8 Best Wide Running Shoes (2021 Reviews)
Ryan Sabin 
AnaN These styles of trainers provide runners with a wider toe box that allows their toes to naturally splay inside of the shoe, which can boost stability and help you even out your gait.
When your feet are crammed into tight shoes, you often adjust your gait so you land where you don’t feel the most pain. This shift in your gait can cause knee and hip pain over time!
In this guide, we have provided a list of some of our favorite running shoes for wide feet to help you conquer the road ahead.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 11 hrs of research
Excellent cushioning
Great lockdown
Perfect for trails
8 Running Shoes with Wide Toe Box
1. ALTRA Olympus 4
Best trail option
Excellent cushioning
Great lockdown
Perfect for trails
Limited durability
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
Lightweight mesh upper
Made for speed
Great for race days
Not ideal for trails
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
X-Wide available
Durable rubber outsole
Fresh Foam midsole
Slightly expensive
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
Affordable
VersaFoam cushioning
Low profile
Lightweight
Runs small
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
Great for trails
Breathable upper
Low profile for heightened flexibility
Expensive
Heavier feel
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
AMPLIFOAM
Gel heel cushioning
Lightweight
Minimal arch support
Limited durability
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
Affordable
Lightweight knit upper
Unique color options
Runs small
Soft outsole/durability issue
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
Very durable
Flytefoam Propel Technology
Additional gel cushioning
Lightweight upper
Expensive
Short laces
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.
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.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Fit Comfort Stability Flexibility Durability
It is relatively easy to calculate your shoe size without the need for any special equipment at home. After you have figured out the measurements of your feet, you can look at the manufacturer's size charts to find the perfect fit for you.
In order to get the accurate size of your feet, you'll need to prepare A chair, a pair of socks, two pieces of paper, each one larger than your feet, a pencil or marker, and a ruler or measuring tape. Follow the next steps...
To help get the most accurate fit for your shoes, measure your feet when wearing a pair of socks you would most likely wear with running shoes.
Sit on the chair with one foot on the floor, with your leg trending slightly forward with the shin positioned in front of the ankle.
Hold the pencil or pen perpendicular and upright, then slowly and carefully draw the outline of your foot to get an accurate measurement. Make sure that you keep the pencil tight against your foot as you trace. It is imperative that you the truest tracing possible to match your feet with the most appropriately sized pair of shoes.
After you have finished tracing your feet, you will move on to measuring. You should trace and measure both of your feet because as most of us know that our two feet are slightly different sizes with regards to both the width and length.
For width, use the pencil to mark the piece of paper at the widest points of your feet. For length, mark the paper at the longest parts of your feet, which will be from your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
With the tracing of your feet, use a ruler to measure the length and width for each foot. On your ruler, read the closest mark that you can, don't round up or down too much. The idea is to end up with a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. Once you get the measurements, write them down.
The width of a shoe is also important and can be identified by a letter after the shoe’s size. ranging just as shoe sizes, there are also different widths for men and women.
If you have different measurements between your feet, you should use the largest measurement between the two for width and length to determine your appropriate shoe size.
Then, to be even more accurate with the sizing, you should subtract 3/16 of an inch from each number because of slight space between the pencil line and your actual foot.
If you have wide feet, generally, you'll need less narrow shoes which have a width of “2E” or “4E” for men, and “D” for women. Hopefully, this information will provide some assistance with finding the correct size and running shoe for your particular type of feet.
Other Factors to Consider
Value
The comparison of quality and cost is what makes up value, and we tried to find shoes that had a good quality to cost ratio. High-quality running shoes sometimes come with a higher price tag, but the features and performance make the price worth it. If you can find running shoes that perform well and have a lot of high-tech features to offer at a lower price, this increases the value.
Lots of things can influence what value means to each individual person, like the amount that they’re willing to spend and any specific features that may be hard to find or accommodate. People with wide feet may be willing to spend more because a shoe that fits well is a little harder to come across, but there are definitely shoes out there that are affordable and have a great fit like the ones on our list.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Do I have wide feet?
If you find that most shoes seem to strange your toes, you may have wide feet. While there are easy ways to tell if you overpronate or underpronate, gauging if your feet are considered to be wider than normal requires a little more effort. The best way to tell if your feet run wide is to simply measure them.
Trace the outline of your foot on a piece of paper, and then measure the width of the widest part of your foot. Then, compare these measurements to the standard sizing charge to gauge if you need to buy wide.
Many local shoe stores offer services that take detailed measurements of your feet to determine which style of shoe is best for your foot. If you don’t want to be bothered by measuring on your own, be sure to hit up your local shoe store for help!
q: Should I buy wide running shoes?
If you have determined that your feet run wide, the proper style of shoes can make all of the difference in the world. When you run in trainers that are too narrow, your toes will not have enough room to naturally splay.
This not only affects your stability and balance, but it can cause painful blisters, and even affect your natural gait cycle (which can contribute to knee, hip, and lower back pain).
q: What is the width of the standard shoe sold in stores?
There are several width sizes when it comes to shoes:
A: Narrow
B: Medium
C/D: Wide
E: Extra wide
Most stores will sell the standard shoe width, which is medium. It is important to note that while some stores may keep all of the width options on hand, that doesn't mean that all brands have all width options available for you to choose from.
q: What do these letters stand for that is after the shoe size and relate to width?
To add on to our previous question, let's take a look at what some of these letters mean in terms of size.
For women, the sizes A, B, and D stand for different widths of your foot and will help you find the right width shoe for yourself:
A: is for narrow
B: standard
D: wide
For men, the sizes B/N/C, D/M/R, and 2E/E/W also stand for the different widths of your foot and help you find the right width shoe.
B/N/C: narrow
D/M/R: medium or standard
2E/E/W: wide
q: Is it better for running shoes to be tight or loose?
Trying on running shoes is a tricky business for a few reasons. While it is important to select trainers that won’t shift around on your foot as you train, shoes that are too tight can cause problems as well. Many runners make the mistake of selecting a shoe size that fits snug during the try-on process. The problem with that is that your feet actually swell and get bigger as you start putting miles behind you.
If you are unsure if you should size up or size down, we feel that going a size bigger is your best option. These shoes should offer a thumb worth of space in the toe box, which may feel too big when your feet are inactive but will fit like a glove as your blood starts pumping!
q: Would the running shoes with wide toe box be roomier if I go with a shoe that is wide width?
Yes, of course! If you try on a pair of shoes and the toe box is too narrow and your toes feel cramped or even slightly uncomfortable, you can definitely go with a wide shoe option. Some runners may not have exceptionally wide feet, but they may just too wide for the standard width that that particular brand of shoe is available in.
Make sure to take into consideration that your feet swell during your runs--so, when you are trying on your shoes before you buy them they should really feel nice and roomy.
q: How do I know when to get wide running shoes?
Sizes can vary by brand, manufacturer, and country, so it’s important to have current measurements for your feet and to compare with the size charts and measurements specific to each shoe.
You should also definitely check out real customer reviews and see if there are any common sizing problems. Most people will mention this in their review and so you can adjust when you buy yours.
q: Can running shoes be too wide?
Wide shoes that give your feet a ton of room may feel great, but they can cause some real problems when running. We talk a lot about shoes having proper lockdown, and finding the right fit that isn’t too big or too tight helps the shoe conform to the natural shape of your foot.
If there is a lot of space between your toes and the sides of your trainers, it’s a recipe for tripping, injuries, and blisters.
Sources
- , Do You Have Wide Feet? Here's How to Tell, Informative site
- , How To Find The Best Shoes If You Have Wide Feet, Buying Guide
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