The 8 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet and Big Toes
Find the perfect fit, no matter your foot shape.
Expert consulted: Amanda FurrerTest Editor
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The perfect pair of running shoes is the one that fits just right. It’s nice when they look good, but you can’t feel how a shoe looks. A poor-fitting shoe, on the other hand, you feel with every step: Overly narrow shoes can blister your feet from rubbing against the upper, and may even cause more structural injuries due to your feet and toes not adequately splaying outward as you touch down. Lack of cushioning is tied to an increased risk of stress fractures, and it’s important to remember that your foot is your first line of defense.
If you have wide feet, you need running shoes that come in wide sizes. (That sounds obvious, but not everyone wants to follow the rule.) It limits your options a bit, but most running shoe makers have at least a couple running shoes for wide feet, and brands like New Balance, Altra and Topo Athletic specialize in shoes with wide shapes to give a wider range of feet plenty of room to stretch out without feeling sloppy. Some of us here at Runner’s World have wide feet, too. We picked the best running shoes for wide feet to help you find a pair that feels right run after run.
The Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet
- Best Overall: Asics Gel-Kayano 30
- Best Value: Asics GT-1000 12
- Best for Long Runs: Altra Paradigm 7
- Best for Tempo Runs: Hoka Mach 6
- Best Trail Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 8
The Expert: I’m a casual runner who likes a reasonably wide and stable shoe after years of training and racing in lightweight trainers and spikes. Having previously worked in a running store and as test manager for Runner’s World, I’ve watched the industry catch up with the shape of real people’s feet.
I’ll never forget being fat-feet shamed by a set of Adidas Bostons I really wanted back in college, and that was before my arches collapsed. While I run in a standard width most of the time, I still find the sides of my feet blowing out of many of the shoes I try on for the first time.
How to Know If You Need a Wide Toeox
If you’re experiencing shoe discomfort while running, you should get your foot measured at your local running store. There’s a good chance you’re wearing a shoe that’s too small—particularly if, like most of us, you haven’t been fitted in the past 10 years.
Ari Perez, an Operating Partner at Fleet Feet, says roughly 75-percent of the runners who come into his downtown Austin store with foot pain could benefit from a longer or wider size. His store fits customers using a 3D mapping system to get metrics on foot length and width, instep height, arch height, and ball-of-foot girth. In the end, 20- to 30-percent of its total sales are in wide sizes.
Not all cramp-footed runners need an overall wide-sized shoe, though. Sometimes the problems stem from the length of the shoe, or width and depth of the toebox alone. There are a few brands proven to work better for those of us who prefer a broader forefoot, like Altra and Topo Athletic.
How to Shop for Wide Shoes
The terminology for wide shoes is different for men and women. In women’s shoes, “B” is the standard width, while standard men’s shoes are “D” width. That means an “A” would be narrow for women and a “B” would be narrow for men. For women, wide sizes start at “D” and go up to “E” and “2E.” For men, an “2E” is considered wide and a “4E” is extra wide.
A shoe that fits properly should be immediately comfortable when you step in and lace it up. If you can find the shoe in person, check it by removing the sockliner and stepping on it to make sure no part of your foot is spilling over the side. Then, put the sockliner back in and lace up the shoe so the tongue is snug against the top of your foot, but not uncomfortable or constricting.
Slide a finger between the knot and the tongue to check if it’s too tight. Finally, stand up and check for a thumbnail’s worth of distance between your longest toe and the front end of the toe box. If you’ve got all that and nothing more than a subtle pressure from the laces on the sides of your feet—which you can verify by walking or running around for a few minutes—then you may have found your next shoe.
Why Trust Us?
Since 1966, Runner’s World has been the go-to resource for runners at every level, from casual folks who hit the gym a couple times a week to competitive marathoners. Our essential gear recommendations for running shoes, shorts, shirts and more come from the Runner’s World test team, which takes the time to test and analyze the latest and greatest in high-performance equipment for runners. In 2024, the test team includes Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, and Test Editors Amanda Furrer and Morgan Petruny.
