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Top 10 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet Review in 2023: Runner’s Guide from the Experts!

Did you know that having wide feet is not the only reason you might need running shoes for wide feet?

Preventing injuries is essential for runners, and the right running sneaker is a guarantee of your safety. But how to choose that very “right” runners? The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, says that the main criterion here is the comfort!

“Comfort is difficult to define and to quantify. However, it seems that shoe comfort is important for running injuries as well as running performance.”

It’s undeniable that to feel maximally comfortable, your toes require enough room in the toe box, and the foot shouldn’t be squeezed in the sneaker.

So, running shoes for wide feet are also a good pick if you’ve got bunions, high volume feet, or very high arches – they’ll help you clock up the miles on any terrain without sacrificing safety, support, and comfort, of course.

Best Shoe Brands for Wide Feet

Our research team has spent:

  • 2 weeks analyzing the current market of athletic footwear
  • 11 hours reading reviews from runners
  • 3 hours discussing the best shoe brands for wide feet with sports experts and podiatrists.

We’ve concluded that lots of shoe brands do their best to create a special product that will revolutionize the industry: they improve the quality of materials, use new technologies, and update the design, bearing in mind the fact that not all feet are made equal. But not all of them reach the top.

So, here are the top 10 best running shoes for wide feet:

Quick Summary: Our Top Picks

1. ASICS GT-2000v6

ASICS GT-2000v6

ASICS are well-known for their care about athletes’ healthy performance on short runs and marathons, so no wonder that this very company has created the ASICS GT-2000v6 Running Shoes for men and women – the leading sneakers for runners with wide feet, mild and moderate overpronators on the market.

The ASICS GT-2000v6 offers a perfect balance of support and cushioning for people with different foot width: from narrow to extra-wide.

And the progressive ASICS’ technologies make this model maximally adjusted and comfy for numerous races.

Replacing the FluidRide midsole with the full-length FlyteFoam, ASICS achieves the effect of maximum adaptation to your stride and custom cushioning with every step.

SpEVA foam layer on top of the FlyteFoam cushioning adds springy energy return, and small pockets of Gel Cushioning in the rearfoot and forefoot absorb the shock of impact.

The cherry on the top of all this cushioning cake is the removable Ortholite sock liner, which makes this model unbeatable in terms of cushioning and shock absorption.

Talking about support, the ASICS GT-2000v6 has an updated Dynamic DuoMax Support System, which extends through the forefoot, limiting pronation and delivering stable support.

And the Discreet Eyelets evenly distribute lace tension across the top of your foot for a comfortable fit.

All that perfection stands on a solid rubber outsole for durable traction on the variety of surfaces.

PROS

  • Available in widths of N, M, D, 2E, 3E for men and D, B, 2A, 2E for women.
  • The Guidance System keeps feet in a neutral position, reducing the chance of overstretching your plantar fascia and keeping arches from collapsing.
  • Gender-specific forefoot and rearfoot GEL cushioning.
  • Hell Clutch system locks in the foot in a secure natural position.
  • Dynamic Duomax Support System provides excellent support, keeping the foot from pronating too far inwards.
  • A breathable mesh upper gives extra comfy support to the foot.
  • Deep vertical flex grooves on the outsole.

CONS

  • Not true-to-size (runs half a size smaller).
  • Not very lightweight.
  • A break-in period is needed.

2. Brooks Addiction 12 – Best Brooks Running Shoes for Wide Feet

Brooks Addiction 12

The Brooks Addiction 12 is meant for severe overpronators and runners with low arches, but what’s even greater is that it comes in width sizes from Normal to Extra Wide, and can give the right amount of support to people with flat feet too.

This highly-supportive and the well-cushioned running sneaker is a part of Brooks’ line of footwear for feet issues.

The model also has such cool features as anatomical Brooks DNA cushioning adjusting to your body weight, full-length energy-returning BioMoGo midsole that returns the energy with each step, extended progressive Diagonal Rollbar for reliable control, heel segmented Crash Pad for smooth landings…

And can you believe that all those technologies are stuffed into a stylish sneaker for men and women, made of breathable eco-friendly materials!

