By Paul Freary
Runners with wide or higher volume feet often face challenges when selecting appropriate running shoes. Standard-width footwear may not accommodate their foot structure, leading to discomfort, performance limitations, and potential injury.
Here we will look at the specific needs of these runners, biomechanical research, and potential injury implications, offering some guidance for making the right shoe selection for wide feet.
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Wide Width and Wide Toe Box Shoes
Understanding Wide and High-Volume Feet
"Wide feet" typically refer to increased forefoot width, while "high-volume feet" describe feet with greater overall girth, often due to higher arches, thicker, soft tissue, or a combination. These anatomical traits require footwear that offers more space in the toe box, midfoot, and instep to avoid compression and improve comfort and function.
Research Findings
Shoe Fit Considerations
Budget Wide Toe Box Shoes
Whitin Wide Toe Box
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Fitville Wide Toe Box
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Two BROOKS shoes offering wide fit options are the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 and the Brooks Ghost 17.
Both these models are available in a variety of width fittings from (in Men’s) Narrow (B) to 4E (Extra Wide) and in Women’s from Narrow (A) to 2E (Extra Wide)*
*You may only find a full selection of width fittings online but check with your local store as they should be able to order them for you.
Running Shoes for Wide Feet
1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Adrenaline GTS 24
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The Adrenaline GTS 24 uses DNA Loft v3 Nitrogen-infused foam, which provides a great level of cushioning (particularly at this price point), with a propulsive, energised toe-off.
Support comes from the brand’s Go To Support (GTS) system, which cups the rearfoot, seating the heel a little deeper within the shoe to create support on both the lateral and medial sides of the foot.
The GTS works well for a wide range of runners, from those requiring just a small amount of control to those who need a higher level of control. It’s a shoe that provides a safe option for most runners, especially those who are perhaps of which shoe to choose.
The Adrenaline is available in narrow, regular, wide and extra wide sizes in men's and women's
At this price, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 provides great value for money as a support, everyday training model.
2. Brooks Ghost 17
Ghost 17
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As the most popular neutral daily training shoe option from Brooks, the Ghost 17 represents fantastic value for money. The variety of width fitting options only broadens its appeal to a wide range of runners.
Cushioning is the DNA Loft v3 Nitrogen-infused foam, and with the revised stack heights in this, the latest version, we have near-maximal levels of cushioning to provide a soft and ultra-smooth ride.
From New Balance, the New Balance – Fresh Foam X 880 v15 and Fresh Foam X 860 v14 provide both neutral and support options in models that are available in multiple width fittings.
Like the Adrenaline, you may have to shop online to find the variety of wide fittings, but both shoes are also available in (Men’s) Narrow (B) to Extra Wide (4E) and in Women’s from Narrow (A) to 2E (Extra Wide)*
3. New Balance – Fresh Foam X 880v15
880v15
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Providing a maximal level of cushioning, the latest of the brand’s best-selling neutral cushioned models offers excellent cushioning and comfort, as well as offering multiple width options.
The 880v15 has a slightly more rounded toe box than the Brooks Ghost, which also helps accommodate different foot shapes better.
The 880 is an instantly comfortable shoe and one which offers a smooth ride and stable footing. It is a slightly lower heel drop than the Brooks Ghost, but if we are being honest, the difference is hardly noticeable, and the choice will come down simply to which provides the better fit.
The fit of the 880v15 (and all New Balance running shoe models) remains true to size in terms of length and width for a New Balance model.
As usual, the only consideration here is for UK customers, where, while most brands convert a US size to a UK by reducing a full size (so a US10 becomes a UK9), New Balance just makes things a half-size difference. (so a US10 becomes a UK9.5)
4. New Balance – Fresh Foam X 860v14
860v14
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For those requiring support, the 860 is the best option from New Balance. The dual-density, Fresh Foam X midsole foam manages to offer a good degree of control without feeling overly controlling. This makes for a natural feeling and smooth-riding support type shoe.
Again, the slightly more rounded toe-box makes for more options for those seeking wider fitting options and as always, be mindful of size conversions if using the UK size of the shoes (see above)
5. Hoka Clifton 10
HOKA Clifton 10
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In terms of technology, it’s more the stack and geometry of the shoe’s midsole rather than its foam that makes the difference.
The midsole is a compression-moulded EVA (CM-EVA) and, as such, remains similar to that of the previous model and all those before it.
The fit of the Clifton 10 is true to size in terms of other HOKA models. Both length and width are consistent, with the toe box feeling just a little roomier. It’s not baggy or wide by any means, but there’s just a little bit more wiggle room and a little bit more volume.
