Running shoes can make or break your run and they have to fit you well. If you have wide feet, you will need to look for the best running shoes for wide feet to ensure that you are going to have the perfect fit.
Too often, running shoes run narrow, making it all the harder to find wide running shoes.
We looked around at all of the most popular and top rated running shoes for wide feet to help you out.
These are the top 8 wide running shoes out on the market right now and everything you need to know.
Wide Running Shoes Sizing & Fit
While you can expect your running shoes to fit snugly, regardless of the width of your feet, when you have wide or extra-wide feet, you should not just hope the shoe will stretch over time.
You need running shoes that are specially made to accommodate wide and extra-wide feet. This will prevent injuries and give you better overall performance.
Also keep in mind that even if your feet feel ok in regular width shoes when you first try them on, your feet will swell when you are running, requiring even more space. You will especially want to make sure that your toes have enough room to spread out.
Squeezing your toebox will result in bunions, making running impossible. So, while regular width shoes are easier to find, do not settle for them. There are plenty of wide shoes out there that will be more comfortable and safer to wear.
8 Best Running Shoes For Wide Feet (2022)
Brand | Skill Level | Width | Rating | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Brooks Ghost 12 Editor's Choice | Intermediate/ | Wide & | 100% | |
2. ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Budget Friendly | Beginner | Wide | 96% | |
3. New Balance 520 V5 Extra Wide Running Shoes | Beginner/ | Wide & | 97% | |
4. ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 Women Specific | Intermediate/ | Wide | 99% | |
5. Under Armour Assert 8 For Beginners | Beginner | Wide | 98% | |
6. New Balance Roav V1 Ultra Light | Beginner | Wide | 95% | |
7. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Trail Running | Beginner | Wide | 94% | |
8. Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Women Specific | Beginner/ | Wide | 96% |
1. Brooks Ghost 12 Wide Running Shoes
Best Wide Running Shoes (Editor's Choice)
The best running shoes for wide feet that you can get are the Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoes. Brooks is one of the best running shoe brands in the world, so it should come as no surprise that they will accommodate wider feet.
Design
The design of the Ghost 12 shoes includes a mesh upper that will allow for better overall breathability.
The newly engineered mesh as well as the 3D Fit Print will stretch around the outside of your foot, snugly holding your foot in place to prevent blisters. As a bonus, you can find Ghost shoes in just about any colour imaginable as this is one of Brooks’ most popular models.
The shoes also have balanced, soft cushioning with BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft that will help take any stress off of your underfoot, but not diminish the overall responsiveness of the shoe.
Features
There are a lot of great features with these shoes, including the fact that they are excellent for not just wide feet, but also for runners who supinate.
Regardless of how you run, there is a segmented crash pad on the bottom of the shoes that will help to absorb the shock, so if you land center or to the side, you should still get adequate shock absorption.
The Ghost 12 shoes are also great on any running surface, from trails to roads to treadmills.
2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Wide Running Shoes
Budget Friendly
If you are looking for a wide running shoe that will work within your budget, we suggest the ASIC’s Gel-Venture 7 shoes. These are a trail running shoe, made to handle outdoors.
Design
The design of these shoes includes a study upper that is made out of synthetic leather. There is also a removable sockliner, which is helpful if you want to make room for an orthotic within your shoe. The shoes also come in a huge range of colours, so you do get some choice in appearance.
The shoes also have a mesh upper that will help with breathability, keeping your feet as dry as possible. The shoes should also dry pretty quickly after a run.
Features
There are a lot of good features that come with the Gel-Venture 7 shoes, including rearfoot GEL technology. This is in place to help with shock absorption. The Ortholite sockliner also adds in a little bit more cushioning in the underfoot, molding around your foot with each step.
The EVA midsole of these shoes will keep your feet protected against impact while increasing your rebound, taking any extra stress off of your joints. They are made especially for trail running, so they might not work as well on road surfaces or treadmills. The shoes will also not hold up with heavy wear and tear.
3. New Balance Men’s 520 V5 Running Shoes
Extra Wide Running Shoes
New Balance makes running shoes for extra-wide feet, so if you have extra-wide feet, you do not need to try to squeeze your feet into narrow feet. The 520 V5 model is the best running shoes for extra-wide feet.
Design
The design of the New Balance 520 V5 running shoes is a supportive design with a breathable mesh upper. This will keep your feet as dry and cool as possible, preventing blisters and general dampness. These are designed to be soft as well as supportive, giving you plenty of comfort to work with.
The upper of these shoes sits on top of a durable rubber outsole, giving you a good protection from the road or trail that you are running on.
