Podiatrists Agree: These Running Shoes for Wide Feet Give Your Toes Room to Wiggle

These beloved best-sellers from Brooks are known for offering exceptional comfort and support. And with options in both wide and extra-wide, they won’t squish your toes. Even the medium width offers plenty of space to spread out those tootsies.

“I love Brooks running sneakers,” says Dr. Sutera. Shape testers found the soft mesh upper of the Ghost helped form the shoe right to the feet, giving no chance of blisters, chafing, or other irritation, even after several miles. Meanwhile, the bouncy, lightweight cushioning helps propel forward with every stride.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width Options: 2A (Narrow), 1B (Medium), 1D (Wide), 2E (Extra Wide) 

The spacious Saucony Rides are Shape 2024 Sneaker Award winners and longtime fan favorites among runners with wide feet. They’re the kind of lightweight daily trainer with supportive cushioning you don’t even notice when you’re running — in the best way. Testers liked them so much they didn’t want to take them off after runs. However, the team wouldn’t lace these up to pick up the pace for faster workouts. The dependable workhorses give comfort on easy-paced long runs, with nice energy return.

You’ll get more breathing room than your average shoe in the forefoot, yet the midfoot and heel area are tighter, keeping the fit nice and secure. Just leave these at home if it’s wet out — the minimal tread isn’t great on slick surfaces.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width Options: Regular, Wide

Best Ultra-Cushioned Running Shoe for Wide Feet

Hoka Bondi 8

Can running shoes be cozy? The Hoka Bondi 8s just might be. The high-impact forces of running feel muted in these marshmallowy-soft sneaks. Not only is there a thick stack of shock-absorbing foam under your feet, but it flares out to the sides for a super-stable sensation. Although these are not stability shoes for overpronators, testers found the shoe could definitely prevent rolling an ankle in the wrong direction. Yet they’re still a lightweight 8.9 ounces and felt responsive enough to give our stride a satisfying kick. Plus, there are lots of color options in wide sizes.  

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width Options: Regular, Wide

Stability shoes can sometimes feel pretty clunky when you run. Not this version of the Gel-Kayano. As it guides overpronators into a more neutral landing position, the combination of shock-absorbing PureGEL below the heel and a generous amount of FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning beneath the whole foot makes for a plush ride. We found them comfortable right out of the box — even though they don’t exactly have the zippy, lightweight feel you might get from snappier running shoes, your heels will feel cradled and your arches supported. What’s more, Asics offers eight different color options in wide sizes.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width Options: Narrow, Standard, Wide

Light but sturdy, these Brooks kicks are recommended by podiatrists — they have an APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance. Their secret sauce lies in the GuideRails along the sides of the heels that gently guide your feet into a neutral position as you run, acting almost like bumpers along a bowling lane (but without being overly aggressive about it). Meanwhile, a luxurious 12mm heel-to-toe drop helps take pressure off your Achilles and calves.

“Brooks has been an amazing company for decades now. They fit a lot of people well, and they’re really consistent in their products, so if you liked the shoe last year or the year before, this year’s shoe would probably fit and feel really similar,” says running coach Jeremy Parks, who’s worked in the footwear industry for two decades.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width Options: 2A (Narrow), 1B (Medium), 1D (Wide), 2E (Extra Wide)

The New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite 4 offers a stiff, propulsive feel designed to help you shave some time on race day. These are also incredibly lightweight but have a thinner carbon fiber plate and a somewhat stiffer feeling than the FuelCell SuperComp Trainer. (If you prefer a softer, springy feel, the Trainer may be a better choice for you). From speed work with tempo runs to race day, these may help give you some edge.

“These are my new favorite shoes for tempo runs and races,” says Summer Cartwright, Shape’s senior editor. “The first time I wore them, I took them out for a 12-mile run and had absolutely no complaints. They’re springy but not too jumpy, didn’t rub on my toes at all, and needed no break-in period.”

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width Options: Standard (B), Wide (D)

Best Beginner Running Shoes for Wide Feet

On Cloudgo

If you’re looking for a stylish sneaker that can smoothly transition between neighborhood walks and easy, beginner-friendly runs or walk/run combos, the On Cloudgo is a smart option, and it’s offered wide. Editors especially liked that the cushioning underfoot is soft but not so exaggerated that you feel like you’re hovering off the ground. At the same time, these also have a super-padded tongue and heel collar to prevent hot spots. The wider fit and mesh upper offer extra space in the midfoot and some roominess in the toe box, but if you have a super sizable wingspan at the toe knuckles, these might not be quite wide enough for you.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Width Options: Medium, Wide

Altra running shoes are designed to offer a biomechanically friendly fit, and part of that is giving your toes more space to spread out when you land. Throughout the brand, even the regular widths are roomy. The rugged Lone Peak is an all-terrain trail shoe that can handle even the gnarliest single track with excellent grip and protection. The ample toe box helps you feel more balanced on uneven surfaces because your toes have room to help stabilize your footing. These also have extra space through the midfoot. Bermel is a fan of the brand for its unique construction that stands the test of time (and many miles). “The wide toe box doesn’t taper in like other brands,” she says.

Just know that, like most Altras, these have zero heel-to-toe drop, which requires an adjustment period for newbies — start by wearing them on short runs once or twice a week. “If you go to an Altra, you have to get used to using it because it’s going to change the way you’re running and put more stress on muscles that are not used to that,” says podiatrist Tara Parks, D.P.M.

Sizes: 5.5 to 12 | Width Options: Regular, Wide

For the airiest feel and most supportive bounce when you run, pick this pair of running shoes that feature gel technology. The plush feel of the insole cushions your feet from the pavement whether you jump, leap, or run, and the soft tongue and collar of the shoe also feel soft against your skin, preventing blisters or irritation. This shoe can’t be beaten if you’re looking for soft landings and supportive bounce during your workouts.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width Options: Standard, Wide

If you need extra space around your forefoot but find that wide fits are sometimes too big in the heel, this shoe could be for you. Hilmas are designed specifically for women, who often have a more narrow heel than men do. We found they kept us feeling comfortably secure. Not too soft, not too firm, the sugarcane-based EVA foam underfoot was just right for everyday runs. We also liked that the grippy sole is designed to take you right from the roads to dirt trails, so you’re ready for any adventure the day has in store.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width Options: Wide

If you have very wide feet, the New Balance Fresh Foam line is ideal; you can select an extra-wide size. With four width options and ample cushioning, this pick feels roomy and comfortable no matter the size and width of your feet. The rounded toe keeps toes from getting squished, a common complaint with other shoes. Remember that this is a pretty padded shoe, so if you’re looking for a sleeker design, you may want to pick another option.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width Options: 2A (Narrow), B (Medium), D (Wide), EE (Extra-Wide)