13 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet: 2022 Roundup
- By Maria Bricheno
After researching 37 pairs of shoes, the Brooks Ghost 13s (Men | Women) are the best running shoes for wide feet.
To look for the best shoes, we spoke to dozens of runners. We had two doctors contribute to the write-up and tested most models in-store.
The Brooks Ghost 13s are our top choice. They’re popular with wide-foot runners, versatile and well-made.They can handle road, light trail and treadmill.
We like their cushioning and foot support. Many wide-foot runners are heavy too, so these features help. The shoes are available in wide and extra-wide, which is also good.
If you need specific features, there are other shoes too. Get the Asics Gel-Cumulus 22s (Men | Women) if you have heel or foot pain.
If you run long distances, check out the Mizuno Wave Rider 24s. Their cushioning and weight distribution will keep your feet fresh for hours.
To learn our shoe reviews and doctors’ notes, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet (Unisex)
The Brooks Ghost 13 is the perfect wide foot running shoe.
The Segmented Crash Pad cushions the foot through each part of your stride. It gives you smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Since many wide-foot runners are heavy with an aggressive heel strike, this prevents problems like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, etc.
The upper is 3D-printed, newly engineered mesh. It hugs the foot softly but firmly, adjusting to its volume and width. Together with a wide, roomy toe box, this makes it comfy for wide feet.
The Ghost 13s perform well on all surfaces: road, hard floor, treadmill and others. They can handle light trail too.
The main difference between the men and women’s styles is aesthetics. The women’s shoes feature light, pastel colors, while the men’s shoes are dark and bold. Also, the women’s running shoes mirror the smaller shape and size of female feet.
The shoe is stretchy, light, breathable and chafe-free. It has strong supportive, cushioning and gait-correcting properties. It’s available in wide and extra-wide, which is good.
Be careful running on smooth surfaces in rainy weather. It doesn’t have the best traction and can slip.
If you don’t like the Ghosts, return them within 90 days and get your money back.
Pros
- Supportive
- Flexible
- Available in wide sizes
Cons
- Not suitable for trail running or wet terrain
Best Trail Running Shoe for Wide Feet
If you’re a wide footed trail runner, check out the ASICS Gel-Venture 7. The is a tough model with strong arch support and great value-for-money.
The outsole combines regular rubber and AHAR: Asics High Abrasion Rubber. It’s both flexible and highly resilient. Flex grooves provide extra flexibility for improved freedom of movement.
The outsoles’ reversed lugs provide excellent grip for trail. The GEL technology in the rearfoot absorbs shock well. The sole is supportive and well-cushioned without being too thick.
The outsole has a robust arch frame that sits well above ground. This means you get strong arch support, even on rough terrain. A wide footed runner is more likely to have collapsed arches, and this improves running gait.
This trail shoe has a wide toe box. The upper is plush mesh with tough rubber overlays. The mesh stretches to accommodate a wide foot, the overlays protect the shoe.
The breathable sockliner molds to the shape of your foot. It’s easily removed to accommodate medical orthotics.
Cons
We found the laces to be a bit flimsy. They’re decent, but the shoes are likely to outlive them (by a long while).
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Supportive
- Good cushioning
- Suitable for trail running
Cons
- Laces may need to be replaced
Best Premium Running Shoe for Wide Feet
These HOKA Clifton 7s work well for extra wide feet. The men’s come in wide sizes with a roomy toe box. The ladies’ only come in regular but are wide to begin with.
The model has the brand’s signature EVA foam midsole for comfort and support. One tester says it feels like “walking on clouds.” At the same time, the midsole provides good arch support and responsiveness.
It flexes side-to-side and front to back, making it very responsive. The foam is bendy despite its thickness and softness. The result is a smooth, natural ride.
The lightweight mesh upper is buttery, stretchy and perforated. This makes it breathable and flexible enough to accommodate extra foot volume. The gusset design prevents the tongue from shifting while running or exercising.
The heel cup is nice and high. Combined with the high eyelets, it gives you the ankle stability and improved foot placement of a mid-height shoe.
The reinforced eyestays and high-abrasion rubber outsoles provide excellent durability. The vertical tab allows you to easily put these shoes on or take them off.
