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The best running shoes for wide feet we tested
Best running shoes for wide feet: Hoka Bondi 9 Running Shoes
Best running shoes for wide feet, runner-up: Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoes
When I had my feet analyzed for the first time a few years ago, I was shocked to learn I have wide feet. I had been buying standard-sized running gear and walking shoes for my entire life and figured that losing a toenail was just part of the fun of running. Little did I know, it was actually a warning sign that my sneakers were way too tight.
I’m sure I’m not alone in realizing later in life that I need running shoes for wide feet. In fact, our feet can change as we age. “Foot size and shape can change over time due to factors like pregnancy or arch changes that occur with age,” Dr. Miguel Cunha, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City, said.
With this new knowledge, I set out to find the best running shoes for wide feet to keep me comfortable while doing everything from marathon training to walking. I spent months testing sneakers from Hoka, New Balance and other beloved running brands and spoke with podiatrists to ensure my picks aligned with professional recommendations. I landed on several running shoes for wide feet that experts and I agree are top-notch and worth every penny.
Best running shoes for wide feet
Hoka Women’s Bondi 9 Running Shoes
Available in wide and extra-wide sizes, these wear-anywhere sneakers feature a stretchy knit upper that expands as you move. This design feature is crucial for folks with wide feet because it allows the toes to splay naturally.
Read our review
Hoka Men’s Bondi 9 Running Shoes
I enjoyed wearing these the most on recovery runs and walks. They kept my feet pain-free and provided a stellar amount of cushioning my joints loved.
Best running shoes for wide feet, runner-up
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 Running Shoes
Available in wide and extra-wide sizes, these neutral trainers feature broad platforms that provide added stability to your stride.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 22 Running Shoes
My feet roll inward when I run, and these shoes help correct some of that overpronation.
Best running shoes for wide feet: Hoka Bondi 9 Running Shoes
These Hoka running shoes have lots of features that the podiatrists I spoke with love. The wide options allow my feet to fit comfortably. When you wear shoes with a proper fit and a wider toe box, your toes can spread naturally, and the pressure and friction your feet would otherwise endure decrease, said Cunha, who recommends these shoes to his patients with wide feet. “Narrow footwear squeezes the toes together, increasing the risk of problems such as ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, plantar fasciitis, stress injuries, and joint pain and alters natural biomechanics not just in the feet, but up the kinetic chain.”
While the wide sizing and flexible uppers set my feet up for pain-free success, I also appreciated the foundational features that helped correct my running form. The rear-foot frames kept my heels in line and prevented inward rolling, giving my ankles and knees a break. When you overpronate like me, your joints take on a lot more pressure than they deserve. As a result, my joints are irritated more often than not. In these, my body feels good and pain-free.
The Smooth MetaRocker, Hoka’s signature upward curve at the bottom of shoes that lifts the heels and toes, also made running feel much more seamless. This design propels feet forward, and I found that it kept my momentum going even when I felt rather bleh. It also encourages heel striking, which can reduce stress on the midfoot and toes.
I really enjoyed the ample cushioning that made running on pavement feel less like torture and more like a celebration of my endurance. The robust supercritical foam Hoka uses for these kicks is infused with nitrogen, polymer and carbon dioxide to ensure that it’s as plush, bouncy and light as possible. These shoes weigh between 8.8 and 9.8 ounces, depending on your size.
Best running shoes for wide feet, runner-up: Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoes
Dr. Nicole Freels, a double board-certified pedorthist and podiatrist at Lexington Podiatry, recommended these Brooks sneakers to me, and they quickly became one of my favorite pairs. They have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting quality foot health and are constructed with a higher toe drop, the difference in height between where your heels and toes sit in the shoes. Freels recommends a high toe drop like this for folks with wide feet because it encourages a natural running gait.
Cunha said he’s also a fan of Brooks because its sneaker models “feature a roomy toe box, particularly in their wide and extra-wide sizes, which offers both comfort and stability for individuals with wide feet.” I found that these shoes had ample room for my toes to splay naturally. I didn’t experience any rubbing or irritation during runs, and my feet were free of annoying blisters.
Similar to the Hoka Bondi 9, these Brooks models feature nitrogen-infused cushioning to maintain a lightweight feel. This helped me a lot during longer runs because I find my feet drag and trip occasionally when my shoes weigh more than 10 ounces (my current pair is 9.1 ounces in my size).
