No More Squeezing! Run Pain-Free With These Running Shoes for Wide Feet (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Selected

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

New Balance specializes in shoes for wide feet, so it makes sense that one of their high-performance running shoes takes our best overall spot. The Fresh Foam X 1080v12 is designed for slightly wider than average feet, giving runners extra space in the toe box. It also comes in wide and extra-wide sizes for those who need even more room.

Designed to keep your feet comfortable with plush landings and springy push-offs, the shoe’s full-length cushioning cradles the foot from heel to toe. When we tested this shoe, we found it offered the perfect balance of soft comfort and springiness. Additionally, the rubber outsole offered good traction and stability when running on roads, sidewalks, and trails, as well as in all types of weather conditions. The shoe does have a chunky sole, which might not be aesthetically pleasing to some wearers, but we appreciate the support and comfort it provided during testing.

New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080v12 runs big, and the brand recommends ordering down from your normal size. We love this pick for wide-footed runners who like a lot of cushioning. The versatile shoe is a comfy option, whether you’re running long distances, walking the dog, or on your feet all day.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and New Balance.^{Sizes:
Key Specs:Women’s 5-13, Men’s 7-16 | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: Maximum}

Hoka’s Clifton 9 offers the perfect combination of plush cushioning and lightweight support—making it one of the most popular running shoes on the market today. Some Hoka running shoes are only available in regular widths, but the Clifton 9 does offer a wide option in an extensive range of sizes and colors. Runners with wide feet will appreciate the roomy toe box and soft yet responsive foam cushioning that’s perfect for everyday training.

We love the mesh upper, which offers a secure fit and barely-there feel, while conforming to the shape of the foot. It provides additional comfort, as do the padded collar and tongue. The toe box is spacious, with plenty of room for toes to splay out. Meanwhile, the shoe’s abrasion-resistant rubber outsole can handle tough pavement runs, adding to the shoe’s durability.

Overall, we think this shoe is a great pick for wide-foot neutral runners looking for a lightweight shoe that delivers a soft ride.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Hoka.^{Key Specs:
Sizes:Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-15 | Weight: 7.3 ounces | Drop: 3 millimeters | Cushioning: Soft yet responsive}

Comfortable and energetic, the Asics GT-2000 11 is a dependable option for daily training. It’s available in regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes and features a spacious toe box that gives runners plenty of room for their toes to splay.

The GT-2000 11 offers a generous amount of cushioning to help protect your joints without making the shoe too heavy. Plus, the shoes’ gel cushioning in the heel delivers extra comfort and shock absorption for that area. When testing these shoes, they felt comfortable and responsive, offering just the right amount of bounce when running. Made of at least 50 percent recycled polyester, the shoe's breathable mesh upper adapts to the foot's shape, offering a secure fit.

Some wearers noted that the GT-2000 11 feels stiff at first, so it may require a short adjustment period. Overall, it’s a great pick for runners looking for a comfortable training shoe.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men's 7-15 | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: Moderate}

Distance runners need plenty of room in the toe box, since feet tend to swell during long runs. On Running’s Cloudstratus running shoe has a spacious forefoot, while also delivering the comfort, support, and reliable traction that’s necessary for high mileage running.

With full-length, maximum cushioning, the shoe offers a plush underfoot for good impact absorption and comfort. Plus, the plastic in the midsole provides a responsive foundation for springy push-offs when you’re ready to pick up the pace.

What’s more, Cloudstratus’ durable rubber outsole is extremely grippy, providing outstanding traction on the pavement and keeping distance runners prepared for changing conditions. We like that the Cloudstratus’ sleek, cool design also makes it a stylish pick for an all-day wear shoe. It’s a bit pricier and heavier than some of the other options on our list, but we think it’s a great value for a versatile shoe.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and On Running.^{Sizes:
Key Specs:Women’s 5-11, Men’s 7-14 | Weight: 10.7 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Cushioning: Maximum}

Another popular New Balance option for wide-footed runners, the Fresh Foam X 860v13 is known for its flat feet-friendly features. It provides supportive cushioning in the arch area, as well as a medial post to keep your foot from overpronating, or rolling inward with each stride. And even though it’s a stability shoe, it still has plenty of plush, comfortable cushioning that provides energetic toe-offs.

The shoe’s structured and breathable engineered mesh upper feels soft and supportive. It also comes in narrow, regular, wide, and extra-wide options, so you can find your perfect fit. Plus, the shoe has reflective accents to help you be seen when you’re running in low-light conditions.

If you have a neutral gait, the 860v13 may provide more correction than you need. And since it’s a stability shoe, it’s not the best option for speed training. However, it’s a good choice for those with wide, flat feet who want stability in an everyday trainer for running or walking.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and New Balance.^{Sizes:
Key Specs:Women’s 5-13, Mens 7-16 | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Cushioning: Moderate}

If you need a wide running shoe that also offers supportive cushioning and good stability, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 is an excellent choice. The popular shoe helps overpronators run steady and smooth, thanks to its supportive construction that keeps excess movement in check. In addition to regular sizes, it comes in wide and extra wide and has a lot more color options than most wide running shoes.

The upper provides structure and support for your foot, while also offering enough flexibility to move with it. When we tested this shoe, we were impressed with its comfy fit and good support. We also liked the responsiveness that provides good energy return, even towards the end of long runs.

