Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:09 am
Bow legs are common in children but the condition often corrects itself through aging. This may not always be the case though, and bow legs can be a permanent reality for some.
This doesn’t mean you are destined for a life of inactivity, and running is definitely still on the list of things you can do. But you might be more susceptible to injuries than most people. Good running shoes can help avoid this, and in this post, we focus specifically on the best running shoes for bow legged runners.
What Makes a Great Running Shoe for Those With Bow Legs?
A good running shoe should obviously be well made and durable; this is the least you should expect from a shoe. However, some shoes have attributes that will help runners with bow legs more than others. Here are the attributes we look for in shoes that might work well for bow legged runners:
- Stability or support: Minimalist or Barefoot running shoes are not going to be a friend to a bow legged runner. You are going to need as much arch support and help in general as possible. For example it possible to have bow legs and flat feet, but it isn’t common. So you really do need to consider what support you need. More support isn’t always better, but the right support can be crucial. Know your foot type, and what shoes can help create a comfortable run.
- Quality Mid-Soles: This is where a lot of the fancy technology is hidden. With the aim of making your foot act in as natural a way as possible. It also is what determines what is called the “ride”. You are looking for thick and soft cushioning, to really help your body deal with your misalignments, but you don’t want to lose energy by having too soft of a mid-sole.
- Good for supination / under-pronation: Your feet will likely be hitting the ground on the outside of the foot and push off from the outside of your foot too. Generally, the process goes like this – you land naturally on the outside of your foot, then the foot rolls across the balls of your feet, and you push off from you big toe and forefoot. Supination is often linked with joint pain injuries in the back, hip, ankles and knees. It also can lead to the dreaded Plantar Fasciitis, the bane of a lot of runners who do high weekly mileage. So we need a shoe that is designed to help with supination.
- Comfort: A good amount of general cushioning is going to be ideal. Having bow legs can put a lot of strain on your knees and ankles and reducing impact each stride is HUGE to try and combat this. An ideal shoe is going to take the impact the foot feels on the ground and distribute the force. This will lessen the impact on your body. Good comfort and wide foot prints are what you should look for to achieve this.
Our Favorite Bow Legged Running Shoes Are...
So let’s get into the fun stuff… finding a pair of shoes that give you confidence and comfort. All of the shoes on our list intend to provide great shoe stability, mid-sole composition, and more. And while all the shoes on our list are great options, we felt these three deserved special mention as our favorites:
Best all around: Brooks Glycerin 19 Men’s Shoe or Women’s Version
Second Favorite: Saucony Triumph Men’s Shoe or Women’s Version
Underated Option: Brooks Ghost 14 Men’s or Women’s Version
While the three types of shoes above are great I would highly encourage you to check out the comparison table below that shows all the shoes that made our list.
We all love running, and everyone should be able to run if they want to. So we would love to think we have helped you get on the roads and trails with one of these shoes.
Comparison Table of the Best Running Shoes for Bow Legged Runners
To help you narrow down the shoes on our list, we have provided a comparison table so you can see them side by side. Click on any of the pictures or shoe names to check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon.
The table above does a great job of giving a visual of each shoe. If you have the time to scroll through the rest of this post, we provide a TON more detail on each of the shoes that made our list.
1. Brooks Glycerin 19
The Glycerin 19 is all about the ride. With a huge focus on their DNA Loft midsole technology. In their words this provides “Extended cushion. Extra comfort.” Sounds lovely doesn’t it, like running on clouds.
All About The Cushioning
Huge time and money has gone into making this a hugely comfortable shoe. This is the most DNA Loft that has been put into any of the Glycerin range. However, there is no loss of spring. If the extra cushioning resulted in you losing a bit of spring, it would mean you would have to put more effort in for the same reward. Which isn’t cool.
Stack Height
With a nice 10mm drop, 21mm at the front and 31mm at the heel. You are getting a lot of protection for your money. This will help you lower the impact of your gait, on your joints. Meaning you can go longer, further and faster without discomfort.
Smooth Running
They have included a transition zone, which allows you to absorb the impact of every stride, and lets that energy flow through the shoe naturally. Whether that is from heel to toe, or the outside of the foot to the inside of your foot for a bow legged runner.
Brooks Glycerin 19 Pros and Cons
Brooks Glycerin 19 PROS
- High level of cushioning
- Inner sock liner for extra comfort
- No loss of speed
Brooks Glycerin 19 CONS
- Not for those who like ground feel
- A little heavy
Who This Shoe is Great for Runners with Bow Legs?
As we have discussed, being bow legged will put strain on certain parts of your body. Your body will naturally make adjustments, to help with your miss alignments. But you do need to help yourself out too, by buying a good shoe.
And the Brooks Glycernin 19 is an excellent shoe, suitable for nearly all running styles. The extra padding will provide you with maximum comfort on your runs, and can minimize injuries from supination.
