8 Best Running Shoes for Haglund’s Deformity in 2024
The right shoes are very important for running, but finding them can be a difficult task if you’re dealing with a medical condition. That’s why we’ll be focusing on the best running shoes for Haglund’s deformity – to let you know how you can make your running experience comfortable and painless.
In a HURRY? Skip to Our Pick
This Men’s Running Shoe New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12, is expertly crafted for the perfect blend of comfort and performance. Featuring Fresh Foam technology, it provides a responsive and cushioned ride, making it the ideal choice for runners seeking both style and substance.
Not all feet are the same, and we shouldn’t treat them as such. Haglund’s deformity needs special shoe features, like generous cushioning, precise arch support, and materials that won’t be irritating. A wrong choice could lead to painful sensations and even worsen your condition.
Additionally, the ideal running shoes need to absorb the shock with each step you take instead of transmitting it to your feet.
It may sound like you need to pay attention to way too many factors and finding the right shoes is close to impossible. Lucky for you, that’s not the case at all! There are 8 excellent pairs of running shoes, and all of them will work for Haglund’s deformity.
Let’s jump right in!
Top 8 Best Running Shoes For Haglund’s Deformity Reviewed
- New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe – Best Overall
- Nike Invincible 3
- Hoka Mach 5
- Brooks Glycerin 20
- Saucony Triumph 21
- Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2
- Adidas Men’s Response Super 3.0
- Asics Men’s Gel-kayano
To zero in on the best pair of running shoes for Haglund’s deformity, our team of pro runners, athletes, and trainers tested 19 pairs of shoes. They ranked them based on 7 critical features (comfort and fit, breathability, material, flexibility, cushioning, support and stability, and value for money) and also took stock of the online word-of-mouth. In the end, only 8 pairs of shoes had what it takes. We’ve invested 31 hours into this, so you’re bound to find something stellar. We’d love to see your tips, recommendations, and opinions in the comments section!
| Products | Expert score | Comfort and Fit | Breathability | Material | Flexibility | Cushioning | Support and stability | Value for money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Nike Invincible 3 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Hoka Mach 3 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Brooks Glycerin 20 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Saucony Triumph 21 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Brooks Addiction Walker 2 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Adidas Response Super 3.0 | 4.4 | 4. | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Asics Gel-Kayano | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
Best Overall
Running Shoe Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Men’s New Balance
If your closet is overrun by running shoes and you want to declutter it and have just one pair – this is what you want. They’re not 100% perfect, of course, but as far as running shoes go, these are by far the best running shoes for Haglund’s deformity you can find currently.
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The Fresh Foam X midsole is a lot more than just a fancy name – it really works! The cushioning on these shoes is exactly what you want, especially if you’re dealing with Haglund’s deformity. It significantly reduces the impact on heel area and minimizes the irritation to the Haglund’s bump. Another great thing is that New Balance cares about sustainability and the midsole contains 3% bio-based content derived from renewable sources. Good for you, New Balance!
The design is impressive, and you can tell they put a lot of thought and effort into it. The Hypoknit the upper is made of is amazing at being stretchy where it needs to be and supportive just where you want it. It doesn’t put pressure on any sensitive areas, but it’s still supportive.
The transitions are super smooth because of the extra foam in the wide areas, while the narrower points have increased flexibility. When you put these features together, you get running shoes that support the natural movement of your feet while being comfortable. There’s no pain and each step is gentle on the heel.
Your feet will be very happy in these shoes, and they’re definitely the best men’s shoes for Haglund’s deformity. Your wallet, however, may have a different opinion. They are pretty pricey, and not everyone wants to spend a lot on a pair of running shoes. Nevertheless, they’re definitely worth it!
