As a runner, you understand how important it is to have properly fitting and comfortable shoes. As such, there is an array of things to consider when shopping for the best running shoes. And if you have wide feet, bunions, or flat arches, there’s even more, to consider for ultimate comfort, performance, and superior support.
If you are struggling to find the right running shoes, worry not as we have compiled a guide to help you buy the best shoes for your wide feet. These shoes in our guide are well cushioned and have unique features making them precisely what you need.
Best Cushioning
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
Achilles Cushioning
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20
Best Lightweight
ASICS Novablast
Best Heel Fit
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Springy for Speed
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7
Detailed Reviews of the Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet
1. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V11
Key Features
- Has a synthetic mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is lightweight and responsive
- The bootie upper construction fits snugly
- The ultra-heel design provides a supportive fit to the back of the foot
- Made in the US
Reasons to buy
- It offers plenty of cushion for comfort
- The form used is highly responsive
- It has a breathable upper
- Has an incredibly comfortable heel collar
Reasons to avoid
- May have a loud landing
When considering a premium daily training shoe, New Balance is one of the best brands for running shoes. The 1080 V11 is among the marquee shoes from the brand’s line and one of the best-selling running shoes in recent years. It’s thickly cushioned with a knit upper and can handle most distances.
The latest edition of the Fresh Foam 1080 has undergone minor updates that enhance the fit and dynamic movement of the forefoot. Besides, the rear heel tab is designed to reduce tension of the Achilles tendon. The step-in feels cozy and plush with a locked-down feel, thanks to the tight forefoot mesh and gusseted tongue.
Its Hypoknit engineered mesh upper accommodates a wide range of foot sizes and shapes. It has a bit of stretch and while also providing excellent hold, giving you more room in the forefoot. This allows you to splay your toes and flex when running faster.
The midsole of the Fresh Foam is one area that most users like due to the cushioning and rebound. Every shoe can hold on really great in the first 20 miles, but can it hold up to 100 miles? This shoe feels pretty great thanks to its Fresh Foam X midsole foam that can hold well up to 300 miles.
The outsole is made up of blown rubber, which is popular for traction and durability. It’s more packed in the highest wear areas, which are the toe box and heel. Besides, the forefoot has some Flex Grooves that add extra flexibility to the midsole.
The shoe is a little bit resilient when moving at slower speeds, but it gets bouncy with acceleration. The New Balance Fresh Foam is perfect for long weekend runs thanks to its lightweight feeling and energetic demeanor.
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20
Key Features
- Tubular laces
- Has Guiderails Technology
- 12mm midsole drop
- Weighs 9.4 oz
- Uses both DNA Loft & BioMoGo DNA foam
- True-to-size sizing
- Neutral stability
Reasons to buy
- They use GuideRail tech that keeps knees aligned
- They have superior cushioning
- Very durable and lightweight
- It comes in a variety of colors
- It has superior Achilles cushioning
Reasons to avoid
- The 12mm drop might not be ideal for powerful strides
The Brooks Adrenaline is one of the best and most stable running shoes for women having wide feet. It is equipped with Brook’s Guiderails which keep your knees, ankles, and hips aligned. Unlike in most stability shoes, the Guiderails used in these shoes enables your foot to land in a natural position by shifting the support from the foot to the knee.
The mesh is stretchable to accommodate wider feet without compromising on comfort. It also works to keep the feet secure. The heel cup of the shoe is uniquely structured to keep the heel stable when running. It is also well cushioned with a dense material that gradually reduces as it covers the foot’s upper part.
This shoe has a 12 mm midsole drop that features 2 soft materials whose densities and performance are slightly different. This facilitates a seamless heel-to-toe transition. As a result, you run faster, and your joints are pain-free even when running for long.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 features a mixture of both BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft foams. The former is used below the heel and to wrap around the shoe, giving you a comfortable soft feel. On the other hand, BioMoGo DNA is used on the rest of the parts making the shoe responsive and durable.
The tubular, stretchy laces are pretty durable and have a smooth feel. The tongues of these shoes are not built up and easily fold over the shoelaces part. It also has thick padding made of light foam to reduce the noise that may bump from the ankle and top of your feet when running. These running shoes are also easily adjustable, as you can loosen or tighten them within seconds.
Weighing 9.4 oz, this shoe is incredibly lightweight. The upper part is made of breathable 3D mesh making the shoe lighter and visually appealing. If you are a woman looking for quality wide feet shoes for a moderate overpronator, then Brooks Adrenaline GT 20 is worth considering.
3. ASICS Novablast
Key Features
- It features the FlyteFoam Blast for an efficient ride
- AHAR Plus Outsole is strategically positioned
- Multidirectional mesh improves ventilation and stability
- The rubber sole offers excellent traction
- Has reflective accents offers better visibility
Reasons to buy
- It offers a smooth interior with no tongue slide
- The mesh has a breathable upper
- Has a perfect heel fit
- Provides efficient transitions
Reasons to avoid
- The forefoot grip is not as good
Here’s one of the plushiest and most responsive Asics shoes made from FlyteFoam Blast material that provides unmatched bounce underfoot. Heel-to-toe transfer feels extremely smooth as your foot sinks into the foam, goes back to its original form when you’re on your toes, and a spring propels you to the next stride.
