8 Best Wide Foot Running Shoes – 2023 Buying Guide
The good news is that having wide feet shouldn't prevent you from finding the perfect running shoe anymore. Most major shoe brands now cater to wide and narrow foot sizes and with our buying guide below, you won't have any trouble finding the best running shoe for wide feet.
Take a peek at our top picks and select an option to test on your next run.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important things we take into account when researching the value of a shoe, especially when it comes to the best running shoes for wide feet.
When you have a wide-set foot, it can be a pain (literally) trying to find mainstream or quality shoes that will be a good fit. So we looked for wide toe box running shoes, or that had good flexibility and room to let your foot splay naturally.
We also looked for designs that were comfortable in other ways, like well-ventilated mesh uppers or cushioned midsoles. It won’t matter how high-performance your wide running shoes are if they don’t fit comfortably, so this was our top priority while conducting our search.
Aside from the toe box width, when looking for comfort we also took a look at how securely the shoe fits the runner and how it adjusts to your every movement. Some of the shoes provide more cushion and support than others--so if you know you need a well-cushioned shoe make sure to look out for that feature.
Stability
Stability encompasses all of the aspects of the shoe that will give you traction and help prevent trips, slips, and falls while you’re running.
Extra lugs, solid support beams and rock plates, and good cushioning can all provide stability. Be aware of what will suit your needs best. You’ll need to take into consideration the type of terrain and weather you normally encounter when you run to get a shoe that fits your lifestyle.
We looked for standard running shoe features that offer stability for a variety of circumstances and extra support for wide feet, like good treads and solid construction that doesn’t cause your foot to roll one way or the other.
Stability is especially important if you are an overpronator, suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, or if you have weaker ankles that make your feet roll out a lot.
While additional stability features may add more weight to your shoe, don't worry when looking through our list because we made sure to find shoes with the perfect balance of stability without sacrificing much when it comes to responsiveness or adding too much weight to the shoe.
Durability
If you’re investing your hard-earned money in a running shoe, you want it to keep up with you and last more than just a few months.
We looked for shoes that had good construction and good materials that would make them more durable, as well as real user reviews that could testify to the overall durability of the shoe.
When narrowing down your options, make sure that you are also sticking to shoes that can handle your needs. This means that you need to consider how far you plan on running with them, how many miles you want them to last for, and what kind of terrain you will be using them on.
A pair of road running shoes can be incredibly durable and long lasting, but if you decide to take them out on technical terrain and on your favorite trails, then you will find that they will probably fall apart much faster than the manufacturer advertised.
It is really important that you use the shoes for what they were designed to be used for if you want to make sure you get the most life out of your shoes.
Fit
What's the biggest issue a runner with wide feet faces on a daily basis? The fit of their shoes!
The single most important aspect that all of these shoes are required to accommodate is a proper fit. For too long, runners with wider than average feet have been forced to purchase a half or full size larger than their true shoe size in order to find a pair that will allow their little piggies to breathe.
All of the products listed in this buying guide were chosen based on their ability to provide this important design aspect to runners and provide the fit of their dreams.
For some, finding an overall fit can be a challenge, as one size really doesn't fit all when it comes to shoes. For example, if you have feet that are wider in the forefoot and toes than in the rear and heel, a shoe with a wider build from front to back might not work as well. You might find a lot of room in the heel to slide around. So finding a model with the right fit in both the fore and rearfoot, is where it starts to become more relative to your own specific feet.
No matter if you're on the lookout for the best running shoes for women with wide feet or for men, be sure to get the right fit.
Flexibility
In order for any pair of running shoes to feel comfortable while also offering the necessary protections for the wearer, they need to strike a perfect balance between flexibility and stability.
A shoe that feels overly stable without providing any give will limit the wearer's ability to run at their fullest potential, as will a pair of shoes with the opposite problem.
All of the shoes listed here have been evaluated based on their ability to provide a comfortable amount of 'give' to the wearer. It isn't so much that they will completely lose control, but it is enough to prevent the feeling of being stuck in wooden clogs!
Since the shoes on our list are not overly flexible, very few of them will give you that barefoot feel--but some of them do allow more for your natural stride. This will actually help prevent some symptoms from flaring up in some runners, depending on the type of feet that you have.
If you need additional stability and support features, you might find that the shoe may be a little more rigid--but that is only because it is giving you the support and stability that you may need.