The shoe is a bit pricey, but it comes with a 30-day trial period. A few runners we spoke to said they tried the Hoka shoe before buying it.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Good arch support
- Promotes correct running gait
Cons
- High price point
Best Wide Foot Road Running Shoe
Altra is our top wide shoe for running on concrete and tarmac. It’s well-cushioned but effectively zero drop. The Balanced Cushioning platform positions the heel and forefoot on the same plane.
This improves foot posture and gives you natural, barefoot-like running gait. It also means you can use these for walking and light activity.
The soft upper is extra stretchy. It also has slits that let the foot breathe. The toe box is wide and allows plenty of room for your foot to splay out. The high-tech tread “aligns” feet in the right position for running on road surfaces.
A key differentiator for this shoe is the signature FootShape technology. It gives your feet more space without making. the shoe bigger. Its design takes men and women’s foot anatomy differences into consideration.
The women and men’s shoes look similar. But they have internal tech that responds to male and female biological differences.
Although wide to begin with, there’s no extra-wide option on these. If you have an extra-wide foot, check out the Brooks Ghost 13s. They’re excellent for road.
Pros
- Soft cushioning
- Good arch support
- Breathable
Cons
- Not available in extra wide size
Best for Indoors & Treadmill
The 1080v10s have incredible cushioning. They also have features that improve stability, gait and foot placement. This gives you a light, easy ride on hard floors and treadmills.
The blown rubber sole is seamless and stylish. It’s durable and soft at the same time. Unlike most thick foam soles, this one isn’t mushy or too soft.
The sneaker’s mesh upper is soft and durable. It’s available in wide and extra-wide. The padding on the inside is nice and soft.
The unique heel cup hugs the foot and keeps it locked in place. This provides ankle support and foot stability. It also prevents heel slippage.
The shoe is supportive, with a medial post that gives arch support and correct foot placement. It also has some extra thickness around the midfoot for arch support.
One thing we really liked is the wide ankle collar. One of our testers has a wide forefoot, which makes finding good shoes difficult. This was not a problem here.
Something else we liked was the low drop. Some runners report using this model as a walking shoe, which we can see.
These shoes tend to run small and narrow, so consider buying wide width or extra-wide sizes. You may need to buy a half or full-size larger shoe to get the right fit.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning
- Available in wide and extra-wide
- Promotes correct gait
Cons
- Sizing tends to run small and narrow
Best for Long-Distance Running
Mizuno gave the sole an overhaul for the 24s. The Energy Foam EVA technology delivers a notably more responsive experience than earlier versions. If you’ve tried the 23s, you’ll see the difference immediately.
That’s not all the sole does, though. The tech in the Wave Rider combines stability, shock absorption and gait correction. It also has a Wave plate design that distributes impact and weight.
Running in these feels effortless, natural and light on the feet. Improved foot placement and gait conserve energy and prevent injuries on longer runs.
The sole is bouncy with some flex to it. Some arch support is built in. The outsole has 10 seperate outsole sections. This gives your feet plenty of freedom of movement.
The outsole onlays are carbon rubber, and feel very tough. The rest of the sole is shock-absorbing energy foam and ergonomic U4ic midsole, which provides a smooth ride.
The mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and easy-to-clean. It has slits that can accommodate extra foot volume. The assymetric toe box gives you extra wiggle room without increasing the shoe’s overall size.
The shoe is available in regular and wide, with no extra-wide option – but is roomy to begin with.
We recommend giving yourself a couple days to break-in these shoes. Some of our reviewers report the ‘24’ model feels stiffer than its predecessors.
Pros
- Promotes correct gait
- lightweight
- Shock absorption
Cons
- Not available in an extra wide size
- Requires a short break-in period
Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet with Foot & Heel Pain
Runners with foot, heel and joint pain should take a look at the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 running shoes. This shoe has ample cushioning, providing immediate pain relief. It also improves foot posture and distributes weight on the foot strike, helping long-term pain reduction.
The ASICS FlyteFoam midsole is nice and soft without being mushy. It’s extra-thick around the midfoot for improved arch support and foot posture. It’s also shaped to give your foot the support it needs to cushion against impact.
GEL tech in the heel and forefoot. cushions the foot’s most sensitive areas against impact. As far as cushioning goes it’s best-in-class. The new heel pad design has flex grooves that provides even more shock absorption.
