more damage to bunions.
Can shoes treat bunions?
No, shoes cannot treat bunions. But right shoe reduces the pain caused by bunions. It gives you room to practice your favorite sport without making it worse. Buy shoes with wide toe box, made of soft material, and reduce pressure on toes.
