Which running shoe brands are best for wide feet? New Balance, Asics, Brooks, Nike, and Altra all offer wide-width running shoes. You don’t need to settle for feeling cramped. Choose the best running shoes for wide feet and you’ll get the comfort and performance you’ve been longing for.
What features to consider when shopping for wide-fitting shoes?
Beyond size, runners need to consider the shoe materials.
- Will the uppers conform to the foot and provide stability without feeling too tight?
- Will the soles provide traction and energy return?
- What about the ability to wear insoles or orthotics?
Mesh uppers are breathable for hot days and gym workouts but won’t be waterproof for winter running outdoors. The outsole that’s ideal for running on a track won’t be as grippy or durable out on the trail.
What’s the difference between men’s and women’s models?
You should get the same performance out of both men’s and women’s running shoes when they are the same model. What might be different are the selection of colors and the fit. Women’s shoes are often made on a smaller last, so some women choose men’s running shoes because they accommodate wider feet without choosing a wide width.
What other features are important to know about running shoes?
Running shoes have become very specialized. Some are cross trainers, others are best for indoor running, and some are made for trail running. There are street running shoes, race day shoes, and so on.
Moreover, there is a term called “drop”. This tells you how much of a difference there is between the rear of the shoe and the front. For example, a 13mm drop means the heel is approximately half an inch higher than the toe. Some runners prefer a bigger drop because it propels them forward. Meanwhile, zero-drop shoes are flat and favored by those who prefer a natural posture.
Wherever possible, we pointed out the essential features of each of the best running shoes for wide feet below:
| The best running shoes for wide feet | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe |
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| Brooks Men's Ghost 13 Running Shoe |
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| Nike Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes |
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| Saucony Men's Echelon 8 Running Shoe |
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| ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes |
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| ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 7 |
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| ALTRA Women's AL0A4VR7 Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe |
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| Xero Shoes Men's HFS Running Shoes |
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Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet in 2024
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Running Shoe
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Some of the best running shoes for women with wide feet are made by New Balance. Take this model, for instance. It’s available in regular and wide widths in sizes 5 through 12 in a variety of colors. It’s designed with a bigger toe box for slightly wider than average feet.
Furthermore, it’s super comfy and stable with plenty of support cradling the foot from heel to toe. Reviewers also love that it’s very lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for long runs, gym workouts, and even casual wear. They say wearing them is like walking in the clouds.
Flip the shoes over and check out the Ndurance outsole. It’s a special type of rubber for extra durability in spots that tend to wear out fast like the heel.
Speaking of the heel, there’s an 8mm drop between the heel and the toe but these are neutral running shoes. The back part of the bootie upper has a unique design that keeps the shoe from slipping off. Therefore, you can turn them into slip-on shoes and not even worry about the laces.
Pros:
- Available in regular and wide widths in a wide range of sizes and colors
- Suitable for road running, casual wear, and the gym
- Plenty of room in the toe box with lots of cushioning and support throughout the insole
- Extra durable outsole
Cons:
- What’s not to like?
Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe
Besides New Balance, we think Brooks has the best running shoes for wide feet men. The cushioning offers neutral support with high energy return for road running and cross training. (If you want even more cushion, check out the Glycerin 19 model).
The outsoles have a segmented design called the Crash Pad with shock-absorbing material that bounces the foot forward into the next stride without loss of stability. The 12mm contributes to the forward motion. This shoe’s design sincerely makes it hard to stop running because it’s so fun to keep going.
What’s more, these are certified diabetic shoes with the APMA Seal of Acceptance. They come in various colors from sizes 7 through 15 with extra-wide widths.
If you’re not familiar with Brooks, check out other options like the Launch 8 for speed running and the Levitate 5 with extra springy soles.
Pros:
- Made for road running and cross training with neutral support and high energy return
- Stable, medium level of cushioning with a 12mm drop
- Certified diabetic shoes
- Available in regular and extra-wide widths and various colors
Cons:
- It’s tempting to try all the different Brooks running shoes and that could get expensive
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes
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We get asked all the time if Nike makes wide-width shoes. They do, however, it’s only a few models. The Pegasus 36 is one, and the slightly wider Pegasus 38 is another. Both have wider toe boxes, good arch support, and breathable mesh uppers.
Reviewers say there’s literally no break-in time with these shoes. They are ready to hit the track from day one. The deep heel cup also prevents blisters because it doesn’t slide up and down.
What’s also nice is that these are affordable shoes in pleasing colors. The only con is that they are a little heavier than high-performance models.