I was surprised by how much arch support these shoes offered. Freels said the best shoes for wide feet offer rigid arch support that remains stable throughout lots of wear. I can confirm that, after running more than 100 miles in these shoes, they retained their shape, the arches remained supportive and the overall construction remained sturdy. I didn’t notice any decline in quality, and my feet remained comfortable during jogs, walks and tempo sessions.
How we tested
I wore each pair of running shoes during treadmill, pavement and trail workouts. I put at least 50 miles into each pair of shoes, and my favorites accumulated more than 100 miles of wear. The following points were taken into consideration on each run.
Space
Wide toe box: I noted whether a pair of shoes felt tight when I placed my feet inside. I moved my toes to ensure there was enough space and noted whether they could splay naturally in each pair of shoes.
Stretchy upper: I analyzed the material used for the shoes’ uppers and tested their flexibility by pulling on the uppers and moving my feet inside the shoes.
Structure
Rigid arch: I noted any built-in arch support and logged whether the shoes molded well to my slightly high arches.
Sturdy shape: I tested each pair of shoes by bending them from the toe to the heel to ensure they were sturdy enough to resist flexing.
Comfort
Blistering: I’m very prone to blistering, especially after runs over 10 miles long. I tracked which pairs of shoes caused blisters and which did not.
Pain during or after runs: I logged any discomfort I experienced during or after a run, including foot, ankle, knee or lower back pain.
How to choose the best running shoes for wide feet
Finding the best running shoes for wide feet is harder than you might think. Some shoes are labeled “wide” but actually taper at the front. This is a design Cunha warns to look out for. If shopping in person, he recommends that his clients trace their feet on a piece of paper and then place the shoes over the drawing to ensure the foot outline does not extend beyond the shoes. If it does, the shoes are too narrow.
“Always try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are naturally more swollen due to the cumulative effects of gravity on the venous system, which causes fluid retention in your feet and ankles,” Cunha said. Check that there’s a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end and that the toe box allows your toes to wiggle freely.
The best running shoes for wide feet are constructed with flexible uppers, wide toe boxes, higher heel-to-toe drops and a sturdy design, according to the podiatrists I spoke to.
Flexible uppers
Cunha said shoes with flexible uppers allow feet to expand naturally during activity and can also reduce pressure over bony prominences, such as the heels, by accommodating foot swelling or movement.
“Having a shoe that accommodates movement during various phases of your run is important to ensure that the foot can function optimally and without restriction,” Freels said. “A flexible upper generally means a more breathable material, which is great for overall comfort as well as helping to manage excessive moisture and temperature during runs.”
High toe drop
Freels said that shoes with a higher heel-to-toe drop (above 8 millimeters) benefit runners with wide feet because this construction encourages a natural running gait and typically includes cushioning. “A flat shoe may not provide that support and cushion for those with wide feet, especially during a high-impact activity, such as running,” she said.
Cunha said any pair of shoes with a heel-to-toe drop between 8 and 10 millimeters will also help reduce stress on the Achilles and plantar fascia.
Wide toe box
Finding shoes with wide toe boxes can prevent injuries and long-term health issues, Freels said. She explained that when your foot is cramped into a tight space, you can pinch nerves and increase the risk of ankle sprains, knee pain and shin splints.
“Lastly, circulation problems come with feet that are cramped in shoes all day,” Freels said. “The restriction really impairs the body’s ability for blood circulation to the feet, leading to numbness or even tingling sensations.”
Sturdiness
Freels said a sturdy pair of shoes that retain their shape even when you try your hardest to bend them from toe to heel is ideal. “If you can roll up your shoe like a burrito and fit it in your pocket, it’s not supporting your foot,” she said, adding that a stiff arch that doesn’t flex is also crucial for added support.
Fit test
Our experts said there should be around a half-inch of space (about a thumb’s width) between your longest toes and the end of your shoes. This ensures there’s ample space for your toes to splay naturally and minimizes irritation during movement.
Professional measuring
Cunha and Freels noted that the most reliable method of measuring feet is the Brannock device, which podiatrists and specialty shoe stores use. The foot-measuring tool is standard across the global footwear industry, so you can use your measurements across styles and countries. Cunha said factors such as pregnancy and arch changes can alter foot size and shape over time, so it’s important to have your feet measured before buying specialty shoes.
Other running shoes for wide feet we tested
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
New Balance Women’s FuelCell Rebel v5 Running Shoes
Cunha said New Balance is a reliable brand for wide options, including wide and extra-wide sizing. “New Balance offers models with a broad toe box that accommodate wide feet while providing exceptional cushioning and arch support,” he said. My personal favorites are the FuelCell Rebel v5 shoes, which can be worn for every type of run, from slow recovery jogs to quick races. I’ve worn these for half-marathons and 17-mile runs and have enjoyed them every step of the way.
