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Whether sprinting or jogging to the finish line, put a spring in your step with a pair of these
There can be a lot to consider when it comes to buying running shoes. If you have wide feet, flat arches or bunions, then it can become an even trickier quest to find the right pair that offer up support, performance, comfort and style.
So where should you start? Celebrity osteopath Anisha Joshi advises picking shoes that offer extra support and more structure. “Cushioned shoes allow for greater shock absorption,” she says, describing it as vital as cushioned soles will provide more bounce.
“If you’re a runner, you must ensure you are wearing properly fitting shoes,” she stresses. “The main benefit of a proper fit is good stability and support for your foot, which will allow your desired level of running and activity.”
Ill-fitting shoes have been prominently linked to foot pain, especially in the forefoot, explains Joshi, naming the main culprit of this as shoes that constrict your toes and don’t allow them enough room to move freely. So, as well as keeping an eye out for wide-fit shoes, cushioned soles and good stability, it’s worth paying attention to the toe box and opting for one that is slightly wider (though not so roomy that you’re slipping and sliding around).
While it’s possible to find wide-fit running shoes online, it’s best (if you can) to visit a shop where professionals can assess your feet and gait, and then advise you. Keep in mind, however, that wide-fit options of popular styles might not be as readily available, being considered as more niche. To give some context, our reviewer was once told years ago that there was only one shoe in the running store that would be suitable for her wide feet, with their flat arches, hereditary bunion and tendency to overpronate.
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In a bid to make sure those of us needing a broader shoe are not overlooked, we’ve rounded up the best running shoes suitable for those with wide feet. Most of the options we tried come in a specific wide fit, but there are a couple in the mix that don’t, which we nevertheless thought offered a roomy and effective option. On our mission, we laced up our trainers and hit the road, park, trails and anywhere else we could get our jog on.
We were very impressed with the Brook’s glycerin 19 as they ticked a lot of boxes. They were supportive, comfortable, stylish and performed really well. The New Balance fresh foam 880v11 was a close second as we loved their cushioned and cosy feel. Saucony’s echelon 8 also gained our admiration for being such a supportive option for wide feet, despite not coming in a specific wide-fit option.
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Check out our runners’ guide to the best kit, plus some handy tips on getting started