For years now, athletes and casual runners have been looking for footwear that will revolutionize the industry. Having the right shoe not only helps improve your foot health, but it could also give you a significant advantage over the competition. This is why almost every runner is always on the lookout for new technologies, designs, and styles that will allow them to rule all terrains. Fortunately, there are some popular brands that have taken up the challenge to give athletes and casual runners exactly what they want. Today, there is an entire line up of the best shoes that a runner could possibly ask for. However, not all feet are made equal. Some people have numerous foot issues that could turn a simple run into a painful task.
Important! Some runners find their shoes comfortable when they commence their run. But midway find their shoes fit tighter due to their feet swelling up and get cramped for space. Such runners need to choose from the type of shoes listed below.
If you want the best for your feet, doctors recommend that you avoid any shoe that squeezes your toes together. This could have adverse consequences such as the development of plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, blisters and poor posture. As such, always look for shoes with a toe box that is wide and roomy enough but still offers a comfy fit. However, everyone should be aware of the difference between wide width shoes and shoes with a wide toe box. Generally, wide width shoes are for people with wide feet where the shoe is wider in all areas from from the heel to the toe. But shoes with wide toe box are ideally suited for runners that need extra space in the toe area while having a snug fit in the heel and mid foot. Here are out top 5 most popular running shoes with a wide toe box that are guaranteed to improve your performance.
Running Shoes With Wide Toe Box
1. Altra Superior 3.5 Running Shoe
Introducing the award winning, all popular shoe, the Altra Superior 3.5 Running Shoe boasts of exceptional traction and excellent cushioning. Just like all the artistic geniuses, Altra does not believe in messing with perfection. This is precisely why the 3.5 is version is going to be your new favorite. However, the superior is a more advanced and improved version of your favorite shoe. With a pair of these bad boys on your feet, men and women can claw their way to the very top without a worry.
This particular shoe is not only more colorful that the previous version, but it also offers more functionality and comfort. The superior 3.0 by Altra is now more versatile, comes with more grip and boasts of lightweight construction. People with various foot issues will especially appreciate Altra’s Foot Shaped toe box.
This feature allows your toes to relax and naturally spread out. This extra wide toe box gives comfort to people with bunions and reduces the risk of hammertoes, plantar fasciitis and other issues. This shoe also incorporates a zero drop platform that equalizes the forefoot and heel and ensures they are on the same distance from the ground. This helps in getting rid of poor form and aligning your feet, back, body and posture.
2. ASICS 33-FA Running Shoe
After ASICS founder watched little kids wandering barefoot, he made up his mind to help out the youth. His approach was not only to provide these kids with high quality, athletic shoes, but to also promote the value of sports. At the time, he had no idea that his kind nature was the start of one of the biggest shoe companies on the globe. ASICS has been at the forefront of providing shoes that not only help athletes perform their best, but also prevent and remedy an array of foot issues.
Today, our focus is on the ASICS 33-FA Running Shoe for men and women. This particular shoe offers all round natural running experience with features that are out of this world. With a super soft and flexible outsole, runners can now run all their practices without a care in the world.
One of the most fascinating features that make this shoe stand out is the fact that it takes on the natural shape of your foot and even caters to those with overpronation. This is all made possible by seamless construction that provides for a secure fit and a roomy toe box.
3. Brooks Ghost 11
Running shoes don’t have to sacrifice on style just because they have to accommodate a different shape of foot. This is clear from the Brooks Ghost 11, which is designed with a wide toe box, but also all of design features and style that we can expect from a training shoe. The Ghost 10, which is available for both men and women, comes in a range of color schemes to suit different tastes – from bold electric blues and limes, to more subdued blacks and grey. There is also a strong use of breathable textile across the uppers, which contrasts with the rubber sole, lacing and branding for an interesting look.
The use of the wider toe box is just the start here when it comes to the comfort features that are on-board.
