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The 10 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet in 2023, According to a Podiatrist
Get the room you need to say goodbye to feeling crammed.
NOBODY LIKES wearing shoes that don't fit well, especially when running. Finding a model and fit of running shoe that feels great takes some trial and error for guys, but for those with wider than average feet, it can be a painstaking process. A solid pair of running shoes is arguably the most important piece of running gear you need to stay consistent and avoid injury while getting in your mileage, so it's worth investing time and energy in finding your Goldilocks pair.
Hitting the pavement in a too-narrow pair of runners can be uncomfortable at best, with your pinky toe taking the brunt of an ill fit. "Shoes that are too small or too narrow can cause for blisters, calluses, numbness in the toes, discomfort and or continued pain," says Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio.
Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products
"Typically, shoes should have enough room in the forefoot, so that your toes have ample room to move independently and not have pressure on them. Many times people just buy shoes that are larger and length to compensate for the lack of width and those type of shoes still provide problems for the person," says Mendeszoon.
For the past few years, MH fitness editors and experts, including Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, have tested and evaluated dozens of men's wide running shoes on their comfort, fit, support, value, and just how well they perform. We also sought expertise from top podiatrists including Dr. Mark Mendeszoon to understand what factors make a running shoe fit for wide feet.
Wearing a properly fitting pair of shoes won't transform your running game completely, but we can bet it'll make each stride feel better, and ultimately, help avoid undue foot pain. After all, shoes should accommodate your feet, not the other way around.
Whether you're just getting into running and are on the hunt for a shoe to suit your foot anatomy, or you're looking to upgrade your worn-out runners, the right wide running shoes bring value to the table that can't be beat.
Keep scrolling to learn about the 10 best wide running shoes to shop in 2023
Best Running Shoes | Best Cushioned Running Shoes | Best Trail Running Shoes | Best HOKA Running Shoes | Best On Running Shoes | Best Workout Shoes
Altra Paradigm 6
Altra Paradigm 6
Pros
- 0 mm drop and wide base for added stability
- Sleeker design compared to previous versions
- Super bouncy
- Uniquely Altra wide toebox
Cons
- Pricey
Altra is a company with unwavering core principles, reflected in its Footshape toebox (perfect for wide feet) and zero mm heel-to-toe drop. The Paradigm 6 is no exception.
Compared to its predecessor, the Paradigm 5, the 6 features a more tailored upper and a slimmed down look. It's designed for maximum cushion and stability, with an outsole made of blown rubber and a footpod and innerflex for greater flexibility. When we ran in these, we found the new EgoMAX cushioning, made from a lighter weight compound, felt more like a HOKA than a Altra (meaning a cushiony, bouncy feel underfoot).
The shoe fits great, especially on wider feet. The mesh upper is breathable and yet let supportive and durable, and includes dynamic guide rails for added stability. Despite its 34 mm stack height, the shoe feels really stable due to its zero mm heel-to-toe drop and upper construction.
What do buyers say? "Literally get excited to put them on each day as they're so comfortable. I'm on my feet a lot for work and I could walk for hours, stand for hours, whatever I needed to do. Also, I pronate and the way these have adjusted my gait is perfect," raved one Altra customer.
Read more: Best Stability Running Shoes
| Best for | Everyday running, support |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.8 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm |
| Width available | Standard |
| Upper | Knit mesh |
Adidas ADIZERO PRIME X STRUNG
Adidas ADIZERO PRIME X STRUNG
Pros
- Roomy toebox
- Ultra bouncy, thick cushioning
- Fun 90s inspired look
Cons
- Expensive
- Some reviewers claim the heel collar causes irritation
The Prime X Strung is as unique in construction as it is in visual design. The unique fiber threaded upper with different colored strands gives a look reminiscent of a 90s paper cup (sorta?), but offers a locked-down feeling that's as modern as could be. Though the upper is thin, we found it to be surprisingly strong.
The toe box is roomy, and the midsole has three layers of Lightstrike Pro and carbon EnergyRods that provide a bouncy feel, which made picking up the pace in these pretty fun. Arch support is neutral, so it's a good pick for those without special support considerations. The Continental Rubber outsole provides good traction, too.