Features
Some of the features of the 520 V5 shoes include the EVA lightweight injection midsole. Not only does this increase the overall weight of the shoe, but it supplies your foot with a good layer of comfort. The plush feeling of these shoes makes it possible to wear them all day long.
The shoes are also versatile, so they will work on whatever surface that you prefer to run on, whether that is a treadmill, road, or a trail. The flexible underfoot grooves of these shoes makes it so they will respond to just about any surface, while giving you good sticking power.
4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
Women Specific Fit
If you are looking for women’s running shoes that accommodate wide feet, check out the ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 running shoe. These are good for runners who over-pronate, but will work with more neutral runners as well.
Design
The design of the Gel-Kayano 26 shoes includes a 45 degree full-length SpevaFoam material. This is in place to provide a soft, comfortable platform feel while also supply overall improved comfort on your feet. The mesh upper also helps with breathability to keep your feet as dry and comfortable as possible.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 shoes are also designed with an energetic foam system that will absorb a lot of the shock from impact. That will take pressure off of your knees and hips as you come in contact with the ground while you run.
Features
The Gel-Kayano 26 shoes have an impact guidance system (I.G.S.), which is an ASICs-specific feature that goes with the thought that there is a natural gait to your foot that needs to be worked with from the heel to the toe.
The shoes also use FlyteFoam Lyte Technology, which is an ASICs invention to create the lightest running shoes possible.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 running shoes also come with the Duo-Max Support System, which will enhance overall stability and support, while reducing the weight of the shoe and simultaneously increasing support.
5. Under Armour Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes
For Beginners
Another pair of shoes that is great for wide feet are the Under Armour Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes. These have a little different design than the other shoes that we have looked at.
Design
The design of the Charged Assert 8 running shoes includes a lower profile than other shoes. There is still a breathable mesh upper to work with to keep your feet nice and cool. There are quite a few colour options with these shoes as well, so you can have a little fun choosing the right shoes for you.
They are made out of durable leather on the overlay that increases not just the stability of the shoe, but also increases the longevity of the shoe.
Features
The Charged Assert 8 shoes combine flexibility and cushioning, making sure that your feet feel comfortable in them.
There is a good balance with the arch, so these are better for more neutral runners who do not need to compensate for pronation. They also have a 3-colour digital print to deliver complete breathability with these shoes.
The overlay with these shoes also will lock in your midfoot, so you do not need to worry about your feet sliding around during a run. This is important to prevent injuries and improve your overall performance.
6. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker
Super Light
The best wide running shoes that are also the lightest on the market are the New Balance Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker.
Design
The Fresh Foam Roav V1 are made well for wide feet, in part due to the wide opening as well as a wide toebox. They really are made for the widest runners.
They also are designed with an endurance rubber outsole so that they can handle high wear without breaking down. They are especially reinforced on the areas that receive the highest level of wear.
Also, the Roav V1 sneakers have an ultra heel which means that it has an extra-attractive design that also has a function. The heel hugs the back of your foot for a supportive fit that is snug. It will work well with the wide toebox of these shoes, giving you excellent overall comfort.
Features
There are so many great features that come with Fresh Foam Roav V1. There is an 8mm drop between the heel and the toe with these shoes, which is not a typical features. Having his heel drop makes it so that your steps are more natural when you are working.
These shoes also have durability in high-wear areas to help you get a longer life with this shoes, but since they are super lightweight, this is uncommon to find in shoes, making these really the best of their kind.
7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Wide Running Shoes
Trail Running
Great trail running shoe for wide feet is the ASICs Men’s Gel-Venture 6. These are a comfortable option for runners with wide feet who prefer trails.
Design
The Gel-Venture 6 is designed specifically for trails, so their sole is more durable. They also have a high abrasion rubber placed in areas on the outsole that get worn down the fastest. They also have a low profile, but do come up higher in the back of the ankle.
They also come in a wide range of colours, so you should be able to get a pair that fits your style. They really are made with your comfort in mind, so the design is meant to help trail runners have the smoothest workout possible.
Features
The features for the Gel-Venture 6 include a rearfoot GEL cushioning system. This works as a shock absorber during impact, allowing for a smooth transition to mid-stance without causing any injury to your joints.
The sockliner within the shoe is also removable, which is really nice if you would like to put in custom insoles or an orthotic.
The outsole of these shoes is also trail-specific. This means that there are reversed lugs that provide uphill and downhill traction on any type of rugged terrain. You will get a good grip, even if the trail has loose dirt.
8. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes
The final pair of shoes that we will look at for runners with wide feet is the Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes. These are a comfortable choice for treadmill running or just everyday walking.
Design
These shoes have a little bit of a different design than a lot of the other shoes that we have looked at. They have a softer upper that is made out of textile rather than mesh. As a result, the fit around your foot securely and well, feeling more like a sock around your foot than a shoe.
These are women specific shoes, so they are designed with women’s feet in mind. The anatomy of a woman’s foot is different than a man’s, so this means they will fit women’s feet very well.
Features
The Cloudfoam Pure shoes are made with a wide opening that will make it easy to get your feet in without trouble. In fact, the boot opening is between 6 and 12 inches, depending on the size of your shoe, which is big enough to get them on easily.
The shoes also come with a Cloudfoam memory sockliner, which is what gives the shoes their name. They are supposed to be so lightweight, soft, and comfortable that you could be walking on a cloud.
Brands That Make Wide & Extra Wide Running Shoes
As common as it is to have wide width feet, wide running shoes are not standard. There are a few brands out there, thankfully, that do offer wide running shoes and wide width sneakers pretty regularly, however. They include:
- Brooks
- New Balance
- Asics
- Saucony
The important thing about these brands is that they actually offer wide-widths, the shoes themselves are not just naturally wider.
Regular width shoes that are naturally wider are not made for wide feet specifically, so you will still be better off trying to get shoes that are wide or extra-wide.
There are other brands that might offer wide widths, but not as consistently as those listed above.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Wide Running Shoes
Material
The first consideration to make is the material that the shoes are made out of. Mesh uppers are generally more breathable than textile uppers, so your feet are more likely to stay cooler.
You also want to look at the material of other parts of the shoe. Is the toe reinforced with leather? Are the soles rubber? All of it matters in terms of durability. Rubber soles will also prevent you from slipping on smooth or wet ground.
Sizing & Fit
The second thing to think about is the sizing and the fit of the shoes. Wide width shoes might mean different things to different shoes. Where are your feet wide? Also, there is a difference between wide width and high volume.
Your foot width is generally measured by the toebox, whereas the volume is the amount of space that your shoe takes up within the shoe. Running shoes are normally snug, but they should not squeeze or hurt your feet.
Durability
Running shoes can be an expensive investment. You do not want to have to replace them often because you have worn them out. So, you should look into the durability of the shoes to ensure that they will be able to hold up for a long time.
This will come down to the quality of the manufacturing and the material that is used to make them. They will wear out with the miles you put on, but there’s no reason they should wear out quickly.
Insole & Arch Support
The insole and arch support also matter. The height of your arch can affect what amount of support you really need.
Whether you pronate, or turn your foot, when you land can also affect the amount of support that you need. It is entirely personal and you will need to have a good idea of where you are already and know a little bit about how you run.
How To Measure Your Wide Width Feet Properly
In order to measure your feet properly, especially with wide feet, you will need a friend, a pencil, and a piece of paper.
Standing barefoot or sock-footed on the sheet of paper, your friend will need to trace around each of your feet in order to get a realistic outline. Then, you measure it with a ruler from the longest points and the widest points to get your foot dimensions.
You need a friend in order to make sure you are putting your full weight on your feet. Otherwise, the width of your feet might be skewed and give you an improper measurement.
The Difference Between Wide Running Shoes And Extra Wide Running Shoes
The different between wide running shoes and extra wide running shoes usually comes down to the width of your toebox. This is the area of the ball of your foot and the widest part of your foot. Wide shoes will be wider than the standard with, but extra-wide extend even further.
If you pull an insole out of your shoe and stand on it alone and find that your feet completely spill over the sides completely, then you should go for a wider pair of shoes. Running shoes should be a little snug, but they should not be so snug that your feet are being squeezed into the shoe.
Final Words
While there might be quite a few great brands and styles of wide running shoes, the best running shoes for wide feet are the Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoes.
These shoes are great on all types of running surfaces, making them incredibly versatile. They also accommodate different running styles and needs, making them the best choice out there.
If you are looking for running shoes that come in extra-wide, you will be better off with the New Balance Men’s 520 V5 Running Shoe that can accommodate that. You really need to buy the right fit and never expect the shoe to adjust to you.
What’s up guys! It’s Tim here. Finding the right footwear for wide feet can be a challenge. And I know this from my own experience since I wear E or EE shoes. And that’s why I decided to start Wide Feet Gear. I want to help people with wide feet to find perfect shoes, boots, skates or cleats so they can look and feel great. Cheers!