PROS

  • Extra wide width is available.
  • Roomy toe box.
  • Budget-friendly price.
  • Proper breathability.
  • Eco-friendly materials used.
  • Segmented crash pad for a smoother heel-to-toe transition.
  • The diagonal Rollbar controls your run.
  • Energy-returning BioMoGo DNA midsole technology for adaptive cushioning.
  • HPR Plus outsole technology for the highest level of traction.

CONS

  • Runs half a size small.
  • Not a lightweight shoe.
  • Durability issues with upper mesh material are possible.

3. Brooks Ghost 10 – Running Shoes with Wide Toe Box

Brooks Ghost 10

So much popular with men and women, the Brooks Ghost 10 is a neutral road running sneaker with wide toe box, able to deliver both comfort and performance, without sacrificing security and stylish external design.

It’s ideal athletic footwear for sportspeople with plantar fascia, and shin splints to cope with tempo runs, marathons, light training.

Having taken all the best from its predecessor, Ghost 10 brings runners a more comfortable, secure, cushioned, and adaptive ride.

Stretchy engineered upper accommodates to the natural shape of the foot without squeezing it and keeps your foot cool and dry in any climate, and the BioMoGo DNA midsole does its best to offer you the most responsive ride ever, dynamically adapting to your stride and keeping you on cruise control, mile after mile.

The Segmented Crash Pad adapts to each step to provide you with the smoothest ride possible, and the Omega Flex Grooves allow for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity.

PROS

  • Extra wide width is available.
  • Roomy toe box.
  • Helps runners with numerous foot issues.
  • High-performance construction.
  • Omega Flex grooves for extra flexibility.
  • High level of shock absorption.
  • Comfort.
  • Cool external design.
  • A sturdy sole unit doesn’t look bulky.
  • High-quality materials.
  • A shoelace holder at the top of the tongue.

CONS

  • Arch support could be better.
  • Upper durability issues are possible.
  • The non-effective grip on wet surfaces.

4. Asics Gel Nimbus 20

Asics Gel Nimbus 20

Designed for supination and neutral running styles, ASICS Gel Nimbus 20 prevents different injuries, locking the foot in a safe position, offers better efficiency, and gives a breathable environment along with irritation-free experience to your wide feet thanks to its seamless construction.

ASICS FluidFit upper technology combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the athlete’s foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit.

Independently placed discrete eyelets disperse lace tension, creating a customized fitting environment, and enhanced upper comfort. The Heel Clutching System provides improved support and creates an improved heel fitting environment.

The midsole features a blend of the most powerful cushioning technologies of today.

FlyteFoam technology provides exceptional bounce back and responsiveness no matter the distance, ASICS FluidRide technology provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability, while the strategically placed Gel cushioning pads attenuate shock during impact and toe-off phases, allowing multidirectional movement of the foot.

With 20th version of the well-known ASICS Gel Nimbus, you’ll get a nice cushioned ride even after putting in a lot of miles.

PROS

  • Available in different widths.
  • Visually-appealing design and attractive colorways.
  • Lightweight shoe.
  • Gender-specific fit for men and women.
  • Seamless upper construction.
  • Proper midfoot support system.
  • The heel counter keeps the foot in place.
  • A full-length Gel Cushioning System for comfort and support.
  • Good traction.
  • Soft lining material does not cause any irritations.
  • Durable.
  • True to size.
  • Prevents from shin, knee, and back pain.
  • Vertical flex groove for enhanced gait efficiency.

CONS

  • High price, comparing with its predecessors.
  • The toe box can feel a bit stiff.
  • Minimal arch support.
  • Issues with the durability of the soles.

5. New Balance 1080v6

New Balance 1080v6

Reducing the pressure and any painful feelings in feet is essential for runners.

