How to Choose Running Shoes for Wide Feet

If you’re a runner, you already know the importance of finding the right shoe regarding fit, size and comfort. If you’re just starting, it’s even more important to find the correct shoe for your feet. Running should be fun, and doing it in the right shoe is a crucial factor in unlocking that fun!

Runners with wide feet are specifically struggling to find that perfect fit and comfort level for an enjoyable running experience. If your toes need more room to spread, you might want to consider buying your next pair from the wide shoe selection, as running puts even more pressure than walking, and you want to avoid future foot difficulties.

How to Know If You Need Wide Running Shoes?

There are several signs you need to choose a pair of comfortable wide running shoes for your next jog. Taking off your shoes after a good run and examining your feet is a good way to notice if you have them.

You’ll need to check your feet for the following:

• Visible pressure marks – redness, irritation or indentations on your feet’s sides;
• Existing foot conditions – bunions, hammertoes, or Morton’s neuroma;
• Blisters – especially on the outside of your big toe or your pinky toe.

When wearing running or other type of shoes, notice if you feel:

• Numbness or tingling sensations in your feet;
• Discomfort or pain – especially in the toe area, ball or foot sides;
• That something doesn’t feel right even if you have the right size (length-wise).

Other signs that your shoes are too narrow for your feet may include:

• Spillover – check if your toes constantly spill over the sides of your shoes;
• Cramped or overlapped toes;
• Frequent need to go larger than your usual size.

How to Choose Running Shoe Width?

If you’re experiencing some of the signs mentioned above, you need to move to choosing the best fit for your feet. Here are some shopping tips that can help you, whether buying in-store or online.

Measure Your Foot Width

Most brands and shoe stores provide sizing charts regarding not only your foot length but also its width. Use a ruler or a foot-measuring device to determine your foot width and compare it to the charts. It’s best to do that at their widest – at night after you’ve spent all day on your feet, as they tend to swell during the day.

Another option is to consult a shoe-fitting professional, podiatrist or chiropodist. That’s especially helpful if you want to obtain accurate measurements or personalised advice. If your foot width exceeds the standard or medium width, a pair of comfortable wide running shoes would be perfect for your next run.

Wear Socks When Trying Shoes

To account for them in the measures, measure your feet using the socks you typically run in. Even a shoe that fits well when barefoot can become uncomfortable when socks are worn.

Examine Your Foot Form and Gait

You can confirm whether you have falling, low, or high arches and the pronation of your feet by having a gait analysis. Your recommended wide-fit sneakers will fit both the size of your feet and your gait.

Top Three Running Shoes for Wide Feet

Altra Paradigm 7

The Altra Paradigm 7, designed with two-time Olympian Kara Goucher, is perfect for long runs without leg damage. It features 30mm of Altra’s Ego Max cushioning foam and provides soft and lightweight protection.

Like most Altra shoes, the Paradigm 7 is a “zero-drop” shoe, offering the same padding under the forefoot and heel for a natural, minimalist feel. Transitioning from standard running shoes requires adjustment time, and rushing can lead to injury.

Once accustomed, the shoe’s padding and support shine. Testers praised its comfort and the stabilising GuideRails, which keep the foot in neutral alignment. The flat profile, extra support, comfortable upper, and roomy toe box boost confidence on uneven terrain.

Altra Lone Peak 8

Trail running shoes aim to balance feeling the terrain and protecting your feet from hazards. The Altra Lone Peak 8 leans more towards responsiveness than protection, with 25mm of midsole cushioning and no rock plate.

This thinner protection offers exceptional responsiveness, which most people love. One wearer likened it to “running barefoot on the beach, but in the frigid winter terrain of Pennsylvania,” noting the shoe’s natural feel. The upper is classic Altra: roomy, especially in the toe box, durable, and breathable. However, in cooler weather, testers opted for winter socks.

Asics Gel-Kayano 30

Asics’ legacy stability shoe, the Gel-Kayano 30, is great for runners with wide feet. It feels sportier while still offering the plush ride it’s known for. For its 30th anniversary, the Gel-Kayano 30 received 4mm more midsole cushioning, totalling 40mm at the heel and 30mm in the forefoot. Asics also widened the shoe’s stance for stability, resulting in a plush ride that some call “phenomenal.”

Previously, some people found Asics shoes stiff or blocky. The Gel-Kayano 30 addresses this with a larger crash pad and “energetic” medial foam under the arch, providing smoother transitions and stability. An engineered mesh upper and comfortable heel counter enhance the ride.