9 Wide Toe Box Running Shoes for a More Comfortable Stride

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Here’s something that might come as a shock: Wide toe box running shoes and running shoes for wide feet are not the same thing. We’ll pause for that to sink in. Wide shoes have expanded width across the shoe (from the heel all the way to the toe box), while wide toe box shoes are normally sized throughout with the exception of the toe box, which is larger.

So, why does this matter and what does wearing the wrong shoe mean for the health of your foot? We consulted with Dr. Peter Lovato, DPM-Podiatrist of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists to find out.

“Wide toe boxes are beneficial to prevent compression side to side to your toes which can cause common running issues such as pinched nerves,” Lovato explains. Running shoes with narrow toe boxes can cause too much compression in the shoes, which can cause blistering, a dreaded enemy of long-distance runners. In other words, the best wide toe box running shoes can help alleviate pain caused by bunions, hammertoes, and tailor's bunions.

Looking to avoid unneeded foot compression? We're here to help. For the past few months, we've field-tested a bunch of wide toe box running shoes, and consulted with Dr. Lovato to find the best ones so you can run comfortably.

Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet | Best Shoes for Bunions | Best Lightweight Running Shoes | Best Cushioned Running Shoes | Best Minimalist Running Shoes

Paradigm 6

Well cushioned with plenty of room for toes to splay? Yes, please! The Altra Paradigm 6 is stable and ideal for almost any distance of running (although I particularly like them for mileage within the 5-12 range).

I’m impressed by the careful thought that went into creating the Paradigm 6, and they’re even endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association for being a shoe that "supports good foot health."

Plus, the upper has improved from iterations past–you’ll notice better ventilation in the mesh and a more stable foot hug. I also like how responsive these shoes are as the miles start to stack. The bouncy cushioning helps propel you forward, and the guide rails on the side keep your foot in ideal, proper positioning.

Cohesion 16

Want a shoe with a wide toe box but don’t want to spend a ton of cash? At under $75, the Saucony Cohesion 16 fits the bill. If you’re a beginning runner or don’t run long distances frequently, this shoe will work well for you. The durable construction of the upper and outsole is noticeable, and I experienced excellent traction on a variety of surfaces (pavement, treadmill and trails).

It is worth noting that these shoes are lightly cushioned at best, and aren’t ideal for races or really long distances. After a while, you’ll notice the shoes aren’t as responsive as some of the more cushioned/rockered styles that are popular. Still, if you’re wanting a shoe that can go from HIIT at the gym to pounding the pavement outside, the Cohesion 16 shines.

Read more: Best Stability Running Shoes

Cyclone 2

When you’re trying to build up your stamina, a 40-minute tempo run will test you–and your shoes. The lightweight, 6.9-ounce Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 is up for the task. The cushioning is bouncy and responsive, and the roomy toe box keeps toes stable and flush to the shoe itself. I like how flexible the Cyclone 2 is, as I didn’t feel restricted when I wanted to quicken my foot turnover.

The tongue of the shoe is thicker than most lightweight running shoes, but I actually prefer that. I felt locked down, secure and able to focus on my run. However, as is customary with foam-based running shoes, you’ll find the durability suffers. The foam gets chewed up quickly on trails and other rough surfaces, but that’s the trade off if you want a lightweight shoe.

TrailFly Ultra G 300 Max

UK brand Inov-8 knows how to do trail running shoes right, and the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max is no exception. The graphene bottom is wildly durable and designed to rebound well, perfect for the last grueling mile of your trail run. I felt protected and secure, even on rocky surfaces. The sturdy outsole means you’ll have these shoes for a while, but it also means the break in period may take longer than you’re used to.

The cushioning adapts to changes in your environment, and the midfoot groove allows your foot to move naturally (whether you’re jumping, going downhill, or avoiding large rocks). And unlike other Inov-8 shoes I’ve tried in the past, these shoes fit true to size (although the laces are still insanely long for no discernable reason).

GT-2000 11

Reliable and stable may be what your mother hopes you find in a partner, but it’s also something you’ll want in a daily trainer. The Asics GT-2000 11 has a generously-sized toe box that supports and cradles your forefoot, and the upper is breathable for better airflow.

I like the heel collar of these shoes, and if you’ve owned Asics in the GT series before, you’ll know what I’m talking about. They’re cushioned, but still cradle the back of your heel without unneeded poking. Pro tip: Size up for your most comfortable fit.

Read more: Best Asics Running Shoes

Fresh Foam X 860v13

Whether you want to run 15 miles or a quick 2-mile jaunt, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13s hits the spot. They’re balanced in all the right ways: Moderate cushioning that’s not overwhelming, and are fairly stable yet flexible, but not overly so. The stability lines through the midfoot help keep your foot working in a natural movement pattern without overpronating.