If you are a neutral runner you can afford to use the more flexible shoes since you don't have to worry about correcting any pronation issues.
Full List of Running Shoes For Wide Feet
1. ALTRA Olympus 4
Best trail option
If you really struggle with finding footwear that fits your entire foot (not just the toe box), we suggest that you keep reading! Many designs out there claim to be wide, but often just widen the toe box and call it a day. The Olympus 4 trail runner has a wide frame from the toes all the way to the ankles. Plus, it is packed with stability features that allow you to really clear some ground with minimal pain and strain.
Read moreThis design from Altra is made to travel off of the sidewalks and onto the trails. It boasts deep grooves in the tacky rubber outsole to really grip the path ahead of you. We also love that it provides runners with excellent lockdown from the laces to help you keep your footing.
Runners also really appreciate the stiff and structured upper that is made from a water-resistant reinforced mesh material. The midsole is composed of soft EVA foam that really absorbs the impact with each and every step. The outsole users Vibram MegaGrip tech to ensure that you are securely planted on the ground!
If you are in the market for an off-road trainer that boasts a wide fit from the tips of your toes all the way to your heel, this is a great option. It is incredibly supportive, and it is packed with features to provide a super comfortable and easy ride. Plus, it comes in quite a few colors that are sure to compliment your personal style.
2. Saucony Kinvara 12
The best for speed
Many of the wider trainers out there on the market are built as stability trainers, which is why the Saucony Kinvara 12 is so special. This lightweight and easy design is made for speed. It hosts supportive yet lightweight features to help you turn on a dime, and it boasts a slightly wider-than-normal toe box for added comfort as well as stability.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this design lie in the upper. It is composed of primarily lightweight mesh for heightened flexibility and movement with synthetic overlays along the top of the foot for enhanced lockdown. The wide toe box provides plenty of room for natural toe splay, even if your feet are a little wide.
Runners also appreciate the 4 mm drop that offers heightened ground feet that is ideal for quick and speedy movements. The midsole is built with Saucony’s proprietary PWRRUN foam that is lightweight yet responsive and adds an extra spring to your step.
If you have the need for speed without jamming up your toes, this design from Saucony is worth checking out! We love that it is composed of lightweight materials that won’t weigh you down, while the PWRRUN foam cushioning in the midsole offers a little bounce and support to your runs.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
The most comfortable option
If your feet are wider than normal, you really can’t go wrong with any trainer in the New Balance lineup. Runners love New Balance trainers because they have a wider frame that can accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of feet. The reason that we selected the Fresh Foam 1080 V11 is that it boasts a myriad of features that are ideal for long distances or speed, and clocks in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Read moreWhat runners love most about this shoe is that it boasts an incredibly wide toe box that gives your toes and forefoot plenty of room to naturally splay, which boosts your overall stability. The smart lacing system helps to lock these shoes down on your midfoot to hold them securely in place, even as you pick up the pace. The upper is composed of a blend of mesh materials to also help keep your feet cool and dry.
As far as cushioning is concerned, this shoe has you covered. Its midsole is composed of a thick layer of New Balance’s Fresh Foam materials that add an extra spring to your step. The high-abrasion rubber outsole is also designed to last for hundreds of miles without breaking down into a pancake!
One of the most notable features of this design is that while the toe box is a little wider than normal, this design also comes in a wide variety of sizing options that include wide and even extra wide. Be sure to measure your foot and compare it to their detailed sizing chart to ensure that you get the right size for your feet!
4. Saucony Cohesion 14
What we liked best about the Cohesion 14 is that it offers a super-wide base without sacrificing performance. It is made from quality materials that promote excellent durability, making it the perfect pair of trainers to go out of the trails or simply to the gym. Plus, they come in at a price point that won't break the bank!
Read moreWhat makes the Cohesion 14 different from previous iterations in the Cohesion line is that it has a lower profile than others, which makes it lighter. The upper sits lower on the foot and boasts a simple tongue and laces that won’t dig into the top of your foot. It still provides ample cushioning in the heel, however.
If you want something that is able to absorb a good deal of impact, look no further! This design boasts a 12 mm drop for ample support in your heel. The midsole is composed of VersaFoam cushioning that helps to absorb the impact of each and every step.