In addition, the test team manages the Runner’s World wear-test program, a network of over 275 runners, who provide additional feedback on the gear we test to ensure that our recommendations reflect a wide range of runners. (Runner’s World+ subscribers can apply to join the program!)
Our recommendations for the best running shoes for wide feet were selected by Test Editor Amanda Furrer based on her general expertise and test experience with various running shoes, as well as feedback from the wear test program.
Author Dan Roe, a former Runner’s World Test Manager, provided additional insight based on his years of training and testing experience. Though Roe doesn’t always wear wide sizes, he appreciates shoes with a wide platform and a large toe box.
How We Selected the Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet
We curated this list of flat- and wide-foot-friendly shoes based on the testing of the Runner’s World test team and feedback from our wear testers. We picked these shoes for their wide, accommodating toe boxes in their standard sizes. Many of them also offer availability in wide sizes (2E and 4E).
We also looked for feedback on the shoe’s overall fit and comfort to ensure testers weren’t sloshing around in flimsy uppers. Most people’s ideal fit is some version of a heel that stays comfortably locked in place, a supportive midfoot that still allows the foot to expand, and a roomy forefoot that allows the toes to splay. These shoes satisfied those requirements for a majority of people who tried them.
Pros
- Plush ride
- Improved stability
- Comfortable upper
Cons
- Thick cushioning reduces responsiveness
Asics’ legacy stability shoe has always been a friend to runners with wide feet. The most widely available model right now, the Gel-Kayano 30, feels a touch sportier underfoot while maintaining the plush ride the shoe is known for.
Getting a full makeover for its 30th anniversary, the Gel-Kayano 30 gained 4mm of midsole cushioning for a whopping 40mm at the heel and 30mm in the forefoot. Asics also widened the stance of the shoe to stabilize its taller platform. The result is a plush ride that one wear tester described as “phenomenal” underfoot.
In the past, our testers have criticized Asics shoes for feeling too stiff or blocky underfoot. The Gel-Kayano 30 fights that reputation by adding a larger crash pad and a layer of “energetic” medial foam beneath your arch, which creates smoother transitions and adds stability. An engineered mesh upper with a substantial but comfortable heel counter round out a sure-footed ride.
One note: A new version of this shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31, hit stores on June 1, 2024. The Runner’s World test team has not fully tested the shoe yet, so we continue to recommend the 30 for now. We will update the piece with impressions from the community when we can.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Width Sizes | 2A-4E |
Pros
- Softer foam than predecessor
- Subtle stability
- Lock-down heel fit
Cons
- Midsole too stiff for some
The Asics GT-1000 12 is one of the few great shoes that starts at $100. While its FlyteFoam midsole has gotten softer in recent iterations, the GT-1000 12 adds a revised engineered mesh upper with an upturned heel counter, which makes it easier to slide your heel into the shoe.
A mostly neutral shoe, the GT-1000 12 has an external heel counter and high-density foam beneath the arch to gently guide your foot through its stride. Though the shoe isn’t quite as soft as our other picks, it’s still fairly plush and relatively light–9.5 oz for men’s size 9 and 8.3 oz for a women’s size 8. It’s a price-conscious shoe that feels comfy, but won’t weigh you down on tempos and long runs.
Like the Gel-Kayano, Asics dropped a new and slightly pricier version of this shoe, the GT-1000 13, in June, 2024. The new edition features a totally redesigned midsole, outsole and upper. We’ll update this piece with thoughts on the new shoe once we’ve been able to gather feedback from the running community.
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Width Sizes | B-2E |
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Comfortable upper
- Guide rails for stability
Cons
- Zero-Drop shoes are an acquired taste
- 2E sizes only available in limited colors
Designed with the help of two-time Olympian Kara Goucher, the Altra Paradigm 7 helps you pound out long runs without damaging your legs. It starts with 30mm of Altra’s Ego Max cushioning foam, which is soft enough to provide protection from impact forces, but also light, so they won’t weigh your legs down around mile 15.