However, some reviewers point to the heel collar feature for causing irritation to the Achilles region. If you like an ultra-cushioned feel, this shoe is a solid contenders, although the $300 price tag is quite the investment.
What do buyers say? "Most fun, most cushioned shoe I’ve ever ran in, in over 40 years of running," said one ADIZERO PRIME X STRUNG buyer on adidas.com
Read more: Best Running Shoes for Shin Splints
| Best for | Everyday running |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.6 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Width available | Standard |
| Upper | STRUNG (Threaded textile) |
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
Pros
- Great cushioning through the mid and forefoot
- Available in wide and extra wide
- Flexible yet secure knit upper
Cons
- Not the best pick for speed or tempo runs
The Gel-Nimbus 25 offers a ton of cushioning underfoot with its FF Blast+ technology in the midsole and added foam in the forefoot, making it one of the comfiest wide-friendly runners we've tried. And it's available in three widths: Standard, wide, and extra wide.
It's designed with a knit upper that we found offers just the right amount of stretch, meaning a great balance between security and flexibility. The shoe's tongue and ankle collar system are made of super-stretchy knit, too. Overall, it's one of the more consistently breathable models.
For speed work and tempo runs, you'll want to look elsewhere, as this shoe is designed to best keep up with casual everyday runs. We don't feel a ton of response when wearing these, but they feel great as a recovery running shoe or for casual runs.
What do buyers say? "Easily the most comfortable pair of shoes in my rotation. The redesign has a much nicer, and more breathable upper. Along with the generous heel cushioning, the extra cushioning in the forefoot is also much appreciated which many other cushioned shoes of this style tend to be lacking in," said one Asics reviewer.
Read more: Best Neutral Running Shoes
| Best for | Road running, everyday running, walking |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.50 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Width available | Standard, wide, extra wide |
| Upper | Knit |
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Plush cushioning for a feel-good landing
- Well-ventilated upper
- Highly durable construction
Cons
- May feel heavy for some
- Laces run short
The latest version of the Brooks Adrenaline is one of the more versatile running shoes on the market. When taking on easy runs, long runs, or nearly anything in between, we found this shoe provided adequate cushioning, solid support, a dependable fit.
The midsole: Made with 100% DNA Loft cushioning comprised of EVA foam, rubber, and air, it feels plush and absorbs shock and pads landings well. It's a good midrange if you need extra cushioning, but don't prefer a high stack metarocker.
The upper: It's mesh and breathable, which contributes to its flexibility and lightweight build. Reflective strips offer increased visibility for early morning or late afternoon runs.
What do buyers say? "I am a big guy. This is the best and most stable shoe I have found. I am able to walk for 30-40 minutes a day without discomfort. This is the second pair I have gotten from Zappos," said one reviewer on Zappos.
Read more: Brooks Hyperion Elite Review
| Best for | Everyday running, walking |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.20 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12 mm |
| Width available | Standard |
| Upper | Knit mesh |
HOKA Bondi 8
HOKA Bondi 8
Pros
- Uniquely-HOKA outsole geometries propel you forward
- Luxe cushioning
- Stable, wide base
- Available in wide and extra wide
Cons
- Pricey
The HOKA Bondi 8 is well known by fitness enthusiasts for being one of the comfiest running shoes out there, and luckily, it’s wide foot approved. The base is wide and the toebox is roomy, making it a great choice for most wider foot anatomies.
We found the mesh upper to be flexible enough to feel good for even high arches, which is complemented by plush padding around the heel collar and tongue.
This shoe boasts a tall stack of the brand's new lightweight and resilient foam, which feels luxe and cushioned with each step. It has an early-stage metarocker shape and a uniquely-HOKA heel geometry that helps to create a smooth and stable roll during your stride, making it ideal for long runs, recovery days, or even just long shifts on your feet. It's available in not only wide, but extra wide sizes, too.
While it’s a great choice for those whose feet and legs need a little extra TLC for everyday running and comfort wear, it’s not the shoemaker’s go-to performance model. If you’re looking for speed, opt for something that will work a little harder for you, such as the Clifton.