- Material: Rubber sole, rubber outsole, foam midsole, Hypoknit upper
- Cushioning: Foam X
- Wide toe-boxes: Available
- Heel drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Size: 4-20
- Price/Quality: Pricey
- Recommended by athletes: - Luigi Babusci, Kartiko Yuwono - Prijosoesilo
Pros:
- Made with sustainability in mind
- Generous cushioning
- Supports the feet’s natural movement
- Stretchy upper
Cons:
- Pricey
- They get very hot after you’ve been running in them for a while
2. Nike Invincible 3
Who doesn’t know about Nike and their sneakers? Nike makes some of the most iconic footwear in the world; naturally, they have a pair of sneakers that will work for someone with Haglund’s deformity.
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These shoes are a blend of comfort, support, cushioning, and responsiveness. They have a rubber sole for good traction, while the cushioning is next level and makes running as comfortable as possible. It significantly softens the impact and gives a very plush feeling. These shoes also support your natural stride because of the high support technology.
The cushioning is shaped like a rocker and placed intentionally to not only cradle your feet but also protect them from the effects of pronation. This means that you’re free to just focus on your run and don’t have to worry about potential discomfort or injuries. The unique rocker-shaped cushioning supports the natural stride while minimizing pressure on the heel, so they’re excellent if you’re dealing with Haglund’s deformity.
Nike’s ZoomX foam is very responsive and lightweight, so whether you want to run a little faster or with less effort, these shoes will deliver that extra boost to make every stride feel more dynamic and effortless. It distributes the impact away from the heel and reduces stress on the deformity.
The fit is another good aspect of these shoes. They run true to size, and the Flyknit upper makes them breathable. It would be great if the upper was a bit more substantial, because it feels a bit thin, which can be an issue when it comes to durability.
The heel clip is smaller and repositioned for a more precise fit, so your feet will be snug and secure, and the wide midsole gives a lot of stability. The foam stacks are tall and add a lot comfort-wise.
In short, these shoes are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make running as comfortable as possible.
- Material: Flyknit upper, rubber sole
- Cushioning: Maximum cushioning
- Wide toe-boxes: No
- Stability: High support technology
- Heel drop: 9 mm
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Size: True to size
- Price/Quality: Expensive
- Recommended by athletes: Antonella Cottone, Matty Kruns
Pros:
- Very responsive ZoomX foam
- Cushioning that protects from the effects of pronation
- Smaller heel clip for a more precise fit
Cons:
- The motif in the soles attracts pebbles and debris
- The fabric on the upper is on the thinner side
3. Hoka Mach 5
The Mach 5 is all about speed and comfort. They’re designed for those who want to push the pace and experience an energetic bounce with every stride.
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The mesh upper is breathable and has synthetic overlays, so it’s very comfortable and adapts to the contours of your foot. There’s no need for breaking them in, these Hoka sneakers are comfortable right out of the box. The redesigned creel mesh upper keeps the shoes from being heavy, which is exactly what you want if speed is your priority — you don’t want your shoes to weigh you down.
But what’s even better than the upper is the Profly+ foam midsole that has a stacked design and provides a snappier ride. These shoes were made for neutral runners that want the most comfort, whether on race day or on their daily runs. If you’re a Hoka fan already, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much lighter and more responsive these shoes feel.
The heel collar has been updated and is now more secure. This is important if you’re trying to push your limits, because you’ll need your feet to stay securely in place. Another great thing that comes from the secure heel collar and snug fit is that the heel bump won’t get aggravated because your foot can’t move around unnecessarily.
Although they fit true to size, they’re a little bit narrow in the midsection and there’s no wide option to choose, so if you don’t like your shoes to fit a little bit tight, these are probably not for you. You could size up, but then you risk them being too big. Overall, either you’ll accept your feet being really snug in these or you’ll have to look elsewhere, but keep in mind that the general design makes these a great option for those who are trying to manage Haglund’s deformity.