Unlike shoes with multiple layers of foam that yield a stable ride, the material used in Novablast is lightweight and high-rebound. The bright colors and angular shape look modern and one of the most exciting-looking shoes from Asics.
In addition, the engineered mesh upper keeps the feet ventilated and comfortable for the long-distance trainer. You can see the mesh near the toe is made of different layers. It features an almost elastic feel that can stretch and rebound without losing shape. Overall, the mesh is very breathable and does not cause blistering.
The shoe does not have the most stable internal heel counter, but it certainly holds you and offers enough support. The mesh construction feels a bit deeper through the midsection, but many users appreciate the comfort you get in quicker runs.
The underfoot features a plush ortholite material that offers excellent underfoot comfort while at the same time having a high level of breathability.
The outsole is minimalistic with four pieces of rubber that’s flexible and offer excellent traction. It is made up of AHAR Plus outsole that offers decent traction. The material is 50% more durable than standard ASICS rubber. Overall, the Novablast has an excellent build, and the cushion is great on a long training runs or in your next marathon.
4. Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Key Features
- It’s light and responsive for speed
- DNA Flash midsole offers a springy experience
- The woven upper is stretchable and breathable
- Has a rubber outsole for traction and breathability
- The insole has a fabric liner to absorb moisture
Reasons to buy
- It’s extremely lightweight yet springy for speed
- The midsole is cushioned yet speed-friendly
- The rubber outsole offers excellent grip
- It’s made using quality materials
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks reflectivity
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is another fantastic shoe for people with wide feet. These kicks offer the perfect spot between feel, cushioning, responsiveness and protection. The upper part is roomy, breathable, and smooth-fitting, thanks to a woven upper that hugs the foot.
The material features some stretch, which allows your feet to move naturally and leaves plenty of space in the toe box so that your toes splay naturally without pressure points on foot. The upper fabric also features open-weave perforations that offer excellent ventilation during the long runs when you need your feet to stay dry without hot spots.
The Hyperion’s form-fitting tongue is designed to fold perfectly around the bridge of the foot. The thin fabric won’t bunch up and won’t feel hot either. The lace-up closure has a flat design with printed overlays which hold up well and keep the foot in place without any pressure points.
The ankle collar is lightly padded, which is great for supporting the Achilles tendon and minimizes chances of slippage when running. The midsole of the Hyperion Tempo boasts nitrogen-infused DNA flash cushioning, which is soft and plush without adding weight. The nitrogen strengthens the structure of the foam to ensure less wear and more responsiveness.
The insole that’s on top of the cushioning adds to the shoe’s plushness. There’s a fabric liner that tops the insole, helping to keep your underfoot dry and eliminate odors. You can also remove the insole and replace it with a customized one.
The Hyperion Tempo features a full rubber outsole that’s more concentrated on high-wear areas such as the heel and forefoot. This makes the shoe more durable, and the traction is excellent. The outsole rubber is textured with some flex grooves to bend in all the right places. The design includes vertical grooves that ensure smooth transitions from heel to toe.
Brooks has done a fantastic job on the Hyperion Tempo, and runners confirm this in the reviews. The colors of the shoe are limited and neutral, including black, white, grey, and the sole is available in blue, yellow, and white.
5. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7
Key Features
- Uses Hoka’s full EVA midsole
- It features Meka-Rocker Tech
- It comes in a 44.3 mm stack height
- True-to-size sizing
- 4mm midsole drop
- Weighs 8.9 oz
Reasons to buy
- Has proper cushioning levels
- Equipped with technology that facilitates smooth running strides
- Ideal for pavements, light trails, and treadmill
Reasons to avoid
- Not very versatile as it is only ideal for light gym activities and running.
Hoka One One seems to have understood the assignment when it comes to running shoes for wide feet. This Bondi 7 is one of their top-notch running shoes for women, and it is available in wider sizes. If you have high arches and poor knees, then this is definitely a shoe worth considering.
Equipped with a 44.3 mm stack height, Bondi 7 is, without a doubt, one of the tallest shoes you can find today. For context, this is cushioning of about 2 inches. This cushioning is soft to the heel and at the forefoot. With this shoe, padding is definitely not a problem.
Bondi 7 combines the use of Meka-Rocker Tech and an EVA midsole leading the foot towards a natural gait cycle. This prevents twisting of the foot and discomfort. The upper part is made of newly engineered mesh that gives the shoe a better fit. Besides, the mesh makes the shoe breathable and enhances ankle support.
Things to Consider When Buying Running Shoes for Wide Feet
Now let’s handle the crucial question: How do you buy the right running shoes for your wide feet?
As you might have already figured, running shoes for wide feet are not as available as the normal-fitting ones. Even more, finding comfortable running shoes for wide feet can be a challenging task.