While getting flexibility and stability just right these shoes still allow you to move fast. All that cushioning does not mean a loss of speed. Go try them out and see. You will love them, you will love running in them, and you will love running in them time after time. Men’s Brooks Glycerin 19 or the Women’s Brooks Glycerin 19.
2. Saucony Triump 17
These shoes are great if you want to go on long runs while reducing the wear and tear on your legs. Reducing the abuse on your legs will help boost recovery which might get you back on the road sooner. For this reason, you can really stack up the mileage. The Saucony Triump 17 is their most cushioned shoe to date.
Absorbs a TON of Shock
The PWRRUN+ foam in these shoes are excellent. It absorbs all the impact from the constant pounding, and distribute it around the shoe. This saves your legs, and stops your feet becoming sore. Meaning you can stay out longer and recover quicker.
Cushioning with "Spring"
The shoe takes cushioning to the next level, but they have also maintained the flexibility to spring right back up after impact. So, no loss of power. By maintaining your power, you maintain your efficiency. So running in these seems almost effortless.
FORMFIT Technology Locks Your Feet In
They have the softness, they have the spring, and they have the FORMFIT. This locks the foot in place, provides you with the stability you need, but maintains the flexibility needed for true all round comfort. And the more comfort you feel, the longer you can run.
Pros and Cons of the Saucony Triump 17
Saucony Triumph 17 PROS
- High mileage capacity
- High stack height
- Extremely comfortable “foot hugging”
Saucony Triumph 17 CONS
- Distance over speed
- A little bulky for some tastes
What Makes This Shoe an Ideal Option?
It is easy for some with bow legs to think running is out of the question. Maybe running caused moderate pain, or soreness, which disheartened you. While everyone has a different situation, and there is no silver bullet, this shoe is designed in a way where if any can help mitigate discomfort, it could be this one.
The approach Saucony took with this shoe is to design a shoe comfortable and cushioned enough to keep you on the road longer. Running is meant to be fun, and you can only have fun if running is comfortable and pain free.
While quality shoes can’t fix all problems, this shoe is designed in a way to make comfortable running more likely. You can check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: Saucony Men’s Triumph 17 or Women’s Triumph 17.
3. Brooks Ghost 14
This shoe is great for those who need a fair amount of cushioning but think the max cushioning shoes are too clunky, bulky, and maybe even too weird looking… I am looking at you Hoka (haha). All kidding aside, these shoes supply ample support without losing feel of the road.
Two Types of Cushioning Foam
Why have one type of cushioning foam when you can have two, right?! The Ghost 14 has 2 types of foam to provide you with an excellent level of cushioning for the stack height.
One type of foam used is called DNA Loft; it is all about the soft landings. The second type of foam used is called BioMoGo DNA, which adds cushioning but with a greater emphasis on durability and responsiveness.
Wider Footprint - Disperses Landing Pressure
This is an excellent shoe for bow legged runners who under pronate.
The wide foot print allows you to land on the outside of the foot, and will quickly spread that load around the wide surface area.
The shoe also comes with a heel crash pad which takes that initial force from the heel strike, spreads it around the shoe and allows a smooth transition towards take off. For this reason, the Brooks Ghost 14 should be considered very suitable for heel strikers.
Solid Scores on Various Fronts
Cushioning, but not too much cushioning. Stability and flexibility. Air mesh uppers that provide comfort and breath-ability. This is the shoe that you can just throw on, get out of the house, and just enjoy the art of running without worrying about splits and mileage.
Brooks Ghost 14 Pros and Cons
Brooks Ghost 14 PROS
- Two types of supportive foam
- Comfort focused design
- Great for long distances
Brooks Ghost 14 CONS
- Not ideal for short fast runs or quick tempo runs
Who This Shoe Might Be Perfect For?
While this shoe isn’t likely suitable for elite runners training for the Olympic trials, it is an excellent all-rounder for the everyday person.
The Brooks Ghost 14 is a very popular shoe primarily because they tick so many boxes for so many runners. This is one of the reasons they are a good option for bow legged runners.
So, if you are running just for fun, general health and fitness, and you love those Sunday long-distance slow runs, then these might just be perfect for you. If this sounds like a shoe that would work for you, check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 or Brooks Women’s Ghost 14.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10
These shoes along with most New Balance shoes are excellent for runners with supination. This should make them a candidate for runners with bowed legs. Below we go through some of the main attributes that make them appealing.
Next Level Cushioning (Specifically in the Heel)
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 is designed to offer the runner premium comfort to any standard road run.
The foam is softer at the heel, giving you a lot of shock absorption for your buck, and the foam also contains laser perforations (probably patented by a James Bond villain I would guess). This means they are lighter and less bulky than they look.
Firmer Forefoot
With a nice soft heel, these shoes cleverly make the shoe firmer toward the front. This allows for greater stability, and a firmer take off with less loss of energy per stride. This means you can run faster, with less shoe caused fatigue.