- Material: Mesh upper, EVA midsole, rubber soles
- Cushioning: Foam-padded insole
- Wide toe-boxes: No
- Stability: Full-length EVA midsole for shock absorption and stability
- Heel drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
- Size: True to size
- Price/Quality: Good value for money
- Recommended by athletes: Drew Whitcomb, Michal Ištvánek, Johan Toriniere
Pros:
- Good for people who prioritize speed
- Updated heel collar keeps the feet in place
- Profly+ foam midsole gives a soft, bouncy feel
Cons:
- Tight midsection
- Not good for people who don’t like an elevated feel
4. Brooks Glycerin 20
The Glycerin 20 is 100% synthetic and have been redesigned to have the outsole and midsole work in harmony to provide a widened platform for smoother and easier transitions during running.
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At first sight (and wear), the upper is phenomenal: plush, breathable, with a secure fit and soft feeling. The textile lining insole is comfortable and smooth and makes your feet feel great. However, the upper is just not durable enough, and a lot of people complain about the mesh on the toe box breaking open after a few months. Since these are on the pricier side, it’s not very practical to have to replace them a few times a year.
The great thing about the Glycerin 20 is that it has a lace-up closure that can be tailored perfectly to how wide or narrow your feet are, and the padded tongue and collar add a lot comfort-wise. Besides, the shoes are available in wide and narrow versions for an even better fit. The plush upper and tailored lace-up closure allow you to adjust the shoes to be comfortable and adjustable in case there’s any swelling or sensitivity in the heel area.
The best thing about these shoes is their support. It’s achieved through a nitrogen infusion process that finely tunes the softness with careful precision and without making the shoes heavy or non-responsive. There’s also a lot of colors to choose from, so you can always match your shoes to your outfit and make those OOTD Instagram photos perfect.
- Material: 100% synthetic
- Cushioning: DNA Loft v2
- Wide toe-boxes: Available
- Stability: Available in Support or Neutral option
- Heel drop: 10mm
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Size: true to size
- Price/Quality: expensive
- Recommended by athletes: Eva Llinàs, Lianne van der Linden
Pros:
- Innovative design for better support
- Available in Narrow and Wide options
- Lots of colors available
Cons:
- The mesh upper is not durable enough
- Pricey, especially since they don’t last for too long
5. Saucony Triumph 21
Saucony is known to be dedicated to performance and innovation, so you can always expect their shoes to have interesting features. The best thing about them is that these features are not gimmicks — they are functional and serve a purpose.
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The PWRRUN+ cushioning is a dream come true. It’s in the midsole as well as the sockliner and gives a wonderful, soft, and fluffy feel. Each step in these shoes feels like a million bucks and you’ll have a really hard time finding cushioning that can beat this. Soft cushioning is one of the most important features to look for in shoes if you’re dealing with Haglund’s deformity because you want to minimize the impact on your heels as much as possible.
They have a new flat-knit upper that looks amazing but is also highly functional: it has a redesigned lacing system that makes the sneakers more comfortable and provides security. To add even more to the overall comfort, there’s the soft collar, new laces, and padded tongue.
Something a lot of people will be excited about is that these shoes are not only vegan but also eco-friendly and contain recycled materials. More and more brands are turning to vegan shoes and recycled materials, and that’s fantastic to see.
The outsole could use some reinforcement because it damages easily if you’re running on rough or uneven terrain. If you decide to get these shoes, keep in mind that it’s best to use them on a treadmill or concrete.
- Material: Synthetic upper, rubber sole
- Cushioning: PWRRUN+ cushioning
- Wide toe-boxes: Available
- Stability: Neutral
- Heel drop: 10mm
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
- Size: True to size
- Price/Quality: Good value for money
- Recommended by athletes: David Vandervliet, Nash Tantivit
Pros:
- Softest, most comfortable cushioning
- Redesigned lacing system makes the shoes more comfortable and secure
- Vegan
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Outsole is not very durable
- Laces are too long and need to be tucked in
6. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2
Addiction Walker 2 Brooks Men’s
The Addiction Walker 2 is for people that need the highest amount of support possible. These shoes are sleek, insanely durable, and leather-made. They come at a reasonable price for so many premium qualities.
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