Runners With Wide Feet Say These Sneakers Are 'The Most Supportive I've Ever Owned'

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Finding the perfect running shoe can feel like a Cinderella story. Some are too small, too tight, and worst of all, some are too narrow. In fact, a 2018 study found that 63 to 72 percent of people were wearing inappropriately sized shoes (yikes!).

If you are in search of the best running shoe for wide feet, don’t fret! Luckily, you never have to endure the dreaded squished feeling again because there are tons of wide running shoes that will leave your feet on cloud nine mile after mile.

“Our feet are our foundation, so we want to make sure we have the right support to reduce the risk of injury,” says Alyssa Lombardi, CPT, a certified personal trainer, running coach, and exercise physiologist. “If you are someone with wider feet it’s so important to buy a wide shoe that is going to fit your foot properly.”

Meet the experts: Alyssa Lombardi, CPT, is a certified personal trainer, running coach, and exercise physiologist. Kristina Centenari, CPT, is a certified personal trainer, RRCA-certified run coach, and Tonal strength coach.

Lombardi says some lightweight or speed-designed shoes may be less comfortable for those with wider feet. “Wider feet need a bit more give in the upper mesh," she says. "If a shoe doesn’t have much give, it may feel restricting."

An optimal running shoe shouldn’t constrict your foot or cause uncomfortable pressure or chafing while you run, says Kristina Centenari, CPT, a certified personal trainer, RRCA-certified run coach, and Tonal strength coach. “If you feel like your foot is fighting against your shoe, you may want to consider something with more space,” she explains.

Shopping Tips For Wide Running Shoes

• Make sure the sneaker allows your toes and foot to move freely without touching the front.

• If your foot spills over the sides of the shoe, it's too narrow.

• Maximize your wider width options by browsing online because brick-and-mortar stores have limited wider options.

• Women’s shoes listed as “wide” may sometimes still too narrow for certain foot shapes, so Centenari recommends searching the men’s collection if you need some extra space.

Ready to hit the road? Read on for the 15 best wide running shoes, according to a running coach and rave reviews from runners.

Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Function meets performance with this New Balance Fresh Foam model, making it one of Lombardi’s go-to recommendations. The kicks also feature a rubber outsole for maximum durability and an adjustable lace closure for a secure and personalized fit.

Trainer review: “This New Balance shoe is very versatile and can be good for someone who needs more support but also provides some bounce for a speedy ride,” she says.

Rave review: “These are very plush and comfortable with the best wide width.”

Ghost 15

These running shoes are always a fan favorite thanks to their comfortable fit, smooth ride, and endless color options. The balanced cushioning offers just the right amount of softness without losing responsiveness or durability, and the interior crash pad helps to absorb high volume pounding with every stride. Plus, each size comes in a wide option to comfortably hug your foot in all the right places.

Rave review: “These are my third pair of Brooks Ghost. These are a perfect fit, leave my socks where they began, have super support, look awesome and will be in my closet for years to come."

Gel-Kayano 29

If you’re looking for a breathable shoe that provides a stable and comfortable stride, go for the Asics Gel-Kayano 29. The soft knit upper provides breathability, and the plush cushioning creates a softer landing to ease the pounding on your joints. The legacy brand also offers comfortable sizing for wide feet without compromising on arch support.

Rave review: “Oh. My. God. These are the most supportive, best shoes I have ever owned. With running I’ve been having issues with my calves for years, it’s been a battle. I also have pronated ankles, and these have an actual bounce to them and have perfect support from every angle. I’ve been wearing them running and walking for a few weeks now and I’m just in love. Highly recommend!!”

Mach 5

There’s a reason Hokas continue to fly off the shelves. They are comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for daily training to race day. The lay-flat tongue provides extra comfort, and the stacked midsole is cushioned while keeping your foot closer to the ground for an efficient push-off.

Trainer review: “This shoe is good for someone who may want a bit more support in their shoes, and although this shoe provides great support it’s also great for those speedy runs,” says Lombardi.

Rave review: “Ran my first 10k in these and it was like floating on clouds. They are light and supportive, the perfect running shoe.”

Ultraventure 3

Durable, stable, and comfortable? The Topo Athletic Ultraventure checks all the boxes. The trail shoe is perfect for rocky terrain and offers unparalleled grip and traction with its Vibram outsole. The roomy toe box is also made for wide feet (and extra thick socks for those colder trail runs!) without compromising support and stability.

Rave review: “I have purchased Topo shoes several times and these are the most comfortable so far. I have bunions and plantar fasciitis, so Topo is the only brand that has helped. It has a wider foot base so it feels natural, and I will definitely keep buying.”

Invincible 3

The Nike Invincible 3 is a top wide option for any road, any run, and any distance. The signature ZoomX foam helps you stay stable and fresh, and the intentionally placed cushion is shaped to help protect your foot from the effects of pronation. You can also expect a little extra bounce for a snappy response with every step. Be sure to select the "extra wide" fit if that's what you're looking for.

Trainer review: “This shoe is a great mix of support and propulsion. I recommend going up a half size from normal foot size,” says Centenari.

Rave review: “These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever put on! It’s like walking or running on air.”

Adrenaline GTS 23

There’s something so satisfying about a shoe that has the perfect blend of stability and support, and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 nailed it. The updated midsole is perfect for a softer, smoother ride and the modernized fit is sleek without excess bulk. These kicks are also great for extra cushion on your feet, knees, and hips and ideal for any type of training.

