Step Into Comfort with These Running Shoes for Wide Feet

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NOBODY LIKES WEARING shoes that don't fit well, especially when running. A pair of well-fitting running shoes is crucial for anyone logging consistent weekly miles, but the stakes are even higher for those with wider feet. The right pair of running shoes for wide feet plays a pivotal role in helping runners maintain consistency, prevent injuries, and have a good running experience. The search for wide running shoes can be a bit more challenging, making it important to invest time and effort in discovering your Goldilocks fit.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

Stepping into too-narrow shoes can be seriously uncomfortable, with the pinky toe bearing the brunt of an ill fit. Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio, highlights the potential issues of shoes that are too small or narrow, including blisters, calluses, numbness, and ongoing foot pain. According to Dr. Mendeszoon, it's crucial for wide running shoes to provide enough room in the forefoot, allowing toes to move independently without pressure. For those with wide feet, simply opting for larger sizes in length doesn't adequately address the ill fit.

Properly fitting running shoes for wide feet won't revolutionize your running game, but they can enhance your comfort with each stride and contribute to avoiding unnecessary foot pain. The importance lies in shoes accommodating your feet, not the other way around.

Our team of MH fitness editors and experts, led by Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, has rigorously tested and evaluated more than two dozen pairs of running shoes for wide feet. In collaboration with top podiatrists like Dr. Mendeszoon, we've scrutinized factors such as comfort, fit, support, and overall performance, gathering insights to determine the key attributes that make a running shoe ideal for wider feet.

To guide you in the search for the best wide running shoes, consider these four definitive buying tips: look for models that are specifically offered in wide or extra wide sizes, prioritize ample room in the forefoot, ensure proper length without compromising width, and focus on shoes that offer support tailored for wider foot anatomy.

Whether you're just getting into running and are on the hunt for a shoe to suit your foot anatomy, or you're looking to upgrade your worn-out runners, the right wide running shoes bring value to the table that can't be beat. Scroll down to learn about the nine best wide running shoes to shop in 2024.

Paradigm 7

Altra is a company with unwavering core principles, reflected in its footshape toebox (it mimics the natural shape of the human foot, providing a wider and more spacious toe area) and zero mm heel-to-toe drop. The Paradigm 7 is no exception.

Compared to its predecessor, the Paradigm 6, the 7 features a more tailored upper and a slimmed down look. It's designed for maximum cushion and stability, with an outsole made of durable rubber and a midsole that allows for more flexibility that you'd expect from a good stability shoe. When we ran in these, we found the new cushioning, made from a lighter weight compound, felt more like a Hoka than an Altra (meaning a cushioned, bouncy feel underfoot).

The shoe fits great, especially on wider feet. The mesh upper is breathable and yet supportive and durable, and includes dynamic guide rails (raised components on the midsole) to support stability and guide the foot's natural motion. Despite its highly cushioned 34 mm stack height, the shoe feels really stable due to its zero mm heel-to-toe drop and upper construction.

Read more: Best Stability Running Shoes

ADIZERO PRIME X STRUNG

The Prime X Strung is as unique in construction as it is in visual design. The unique fiber threaded upper with different colored strands gives a look reminiscent of a 90s paper cup (come on, you know you see it), but offers a locked-down feeling that's as modern as could be. Though the upper is thin, we found it to be surprisingly strong.

The toe box is roomy, and the midsole has three layers of varied cushioning that provide great energy return, which makes training in these really fun. High stack trainers like this model are ideal for long runs and people training to build up for racing.

Arch support is neutral here, so it's a good pick for those without special support considerations. The rubber outsole is also extremely durable, having lasted through months of heavy running without tearing or losing traction.

However, the heel collar feature can cause irritation to the Achilles region for some, especially if you choose to wear ankle socks. If you like an ultra-cushioned feel, this shoe is a solid contender, although the $300 price tag is quite the investment.

Read more: Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints

GEL-Nimbus® 26

The Gel-Nimbus 26 offers a ton of bounce underfoot with foam cushioning in the midsole and additional foam in the forefoot. It's one of the comfiest wide-friendly runners we've tried, hands down. And it's available in three widths: standard, wide, and extra wide.

The knit upper offers just the right amount of stretch, meaning a great balance between security and flexibility. The shoe's tongue and ankle collar system are made of super-stretchy knit, which adds to the overall comfort level. It's one of the more consistently breathable models, making it a go-to for warm weather runs, too.

For speed work and tempo runs, you'll want to look elsewhere, as this shoe is designed to best keep up with casual everyday runs. You won't get a ton of response from these shoes, but they feel great for casual, easy recovery runs.