Breathable Uppers
The knit on these uppers give a comfortable fit for any shaped foot. It is soft and stretchy, but also seems to hug the forefoot and mid-foot during the run.
When you factor in that you can buy these shoes in various widths, it becomes even more likely that a comfortable run will be possible. In this sense, these shoes are truly well adapted for most types of runners, and most body types.
PROs and CONs of The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10
Fresh Foam 1080 V10 PROS
- Next Level Cushioning
- Quality Spring / Propulsion
- Various Widths Available
Fresh Foam 1080 V10 CONS
- Not the best in wet conditions
Why Bow Legged Runners Turn to This Shoe?
This is an excellent shoe for any runner focused on improving their times, and seeking new PRs; primarily for 10k races or beyond. Reason being, you can really crank the miles out in these, on a daily basis. Training for your first marathon maybe? The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 would be hard to beat.
Any runner, especially a bow legged runner, needs a comfortable shoe to ensure a comfortable run. But that doesn’t mean you have to run around with pillows strapped to your feet. You want to feel like you are improving and achieving whatever goals you set yourself. These shoes offer a good balance of extreme cushioning, but tailor that cushioning so not too much speed is lost.
The more responsive and firmer forefoot, coupled with a good training plan, could make achieving your goal (and injury free) more possible. You can check out more pictures, specifications, and current pricing on Amazon here: New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 1080 v10 or New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 v10.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam More V3
These shoes are for those who want less of a height drop than most shoes, and a more natural foot position BUT with all the cushioning and ride technologies you would expect.
This Shoe Has Unbelievable Cushioning
With a 4mm drop, with a 29mm toe and 33mm heel cushion, you may not even realize you are running on ground, The More is New Balances most cushioned shoe.
They have the same perforated Fresh Foam as the 1080 v10’s, but they also have an additional outer layer of unperforated Fresh Foam. This means two layers of foam, which translates into more comfort and less chance of impact injuries.
Curved Toe-Box Provides Forward Roll
Visually, you can just tell there is a lot of cushion, but they don’t want it to feel like you are running in quicksand. So the foam is firmer and stiffer than you might expect.
With the curved toe box is designed to work with the firm foam to help roll you into a powerful stride. These shoes work to help your gait, not hinder it.
So, while they take the edge off the impact, they do not take the edge off your pace. Meaning you can get out on those long runs at a good pace, and do so with confidence.
Surprisingly Lightweight
For a maximal running shoe, they are actually pretty light. They do this by using foam for their ground contact outer rather than the traditional rubber many other shoes use. This reduces the weight, but is actually designed to provide more grip.
So you will get a confident and stable landing and takeoff. Rubber is a bit harder wearing, so you may get a few less miles on the clock with these shoes, but the trade-off is potentially a more comfortable run.
PROs and CONs of The New Balance Fresh Foam More V3
Fresh Foam More V3 PROS
- High stack height for lots of cushion
- Good grip in dry conditions
- Wide toebox
- Absorbs Shock
Fresh Foam More V3 CONS
- Might be too much foam for some
- Not great for timed speed runs
What Makes This Shoe a Solid Option for Bow Legged Runners?
This shoe is designed to give you the confidence to go on regular long distance runs without the wear and tear you might expect.
That said, they aren’t just there to protect you with endless amounts of cushioning, they are there to help you achieve your goals by making that cushioning firmer than you might have expected.
Bow legged runners may need the high level of cushioning the New Balance Fresh Foam More V1 offer you. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t push the pace and see what you can achieve. That is exactly what these shoes are seeking to do. You can get more information, read specifications, and see current pricing on Amazon here: New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam More V3 or the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam More V3.
Footwear is Important for Bow Legged (and all) Runners
Running has a low barrier of entry for most people. This is partially because there are so many things you can do for a relatively small investment. You can relatively quickly advance from the cough to your first 5k, and then to your first Ultra.
Whatever goals you decide to take on, any runner should really take the time to consider their footwear. This is perhaps even more important for a bow legged runner. It doesn’t mean you can’t set lofty goals, it just means you should take care in choosing the right shoe for YOU.
Before picking a pair of shoes, remember some of the most important attributes bow legged runners should look for in a par of shoes:
- Overall stability
- Mid-soles that protect you
- Shoes that help your pronation… which is likely supination
- General comfort
Get a shoe that ticks all the boxes above, then you are at least on the right path.
Improving as a runner is about consistency. You can only be consistent long-term, if you enjoy the runs, you can recover quickly, and you avoid injuries.
Being bow legged isn’t a weight you have to bear, and it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on things. In fact there are quite a few famous bow legged runners you can take inspiration from, like: Bernard Lagat, Casey Moulton, Steve Plasencia, Steve Prefontaine and Zach Bitter.
So get out there and enjoy the roads and trails.
You will not regret it.
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Image Credit: Bonnie Ann Cain-Wood | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size
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