New Balance Men’s FuelCell Rebel V5 Running Shoes
Featherlight and bouncy with energizing cushioning that propels your stride forward, these shoes are ideal for folks who like to add some pep to their step. The lightweight mesh uppers kept my feet cool and sweat-free during warm weather runs, while also giving my toes the space they need to sit naturally.
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 3 Running Shoes
A popular choice with nurses and podiatrists, these Ghost Max 3 shoes are among my favorite cushioned running shoes. Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, a podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, previously told CNN Underscored that these provide “a blend of soft and dynamic cushioning, resulting in a smooth feeling with each step.” I agree that, even on pavement, these sneakers keep feet and joints as happy as possible.
Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Running Shoes
Available in wide sizes up to 4E, these shoes provide ample room for your feet to sit comfortably. I do wish the brand offered as many colors for wide and extra-wide sizes as it does for medium-width options.
Hoka Women’s Arahi 8 Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a pair of stability shoes in wide sizes, look no further. The Arahi 8 sneakers are packed with design features that keep feet properly aligned. An H-frame built into the midsoles provides support to the inside and outside of your feet, preventing rolling, while dual-density EVA foam evenly distributes weight and impact, ensuring no single area of your foot bears the brunt of the work.
Hoka Men’s Arahi 8 Running Shoes
The wide and extra-wide options come in sizes 5 to 12 for women and 7 to 15 for men. My only qualm about these shoes is that the double-jacquard mesh upper isn’t as flexible as other styles I tested. Otherwise, these Hokas are a home run for folks in need of structured wide shoes.
Saucony Women’s Guide 18 Running Shoes
Another stability all-star, the Saucony Guide 18 running shoes are a max-cushioned pair that I reach for to keep my feet calm during treadmill runs. The cardio machine and its stiff track are often seen as an enemy to runners like me, but these shoes are plush enough to offset the stiff ground. “Saucony designs sneakers with a straight-lasted construction and a roomy toe box, which allows natural splaying of the toes,” Cunha said. “Their wide-width options and advanced cushioning make them ideal for individuals with wider feet.”
Saucony Men’s Guide 18 Running Shoes
The Guide 18 shoes feature a wide base platform underfoot and high sidewalls that swaddle each foot like a baby in a blanket. These features, along with the brand’s proprietary CenterPath mesh uppers, lock feet into place and prevent toe rolling.
New Balance Women’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
It’s rare to find carbon-plated racing shoes that offer wide options, which is why I was so pleased to discover that New Balance offers inclusive sizing for its SuperComp Elite v5s. Carbon plates are stiff carbon-fiber layers built into the shoe’s midsoles, improving running economy and boosting energy return. Shoes with these plates are typically lightweight (the SuperComp Elite v5s weigh between 5.8 and 7.6-ounces, depending on what size and width you get) and have fewer stability features, so if you’re on the hunt for race-day shoes and you aren’t in need of any structural help, you’ll be just fine.
New Balance Men’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5
I’ve worn these for half-marathons and 20-mile runs and appreciate the kick they give my stride. Even when I’m fatigued, the bounce these shoes provide keeps me moving quickly. Like every pair of carbon-plated shoes I own, they’re less stable than others, and they can feel a little wobbly when I’m walking to a starting line or back home, but they’re stellar while running. The single-layer mesh upper is highly breathable and fits my feet well, and the toe box is wide. I also own the standard width of these, and my feet do well even in them.
Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 Running Shoes
These daily trainers are a favorite among CNN Underscored editors for good reason. The springy, plush sneakers absorb a lot of the impact that comes from pounding pavement, and they look cute even when you’re not running.
Read our review
Hoka Men’s Clifton 10 Running Shoes
Available in wide and extra-wide sizes, these Hoka shoes feature energy-boosting rocker bottoms and a stack height that delivers ample cushioning. If you have any balance issues, you might want a pair a bit closer to the ground.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City
- Dr. Nicole Freels, double board-certified pedorthist and podiatrist at Lexington Podiatry
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, who ensure each article is carefully edited and that products are properly vetted. We consult top experts as needed to ensure we test each product accurately, recommend only the best products and weigh the pros and cons of each item.
For this article, CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright tested running shoes for wide feet and consulted with podiatrists for their recommendations and expert opinions. She provided her own insights as a four-time marathoner and an RRCA-certified running coach.