Some wearers find the Adrenaline GTS 22 to be a bit heavier than other options due to its generous cushioning and support. And while the 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is ideal for heel strikers, it may not be the best fit for midfoot or forefoot runners. But the shoe does offer extra stability and comfort for runners who overpronate and want a dependable shoe.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Brooks.^{Key Specs:
Sizes:Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-15 | Weight: 9 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Cushioning: Soft yet responsive}

Trail runners with wide feet need shoes with a secure, accurate fit, so they can stay steady while tackling rough terrain and hills. The Altra Lone Peak 7 trail running shoe comes in wide sizes and features the brand’s spacious, foot-shaped toe box that allows toes to react and splay for a more stable ride.

It also has balanced cushioning at the heel and forefoot, providing good protection when you’re running off-road. And the heel cup keeps your foot securely in place so you can stay confident on uneven ground. Like all Altra running shoes, the Lone Peak 7 features a zero millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which means the heel and forefoot are on the same level. They keep the foot in a natural position, which is good for trail running, but may not be comfortable for those who are used to heel striking.

The shoe’s midsole feels soft and springy, while the grippy outsole with multi-directional lugs performs well on loose or hard-packed trails and in all types of weather conditions. Overall, we think this pair is a great option for wide-footed trail runners or hikers.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Altra.^{Key Specs:
Sizes:Women’s 5.5-12, Men’s 7-16 | Weight: 11 ounces | Drop: 0 millimeters | Cushioning: Moderate}

Another all-around performer from Brooks, the Ghost 15 offers soft cushioning and a smooth ride that make it a fan-favorite for road running. Its spacious toe box and wide sizes help prevent blisters, bunions, and other foot issues that are common among distance runners with wide feet.

Ideal for neutral runners, the Ghost 15 features high-energizing cushioning that can withstand the pounding of long runs on pavement or sidewalks. The shoe’s cushioning delivers exceptional shock absorption and plush comfort in the heel, while also offering a responsive feel in the forefoot. When testing this shoe, we were impressed with its exceptional support and cushioning. We also liked the soft, breathable, and stretchy upper, which offered a comfortable fit and helped with blister prevention.

The Ghost 15 may be a bit too heavy for speedwork, but it’s a go-to option for beginner to experienced runners, walkers, or people who are on their feet all day.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Brooks.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women’s 5-13, Men’s 7-15 | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Cushioning: Moderate}

Finding high-quality, affordable running shoes in wide sizes is not easy, but Saucony’s Cohesion 15 is a great option for everyday training. It’s available in two widths and has a spacious toe box that allows your toes to splay, helping to boost your stability and push-offs. The shoe’s moderate cushioning helps absorb shock from impact and provides overall comfort.

Meanwhile, the light and breathable mesh upper keeps your feet fresh and cool during warm weather runs, and a rubber outsole adds to the shoe’s durability. With a 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, the Cohesion 15 will work well for heel strikers, but may not be the best fit for midfoot or forefoot runners. Overall, it’s a solid choice for road or treadmill runners or walkers, as well as anyone who needs a dependable, comfortable shoe for spending lots of time on their feet.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Zappos.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-15 | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Drop: 12 millimeters | Cushioning: Moderate}

Another popular wide-foot friendly Hoka running shoe, the Rincon 3 is remarkably lightweight, despite its plush and supportive cushioning. Whether you’re new to running or training for another marathon, it’s a versatile option for short or long distance runs on all surfaces.

The shoe’s rocker shape provides super-smooth landings and efficient turnovers, while allowing for a natural gait. Plus, the engineered-knit upper conforms to the shape of the foot for a custom-like fit. The shoe is also very breathable, keeping your feet cool no matter how far you’re running. The thin, lightweight tongue is not as plush as some other options, but it does give your foot a secure lockdown.

To save weight, the rubber on the outsole is a bit shallow, so it’s not quite as durable as some of Hoka’s heavier, sturdier models. However, it’s less expensive than some beefier shoes, so we think the Rincon 3 offers great value for a comfy, high-performance running shoe.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Hoka.^{Key Specs:
Sizes:Women’s 5-12, Men’s 7-16 | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Drop: 5 millimeters | Cushioning: Soft yet responsive}

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you know if you need a wide running shoe?

  If you have a wide foot, you may get frequent foot blisters or experience discomfort or pain when wearing a standard width shoe.

  “Signs that you may need a wide running shoe include feeling that your toes are cramped and experience tingling or numbness in your feet or toes,” Dr. Ferrigno-Taddeo says. “Additionally, if you have bunions or other foot deformities, such as hammertoes, a wide running shoe may be necessary.”

• What happens if your running shoe is too wide?

  If your running shoe is too wide, your feet will slide around inside the shoe, which can lead to painful irritation and blisters. Too much movement may also lead to increased risk of ankle or foot injuries, so it’s important to make sure your running shoes offer a snug and secure fit.

• Which brand of running shoe is best for wide feet?

  While most major running shoe brands offer some options for wide feet, New Balance and Brooks are well-known for their extensive range of sizes and widths. If you have wide feet and are looking for high-quality, durable shoes for running or walking, both brands are an excellent place to start your search.

• How much can you expect to pay for wide running shoes?

  High-quality running shoes from trusted brands that offer wide sizes usually come with a premium price—but there are some bargains to be found. In general, you should expect to pay between $75 and $170 for a pair of high-performance, wide running shoes that are comfortable and durable.

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