Here are crucial things to consider when shopping to ensure that you get the best pair and value for your money.
Width
It is no-brainer that width is definitely one of the critical things to consider for someone with wide feet. However, the width should not be confused with breadth. The width of a shoe is its widest part. When shopping, your best bet is searching in wide and extra-wide sizes sections. They are usually labeled as 2E/4E for men’s shoes and D for women’s shoes.
In addition, pay attention to more details beyond the toe box. While a wide toe box is crucial, the chances are that it is not the only wide part of your foot. Your mid-foot and forefoot are likely to be wide too, and you should ensure that the shoe you choose fits these parts as well.
Right Fit
As we have established, finding a running shoe for wide feet can be tiresome. It would be disappointing to purchase a shoe with the correct width only to find out that it doesn’t fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to injury.
To ensure you get the right fit, first, try the shoes after midday. This is because feet tend to swell as the day progresses, and thus you are likely to get an accurate fit by fitting a shoe later in the day instead of in the morning.
Second, leave about a thumbs’ width between the end of the shoe and your toes. By doing so, you leave enough room to protect your toes from hitting the end of your shoes. This is common when your feet are swollen or when you run downhill. Finally, the shoe should wrap your foot without feeling sloppy or pinching.
Comfort
A comfortable running shoe will enable you to optimally engage in your running and other activities. As such, comfort is paramount when buying any kind of shoe. Often, you will only be able to gauge the comfort levels of a shoe by trying it on.
Visit a physical shop with professionals, where possible. The experts will check your gait and feet and recommend the right fit for you. By visiting a physical shop, you also get to try the shoes, walk around in them and assess the fit before buying them.
It may be ideal to buy shoes with removable insoles so that you may insert orthotics where necessary. Carry your orthotics when you go shopping to make sure that the shoe still fits when you insert them. Similarly, if you use other wide feet items such as toe wraps, splints, or separators, ensure that you are wearing them when fitting the shoes.
When it comes to tongues, shoes with attached ones provide more comfort. Other features to consider for paramount comfort include heel beveling and counters and extra cushioning for shock absorption.
Running Surface
Road shoes provide more cushioning than lightweight race and trail shoes. Therefore, road shoes are a great choice if you tend to run more on pavements. They reduce the risk of injuries by providing better shock absorption.
On the other hand, trail shoes should be your go-to shoes if you will be running on muddy trails. This is because they give your ankle superior support and a better grip, thanks to their deep treads. If used for pavement running, the studs on trail shoes normally press your feet’s soles, making them uncomfortable.
If you tend to run on both pavements and muddy trails, then you should opt for hybrid running shoes for wide feet. They have a perfect mixture of trail and road shoe features to give you a perfect balance of ideal cushioning and the necessary grip.
Strike Pattern
Know whether you hit the ground first using your forefoot, heel, or mid-foot. You can do this by filming your feet when running then watching the video in slow motion. Knowing your strike pattern is crucial in determining the ideal drop for you. Drop in shoes refers to the difference in height between the shoe’s forefoot and heel.
If you strike the ground first using the forefoot or midfoot, you should go for a low drop; ideally below 6 mm. On the other hand, if you are a heel first striker, you should opt for a normal drop, ideally more than 7mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest method of knowing this is by measuring your foot. Put on a pair of socks, trace your foot on a paper and measure the width of the widest part. Compare this with sizing charts provided by various shoe companies.
Neither is okay. A loose running shoe will give you a poor fit, and thus, you do not get to enjoy the ergonomic features of the shoe. Further, the shoe might slip off, leading to fall-related injuries. On the other hand, a tight shoe will hinder blood flow affecting your performance.
Finding the correct fitting shoe can make all the difference in your running sessions. You can find a properly fitting one by first taking measurements. Bear in mind that your foot size may change from time to time.
It is this important to take fresh measurements instead of using previous ones.As mentioned earlier, measurements should ideally be taken in the afternoon or at the end of the day.
In addition, ensure that your feet don’t feel pinched when fitting the shoes. Leave about half an inch between your toes and the end of the shoe for proper fitting. The shoes’ toe box is also a crucial aspect. For wide feet, the best design is a deep, square one.
Conclusion
Feet come in all manner of shapes and sizes. However, the same can’t be said for shoes since wide feet shoes are often unavailable.
Usually, most people with wide feet resort to wearing smaller shoes. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to infections, blisters, pain, corns, or swelling.
Having wide feet should not prevent you from engaging in activities such as running. Look for shoes categorized as wide or extra wide, and where possible, physically go to the store. Properly fitting shoes give your feet stability and support, which allows you to run at your desired pace and distance.
With this review and buyer’s guide, we trust that you have been equipped with all that you need to know to ensure that you purchase the best running shoes for wide feet.
As the general rule of thumb, do not buy an uncomfortable shoe no matter how much you like it. Believe us; there is a shoe just right for your wide feet.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.
Nicely described. Thank you 😉