The midfoot feels similar to the previous Clifton, and with that in mind, some runners may want to consider the wide fit option to avoid any irritation under the arch of the foot.
The Clifton 10 is available in multiple width options and, therefore, can be a good option for those with broader feet.
It is worth noting that in the UK (like New Balance), HOKA convert sizes down just half a size from the US equivalent, whereas most brands use a full-size conversion. So, where brands such as Brooks, Nike and Saucony would equate a US10 to a UK9, HOKA (like New Balance) makes a US10 a UK9.5.
Shoe Fit Considerations
Midfoot Volume: Higher volume feet often require shoes with greater instep height and internal volume to avoid pressure across the foot. While wide or extra wide fit shoes will often accommodate this foot type, some specific models offer a higher volume upper. The Saucony Guide 18, for example, offer good volume in this area.
6. Saucony Guide 18
Guide 18
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PWRRUN foam at 35mm deep in height in the heel with a drop of 6mm to the 29mm deep forefoot provides the cushioning in the Guide 18.
It is the geometry of the shoe that does the work in this model rather than any medial posts of support structures.
A straighter last on the medial side of the shoe creates the brand’s new CenterPath technology. This geometry contributes to the overall shape of the midsole with a broader base, higher sidewalls and an asymmetric profile. It removes the need for a medial post and makes the shoe a little lighter and more natural to run in.
The flared geometry of the midsole creates a wider platform and adds stability.
The foot sits deeper within the midsole cushioning in a similar manner to other shoes featuring ‘Guide rail’ type support systems.
While the Guide 18 is available in two width fittings, it is the upper volume that makes it a viable option here. Offering a much roomier and deeper toe box, the shoe naturally has much more volume, making it a great option for those with high insteps or simply higher volume feet.
Shoe Fit Considerations
Toe Box Space: Toe Box Space: Shoes with anatomical or foot-shaped toe boxes include ALTRA and TOPO, These shoes will help the toes and feet to spread naturally as well as accommodate wider feet more easily. They are also a good option for those with bunions and need extra space to accommodate the bony growth.
7. ALTRA – Experience Form
Experience Form
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Known for their ‘foot-shaped’ fit, Altra have become a popular choice for those requiring a more natural fitting running shoe, as well as one which offers a low heel-to-toe drop.
Many Altra models are zero-drop, offering a balanced ride. This is the first model from the brand that bucks that trend with a 4mm heel drop. It’s barely noticeable to be honest but does mean the shoe feels a little more welcoming to those new to the brand and widens its appeal.
The simple EVA midsole does a reasonable job of cushioning, but the ride here comes from the low drop and rocker forefoot. A Guiderail system similar to that used in Brooks GTS models provides support and control and works well in keeping the foot neutral and stable.
The Altra are a good choice for those with flatter, broader feet as well as those with bunions, providing more space across the forefoot.
8. Topo – Atmos
Atmos
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Topo’s max-cushioned model, the Atmos, offers a deep cushioned ride with a 5mm drop and their signature foot-shaped last to create a lightweight, yet responsive daily trainer.
The brand’s familiar, roomier toe box allows the feet to spread and create natural stability, making this a stable neutral model with a great, smooth ride and a touch of ‘pop’ when required.
This last shape accommodates both wider feet as well as those with bunions.
The highest stack shoe in the brand’s line-up, the 5mm drop is a departure from their zero drop designs and provides a ride that should welcome more runners to the Topo label. The ZipFoam cushioning is constructed with dual layers, soft next to the foot and a little firmer nearer the ground.
This combination makes for a plush feel, but one that is also great when you need to pick up the pace. The 5mm drop also contributes to this improved propulsive feel, rolling the foot through the gait smoothly.
Other Points to Consider
Potential Injury Concerns for Wide/High-Volume Feet
Conclusion
Runners with wide or higher volume feet must prioritise proper fit and structural compatibility when selecting footwear to maintain comfort, performance, and injury prevention.
Biomechanical research highlights the importance of individualised shoe features, particularly width and internal volume, in promoting safe and effective running mechanics.
1. Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
Cause: Misalignment of the big toe joint, often worsened by narrow footwear.
Shoe Needs: Wide toe boxes, stretchy uppers, and soft materials to reduce pressure on the bunion.
2. Overpronation
Cause: Excessive inward rolling of the foot during gait; common in wider feet with low arches.
Shoe Needs: Stability shoes with medial support and broad platforms.