The Fresh Foam cushioning is not overwhelming or too bouncy, but provides the right amount of comfort for any type of run. The only type of running I wouldn’t really recommend these for? Trail running, as the traction isn’t pronounced enough for rough terrains.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9s are the ideal companion on a long run. If you’re looking for adequate room for your toes to splay but still want comfort and cushioning, you’ve found it. The breathable (and stretchy!) upper is well ventilated to keep your tootsies cool, even when you’re sweating. And speaking of high-quality materials, the Clifton 9 is vegan and made of recycled polyester.

I also like the balanced cushioning that is both soft underfoot and also responsive, which is especially important for logging significant mileage. I’ve worn these on every type of surface you can think of, and I’ve been impressed each time. However, if you plan to run trails frequently, it’s important to note that the outsole’s foam may not last as long.

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

Cloudmonster

The On Cloudmonster is On’s first foray into a rockered shoe, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. Not only is it a unique shoe structurally, but it also comes in a variety of fun colors to suit your every mood. Besides its looks, the cushioning is exceptional towards the midfoot and heel, which makes it easier for the shoe to propel you forward during a run. When testing this shoe on pavement, I was impressed with how responsive it was–truly living up to its ‘cloud’ name.

However, if you’re a heavier runner, we've heard the cushioning’s responsiveness may diminish/squish, especially if you tend to have a forefoot strike. I didn’t personally experience this, but it is still worth noting.

And if you live in a hotter climate (or just tend to run warm), you’ll appreciate the breathable mesh upper with the perforated holes for ventilation.

Read more: Best On Running Shoes

Gel-Kayano 29

If stability is what you crave in a running shoe, look no further than the Asics Gel-Kayano 29. These shoes have midfoot stability on the inside to keep you from overpronation. Translation? If you tend to roll inwards while you run (and/or have flat feet), the angled feature of the midfoot will gently help keep your foot in place and stable.

Additionally, if you need extra room for your toes to comfortably splay, these shoes deliver. I found that even when my toes swell during a run (thanks a lot, POTS), the toe box is large enough that I don’t feel overly cramped.

It is worth noting that these shoes take a little while to break in, but that isn’t uncommon with stable running shoes from Asics. While I wouldn’t expect them to be top-tier comfortable right out of the box, you’ll find they are once molded to your feet.

What to Look for in Wide Toe Box Running Shoes

Toe Box Size

This shouldn’t come as much as a shock, but you’ll want to make sure the toe box is, you know, actually wide. When you stick your foot into the shoe, you should be able to lay your toes comfortably flat without them crossing over each other. This may require a little trial and error, but you’ll be able to tell pretty quickly after you try a pair on if they have a wide toe box or not.

Dr. Michael Fishkin, also from Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, weighs in on how to determine if a shoe has a wide toe box:

“For extra space in the toe box, you do not want it to be too sloppy on the foot, but the foot should be cradled by the base of the footwear,” Fishkin says. “There should be 1/2 to 1 full thumb nail of toe space from the longest toe, to the end of the shoe. A wide toe box will have a rounder forefoot feature to accommodate the foot, while a wide width running shoe may still have the tapered toe box look.”

Terrain

Toe box size aside, you’ll want to make sure the sole of the shoe fits the type of terrain you intend to run on. If you prefer to run on trails or rocky paths, ensure the shoe you choose has a durable, grooved sole that won’t wear out immediately. For those who like to run on treadmills, you can be a little more flexible with the durability of the outsole, because a treadmill deck is typically more forgiving than a sidewalk, road, or trail.

Read more: Best Treadmill Running Shoes

How Do I Know if I Have a Wide Foot?

To see if you have a wide foot, all you need to do is measure the width of your foot. You can do this by tracing your foot on a piece of paper and measuring it, or by going to a running store and having them measure your feet.

If you choose to go the at-home route, here’s a handy chart to see if you have wide feet. For example, I’m a size 9 (W), and to have a wide foot, my foot’s width would need to be 3 13⁄16" or larger.

Just remember that the width of your foot doesn't determine whether you can benefit from wide toe-box shoes. Even if you don't have wide feet, giving your toes more space to spread out in your shoe isn't a bad thing.

Do You Need Wide Toe Box Shoes?

If you find yourself crossing your big toe over like it is holding in pee when wearing running shoes, it might be time to buy a pair with a wide box. Wide box running shoes aren’t shoes that are necessarily wide throughout, but they do have enough room in the front for all of your toes to splay comfortably.

So, why does it matter if your toes splay? When your toes splay comfortably within your shoes, you’ll have better arch support and stability. In turn, this will make you run with less discomfort and better form since other muscles won’t be overcompensating.

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.

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