Like nearly all of Altra's shoes, the Paradigm 7 is a “zero-drop” shoe, so it features the same amount of padding under the forefoot as it does under the heel. This creates a more natural, minimalist feel, closer to running barefoot. It’s also an acquired taste: If you switch from a standard running shoe, it takes time to adjust to a flat cushion. Those who push themselves too hard, too fast, may end up injuring themselves.
Once you adjust, though, the shoes are well padded and supportive. Many of our testers lauded the shoe’s comfort during long runs thanks to Altra’s stabilizing GuideRails, which keep your foot stable by nudging it back into neutral alignment when you overpronate. The Paradigm 7’s flat profile and extra support, combined with a comfortable upper and roomy toe box, inspired confidence in our testers as they ran over uneven terrain.
“What I liked most about this shoe is the stability of the flat, but cushioned, even sole,” one tester said. “My foot stayed flat and did not roll side to side or to the front.”
Again, zero-drop shoes are not for everyone, which means that not every distance runner is going to love the Paradigm 7. We think it’s worth trying, though: Just take it slow and give them (and you) time to find your footing.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Width Sizes | B-2E |
Pros
- Thick, bouncy midsole
- Lightweight construction
Cons
Tempo runs can be among the most demanding challenges you’ll face while training. They wear you down by design, so you come back stronger after you recover. The Hoka Mach 6 is a perfect shoe for pushing yourself, helping you break barriers without breaking down your legs in the process.
A 2024 Runner’s World Shoe Award winner, the modern Mach is thicker, bouncier and lighter than its predecessor, providing more cushioning at touch-down, more energy return at toe-off, and a quicker sensation between steps. The secret is Hoka’s Supercritical cushioning, which is more porous than traditional Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), for a lighter, more responsive midsole.
We wanted to highlight the Mach 6 for runners with wide feet because the new design features a more accommodating design, according to RW wear testers. While it runs narrow, Hoka makes the shoe in wide (2E) sizes as well, so everyone can appreciate the shoe’s new and improved design.
Key Specs
| Weight | 8 oz (M), 6.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Width Sizes | B-2E |
Pros
- Stable ride
- Roomy toe box
- Durable, protective upper
Cons
- Questionable grip on wet surfaces
- 2E sizes only available in limited colors
Trail running shoes strive to strike a balance between allowing runners to feel the shifting ground beneath their feet and protecting those feet from the sharp rocks and other hazards. The Altra Lone Peak 8 skews more responsive than protective, with a modest 25mm of midsole cushioning and no rock plate to keep hard points from poking through.
That thinner layer of protection, however, creates an unparalleled responsiveness that resonated strongly with our trail running wear testers.
“I would describe it as the feeling of running barefoot on the beach, but in the frigid winter terrain of Pennsylvania,” one tester said. “This shoe really lets a foot be a foot. I think my pinky toes started smoking and filed their taxes for the first time.”
The upper is characteristically Altra: Roomy and comfortable, especially in the toe box, but also durable. It’s breathable, as well, though that may not always be an advantage–testers found themselves turning to winter socks in cool weather.
The one gripe we heard from multiple testers was about the outsole. While the Lone Peak 8’s chevron-shaped lugs performed well in loose, dry terrain, they didn’t weren’t as successful when the weather turned sour.
“They did OK on wet surfaces but didn't always inspire confidence,” another tester said. “With that said, I fully expect to get at least 350 miles out of these shoes before I have to retire them.”
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.7 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Width Sizes | B-2E |
Pros
- Shock-absorbing dual-density midsole
- Extra-roomy toe box
- Comfortably snug midfoot
Cons
- On the stiff side
- No 2E or 4E sizes
We were huge fans of the Topo Athletic Phantom 2 last year, which had a two-piece midsole that provided shock absorption and firm cushioning that testers loved. The midsole and outsole return in this year’s Phantom 3, as do the stabilizing external heel counter and wide stance.