3. Plantar Fasciitis
Cause: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, often due to poor arch support or excessive impact.
Shoe Needs: Good arch support, cushioning, and a heel drop that reduces fascia strain.
4. Metatarsalgia
Cause: Inflammation or pain in the ball of the foot; pressure often worsened by narrow shoes.
Shoe Needs: Cushioned forefoot, roomy toe box, metatarsal pads if needed.
5. Morton’s Neuroma
Cause: Pinched nerve between toes (usually 3rd and 4th); tight shoes are a common trigger.
Shoe Needs: Wide forefoot, low forefoot pressure, soft insole materials.
I am having an extremely difficult time finding shoes for Zumba and walking that don’t leave my feet in horrible pain after a short period of time … I have a wide toe box and need help finding the right shoe . Please suggest what to buy … I’ve spent more money on shoes that hurt … thank you
Hi Deb, have not come across any wide toe box shoes which are suitable for Zumba. What I would suggest is, buy one size larger than your shoe size and in a wider width than the normal shoe width you wear. Now you have a wide toe box but the shoe size is too big for your feet. Buy a cheap insole and put it in the shoes and you will hopefully have a good fitting shoe with a roomy toe box. ASICS shoes come in wide and extra wide widths. Hope that helps.
Hey just what I have found accidentally when shopping and having sore feet…I bought a pair of running shoes on sale and they turned out to be the best shoes ever! Comfortable to wear walking for hours and perfect for running! I wasnt even into running until I could run in these. Trained for a half marathon and ran it in these. I’ve bought 3 pairs now and will only run in these. Also I have tried their newer versions and found them to be not as great. They are the Reebok realflex. If you find them in gray with pink or bright pink with a yellow those are the ones! Best shoes ever! Wide toe box and I never have foot issues now. Very well priced too. I usually have to search online to find them anymore but they are worth the effort I swear.
Can you post a picture of your shoe? There are several with those colors and would like to see them.
Hi!
I am a runner, and I too need a wide Toe Box, and my toes seem to get numb after a few miles. The only shoe I have found to work are the Brooks Ghost 9. I am now about to buy my 3rd pair. I can run for miles and not have any issues with my toes.
Hope this helps!
Vicki
@Deb, I’m not sure they would work for Zumba, but I contra dance (with lots of twirls, jumps and dips) in Altra Mens Instinct in Wide that are really roomy and my toe pain has disappeared.
Have a look at Vivobarefoot. They are a great wide shoe but they wear out quickly.
Hi Deb,
For Zumba, I have been wearing Sansha Nero dance sneakers. I bought them on Amazon five years ago and wear them every Saturday. I have wide toes and a regular heel, and also a high arch. These shoes, while not the most attractive, are so comfortable, and also great for spins and turns. As for a good pair of walking shoes, I’m still looking!
Try Brooks Adrenalin for walking!!! Won’t use anything else!
Deb you need the New Balance 990V5 sneaker. It is the best. They are expensive but work like magic. Try them. I’m on my 4th pair. Wish they came in more spring color for us ladies.
I’ve always had issues with shoes. I just want something comfortable that I actually want to wear!! I have a wide foot- not just toes. I also under pronate. So after walking or working out for 15 min or so I have horrible pains on the outsides of my feet. It’s so bad that I’m forced to stop whatever activity I’m doing. Please help!!
Hi. I’ve worn the Women’s Brooks Ghost for as long as i can remember and love them. I was in an accident where my big toe was injured (severe turf toe) and my PT said the Brooks were too narrow for my toe box. He recommended altras. I like my new Altras a lot, and my foot feels great in the toe box when I run, but now I’m experiencing some heel pain at the bottom of my foot and have had IT band problems for the first time.(and after switching back to the Brooks, no heel or IT pain, but my big toe really hurts) I’m feeling frustrated at the recurring injuries. Any advice would be appreciated.
Have you researched the heel drop (heel-to-toe drop) component of athletic shoes? After much trial and error and my own research, I have found that shoes with an 8mm drop are best for me. Other drops apparently cause me to compensate, and in less than 0.5 mile, my right knee begins to hurt and my old plantar fasciitis wants to return. So now i shop for neutral shoes with a wide toe box – and 8mm drop. Your ideal drop may be different, or maybe switching drops too quickly is what is causing injury.
Hi Bonnie!
So, your describing a kind of shoe I’m interested in getting. What make and model shoes do you find that have those 3 criteria?
I have toes that are wider than my feet by around 1cm.
