Table of Contents
- The Challenge of Finding Running Shoes for Wide Feet
- Determining Your Foot Width
- Brands That Cater to Wide Feet
- Online Shopping Tips for Wide Feet Runners
- Choosing the Right Materials for Comfort
- Ensuring a Comfortable Fit
- Timing Your Shoe Shopping
- Stability and Support for Wide Feet
- Orthotics and Insoles for a Better Fit
The Challenge of Finding Running Shoes for Wide Feet
Having wide feet can make finding well-fitting running shoes a challenge. Many athletic shoes are constructed to fit a narrower foot, leaving people with wider feet frustrated with tight toe boxes and pressure points. However, with some savvy shoe shopping strategies, it is possible to find comfortable running shoes even if you need a wider width.
Determining Your Foot Width
The first step is to determine just how wide your feet are. Most shoe brands classify width as narrow, medium/regular, wide, and extra wide. Have your foot measured at a specialty running store and ask them to recommend what width would work best for your particular foot shape. This will give you a starting point for your search.
Brands That Cater to Wide Feet
Once you know your width, look for brands that specifically cater to wide feet. Shoe manufacturers like Altra, Saucony, New Balance, and Brooks often make styles in multiple widths up to 4E or 6E. Trying these shoes on in the appropriate size is key. Brands known for their wide toe box shape include Altra, Topo Athletic, and Hoka. The proper length, combined with a roomy forefoot area, prevents pinching and discomfort when running.
Online Shopping Tips for Wide Feet Runners
If you have trouble finding local stores that carry multiple widths, check sites like RoadRunner Sports or Holabird Sports that allow you to filter shoe selection by width. Zappos is another option with an easy return policy if the width still does not work out. You can order several pairs in likely widths and see what fits best.
Choosing the Right Materials for Comfort
Focus your search on shoes with uppers made of soft, flexible, and breathable materials that can better accommodate wider feet. Mesh uppers tend to be more forgiving and allow for stretch over rigid leather or plastic materials. Knit uppers found on many running shoes today also have some give to encompass different foot volumes.
Ensuring a Comfortable Fit
Pay attention to any tightness across the ball of the foot or pinch points near the toes when trying on shoes. Your toes should have plenty of room to wiggle and splay naturally when walking or running. Aim for at least a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. For a very spacious toe box, check out brands like Altra that are shaped like the foot with a fully cushioned zero-drop sole. The wide toe area allows your foot to relax in its natural position. Other shoes with a rounded or square-shaped toe instead of a tapered shape can also provide enough room.
Timing Your Shoe Shopping
Consider shopping for running shoes later in the day when your feet are already somewhat swollen to ensure the best possible fit. Feet tend to enlarge throughout the day, so a shoe that feels comfortable in the morning could become too snug during an afternoon workout.
Stability and Support for Wide Feet
If you need stability or motion control features, look for those shoes in a wider option too. Brands like Asics, Saucony, New Balance, and Brooks carry stability and support shoes in wide sizes. Just don’t size up too much or the foot will be sliding around unsupported.
Orthotics and Insoles for a Better Fit
Getting professionally fitted for orthotics can also help take up volume in a shoe and allow for a roomier forefoot fit. Make sure to bring the orthotics with you when trying on shoes to test the fit together. Some runners also use an aftermarket insole like Superfeet to achieve better fit in a wider size.