The New Balance 1080v6 is the sneaker that handles it, moreover, this athletic shoe for men and women is an “anti-supination” model, which is able to prevent problems caused by supination.

Well-balanced, flexible, properly-cushioned, with good heel support, durable, and stable, New Balance 1080v8 is a really catchy design that stands on a textured midsole, stuffed with multiple technologies.

PROS

  • Different widths are available.
  • The upper wraps around the contours of the foot snugly and securely, like a sock.
  • Cool design with lots of colorway options.
  • Very lightweight construction for almost effortless motion.
  • The luxurious Fresh Foam midsole is efficient and robust, gives decent cushioning and support.
  • Enhanced durability.
  • OrthoLite sock liner for moisture absorption.
  • A roomy toe box for a natural toe splay.
  • True to size.
  • Good traction on different surfaces.

CONS

  • Blisters are possible (need a break-in period).
  • May feel a little too tight.
  • Not a cheap item.

6. ASICS Gel Foundation 12 – Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet and Overpronation

ASICS Gel Foundation 12

If you’re suffering from wide feet which overpronate (tend to collapse inwards when running or walking) and feel like you need extra support on the inside of the 4E-width sneaker, ASICS Gel Foundation 12 is exactly what you need.

The first thing you’ll notice is a sleek streamlined design that combines several breathable materials and textures, but it’s not the only advantage of this sneaker, for sure.

It can also boast of its Dynamic DuoMax System, which is a new version of traditional DuoMax technology with improved stability, support, and reduced weight.

Guidance Trusstic System provides midfoot structural integrity and improves gait efficiency.

The midsole features GEL Cushioning System in the rearfoot and forefoot for a responsive ride and a smooth transitions through the gait cycle, and the SpEVA Foam, which gives a soft platform feel and improved comfort.

On the outsole you’ll find the AHAR rubber outsole providing good grip and traction on the variety of surfaces, as well as the Guidance Line Technology, which is a vertical flex groove, decoupling the tooling along the line of progression, and also enhancing gait efficiency.

These key features make the ASICS Gel Foundation 12 one of the top 10 best running shoes for wide feet and overpronation.

You’ll run a marathon without a single blister, injury or pain with these updated running shoes for men from ASICS.

PROS

  • Available in 2E and 4E widths.
  • Supports overpronators.
  • Breathable Engineered mesh upper material.
  • ComforDry Sockliner gives extra cushioning and moisture management.
  • Seamless upper construction.
  • Synthetic overlays for an improved fit.
  • SpEVA midsole foam for efficient energy return.
  • Gel Cushioning System in the heel and forefoot for shock absorption.
  • DuoMax Support System and Guidance Trusstic System for stability.
  • Good arch support.

CONS

  • A bit pricey.
  • Durability issues.
  • The toe box could be a bit roomier.
  • Runs ½ size bigger.

7. New Balance 860v8 – Best Running Shoes for Men with Wide Feet

New Balance 860v8

The New Balance 860v8 has received lots of positive reviews from men, so it deservedly gets a position of the best running shoes for men in our top-10.

Appealing design with stylish colorways, comfy construction, and stable underfoot experience are the main criteria runners appreciate this sneaker. However, it’s not the full list of the NB 860v8 wearing advantages.

Besides coming in 2E and 4E widths for men, the shoe also features an incredible cushioning technology in the midsole, the Ortholite insole for extra cush and moisture management, innovative upper construction that both keep stability on point and provides proper ventilation.

The New Balance 860v8 is a luxury comfort, which is definitely worth the money it costs.

PROS

  • 2E and 4E width for men, D width for women.
  • Visually-appealing color schemes and trendy design.
  • Great combination of stability mechanisms.
  • Good shoe for overpronators.
  • Really wide toe box for a natural toe splay.
  • Steady and responsive cushioning system is recommended for runners with bad knees.
  • True to size.

CONS

  • Looks bulkier than the previous versions.
  • Pricey.