I have only found one make of shoe that fits! They are vivobarefoot also known as terraplana. The only thing I dont like about them are their thin sole. By chance this week I have found a new brand that fits- altra. I hope this helps you all!
Hello, I saw a podiatrist today because I have arthritis in my big toes (they dont bend upwards so I cant wear a heel) and I had a bad ankle injury many years ago that has left me with damaged ligaments and severe pronation on my right foot. She has asked me to buy a pair of running trainers with removable insoles because I need special orthotics. I need extra wide fit ones ( I take a EEE fitting in shoes) because of my swollen toe joints and because of my job – I work in a court room- I would like them as dark as possible. Can you offer me any advice on the best makes/styles to look for please? I dont mind if theyre mens ones. Many thanks.
I have been wearing Altra shoes for running and my favorite seems to be The One. I have escalantes and they are soooo comfortable they are like socks. Ivan run in them and wear them to bed! I cannot wear saucony and like new balance but I wish the toes had more room. Altra takes a little getting used to but I wear them a lot for walking and running.
I’m a long distance hiker and prefer the impact reduction that I get with Hokas. I hiked a Camino in Spain in Bondis and the little toe on my right foot was constantly getting blisters because of the tie box width. I take a size 11 and buy a 12 to allow for the swelling that distance (20 miles per day) brings with it. I’ve heard different things about Hokas with the biggest toe box…Constants, Clifton 3s, Bondi’s…what do you suggest?
New balance 840v3 is best wide tie box for orthotics or wide feet.
This is a really interesting post, thanks to all who have contributed so far!
I too have foot problems and have struggled for years to find the right shoe despite trying many different types, models & brands, like many others on here I have spent more money than I can afford to or are too embarrassed to say how much on here!
I have very wide feet and I’m a size 10 4E, yet in some brands even this can pinch on my right toe! I suffer from Plantar Fisciitis in both feet but mainly my left, I also have arthritis in my ankles and have had a full hip replacement on my right side. I am also a ‘larger’ man trying desperately to get fit and active again following the surgery two years ago. My feet have been a real blocker to this and finding a suitable shoe that fits my wide feet, supports my ankles and cushions the plantar just seems impossible? I now have orthotic insoles from my consultant but no shoes that fit properly to put them in!! I no longer run but am an avid walker and nature photographer so any trainer/trail shoe recommendations to help would be greatly appreciated?
I really do feel exasperated by the lack of suitability for people like me (us) out there, please help?
Many thanks
Colin (aka Higgy)
Thank you for the idea to try to stretch shoes using freezing water. Simple. Cheap. Smart!
(Hopefully, I can come up with a plan to stretch only the toe box. Challenge is good!)
Freezing water helps most mesh & genuine leather but does nothing for synthetic materials.
I LOOKED THROUGH THE ADS AND ONLY SAW POINTY TOE SHOES.Where are the running shoes with the wide toe box? There are no local stores that sell them anymore. When I go there the sales person always tries to sell me a wide shouts being ignorant when he knows what I mean when I ask for a running shoe with a wide toe box. Merrill used to sell them until they decided to change them to be like all the rest of the junk on the market. Where are the minimalist running shoes with a wide toe box?
Great post! I’ve recently moved from Brooks adrenaline GT to Brooks Ravenna’s and have experienced blisters on my longer run when marathon training. I’ve changed socks, taped my feet but can’t seem to shift them. I’ve now got the same problem with trail shoes, as the Solomon’s were to narrow. So I moved to Brooks Cascadia but have I’m he same problem with blisters. Trail shoes are the hardest to find. Any recommendations? There are just no decent sports shoe shops where I live.
I have been wearing Lems minimalist shoes for over a year now an began feeling discomfort in my heels and developed plantar fasciitis. I also have over pronation and bunions. Any recommendations for running shoes, and every day shoe brands?
This has been so helpful. Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I had a Morton’s neuroma and removed it surgically (which I wish upon no one and I would not recommend surgery to anyone) my pain is worse after the surgery and I teach zumba and Hiphop and I am in desperate need of a good cushioned wide toe box shoe that I can put my customer made insoles in. Please help
Hi there. Just wondered if you ever found a pair of comfortable shoes? Your problems sound a lot like mine and I am still looking.
Thanks!
Does HOKA make a wide width trail shoe? I jog a rocky dirt road and my Bondi’s are chewed up –in 4 mos. I have Hallux Rigidus and have had joint surgery so I must have a stiff shoe. I found the 7 regular too narrow and I found a wide to be perfect for toe box but too big at the heel and gave me blisters-resolved with extra heel insoles.