A new mesh upper made with recycled materials maintains Topo Athletic’s signature foot-shaped toebox, which makes the brand a go-to for many wide-footed runners looking to avoid pointy toeboxes. The heel counter and midfoot also work in concert to hold down your midfoot and heel, preventing you from sliding about within the otherwise roomy shoe.
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.2 oz (M), 7.5 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Width Sizes | B-D |
Pros
- Soft midsole foam
- Stable feeling underfoot
- Plush upper
Cons
- Less cushioning than Glycerine 21
Among Brooks’ shoe lineup, the Ghost is the balanced choice: It has more cushioning than the budget-friendly Trace, but isn’t quite as plush as ultra-cushioned Glycerin. With the Ghost 16, Brooks found a goldilocks zone for padding, which earned a 2024 Runner’s World shoe award.
It features the same nitrogen-infused DNA Loft foam found in the Glycerin, which admirably balances softness and energy return. RW wear testers appreciated the Ghost’s stable platform, which felt both cushy and responsive.
“I felt like I was nestled down inside the cushioning and in control of the midsole’s stack height,” said one tester. “The Ghost felt light on my feet, and didn’t have a clunky feel to them, despite definitely being well-cushioned.”
They also really dug the shoe’s upper, which they said felt comfortable thanks to its soft engineered mesh construction and ample padding around the heel collar and down the tongue. Crucially, the Ghost 16 offers one of the widest size runs on our list, with both wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) shoes.
“What I liked most was the stability and support throughout the shoe,” said another tester. “From the secure heel cup to the snug midfoot and lacing to the spacious toe box, I was pleased!”
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.5 oz (M), 7.6 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Width Sizes | 1B-4E |
Pros
- Thick cushioning
- Snag-resistant upper
- Gaiter attachments
Cons
- May be overkill for easier trails
While it’s technically a trail shoe, our testers say the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 works well as an excellent long-haul pavement pounder, too. The latest revision packs on extra padding without adding a meaningful amount of weight: It features a low-density midsole foam, which delivers lighter and more responsive cushioning than the previous version.
Meanwhile, a redesigned Vibram rubber outsole that’s “sticky enough for rocky trails, but it’s not like a cleat,” according to one tester.
The anatomical shape creates a roomy toe box and accommodates a variety of sock thicknesses. With a thick midsole – 35mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot – and just enough outsole rubber, the Ultraventure 3 is ideal for runners whose routes span pavement and trails.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Width Sizes | B-D |
Q+A With Expert Runner Dan Roe
Do I need to ask for a wide size specifically?
Yes, if you know your size and you need a wider size, you should ask your shoe salesperson for the specific size and width you’re looking for.
If you aren’t sure whether you need a wider size or not, start by trying on the standard width of the shoe you’re considering to see if it accommodates your foot. Ideally, you should be able to wiggle your toes, and the middle of your foot should feel snuggly swaddled by the shoe, but not constricted. (Also, remember to stand up and walk around to make sure your heel doesn’t move when you walk.)
Remember: Width and fit vary drastically between shoe companies, so you may want a wide size in some brands and a standard fit in others.
How many wide and extra wide shoes are out there?
It depends on the model and brand. Some manufacturers make more shoes in wide sizes than others. For instance, fewer than 10 Nike running shoes come in extra-wide sizes as of May 2023. Asics offers 20.
Beyond our picks, runners who need wide sizes should look at brands like Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Hoka, Topo Athletic, and Altra, which tend to design shoes with roomy toeboxes and make more of their shoes in wide sizes.
What if I need two different widths?
Unfortunately, most running stores and online retailers won’t sell you two shoes of different sizes or widths. You may not be totally out of luck, though. Shoe retailer Zappos sells individual shoes in select models and sizes, and sites like OddShoeFinder match people who want to buy and sell single shoes or mismatched sizes.
A former Division 1 runner, Dan grew up riding fixies and mountain bikes and now reviews everything from performance running shoes to road and cross bikes, to the latest tech for runners and cyclists at Bicycling and Runner’s World.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
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