This shoe has the combination of a BioMoGo DNA midsole – which contains special omega flex grooves – as well as segmented crash pad for the heel and midfoot. This is all designed to provide stability and support across the foot, while maintaining the flexibility that runners need for their training session. The shoes are also pretty lightweight, thanks to this clever combination of materials. The Ghost is 10 also available in wide width sizes for women and extra wide width sizes for men.
4. Altra One V3 Running Shoe
If you haven’t been paying attention, Altra’s One shoe intends to be solely what you need and nothing else. Sure, some may call their shoes minimal, but this is really not the case. Altra one is renowned for being one of the lightest shoes ever to be tested, but not in the slightest wanting. For people with wide feet, a roomy toe box is always welcome as we’ve already seen in the Superior 3.5. However, the Altra 3 shoe aims at achieving higher speeds without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
Other running shoes make the mistake of squeezing your toes together. More often than not, this always results in adverse foot issues such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and overall discomfort.
This is exactly why the One V3 running shoe by Altra incorporates a foot-shaped toe box that allows for optimum foot relaxation. A roomy toe box lets you move more freely with an additional level of stability and powerful toe-off. Another interesting feature is the inner flex technology that adapts to the slightest flexion in your foot. Altra also included highly responsive cushioning to protect sensitive feet against hard impacts.
5. Inov-8 Roadclaw 275 V2
For those of you unfamiliar with Invo-8, this is a British company that is highly passionate about specialist off-road running products and everything to do with creative, innovative and flexible footwear. While Invo-8 is not as old as some of the brands here, it has really done a lot since its inception back in 2003. Today, it is one of the fastest growing and quickly accelerating off-road running brand in the U.S. No matter what the company is working on, you can be sure that it complements the natural and innate functions of human body biomechanics.
It is Invo’s attention to detail, comfort and durability that makes them so popular with athletes and casual wearers alike. Their latest work of art is the Inov-8 Roadclaw 275 Trail Running Shoe that is designed for optimum performance.
Whether you’re on a single track or an overly steep descent, this bad boy will perform on the toughest range of terrains imaginable. Thanks to Invo-8’s unique lug design, you get more grip with every foot strike especially in wet conditions.
6. Hoka One One Clifton 4 Shoe
Whenever Hoka releases a brand new shoe, it is always a great day for the modern athlete and general shoe lovers. There is just something about Hoka’s designs that makes all their products stand out even in a crowd. The Clifton 4 shoe is no different. This fourth model of the Hoka One One combines the soft cushioning and lightweight build of the first model with the refined upper and much-improved durability of the Clifton shoe. You will find many runners recommending these shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Just one glance at the Hoka One One Clifton 4 Shoe is enough to see the solid construction on a sturdy platform. This model significantly improves upon Hoka’s decorated heritage with highly innovative features.
It incorporates a highly accommodating forefoot and seamless frame construction to make sure you don’t get any unnecessary friction. If you are looking for the best performance in a light and striking package, then the Clifton 4 is the ultimate
For people with wide feet, wearing the wrong type of shoe can have adverse effects on your feet and overall health. However, it is never really easy to identify which shoe will fit your feet best. The most common mistake that men and women make when buying shoes for wide feet is to go in blind and get a bigger shoe. First off, you need to have an idea of how wide your foot is and what width size shoe will work best.
Sizes C and up are considered as wide shoe sizes. It is interesting to note that women tend to have wider feet than men due to their broader hips that tend to make their feet roll inwards or overpronate. However, running shoes in extra wide sizes for women are only available in limited styles. Other common causes of wide feet are aging, pregnancy, obesity, and excessive standing. Fortunately, companies like New Balance, Brooks, Mizuno, and ASICS have some pioneering products that quickly solve this issue. Let’s check out the top 5 running shoes for wide feet.