Pros:
- Wide toe box with a deep heel cup and good arch support
- Breathable mesh upper in attractive colors
- Comfy right out of the box
Cons:
- Surprisingly heavy for running shoes
Saucony Men’s Echelon 8 Running Shoe
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Saucony makes the best running shoes for wide feet and high arches. One of the most important benefits is that this pair is orthotic-friendly, with the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval.
The design of this neutral shoe is roomy and supportive. Although it has excellent arch support, it’s possible to pull out the insole to insert a custom full-length orthotic. Since there is a deep heel cup, the fit remains true even with a custom orthopedic insole.
Next, for such a spacious shoe, it’s very lightweight. The mesh upper covers a wide toe box that allows you to spread your toes and relax while running. Meanwhile, the sole has a stable foundation with a responsive feel and the perfect amount of spring and softness.
Pros:
- Perfect for wide feet and high arches
- Accepts full-length custom orthotic insoles (APMA-certified)
- Roomy toe box, mesh upper, and wide or extra-wide widths
- Springy yet stable and soft; lightweight
Cons:
- Not many color options for extra-wide compared to regular and wide options
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes
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Which Asics are best for wide feet? All you have to do is look for the models that come in wide widths. The Gel-Nimbus 24 comes in either men’s or women’s models. Reviewers say it feels like running on pillows. Even those with flat feet (excessive supination) find it comfortable as it’s a neutral style with good heel and midsole support. Runners with plantar fasciitis say that they can fit a Super Green insole inside, too.
The sole has a 10mm drop to take advantage of the cushioning technology that softens the blow when you land and gives you a boost as you push off. At the same time, the mesh upper hugs the foot so that the shoe fits like a glove.
Pros:
- Roomy shoes that fit like a glove
- Lightweight, neutral running shoe with shock absorption and energy return
- Suitable for flat-footed runners, too
Cons:
- Not everyone loves the stretchy mesh tongue as it reaches higher on the leg
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7
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If you’re searching for affordable men’s shoes for trail running, stop here. ASICS has sizes 7 through 15 in extra-wide widths. The sizes include 4E.
The shoes have an abrasion-resistant outsole specifically engineered for trail running with reversed lugs that provide excellent traction.
Meanwhile, the interior has a gel cushion for smooth transitions from impact to toe-off. Although the sockliner is breathable and comfortable, it’s also removable in case you’d like to wear orthotics or different insoles.
If you have wide flat feet and you’re looking for the best running shoes, try the Gel-Kayano 26. Otherwise, runners with high arches can benefit from the Gel-Cumulus 21.
Pros:
- Affordable trail running shoes in extra-wide widths
- Removable sockliner accommodates orthotics
- Durable outsole with excellent traction on rough terrain
Cons:
- Don’t forget to order the wide width or you’ll end up with regular width
ALTRA Women’s AL0A4VR7 Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe
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If you’re on the lookout for zero-drop trail running shoes for wide feet, ALTRA has a great selection for women and men. They have grippy soles and balance cushioning because these aren’t barefoot shoes even though they have flat soles. In fact, there’s StoneGuard, an extra layer in the sole that protects against injury when you land on rocks.
The uppers, meanwhile, let your feet breathe with quick-drying mesh. There are drainage holes, too, for when you get caught in the rain or cross a stream on foot.
Reviewers like the shoes because they feel surefooted on rugged ground. It’s also nice that there’s a wide selection of colors.
Pros:
- Zero-drop trail running shoes for wide feet made for men and women
- Excellent traction and extra protection against injury
- Quick-drying
- Lots of colors available
Cons:
- A bit pricey, but worth it if you’re into trail running
Xero Shoes Men’s HFS Running Shoes
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Zero-drop is one thing and barefoot shoes are another, although barefoot shoes are zero-drop as well. Barefoot runners find the minimal protection they need in Xero shoes. They protect against gravel, broken glass, and harsh weather while allowing the runner to feel the ground and maintain perfect posture.
Another benefit we love is the spacious toe box that sits completely flat – there’s no irritating curve upward in the front. Every part of the design allows the foot to function naturally.
The shoes are so lightweight and flexible that they roll up to fit in a pocket. But at the same time, they are durable enough to withstand up to 5000 miles of wear. Furthermore, they are vegan-friendly.
The main con is that some runners find that the heel fits a bit loose if the laces aren’t tightened.
Pros:
- Zero-drop barefoot running shoes for natural posture and ground feel
- Ultra-lightweight and flexible yet durable
- Guaranteed to last
Cons:
- May feel loose at the heel if the laces aren’t tightened
Conclusion
Get yourself the best running shoes and your feet will thank you. We hope our reviews helped you discover your next favorite pair of trainers today. If you love them, we’d love to hear about them. Please come back and leave us a comment below.