Now let’s talk about gait correction. FlyteFoam Propel technology is baked into the foam. It has excellent bounce for a smooth ride and heel-toe transition.
The other key tech is I.G.S. (Impact Guidance System). This stabilizes the foot as you run, minimizing stress and preventing injury. It gives you a healthy, natural running gait. Our team podiatrist likes it a lot.
The comfy mesh upper holds the foot in place with a lightweight 3D Print overlay design. The wide toe box gives your foot plenty of room. The heel cup is nice and firm, preventing heel instability and slippage: a common reason for heel pain.
The women’s shoe and men’s shoe are very similar. Both have plush cushioning, a superb rubber outsole and wide/extra-wide sizes. The main difference is style and ergonomic fit. The men on our test team were a little jealous of the colors the women’s running shoe comes in.
Pros
- Promotes correct gait
- Good arch support
- Good cushioning
Cons
Best for Arch Support
If you need arch support, the ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 running are our top choice for wide feet.
They are supportive through every layer of the sole. There’s a rigid arch frame; an elevated midsole; DuoMax tech that helps stability, support and weight distribution.
These shoes don’t just elevate the arch mechanically. They help distribute foot weight evenly, addressing a major reason for flat or elevated arches. So, if you are looking for a fix for flat feet, this shoe is it.
The SPACE TRUSSTIC tech stabilizes your gait. It prevents your feet from rolling inwards and outwards. It gives you a smooth heel to toe-off transition.
The comfy mesh upper has plenty of breathability. It also has a tough, rigid heel cup that stabilizes the heel. This prevents slippage and helps stop the arch from collapsing.
The Trusstic system is gender-specific. ASICS takes into account the biomechanical differences between men and women’s feet. The men’s running shoes have added support inside the arch. And the women’s running shoes include more support in the direction of forward motion.
The women’s shoes have softer FLYTEFOAM and 3 mm of added foam compared to the men’s version. This is all very innovative and goes beyond the usual gender-specific ergonomic shoe shape.
Some reviewers felt the toe box fit a bit tight. You may need to order a larger size to accommodate if you want a roomy toe box. The shoe is available in wide sizes.
The rearfoot also features reflective materials to keep runners visible in darker conditions. We thought this was quite cool.
Pros
- Good arch support
- Promotes correct gait
- Good cushioning
- Prevents heel slippage
Cons
- The toebox tends to run narrow
Best Wide Shoes for Circuits, HIIT, Cross-Training (Unisex)
This versatile athletic shoe is a 4 on Innov-8’s width grading system. A “5” is the highest grade possible. This shoe is plenty wide, with a roomy toe box.
The shoe is zero-drop so you get a nice, natural gait when you’re wearing it. It also means the shoe is equally good for running, weightlifting, walking and other activities.
The outsole tread pattern is criss-crossed, meaning it flexes side-to-side and back-to-front. This makes the shoe good for lateral movement, running and strength sports.
The midsole cushions and stabilizes your foot during running and circuit training. Not a stability shoe per se, but good enough for both squats and jogging.
Rope Guard Technology gives you reinforced toe bumper that’s good for push-ups, kneeling and horizontal exercises (e.g. planks). The precision-engineered mesh is extremely tough; clearly the toughest of all the models on the list. It’s not even close.
The MET-CRADLE technology secures the midfoot. This shoe feels snug and stable in that area. The heel cup is surprisingly rigid and stabilizes the heel well.
The outsole and upper are both highly flexible, giving you a healthy running gait. The toe box is wider than it looks thanks to its assymetrical design.
The men and women’s versions are almost identical. The main difference between the men and women’s styles is color options. Also, the women’s shoes accommodate for the smaller shape and size of women’s feet.
Pros
- Versatile
- Promotes correct gait
- Durable
Cons
Best Minimalist Running Shoe for Wide Feet
These are the best minimalist shoes we tested. They combine a thick-ish sole that can handle trail with a true barefoot feel. If you want a thinner sole, get the Vapor Glove 3 model (Women | Men).
These shoes have a zero-drop design. They have a durable but flexible sole; this uses best-in-class Vibram rubber. This rubber is slip-resistant, and holds up well on wet surfaces.
The outsole’s front section has deeper treads, and both sections are criss-crossed with grooves. This lets the foot flex naturally. The assymetric toe box is roomy and ergonomic.