Running Shoes for Wide Feet in Wide Sizes
1. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v8 Running Shoe
Dedicated to lending a helping hand (or foot) to athletes of all types of sports, New Balance has made it their mission to focus on the development of leading products. For more than a century now, these guys have been at it relentlessly, delivering excellence every time they try. As if that wasn’t enough, New Balance is now geared towards alleviating several foot issues and making both men and women as comfortable as possible on the track. People with wider feet will be particularly happy to hear about the latest beauty from New Balance; the Fresh Foam 1080v8 Running Shoe.
Boasting of the Best Update Award from Competitor Magazine, for previous versions, this shoe deserves each and every accolade it gets.
New Balance has taken things a stride further using data from an array of runners. Wide-footed men and women will especially love the extra wide footprint and soft cushioning that the shoe offers. For men with wider feet, they can choose between the following width sizes- N, B, 2E or 3E. On the other foot, women get width sizes starting from 4A, 2A, B, D all the way to 4E.
2. ASICS GT-2000 6 Running Shoe
A lot has been said about ASICS, but we’ll add a little more to it. ASICS has been around for a very long time and these guys really know their stuff. This is exactly why they worked so hard and put their all in their latest creations. Among these unique works of art, is the ASICS GT-2000 6 which can accommodate foot sizes upto 4E. So if you have huge feet, here is a perfect pair for you.
This particular shoe is the serious runner’s bread and butter thanks to superior cushioning and stability. Just like some other leading shoes by ASICS, this particular shoe is outfitted with the supportive and ultra comfy duomax and guidance trustic systems that work very well at enhancing gait efficiency.
With a pair of these shoes on, you too can now enjoy the fore and rearfoot gel cushioning systems that are more adaptive and conforming. This means more support for overpronators that prefer more support. This shoe is available in widths of N, M, D, 2E or W and 4E for men and D, B,2A and 2E for women.
3. Brooks Addiction 13 Running Shoes
Whether you are a professional runner or a fitness fan, I’m almost sure that you have heard of Brooks. That’s because this running company is renowned for creating some of the best designs for high-performance men’s and women’s running apparel, shoes, and accessories. Recently, their focus has shifted towards developing products for people with foot issues. That’s right, if you have plantar fasciitis, overpronation, bad knees or supination, Brooks most definitely has something for you. For those of you with overly wide feet, there’s nothing to be worried about.
With a pair of the Brooks Addiction 13 on your feet, you can strut around confidently without getting your feet cramped with the extra wide sizes. This particular model is made for overpronators that need an extra degree of cushioning and reinforced stability.
For men, the shoe is available in width sizes of B or D and E (2E & 4E) while women can find their pair in D and 2E. The Addiction 13 by Brooks features an outsole unit with HPR Plus Technology. This means that no matter how wide your feet are, you get the highest levels of traction thanks to high abrasion resistance capacity.
4. Mizuno Wave Rider 21 Running Shoe
Since its inception in the early 1900’s, Mizuno takes all the pride and pleasure in being part and parcel of today’s active sports scene. Guided by the stern ideals of true sportsmanship, Mizuno aims to be a world leader in the development of unique and high-performance sportswear. Just taking one look at their products is enough to see their sheer dedication to serving the modern athlete. And while technology may not have been where it is a century ago, years of advancement and research have finally caught up to where it needs to be. As we speak, Mizuno’s products are being put to good use by millions of athletes all around the globe.
Our focus today is on the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 with a variation for both men and women. This particular shoe is not only the ideal blend of comfort and performance, but it also boasts of a seamless, consistent fit that guarantees better performance.
That’s not all! Mizuno also incorporated a refined toe spring for a smooth, brisk and effortless toe-off from the ground. People with wide feet have something to look forward too since men can get the shoe in manufacturer widths of N, B, and 2E while women can grab the S, N, B, W or E widths.
5. New Balance Fresh Foam ZanteV4 Running Shoe
Dedicated to lending a helping limb to athletes of all types of sports, New Balance has made it their mission to focus on the development of leading products. For more than a century now, these guys have been at it relentlessly, delivering excellence every time they get in the lab. As if that wasn’t enough, New Balance is now geared towards alleviating several foot issues and making both men and women as comfortable as possible on the track. And now, even kids can get a foot in on the matter.
