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One of the worst things that can happen while you’re running is feeling discomfort due to your gear—and that's especially true If you’re a runner with wide feet. Ill-fitting shoes can make a run feel so much harder, so if you're a wide-footed runner, it’s extra important to shop for running shoes specifically made for you. To find the best running shoes for wide feet, we tapped Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare located in New York City. Read on to learn more about choosing the right footwear, then shop a few podiatrist-recommended pairs for yourself.
Experts in This Article
board-certified podiatrist and human movement specialist, and global leader in barefoot science and rehabilitation at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine
certified personal trainer and coach for Row House
board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare
The best running shoes for wide feet at a glance
- Best for everyday runs: Hoka Clifton 10, $150
- Best for soft landings: Brooks Ghost 17, $150
- Best lightweight: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15, $140
- Best for racing: Asics Metaspeed Sky 3, $250
- Best color variety: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, $165
- Best neutral trainer: Asics Gel Nimbus 27, $165
- Best for maximum cushioning: Hoka Bondi 9, $170
- Best zero drop: Altra Escalante 4, $130
- Best men's cushioned shoe: On Cloudrunner 2 (Wide), $150
- Best men's support shoe: Brooks Glycerin GTS 22, $165
- Best men's shoe for trail running: Salomon Speedcross 6 Wide, $145
- Best minimalist men's shoe: Xero Prio, $90
Why is it important to pick the right running shoe if you have wide feet?
Shoes make or break any run, which is why it’s important you have a pair that fits well and supports your feet in all the right places. Figuring out your foot type is important to prevent and alleviate pain.
If you’re feet feel crammed inside standard width shoes, or the sides of your feet stretch out both sides of the shoes, it’s likely you have wide feet. Measure the width of the widest part of your feet (usually your forefoot at the base of your toes) and look at a sizing chart. Women’s wide sizes are usually 1D or 2E, and men’s are 2E or 4E.
“Choosing the wrong footwear can wreak havoc on your feet. It’s important for people to look for shoes that suit their arch, support their feet and ankles, and fit appropriately,” says Dr. Cunha. For those with wide feet, Dr. Cunha’s top tip is finding a shoe with a wide toe box.
Why you may need a wide toe box
A wide toe box helps to prevent bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and ingrown toenails. “In order to determine whether the toe box is wide enough, I suggest tracing your foot onto a piece of paper at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen,” says Dr. Cunha. Save your new piece of art, and the next time you go to the shoe store or order shoes online, pick out a pair of shoes and place them on top of the tracing. “If the tracing of your foot surpasses the margins of your shoe, then you know that your shoes are too narrow,” he says.
Finding the best pair of running shoes will require some testing, but with Dr. Cunha’s tips, you’re set up for success. Plus, he shared his go-to pairs of running shoes for wide feet to jumpstart your search.
Editor’s note: While we suggest shoes for both women and men in this piece, we only do this based on search results. You can wear whichever shoe you want, however you identify.
Shop the best women's running shoes for wide feet
Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes available) | Colors: 10 | Drop: 8mm
Dr. Cunha’s first pick is the Clifton 10. It has a streamlined silhouette but still gives your feet space to breathe and move, so you don’t have to worry about being uncomfortable on your regular runs or long walks. It has a good amount of cushion (check out that high stack) and is available in both wide and extra-wide sizes. Plus, we always love the color variety in Hoka shoes, and the Clifton 10 is no exception.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh upper
- Extended heel crash pad
- Available in wide and extra-wide
Cons:
- Bulkier stack might not be for everyone
Sizes: 5-13 (half sizes available) | Colors: 7 | Drop: 9mm
Next up on Dr. Cunha’s list, the Brooks Ghost. Your feet are going to feel beyond comfortable in this shoe due to the supportive and soft cushioning, which is infused with nitrogen for added airiness. The mesh upper provides plenty of breathability, and the updated midsole helps encourage a smooth turnover in your strides. This is also another option that has both wide and extra-wide sizes available.
Pros:
- Soft cushioning
- Grooved outsole for smoother transitions
- CarbonNeutral certified product
- Available in wide and extra-wide
Cons:
- Limited color options for wide sizes
Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes available) | Colors: 7 | Drop: 6mm
Need more options for comfy running shoes? Dr. Cunha recommends the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v15. Expect a lightweight ride, in addition to breathability and the ultimate support and cushion, ideal for everyday runs. You'll find this pick in both wide and extra wide sizes.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh upper
- Dual-layer midsole
- Good color variety for wide and extra-wide sizes
Cons:
- May be too soft for some
Sizes: 5-14.5 (half sizes available) | Colors: 4 | Drop: 5mm
This unisex shoe from Asics was designed with speed in mind. Yes, the price tag is steep—but that's because this design features a carbon plate for faster energy return and zippier strides (hello, PR!). The curved sole helps you conserve energy, while the cushioning helps keep your feet from fatiguing too soon.
Pros:
- Carbon plate for faster turnover
- Good cushioning for pressure relief
- Less bulky compared to other racing sneakers
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Pricey
Sizes: 5-13 (half sizes available) | Colors: 14 | Drop: 6mm
If comfort and color is what you’re after, give the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v14 a test on your next run. The upper will hug your foot and fits snug, yet comfortably, and it’s supportive enough for a wide range of distances. Plus, the brand has more color options for wide sizes than most running shoe companies we've seen.
Pros:
- Bootie construction hugs your foot
- Stretchy and supportive upper
- Underfoot cushioning
Cons:
- No extra wide sizes in this style
Sizes: 5-13 (half sizes available) | Colors: 4 | Drop: 8mm
Asics puts a lot effort into producing very efficient running shoes, says Josh Honore, NASM-CPT. “A lightweight construction and well cushioned sole make long runs less taxing than other options.” All of this is true of the Gel-Nimbus 27, which is designed to provide a smooth ride over any distance. If a neutral trainer is what you're after, this is a great pick.