The padded mesh upper provides breathability for a cool, comfortable feel. The M-Select Antimicrobial agents fight off shoe odor. The heel cup enhances the foot’s natural ability to stabilize during movement.
The men’s and women’s versions are almost identical. There are a couple of color variations, but fewer than with the other shoes we tested. The women’s shoes accommodate for the smaller shape and size of women’s feet.
These shoes run bigger than previous models. Be sure to order ½ size smaller if you’ve bought Merrell models before.
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Suitable for trail running
Cons
- Sizing tends to run large
Best Fingered Shoes for Wide Feet
This is our top choice for fingered shoes for wider feet. They don’t actually come in wide sizes, but with a massive ankle collar and a highly flexible build, they’re popular with wide-foot runners.
The open upper has an adjustable pull and tab closure. This provides breathability and comfort. It’s easy to adjust on the go.
The shoe is breathable and – surprisingly – warm enough for mildly cool days. Consumers report wearing it in early spring and late autumn with no problem.
The world-famous Vibram sole provides protection, cushioning and shock absorption. Its thin build lets you feel the road when you run but grips exceedingly well.
The sole is also relatively puncture-proof, according to consumer reviews. It goes all the way up to the toes so you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself outdoors or in low-light conditions.
The XS Run outsole provides strong grip on smooth indoor and outdoor surfaces. It’s very flexible, and really lets your feet move as if you were barefoot.
The sock lining is comfy. The sockliner is anti-microbial EVA foam which is both supportive and hygienic. We felt that our heels, toes and foot balls all fit exactly where they’re supposed to.
Pros
- Ergonomic design provides comfort
- Breathable
- Odor-resistant
Cons
- Not available in wide sizes
Best Lightweight Running Shoes for Wide Feet
These are our top choice for lightweight, sock-like shoes. They are feather-light, breathable, and stretchy. Sliding into these feels like wearing a soft sock.
They move with your feet and stay cool through long workouts. The high-tech sole is both supportive and cushioned. It’s also extremely flexible.
The outsole lug design grips indoor and outdoor surfaces, except for rigorous trails. The Phylon midsole provides cushioning and durability.
This shoe is our editor’s personal favorite. With a high-rebound midsole, premium knit upper and a durable outsole, it’s very comfortable.
It also looks good enough to wear out to smart casual events. The only thing it doesn’t have is a wide toe box. If you need extra toe space, consider going a size up.
The women and men’s designs are practically identical. The colors and design being the only real difference. The women’s shoes fit a smaller shaped and sized foot.
Pros
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Stylish
Cons
- High price point
Best Retro Sneaker for Wide-Foot Runners
Saucony took their 80’s track shoe silhouette and updated it. They swapped out spikes for rubber and to make an affordable and stylish shoe.
These running shoes are lightweight with moderate arch support. The nylon upper and suede overlays give the shoes a cool, retro vibe. You’ll want to wear these minimalist running shoes working out or just hanging out.
The soft, fabric lining with extra cushioning at the tongue and collar give more support. The EVA midsole provides shock support and moderate cushioning and protection.
The men and women’s versions are similar. The women’s shoes accommodate for the smaller shape and size of women’s feet. Both men and women’s styles only offer a few color options.
Some reviewers reported that the top of the shoe feels tight. If you have more voluminous feet, this may not be the best choice for you.
If you’re on a budget, but want a minimalist running shoe that looks great, this is a good choice
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Good cushioning
- Affordable
Cons
- Sizing tends to run tight
Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying Running Shoes for Wide Feet
Finding a wide running shoe can be challenging if you don’t know how running shoes should fit. Shoes that seem to fit well in-store can get tight when you’re running. This is often because activity makes the feet swell up when blood rushes there.
That’s why we’re here. We spoke to one of our doctors, Dr. Enes, before writing this guide and article. Read on to find out what to look for.
Wide and/or Extra-wide Options
You can’t adjust a regular shoe’s base and make it wider. You’re stuck with what you buy! So if you have wide feet or suffer from foot problems, like bunions, look for wide or extra-wide shoes.
To answer a frequently asked question: no, you can’t compensate for this by stretching the shoe’s upper. If the base is narrower than your foot, it’ll constrict your shoe. This leads to poor weight distribution, foot posture and running gait. All of this results in discomfort, pain and injury.