This is a great design by Saucony for those that need a little extra cushioning and a wide frame that allows their feet to really spread out. The wide toe box as well as the easy mesh upper gives your feet enough room to feel supported and comfortable without feeling strangled!
5. HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
Looking to head out on the trails? Natural toe splay and overall comfort are important, but it is even more important when running on uneven surfaces. The Speedgoat 4 from Hoka is built to keep your footing out on the trails, but can also transition to sidewalks and treadmills as well. In true Hoka form, it also boasts a wider frame that gives your feet plenty of room to breathe while still offering excellent lockdown.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about the Speedgoat 4 is that it boasts a high abrasion rubber outsole with ample lugs that really grip the ground under your foot. It also boasts Hoka’s special foam cushioning that is incredibly soft and comfortable, even on difficult terrain.
While the Vibram Megagrip outsole is built like a tank, the upper maintains a lightweight and breathable frame. It is composed of a thin layer of mesh materials that work to lift hot air up and away from your feet, while the intricate lacing system helps to promote lockdown.
If your feet are wider than normal, you really can’t go wrong with any of the designs in the Hoka One One lineup. We selected this unique design because it is perfect for trail running, and can easily transition to sidewalks as needed. It may cost a bit more than most, but we feel that the design and durability of this trainer is worth every penny!
6. Asics Gel-Contend 7
If you need a pair of trainers that offer excellent stability with a wider cage than most, Gel-Contend 7 is a great choice. It is composed of durable materials that are made for road-running and trips to the gym. These sneakers promote a stable and even gait without feeling too heavy and bulky.
Read moreThe biggest change made to the Gel-Contend 7 lies in the upper. The mesh upper of this design sits low on the foot that reduces the chances of it digging into your foot. It hosts a flexible mesh cage that also helps to correct overpronation without straining your feet.
What runners love most about the Gel-Contend line is the gel cushioning! The Rearfoot GEL technology offers a soft landing pad to protect your knees and lower back. The midsole is composed of AMPLIFOAM material that adds an extra spring to your step. While it may look like a stiff shoe, users find that it is surprisingly flexible.
It’s hard not to love the blend of gel and foam cushioning in this design from Asics. The updated version of the Gel-Contend line offers users a lighter frame, and additional support features that protect joints and correct overpronation.
7. Mizuno Wave Rider 24
The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 is the perfect marriage between style, function, and comfort. The wide frame allows your toes to spread out, and the stretchy knit upper contours to the shape of your foot for a perfect fit for a wide range of wearers. We love that they come in a wide variety of unique color combinations at an affordable price point.
Read moreThe biggest change in the Wave Rider 24 as compared to previous versions lies in the knit upper (as composed to mesh). While the base of the Wave Rider has always been wide enough for all runners, the knit upper makes this design even more comfortable for wide and thicker feet. Users love that the knit feels great against their skin, and promotes a full range of motion that won’t cause blisters and rashes.
We also like that the cushioning offered in this design adds an extra spring in your step. The midsole is composed of U4ic cushioning that helps absorb the impact when training on hard surfaces. Users love that while this design offers a lot of padding, it isn’t super stiff and rigid like traditional stability trainers.
If you are on the market for something that is super lightweight and easy, the Wave Rider 24 is a great choice. It is composed of quality materials that are comfortable enough to wear all day long without weighing your down. Plus, it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank!
8. ASICS Gel Kayano 27
What we lost most about the Gel Kayano 27 is that it is the perfect marriage between a minimalistic trainer and a stability trainer. Whether you want to go fast or go far, this design has you covered. It is composed of lightweight and supportive materials that really hug your feet, and the best part is that it comes in wide and extra-wide designs to accommodate a variety of different feet!
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it boasts a lightweight and breathable upper that works to lift hot air up and away from your feet. It also has a lower profile that provides a higher range of motion which is great for quick and snappy movements.
The midsole is composed of Flytefoam Propel Technology that adds an extra spring to your step without a lot of extra weight and bulk. This design also has added durability and support with the gel-cushioning found in high-impact areas such as the toe box and the heel.
If you are in the market for something that is a perfect blend of speed and support, you can’t go wrong with the Gel Kayano 27 from ASICS. What makes it perfect for wide feet is that it boasts a roomy toe box, and comes in sizes that include wide and extra wide. It cost a little bit more than most, but the unique design and durable outsole make it well worth the slightly higher cost.