I do not purchase wide width shoes but have the ASIC gel kayano 22 and23 in wide. These are no longer available and am looking for something new… I believe I have a wide toebox but wide width shoes are too big. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Thanks for so much helpful information. I have a bunion and am developing a claw toe which I has signicsntky impacted my running. I’m taping, using spacers, etc hoping to avoid surgery. I’d love to hear from other runners who have this issue. What shoe do you wear and are there any tricks to help make running or even walking in some cases, more comfortable? Thanks very much!
I too have bunions and most shoes leave me with horrible pain in my foot and toe. I like the Altra running shoes. They are wider in the top and it helps to order a size up. I was worried bout them slipping off but I lace them to where they’re secure around the ankle. Good luck!
Hi, I’ve read all the post with great interest and hope someone will be able to help me as my particular problem has unfortunately not been mentioned. I an a size 3 with 8E wide feet. Can anyone help? Most woman’s start at size 4 and only seem to go to a 4E width. Does anyone know of any brand that will fit me ? I’m desperate.
I am a nurse in a hospital. My job is walking on concrete floor 12 to 14 hrs a day. My feet are slightly wide with narrow heels. I also have a very active metatarsal ( my big toes go up with every step) , and under pronate (supinate) with my right foot. I have been a nurse a long time and looking for the right shoe is on-going. Do you have any recommendations?
Skechers with Memory Foam.
sketchers with memory foam are ok but 2 things – the foam flattens quickly – and they have a very narrow toe box – I’m a nurse as well – I work in my Vionics or my Altras
I have been jogging for ages.the shoes i wear are asics nimbus. last two months after i finish jogging i have pain near my big toe (right foot) i then reaslised i have a tiny bunion. surely i need to buy special shoes for this. but what? i am totally confused
I changed from Nimbus to Saucony Triumph and Kinvara due to same issue, and no more toe pain.
I have bunions and crooked toes. They point outward and bend at both joints. I need a very wide toe box but the rest of the shoe normal width. It is impossible to find comfortable shoes. I’ve been having heel spurs now, and plantar fasciitis and I’ve got to find shoes. The local store that sells athletic footwear, accepts returns and has fitting experts has yet to find me a pair of shoes that work after five visits! I need help! I can’t do the freezing technique because i need a bigger size, too. The ones I’m trying now are new balance 840v4 and they are the closest but some toe mashing and NO arch support. When I put an orthotic in, my heel slips out and my toes really bang into the sides. I wear size 11 too. Makes it even more difficult to find shoes. I’m going to try a couple of the pairs mentioned above (brooks ghost, Reebok realflex) but any other suggestions would be so helpful.
I also have arthritis in my feet and find not only width issues (I do use wide shoes where available), but also “heighth” issues in that my instep and the top of the shoe create signficant pressure on my feet, particularly when I have some inflammation. I also have bone accumumlation on the top of my foot near my big toes that experience similar pain when my shoes are tight on top. So I am looking for something roomy on the top? Any suggestions.
These comments are very helpful. Mine started after a elective surgery on my little toe must’ve compensated during my 6 months recovery, ended up w Morton’s neuroma on same foot. It acts up after the first mile. Loved my earlier versions of Ghost but not their second or third upgrades. Switched to Hoka Clifton, 1/2 size larger to accommodate my custom orthotics. I loved first pair but not second. The neuroma now bothers me when I’m just walking. Both of these are so expensive…now up to $200! Can’t decide to stay w them or try the altras. Part of the problem is my shoe size. I wear 5 wide women’s but have a narrow heel. I see amazon has altra Olympus in my size for $60! Any other suggestions?
I have Morton’s neuroma as well and doing Topo running shoes to be great!
Because of bunion and crooked toes I am having trouble finding a shoe that does not cause pain. I wore New Balance propel but the last pair caused much pain to a crooked toe. I am now wearing a Merrill barefoot which has a wide toe and no pain. I was wondering if anyone else has worn this particular Merrill?
I’ve never heard anyone with my problem. 🙁
I have very long toes. I have to buy a size 11 for overall length. Unfortunately, because of my long toes, the widest part of my foot is behind the widest part of the toe box – therefore, I have to buy a wide (even these are snug at my widest part). I also blow out the outside mesh pretty easily since the bone pushes to hard on it as it narrows toward the heal. Also, with a wide, I often have slippage in the heal. I wish a company would make a shoe with a LONGER toe box. Then I could wear normal width and have a snug heal, and not have discomfort at the widest part of MY foot. I’m so odd.