Some shoes are wide to begin with. When this is the case for the models above, we’ll let you know. If in doubt, try the shoe on before buying it.
Foot Support
Wide feet are usually accompanied by other anatomical changes. This might be flat feet or high arches. It also could be due to foot injuries like bunions or calluses. Wide feet are also common in people who are tall, muscular, or overweight. In all cases, when feet are wide, they need extra foot support.
A running shoe with outsoles that have built-in arch support via a rigid arc frame. Running shoes with supportive midsoles, insoles and footbeds are good too. You want to have a supportive midsole that provides support without being too soft or too firm. The cushioning should support your foot through the stride.
Without quality foot support, your arch may get tired and splay out against the ground. This foot expansion may widen your foot even more. This will make the shoe too small for you, which is something you want to avoid. It’ll also stop your feet from transitioning and cushioning properly. So… Look for good support.
A Soft, Flexible Upper
A wide foot is more voluminous. When you run, blood rushes to your foot and makes it even more voluminous. In this case, you want a wide running shoe with a soft, flexible upper. This helps accommodate this natural swelling process. Otherwise, your shoe will be too tight when you run and train daily.
When running shoes are too narrow, your foot gets squished. A tight running shoe can lead to blisters, bunions, or black toenails. To keep your foot injury-free, be sure to get a wide running shoe with plenty of space for your foot to swell.
You want to find a shoe with an upper that conforms to the shape of your foot but doesn’t pinch, bind, or chafe your skin. When this happens, your posture and foot placement suffer.
Be sure to try on running shoes in the afternoon or after running. Your feet swell as the day progresses. You want to test out the upper when your feet are the most voluminous. This occurs after walking for hours or running for an extended period of time. This helps you pick a shoe that will stay comfortable during your daily running sessions.
A Moderately Cushioned Sole
Running in shoes with lots of sole cushioning requires more force. This affects a runner’s stride and can result in unnecessary pain and injuries over time. Wide feet relate to being overweight, muscular or tall. So, we want to avoid excess impact on our foot strike, especially in the heel.
Your body naturally provides the majority of cushioning for your joints, so you want a shoe that lets it move freely. It should feel comfortable but firm all over: in the arch, the top of the foot and underfoot. This means it’s best to find a wide running shoe with moderate cushioning. Some thicker soles can be alright too. They’ll usually have flex grooves and other features that give you freedom of motion.
It’s fine to wear a running shoe with a little bounce and foam. But you want to be careful and not limit your sensory feedback. Never ever go for thick, inflexible soles.
Durability
Runners with wide feet often have extra height, muscle mass or excess weight. When you have wide feet, it is important to have running shoes with durable outsoles. This delivers adequate traction, bounce, and flexibility. It also stops the shoe from wearing out prematurely.
Specific features to look for include special overlays, e.g. carbon rubber ones. A little extra thickness is good too as it stops the sole from wearing out. For the upper, look for reinforced overlays and toe caps. Tough mesh, leather, and suede are all good too. So is double-stitching. Wide-footed runners tend to produce more forward force and torque inside the shoe, and these features help the upper stay functional.
Apropo, make sure to replace your running shoes when you notice extreme signs of wear. For instance, if you notice a fallen heel counter or a smooth outer sole, it’s time to get a new pair. Because, at the end of the day, you want to have a highly durable, functional running shoe for your workouts.
A Large Ankle Opening
When speaking to runners and our doctor, we heard one common theme. When you buy standard running shoes, it’s difficult to fit your heel through the ankle opening.
Be sure to find wide running shoes with fairly large ankle openings. Otherwise, it’s difficult to get the shoe on without stomping on the shoe heel section. This can damage the shoe and put unnecessary force on your heel.
Conclusion
If you’re unsure which category fits your needs, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Ghost 13 running shoe (MEN | WOMEN). It comes in a wide or extra-wide fit. It’s a neutral shoe suitable for most people. It earned our Best Overall running shoe with its versatility, comfort, and durability.
Want a more specialized shoe? Check out the buyer’s guide and our other reviews above.
If you found the article helpful, please consider clicking the links on this page to make your purchase on Amazon. This will help fund our testers, writers, and editors so we can cover more shoes for you!
Writer:
MARIA BRICHENO