8. Brooks Dyad 9

Brooks Dyad 9 –

The Brooks Dyad 9 is a great neutral road running shoe with an excellent arch support for runners with wide feet or for those, who usually wear orthotics for long-distance runs.

The famous BioMoGo DNA Midsole adjusts to your body weight and, along with the saddle construction, provides your feet with the right amount of cushioning.

Omega Flex Grooves help the runner move with maximum flexibility, and the breathable upper coverage makes the sneaker super breathable.

Another cool feature about the 9th Dyad is its versatility. You can wear them for different occasions, no matter if you’re just going for a walk, planning to do cardio in the gym, running a marathon, or just need a proper cushioning and support for your flat feet.

PROS

  • Available in all width sizes.
  • A good shoe for neutral runners and for flat feet.
  • More lightweight than the previous version of the sneaker.
  • Budget-friendly price.
  • Versatility is on point.
  • Responsive cushioning can handle long-distance runs and marathons.
  • Reliable traction.
  • Great arch support.
  • Possibility to accommodate orthotics without sacrificing comfy fit.
  • Durability.
  • Wide soles add extra stability.

CONS

  • The toe box is not as roomy as it used to be in the previous versions of the shoe.
  • Lack of stylish colorways and not very visually-appealing design.
  • Less support in the heel area comparing with the predecessors.

9. Mizuno Wave Rider 20

Mizuno Wave Rider 20

The 20th edition of Mizuno Wave Rider has become a breakthrough for women with wide feet. Now they don’t have to choose between comfort and security VS fashionable design and stylish colorwayы. With Mizuno Wave Rider 20, you’ve got both in one package!

So, what else will you get with these cute sneakers?

Shock-absorbing cushioning technology that helps your knees with a softer impact, smart support technology, secure and snug fit, good traction on the variety of surfaces, and an incredible in-shoe feel, of course.

PROS

  • Extra sizes: S, N, B, W, E widths for women; N, B, 2E, 3E for men.
  • Breathable triple mesh upper.
  • Comfy removable sockliner.
  • Trendy external design in a wide range of colorways.
  • Lightweight.
  • Roomy toe box.
  • Versatility (can be used for gym workout as well).
  • Flexibility of the platform.
  • Robust and efficient U4icX cushioning technology.
  • This is one of the best running shoes for heavy walkers as well.

CONS

  • Not true to size (runs smaller).
  • Cushioning is not meant for long-distance runs and marathons.
  • Durability issues with the upper.

10. Nike Air Zoom Structure 19

Nike Air Zoom

If you’re a bright personality and appreciate both a fashionable eye-catchy design and a high quality of the sneaker, meet the best – Nike Air Zoom Structure 19.

This lightweight runner is meant to improve your performance in marathons and short runs, support your wide foot, preventing any injuries.

The well-known Nike’s Flymesh upper construction keeps the feet dry and cool. Nike Flywire technology (strategically placed cables) helps to reduce the weight of the shoe, provides an adaptive and secure fit. Forefoot Nike Zoom Air cushioning technology ensures a plush feel while still keeping the shoe light and speedy.

During an explosive drive or a lightning-quick change of direction, low-profile and ultra-responsive Zoom Air absorbs all the shock—and gives a little response back. And the combination of Phylon and Cushlon foams invests in the shock-absorbing abilities of the runner.

PROS

  • Available in different widths.
  • Sock-like fit.
  • Roomy toe box.
  • Moisture management (the Flymesh upper)
  • Customizable fit (the Flywire cables are connected to the shoelaces).
  • Durability and traction (thanks to the Waffle outsole).
  • Responsive midsole cushioning.

CONS

  • Runs half size smaller.
  • Not very lightweight.
  • Midfoot and rearfoot areas feel a bit tight.

Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet: Buyer’s Guide

Running Shoes for Wide Feet

There are many factors which must consider before buying the wide running shoes for yourself.

In this article, we will also provide you a complete buyer’s guide on all the things which you must consider before buying these shoes.