Read more: Best Neutral Running Shoes

Adrenaline GTS 23

The latest version of the Brooks Adrenaline is one of the more versatile running shoes on the market. When taking on easy runs, long runs, or nearly anything in between, we found this shoe provided adequate cushioning, solid support, and a dependable fit.

The midsole: Made with cushioning comprised of foam, rubber, and air, it feels plush and absorbs shock and pads landings well. It's a good midrange if you need a stability shoe with cushioning and don't like a high stack metarocker.

The upper: It's mesh and breathable, which contributes to its flexibility and lightweight build. Reflective strips offer increased visibility for early morning or late afternoon runs.

It's not the lightest, fastest, or most cushioned shoe on this list, but it is one of the most supportive, balanced, and stable. We love this shoe for recovery runs, walking, and long days on our feet.

Read more: Brooks Hyperion Elite Review

Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 is one of the comfiest running shoes out there, and luckily, it’s wide foot approved. The base is wide and the toebox is roomy, making it a great choice for most wider foot anatomies.

We found the mesh upper to be flexible enough to feel good for even high arches, which is complemented by plush padding around the heel collar and tongue.

This shoe boasts a tall stack of the brand's lightweight and resilient foam, which feels luxe and cushioned with each step. It has a shape curved design (referred to as an early-stage metarocker) in the midsole or outsole designed to facilitate a smooth and stable heel-to-toe transition during your stride. We love this shoe for long runs, recovery days, or long shifts on your feet. It's available in not only wide, but extra wide sizes, too.

While it’s a great choice for those whose feet and legs need a little extra TLC for everyday running and comfort wear, it’s not the shoemaker’s go-to performance model. If you’re looking for speed, opt for something that will work a little harder for you in terms of energy response, such as the Clifton. (Check out our full comparison of the two models here.)

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

Fresh Foam X 1080v13

This model from New Balance has a comfortable and stretchy knit upper that we found conforms well to most foot and arch shapes. It’s great for wide footers as the extra width provides ample space in the toebox, and without cramming or squishing the midfoot.

We found this edition of the model to have corrected the issues of previous versions that caused pain on the top of the foot from a too-tight fit. However, thanks to an improved heel collar design, this version is also slightly heavier than the previous version (but we think it's worth the added weight).

With cloud-like foam cushioning, the midsole feels solid and responsive. An all-around solid pick for daily easy miles at a swift pace.

The changes made in this updated version make it a must-try running shoe for just about anyone, and the extra width options are a colossal bonus. But keep in mind, many buyers report the sizing length is a bit off, so consider bumping down a half size.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Lone Peak 7

Got wide feet and love hitting the trails? You might want to try the Altra Lone Peak 7. Between the classic Altra foot-shaped toebox and a whopping 25mm stack height (front and back), it's our go-to for tackling rocky paths. This newly released version is the best one yet, with a stitch-less upper that's super durable and fits seamlessly—no more annoying snags or pressure points.

The outsole got an upgrade, too. Aggressive lugs work like trail magnets, offering killer grip for most terrain. Plus, the full-length stone guard is a layer of protection against those pointy rocks.

Rain or shine, long or short distances, these trail runners hold up like champs. The traction is next level, and the cushioning is just right—enough to feel the ground but still super comfy on rocky patches.

Clifton 9

The Clifton is known by pros and casual runners alike as the shoemaker’s most popular trainer, and now it's been upgraded with extra side space, making it a no-brainer for those with wide feet.

In the past, Hoka’s wide models only accommodated wider feet by additional volume through the midfoot, toebox and upper, not the actual platform. But the newly reimagined Clifton has broken that norm. We found these updates to really payoff for wide feet when it came to fit and stability.

New foam cushioning gives these a soft and bouncy feel while keeping them ultra lightweight. In fact, it’s the lightest shoe on this list, making it ideal for long-distance runs and speed work. What we love the most about this shoe is its durable construction, making it an especially reliable pick for most of your weekly miles.

Read more: Hoka Clifton 9 Review

FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2

This shoe has an insanely cushioned 47 mm stacked midsole with a cambered carbon plate and a void down the center to optimize energy return. It's the epitome of a high stack trainer, meant for long runs and people training to build up for racing. We found this shoe also offers surprisingly great stability, with a wider heel that's designed to help combat pronation.

The lace knit upper allows for some stretch but still gives a snug, locked down feel. In the wide version, the upper felt a bit more generous through the midfoot and toebox.