Together with wide footed people, everyone will be especially thrilled to hear about another winner from NB; The New Balance Fresh Foam ZanteV2 Running Shoe. Standing proudly as the Best Buy Runner’s World shoe. And they have a improved V4 version out now.
the Zante V4 is quite a sight to behold. This impressive work of art is engineered for ultimate comfort during high speeds and demanding terrain. One of the most exciting features is a sticky, high traction outsole that will not give in to any type of pressure; no matter where you are going. For men with wider feet, they can choose between the following width sizes- B (medium) and 2E. On the other foot, women get the same choice too.
Wide Toe Box Vs Wide Sizes
If you have ever paid close attention to shoe shopping habits, you will find that most people buy their shoes according to the style and length. This is undoubtedly why almost everyone can’t wait to take off their shoes once they get home. The truth is that a properly fitting shoe should never pinch or rub you in the wrong way. The shoe should also mold comfortably to your without leaving any excessive space in the heel as well as the toe box. The arch support should also be the correct width and fit your arch naturally. However, when it really comes down to a properly fitting shoe, the only thing that matters is where exactly you need the width. Let’s take a gander at how this difference will affect your shoe type.
Difference between Wide Width Shoes and Shoes with Wide Toe Box
While some people have feet that are uniformly wide all over, others have feet that are much broader at the toes yet very narrow at the heel. This means that if your feet are wider at the toes than at the heel, buying a wide width shoe will translate to excessive space at the heel. Alternatively, if your feet are uniformly wide along the length and you buy a shoe with a wide toe box, the rest of your foot will be squeezed and cramped.
Wide width shoes are more suited for people with uniformly wide feet while shoes with a wide toe box are designed for those with a wider forefoot that the heel. However, both extra wide shoes and those with a wide toe box allow your toes to spread out naturally; as if you were barefoot. Other shoes usually cramp your toes together and could cause adverse health issues, not to mention make it really painful to walk for long distances. With your toes spread out, impact and pressure are spread out equally all through your foot.
How to Make More Toe Room in Your Shoes
Like most fashion lovers will tell you, there is nothing more heartbreaking than trying to manage an uncomfortable pair of gorgeous shoes. This is why most people end up choosing hours of mind numbing pain for class and beauty. It does not have to be this way. Fortunately, there are plenty of methods you can use at home to make more room in your favorite pair of shoes. These techniques include:
Lacing Techniques
There are ample factors that could contribute to the comfort and fit of your shoes. Each pair of feet is unique, and while your shoes may feel super today, they may not behave so well the next day. Even with high-quality construction, immense cushioning and all the bells and whistles that come with today’s shoes, some factors could make it almost impossible to enjoy a nice walk in the park.
One of these factors is the lacing techniques used. If you use the wrong lacing method for your feet, you could end up squeezing some areas more than others while leaving parts of your feet too loose. For those of you with wider forefeet, lacing the shoe loosely at the front might make things a bit easier. Also, if your feet are wide all over, try skipping out a few holes when lacing to give your feet room to expand.
Stretching the Shoes
Hands up if you can recall what your science teacher was trying to teach you back in the day about solids, liquids, and gasses? Just as I suspected; nobody. The main point here is that when you freeze water, it expands and takes up more space than when it was a liquid. So, where does frozen water and shoes come in? Well, if you want to make more room in your shoe, here is what you need to do.
Fill two plastic bags almost all the way up and make sure that they are completely sealed. The next step is to place the bags carefully in your shoes and then throw the entire shebang in the freezer or out in the snow. As the bags gradually freeze, they expand and gradually stretch your shoe outwards. After the bags are fully frozen, take them out and immediately wear your shoes (ignore the cold). After a while, your newly expanded shoes should mold to your feet as they constrict due to warming up.
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.
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.
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!)
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!