These factors are:

Comfort & Fit:

This is the most important factor to consider before buying wide running shoes. If you buy the shoes with the best comfort and fit, it will lower the chances of injuries.

But if you buy the shoes with the little discomfort, then it will be amplified while running and will make you suffer and will ultimately lower your performance.

If you buy a shoe which is too short or too long, too narrow or too wide then imagine a thousand steps while wearing it. It can also result in the blisters and swelling of your feet.

So you must always make sure to find the correct fitting and comfortable running shoes for yourself. You must try almost all the available sizes and choose the best fit. Make sure to have the indoor walking before going outside for a long run.

Cushioning:

The next important factor to consider is the questioning which is the property of the shoe to absorb the impact while running. All the shoes do not have the same amount of cushioning.

Some shoes have thick soles and others have thin. Those with thicker soles provide you the maximum cushioning.

The shoes with the maximum cushioning provide you more shock absorption and can carry more weight easily.

The heavy runners most always go for the maximum cushioned shoes. It prevents you from the injuries and gives you maximum comfort. It will also prevent you from the joint pains while running and will also take your performance to the next level.

So this thing must be kept in mind before buying the long-running shoes for yourself.

Stability:

Coming towards the next important factor. If you are going for the long run, then the thing which metro is the most is whether you have the stability or not.

If your shoes don’t provide you the stability, then you won’t be able to run for even one kilometer. Moreover, the instability issues can also affect your running performance and ankles and knees.

If you are a person who is having the ligament issues, then you cannot run without the maximum stability shoes.

So you surely have to find the shoes which provide you the maximum stability.

The stability of the shoes depends on how structured or unstructured the upper of the shoes is. So you must always look for the shoes who have the most structured upper to get the maximum stability.

Durability:

The next important factor which you must consider before buying the wide running shoes is its durability. Everyone wants to make sure that their running shoes last long. Almost every shoe wear and tear after a specific period.

Moreover, their support and cushioning can also collapse with time. So you must always look for shoes which are made up of high-quality material so that it lasts long without any wear or tear.

FAQs:

Would the Toe Box Be Roomier in a Wide Width Shoe?

We cannot give you an accurate measure of how wide your shoes must be. It is because different people have different feet having varying proportions of wideness.

Some of the people’s feet are only wide from the forefoot while the other people’s feet are wide throughout the length.

So the answer to this question depends upon the measure of the wideness of your feet.

Whenever you are trying any shoes and you feel pinching on the toes or the side of your midfoot then you should probably go for a wide feet option.

But if you feel ample room on the side of your midfoot or your toes then you must go for a smaller size or a narrow feet option.

How should wide running shoes fit me?

Whenever you are going for a wide feet shoes then you must always go for a secure fit. It means that the shoes which you are buying shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

Secure fit shoes will allow you to have enough room so that you can move your toes around and feel comfortable.

Will wide running shoes further widen with use?

The answer is yes. It is a fact that all issues widen to a specific range with longer use. It is because these shoes are made up of hi-tech mesh and fabric uppers which can stretch to a certain limit.

They are flexible and stretchable why retaining their original shape and size. They cannot be widened above this certain limit. This is a good thing and has many advantages.

This can increase comfort and also take your performance to the next level.

What's the difference between wide running shoes for men and women?

There is a big difference between the feet of men and women. Different types of shoes are designed for both genders. Women have narrow feet so their shoes are generally narrower than that of men.

If a woman is having wide feet, its shoe size will be equal to that of a normal width shoe of a man. And if you are a man with wide feet then you have to go for extra wide size.

so whenever you are looking for wide shoes for yourself you must keep in mind.

What is the best way to take care of my running shoes?

As we know that runners are not some softcore people. They are the hardest core people with the most excessive amount of stress and work.

So the running shoes have the maximum chances of wear and tear because of the maximum amount of the stress they have. That is the reason they need more care than ordinary shoes.

So you must know very well how to take care of your running shoes.

First of all, you must not leave the socks inside after you wear them off. If you place the socks then you will block the air which can try them from inside.

