I have bunion and overpronation. do sneakers have toohigh heels, as they are generally higher off the ground than regular shoes?

Bunion and Pronation: Definitely sneakers have a higher heel than regular shoes shifting the weight onto the bunion easier. However, sneakers in general limit the overpronation better than regular shoes which is very helpful for bunions. When you walk with any shoe, feel how your weight goes through the bunion area on each foot. You want to feel that your weight is centered without an overload to the big toe area.

Thicker soles: Sneakers, as you put it, have a thicker sole than regular shoes. However, the heel area is not that much higher than the forefoot. It is a little, but that helps relax the achilles tendon. They usually have a removal insole, so it can be replaced by a custom made orthotic. This is what would be helpful for your bunion and excessive pronation.

Over pronation: The heels usually are approximately the same height as the forefoot. For over pronation and bunions make sure the size is correct (1/2 larger than dress shoes), the toe box is wide enough and that you have a motion control type tennis shoe. Semi-firm or firm orthotics can also help. Shoe types can be viewed on runner's world web site or roadrunners.Com.