Rave review: “I was gifted a pair of these for my anniversary and fell in love! I could actually workout and not experience pain during my workout. The shoes take most of the shock and leave my feet feeling like they’re on cloud nine (heart eyes emoji).”

Cohesion 15

It can be hard to find an affordable and comfortable running shoe, but the Saucony Cohesion 15 hits both. The cushioning absorbs impact and reduces pressure on your joints, while the breathable mesh keeps you feeling fresh and cool. They're durable and made to last for many miles.

Rave review: “The fit is exceptional. I wear an 11W, and that's not easy to find. Other brands say they make ‘wide’ shoes, but that wideness usually ends around the toe box, and my toes end up cramped together. Saucony wides are wide all the way down to the toes and I've never had a brand that fit right out of the box the way Saucony does!”

Clifton 9

Whether you're new to running or a seasoned marathoner, the Hoka Clifton 9 is lightweight and comfortable. The high-abrasion rubber outsole extends longevity and the compression molded foam midsole supports your gait.

Rave review: “These are like heaven on my feet! So light but yet so supportive. Absolutely love these shoes!!”

GT-1000 12

Slip on the GT-1000 12 and experience supported comfort and resilience. The cushioning provides lightweight impact absorption and the mesh upper is designed for breathability. With the updated tongue construction and the refined heel shape so you can expect a perfect fit for any mileage.

Trainer review: “This has a breathable mesh on top and a solid shock absorption insole,” says Centenari.

Rave review: “Wow! These shoes are so comfortable and I don't even need to put my own insoles in them because they have Ortholite in them. I have wide feet and these shoes are actually wide.”

Pegasus 40

The Nike Pegasus 40 is Lombardi’s gold-standard shoe since it provides a springy yet responsive ride for every run. The improved model supports those sensitive areas of your foot (hello, arches and toes!) with medium cushioning.

Trainer review: “It’s very versatile with good support as well as foam to give you a bit of bounce in your step,” says Lombardi.

Rave review: “This product wowed me immediately out of the box. The design is top notch, and the shoe design is stunning. I was so excited to try these on as soon as they arrived. I am always looking for a shoe that allows it to be versatile enough to wear at the gym but also can be worn around the house, while running errands, and attending other events. This shoe works for all these situations.”

Gel-Nimbus 25

Ready for a cloud-like cushion for a softer and smoother running experience? Say hello to the Gel-Nimbus 25. The soft knit upper comfortably wraps your foot while supplying advanced ventilation, and the outer heel helps correct underpronation while still supporting a high arch.

Rave review: “Love the fit, design, and colors! Lightweight with enough support for my high arches. Feels like I'm running on clouds!”

Blissfeel Trail Running Shoe

Lululemon’s trail shoe is designed specifically for the female foot to nail a perfect fit and feel on the trail. The supportive upper features a protective film for added durability and the directional traction enhances your grip, from road to trail. Plus, the foam cushioning softens landings and springs you forward with every step.

Rave review: “I got these as a birthday gift to myself and I am so glad I did! I love them already, they are so comfy and bouncy and the grip is wonderful for any hike or jog. I used to get shin splints, or the soles of my feet would ache… now completely gone!”

Arahi 7

It doesn’t get much more comfortable than the Hoka Arahi 7. The lightweight shoe is perfect for stability and maximum cushion whether you’re walking, jogging, or running. The extended heel pull makes it easy to slip the shoe on or off and the breathable mesh upper keeps you fresh. Not to mention, the zonal rubber increases durability on the outsole so you can wear them day after day, mile after mile.

Rave review: "I am completely obsessed with these shoes! They're so comfortable and are wonderful to walk in."

Cloudstratus

This performance shoe is perfect for maximum support, whether you're running a 5k or a full marathon. With plush cushioning and extra width throughout, the Cloudstratus is designed to keep your feet comfortable with soft landings and springy lift-offs. The wide toe box is also a fan favorite to keep your toes in a natural position with each stride.

Rave review: “The Cloudstratus provides me with the right amount of cushion. I find that I feel less of an impact and more comfort for my knee injuries. This is my third pair and I couldn’t be happier.”

How To Know If You Need A Wide Running Shoe

First things first: take note of the current state of your feet when you run. Do you feel like your toes (especially pinky toes) are smushed? Are you getting blisters around your toes or toe knuckles? Are parts of your feet losing feeling when you run? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Centenari says you likely need a wide running shoe and/or wider toe box.

You can also eyeball the relationship between the width of your big toe knuckle to your pinky toe knuckle to the arch of your foot, says Centenari. If the width of your upper foot is wider than the middle of your foot, that’s a direct indication you need a wider toe box, she explains.

It’s also best to take into consideration that your feet swell as you run, says Centenari. “My general rule of thumb is you should have about a thumbnail's distance between your longest toe and the front of your shoe because you want ample space to spread your toes wide apart in your shoes,” she explains. However, despite the room you want in the front of the shoe, you also want to make sure your heel is snug and not lifting with every step, she adds.

All that said, experimentation is the best way to find a shoe that works for you, says Centenari. And remember: "Brands are always changing models of shoes, so just because one make and model worked for you in the past, a newer version may fit differently.”

How We Picked The Best Running Shoes For Wide Feet

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors and contributor Andi Breitowich have been researching the most popular and top-rated wide running shoes. Our team consulted two certified running coaches for the story and read through hundreds of reviews to choose the best wide running shoes for a range of needs and preferences.

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