What do buyers say? "I wasn't the biggest fan of the Bondi 7's but the Bondi 8's fixed all my gripes and then some," remarked one Zappos customer.
Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes
| Best for | Everyday running, walking, comfort |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.80 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4 mm |
| Width available | Regular, wide, extra wide |
| Upper | Mesh |
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12
Pros
- Highly durable construction
- Balance of stability and cushioning ideal for long runs
- Roomy yet secure midfoot
Cons
- May run a half-size big
This model from New Balance has a comfortable and stretchy Hypoknit upper that we found conforms well to most foot and arch shapes. It’s great for wide footers as the 2E width provides ample space in the toebox, and without cramming or squishing the midfoot.
We found this edition of the model to have corrected the issues of previous versions that caused pain on the top of the foot from a too-tight fit. However, thanks to an improved heel collar design, this version is also slightly heavier than the previous version (but we think that's worth the added weight).
With cloud-like Fresh Foam cushioning, the midsole feels solid and responsive. An all-around solid pick for daily easy miles at a swift pace.
The changes made in this updated version make it a must-try running shoe for just about anyone, and the extra width options are a colossal bonus. But keep in mind, many buyers report the sizing length is a bit off, so consider bumping down a half size.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 1,400 Amazon reviews, 89% recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 with at least a 4-star rating.
Read more: Best New Balance Shoes
| Best for | Everyday running, long distances, walking |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.30 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Width available | Standard, wide |
| Upper | Hypoknit |
HOKA Clifton 9
HOKA Clifton 9
Pros
- Uniquely-HOKA outsole geometries propel you forward
- Reasonable price
- Available in wide sizes
- Feel-good cushioning
Cons
- Not the best pick for speed or tempo work
The Clifton is known by pros and casual runners alike as the shoemaker’s most popular trainer, and now it's been upgraded with extra side space, making it a no-brainer for those with wide feet.
In the past, HOKA’s wide models only accommodated wider feet by additional volume through the midfoot, toebox and upper, not the actual platform. But the newly reimagined Clifton has broken that norm. We found these updates to really payoff for wide feet when it came to fit and stability.
New Profly EVA gives these a soft and bouncy feel while keeping them ultra lightweight. In fact, it’s the lightest shoe on this list. But what we love the most about this shoe is its durable construction, making it an especially reliable pick for daily training for pros and amateurs alike.
What do buyers say? Out of more than 720 Zappos reviews, 86% recommend the Hoka Clifton 9 with at least a 4-star rating.
Read more: Hoka Clifton 9 Review
| Best for | Everyday running, walking |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.70 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm |
| Width available | Standard, wide |
| Upper | Knit |
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
Pros
- Carbon-plated outsole delivers great energy return
- Solid stability
- Available in wide sizes
Cons
- Pricey
- Not as everyday training shoe
This shoe has a 47 mm stacked FuelCell midsole with a cambered carbon plate and a void down the center to optimize energy return. The shoe offers surprisingly great stability, with a wider heel that helps with pronation.
The lace knit upper allows for some stretch but still gives a snug, locked down feel. In the wide version, the upper felt a bit more generous through the midfoot and toebox.
We found the midsole foam to be ideally soft—along with the carbon plate, the energy return is stellar.
Thanks to the carbon plate, it shines most in racing. The shoe’s durable construction and stability allows it to perform well for long distances, too.
Read more: Best New Balance Shoes
| Best for | Long distance running, racing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Width available | Standard |
| Upper | Flat knit |
On Cloudstratus
On Cloudstratus
Pros
- Most cushioned On Running shoe
- Responsive, bouncy cushioning
- Great fit for those with neutral arches
Cons
- Pricey
The Cloudstratus shoes from On Running are the brand's most cushioned pair yet, and luckily, run quite wide through the midfoot. In the latest update of this model, the toebox widened out a bit to allow for more stability grip on the ground.
These shoes feature an extended CloudTec cushioning system and Helion foam in the midsole, designed to offer an extra bouncy and protected feel underfoot. Which we found to be true. The level of responsiveness makes running in these super fun, and almost feel like what you'd expect from a much more maximalist racing shoe.