We found the midsole foam to be ideally soft yet incredibly responsive—the energy return is stellar and is everything you want for race day. The shoe’s durable construction and stability allows it to perform well for long distances, however, it shines in races of any distance.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

How to Choose the Best Wide Running Shoes (for You)

If you have wide feet and are shopping for running shoes, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you find a comfortable and supportive shoe:

Size: A well-fitting pair of running shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. There should be about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

"Not only is it important to buy shoes that are fitting properly in length, but it's exquisitely important to buy them so that they fit properly in the width category," says Mendeszoon. So check the width, too (even if you're buying a 'wide' size). Make sure the shoe is wide enough to accommodate your foot without being too loose or too tight, especially in the toe box and midfoot.

Running style: Think about whether you tend to land on the balls of your feet or your heels when you run. Different shoes are designed for different types of runners, so understanding your running style can help you choose a shoe that will best suit your needs.

Terrain: Where will you be running most often? If you'll be running on pavement, opt for a shoe with good shock absorption. If you'll be running on trails, you'll want a shoe with good traction, a thick sole, and stability.

Cushioning: The level of cushioning you need depends on your running style, joint considerations (injuries, etc.), and the terrain you'll be running on. If you are recovering from a knee injury, opt for a heavily cushioned shoe, if you are running on trails, you'll want something less plushy.

Support: If you have flat feet or low arches, you'll want to look for a shoe with built-in arch support, or one that's compatible with an arch supporting insole of your choice. A well-fitted shoe should provide good heel support, too. You'll want to feel a snug fit around the back of your foot, which helps to prevent slippage and blisters.

Breathability: Look for shoes with breathable uppers made of mesh or other lightweight materials to ensure you'll feet will stay cool and dry, regardless of the hard work you'll logging in them.

Flexibility: The only thing that feels worse than a too narrow shoe is a too stiff shoe, so look for shoes that bend and flex easily, allowing your feet to move naturally.

Can Foot Shape Change Over Time?

"As we get older, our feet will change in length and width. With wear and tear and pressure being applied to the foot on a daily basis, our feet will eventually get weaker and begin to break down," says Dr. Mendeszoon.

With each step, the average individual exerts their body weight on the front foot, plus some additional force. Running amplifies this to roughly three times the body weight per step. Over a single day, the feet endure millions of pounds of pressure, causing changes due to the constant applied forces on this foundational structure.

How Should Wide Running Shoes Fit?

It is important that shoes be fitted not only in length but width, as even wide feet come in many different shapes and sizes. Also, you need to have your feet regularly, as feet can change in appearance and function as we get older, fluctuate in weight, or even with post surgical changes on lower leg, ankle or foot surgery.

"Typically, New Balance and Brooks have the whole gamut of shoe sizes and widths," Dr. Mendeszoon says. "A typical or 'normal' width shoe is labeled D for men. Men's widths range up from there, from D, 2E, 4E to 6E."

Your shoe should also have a comfortable foot bed and a proper fitting tongue that's not too tight or irritating on top of the foot. Lastly, make sure that the Achilles notch of the shoe does not irritate the back portion of your heel (the Achilles tendon).

Neutral vs. Support Shoes

There's a big difference between a neutral shoe and support (or stability) shoe. Generally, neutral shoes are indicated for people who have a higher arch (less pronation), a forefoot striker, or someone looking for a performance shoe that is lighter and more responsive, Dr. Mendeszoon previously explained. "A supportive shoe is for those who may need a little more control of their feet flattening out (pronation) and to provide a bit more shock absorption and control."

Neutral shoes typically are lighter than a supportive shoe and can break down a bit quicker.

Heel Drop Explained

'Heel drop' is a recent term that has gained momentum over the last decade. It refers to the measurement of cushioning from the heel to the forefoot.

Since the early 1970s, the construction of the running shoe changed dramatically as shoes were constructed with blown rubber and thick heels. Prior to this, most shoes were completely flat with no heel drop (think: Converse Chuck Taylors, PF Flyers). Today, the most common running shoe design has about a 12 mm drop. But within the last decade, we're seeing more and more zero drop (0 mm) running shoes come back into the market.

The greater the heel drop, the more likely runners are to have a heel strike or mid foot strike, whereas lower drop shoes promote a mid foot to forefoot strike. Neutral shoes, racing flats, and performance shoes usually have a low heel-to drop, if not a zero mm drop. Support, stability, and motion control running shoes typically have the larger drop (above 10 mm).

How We Selected the Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet

Men's Health's fitness editors have spent countless hours researching and testing the best running shoes on the market. We compiled a list of more than 40 best-selling and top-rated models offered in wide sizes, tested dozens of them through weekly running workouts, then narrowed it down based on fit specifications, support, price, and comfort. The above list represents our curated picks for the best wide foot-friendly running shoes to shop in 2024.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours testing shoes, researching, and interviewing podiatrists including podiatrist Dr. Mark Mendeszoon. Our writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

Read More About Our Favorite Running Shoes

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