Pros:
- Extra cushioned
- Breathable mesh upper
- Anatomically shaped toe box
- Shock-absorbent landing zone
Cons:
- Limited color options
Sizes: 5-12 (half sizes available) | Colors: 14 | Drop: 5mm
The Bondi 9 is the most cushioned road shoe that Hoka has to offer, and features a memory foam collar, allowing for comfort no matter what distance you’re running. “Arguably one of the most comfortable shoes on the road. As far as ground contact and joint impact go it’s like running on pillows,” says Honore. This style is available in both wide and extra-wide sizes.
Pros:
- Plush cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper
- Memory foam collar
- Resilient foam
Cons:
- Bulkier shoe
- Less colorful options for wide and extra-wide sizes
Sizes: 5.5-12 (half sizes available) | Colors: 12 | Drop: 0mm
Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, a functional Podiatrist and CEO of Naboso says one of her favorite wide toe box shoe brand for running is Altra. Altra’s shoes, like the Escalante, have foot-shaped toe boxes (and are designed differently for men and women) and have balanced cushioning (your heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground), which promotes better foot alignment, movement, and form, as well as a lower impact landing. Just note that these are not available in traditional wide sizes, and only the toe box is wider.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Breathable knit upper
- Foot-shaped toe box
Cons:
- May not work for all wide feet
The best men's running shoes for wide feet
Sizes: 7-14 (half sizes available) | Colors: 3 | Drop: 10mm
This wide running shoe from On is lightweight but fully cushioned and can be worn for both racing and training. It has a breathable mesh upper and a springy superfoam midsole for energy return. Plus, it has a padded, durable heel clip to provide support.
Pros:
- 4mm wider around the ball of the foot
- Breathable mesh upper
- 3D molded heel
Cons:
- Limited colors
Sizes: 7-15 (half sizes available) | Colors: 6 | Drop: 10mm
Brooks Glycerin is one of the most beloved support shoes around. It combines the brand's GuideRail technology which helps keep your foot in a neutral position while you stride. Plus, there's plenty of nitrogen-infused cushioning for soft landings, and a knit upper for breathability and comfort.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh upper
- Extended heel crash pad
- High-abrasion rubber
- Early-stage meta rocker for smooth transitions
Cons:
- Limited color options for wide and extra-wide sizes
Sizes: 7-14 (half sizes available) | Colors: 2 | Drop: 10mm
This Salomon trail running shoe has neutral support and is designed to move naturally with your foot. Honore says it’s an incredibly durable shoe with plenty of cushion, grip, and support to keep you safe for long distances. Plus, the quick-lace system means you'll never have to stop to tie your shoe out on the trail.
Pros:
- High foot protection
- Rebound midsole
- Ripstop fabric
- Maximum grip on sole
Cons:
- Limited color options
Sizes: 6.5-17 (half sizes available) | Colors: 4 | Drop: 0mm
Another minimalist, wide toe-box recommendation from Dr. Splichal is Xero. These running shoes have a zero-drop, flexible soles, and are low to the ground to give you some support but let your feet move naturally whether you're running or lifting at the gym. There’s a heel strap to hold your heel and ankle securely in place while letting your toes have room to wiggle around. There’s an optional 3mm insole if you want to add a bit more cushioning, too.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Instep straps hold your feet securely
- Wide toe box
- Very wide size run
Cons:
- Thinner sole
- May take some time to get used to
- Limited colors
Frequently asked questions
How do I get measured for a wide running shoe?
For a more precise fit, you have your foot measured with a Brannock device (make sure to get both the width and length measurements), says Dr. Cunha. He also suggests purchasing new footwear at the end of the day because this is when your feet are the most swollen, and if the shoe feels comfortable at the end of the day, it’ll more than likely feel comfortable throughout the day.
Your shoe size may vary depending on the material used and designs and your feet also change in size due to hormones (like during pregnancy) and as you age, so Dr. Cunha recommends trying on at least three different pairs of running shoes. Try two different shoes at the same time, wearing one on each foot. “The tip of your thumb should fit between the end of the shoe and the end of your longest toe,” explains Dr. Cunha.
The toe box should also be wide enough to accommodate your toes comfortably, and you should have enough room to slightly wiggle your toes, he says. “If you can’t move your toes at all, then the shoes are too tight and will eventually become painful.
What are the best running shoe brands for wide feet?
Wide running shoes are not the same as shoes with a wide toe box. Some brands, like Hoka and Brooks, offer both normal and wide (and sometimes extra-wide) widths, which are ideal for people whose entire foot is wide. There are also brands that make shoes with wide toe boxes, such as Altra and Xero, which may fit people better who have a wide forefoot but narrow heel.
What should you look for when shopping for wide running shoes?
When shopping for wide running shoes, it goes beyond buying a bigger shoe size. You should look for shoes that have wider toe boxes so your foot and toes have room to naturally spread out. In addition, look for arch support and adequate insoles to keep your feet sitting comfortably and correctly in your shoes.
Is there anything you can do if you can’t afford new running shoes right now?
If you can’t afford to buy a new pair of wide running shoes, you may be able to adjust the laces on your current shoes for a temporary solution. For example you can thread the laces only through the sides on the top portion of your shoe and then resume criss-crossing at the midfoot; this may relieve pressure on the forefoot. You can also criss-cross through every other eyelet to give you more room if your entire foot is wide.
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