You must also remove any stones that are stuck between the treads. It can prevent it from damaging the midsole. Also, use a sneaker cleaning kit to wash them after a month.

Wide Toe Box VS Wide Width Running Shoes

Well, if you’re gonna buy your running shoes according to the style and length only (unfortunately, the majority of people do so), you’ll hardly be able to do the miles in these sneakers, let alone improving your running performance and training your best.

The right fitting shoe is the one that has enough space for a natural foot position both in the heel area and in the toe box.

It shouldn’t rub or cause irritation in the midfoot as well, so the arch support should also be the right width – neither too loose nor too stiff.

Summing up, wide width and wide toe box are equally important. The only thing is that if your feet have some width issues (disproportionate), you may need a normal shoe width size with a wide toe box, or vice versa.

Difference between Wide Width Shoes and Shoes with Wide Toe Box

Both wide width shoes and shoes with wide toe box are created to maximally adjust the fit to the natural and healthy position of the foot, which is extremely important when it comes to running. However, they’re not the same, and every runner should be aware of the difference between wide width shoes and shoes with wide toe box.

Wide width shoes are proportionally wide in the forefoot, rearfoot, and midfoot areas. They’re good for people with uniformly wide feet along the length.

Shoes with wide toe box feature snug fit in the heel area and midfoot, but the forefoot is roomy enough to give comfort and support if a runner’s foot is much broader at the toes yet very narrow at the heel.

Talking about a natural toe splay, both wide shoes and the sneakers with wide toe box allow toes to spread naturally, giving the feeling of barefoot running and distributing the impact and pressure equally all through your foot.

In case you buy not appropriate running shoe, your feet will be squeezed and cramped, that will eventually lead to rubbing, irritation, and even injuries.

How Should the Toe Box Fit?

If you care about your feet, joints, knees, and back health, you’d better follow the recommendations of podiatrists to avoid any shoe that squeezes your toes together.

Narrow toe box area in the running shoes can lead to bunions, blisters, corns, development of plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and poor posture. So, it really is an issue of huge importance to look for runners with a toe box that is wide and roomy enough but still is not too loose.

Narrow-width shoes tend to have narrow toe box, wide and extra-wide sneakers have enough room to play:

foot

How Wide Should the Heel Be?

Fit wide, feel comfy, stabilize the foot without slapping – here’s an ideal formula of ideal rearfoot running shoe area.

Despite the main focus is on the wide toe box, the heel area shouldn’t be neglected. Yes, we need a secure heel lock-down, but it doesn’t mean it should be overly tight. If so, you just won’t be able to run at full capacity cause your feet will be restrained from moving freely and naturally.

How to Make More Toe Room in Your Running Shoes?

If you’re one of those freaks who put awesome external design and style above comfort and security in the running sneakers, and later on suffer from pain and discomfort, we’ve got several cool ideas for you!

How to make more toe room in your favorite runners?

Stretch the Shoes

Take two plastic bags and fill them with water. Then, place the bags carefully into the forefoot area of your sneakers and make them freeze (in the freezer). As the water freezes, it expands, stretching your shoes at the same time.

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Choose the Right Lacing Technique

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Would the Toe Box Be Roomier in a Wide Width Shoe?

Definitely yes!

A wide width running shoe is a guarantee of a roomy toe box, however, there are some narrow and normal width models, which offer a roomy toe box as well.

Bottom Line

Summing up, if you’re looking for a high quality running shoe for your wide feet, which can give you freedom and extra space where you need it, and a snug supportive fit in other strategic areas, you’d better choose from such leading shoe brands as ASICS, Brooks, New Balance, Mizuno, or Nike.

If talking about our experts’ opinion, we’ve concluded that ASICS GT-2000v6 and Brooks Addiction 12 are the best running shoes for wide feet to date.

They both combine a top quality and numerous waring advantages with a reasonable budget-friendly price and visually appealing external design – the best hit on the running footwear market today!