The insole and internal sockliner hug the foot nicely, which we felt gently supported neutral arches well. Along with the cushioning and energy return, we found these really ideal for preventing premature fatigue on long runs for neutral footed folks.
Outside of long runs, it's versatile and good-looking enough to wear for all types of road running, walking, or just running errands.
Read more: Best Walking Shoes
| Best for | Road running, long distances |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.76 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm |
| Width available | Standard |
| Upper | Textile |
Saucony Triumph 20
Pros
- Highly cushioned
- Great response and energy return
- Durable, high-quality construction
Cons
- May feel heavy for some
Saucony's Triumph is towards the top of our list when it comes to the cushioned and responsive wide shoes fit for daily training. The shoe's wide fit is pretty good, with enough room in the toe box and a snug but comfortable midfoot fit. Our one qualm is that the laces run a bit short.
When you step into this shoe, it's impossible not to notice how incredibly soft and plush the entire upper, tongue and heel collar feels. Luxe, almost.
The midsole features a thick layer of PWRRUN+ foam cushioning, which measures a whopping 37 mm in the heel and 27 mm in the toe. With this much step-in comfort and cushioning, it's hard to believe it delivers on energy-return, but you better believe it.
Running in these, you get a springy feel that is softer in the heel and firmer in the forefoot (ideal for padding heel strikers).
The brand claims this new foam cushioning to be the lightest ever, too. At 9.7 oz, it’s not the lightest shoe on this list, but it’s comparable to many other running shoes that are great for daily training.
What do buyers say? "These have supplanted Brooks Glycern as my favorite shoes. They are plush but light, and this 64-year old runs significantly faster in these supremely comfortable shoes," said one Triumph 20 buyer on the Saucony site.
Read more: Best Shoes for Standing All Day
| Best for | Everyday running, long distances |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.7 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Width available | Standard, wide |
| Upper | Knit mesh |
How to Choose the Best Wide Running Shoes (for You)
If you have wide feet and are shopping for running shoes, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you find a comfortable and supportive shoe:
Size: A well-fitting pair of running shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. There should be about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
"Not only is it important to buy shoes that are fitting properly in length, but it's exquisitely important to buy them so that they fit properly in the width category," says Mendeszoon. So check the width, too (even if you're buying a 'wide' size). Make sure the shoe is wide enough to accommodate your foot without being too loose or too tight, especially in the toe box and midfoot.
Running style: Think about whether you tend to land on the balls of your feet or your heels when you run. Different shoes are designed for different types of runners, so understanding your running style can help you choose a shoe that will best suit your needs.
Terrain: Where will you be running most often? If you'll be running on pavement, opt for a shoe with good shock absorption. If you'll be running on trails, you'll want a shoe with good traction, a thick sole, and stability.
Cushioning: The level of cushioning you need depends on your running style, joint considerations (injuries, etc.), and the terrain you'll be running on. If you are recovering from a knee injury, opt for a heavily cushioned shoe, if you are running on trails, you'll want something less plushy.
Support: If you have flat feet or low arches, you'll want to look for a shoe with built-in arch support, or one that's compatible with an arch supporting insole of your choice. A well-fitted shoe should provide good heel support, too. You'll want to feel a snug fit around the back of your foot, which helps to prevent slippage and blisters.
Breathability: Look for shoes with breathable uppers made of mesh or other lightweight materials to ensure you'll feet will stay cool and dry, regardless of the hard work you'll logging in them.
Flexibility: The only thing that feels worse than a too narrow shoe is a too stiff shoe, so look for shoes that bend and flex easily, allowing your feet to move naturally.
Can Foot Shape Change Over Time?
"As we get older, our feet will change in length and width. With wear and tear and pressure being applied to the foot on a daily basis, our feet will eventually get weaker and begin to break down," says Mendeszoon. "The average person places four times their body weight on their leading foot with every step they take. When a person runs, they put eight times their body weight with every step. In one day, a person can put several million pounds of pressure on their feet. As with any foundational structure, the feet will eventually change from the constant pressure and forces that are applied to it."
How Your Wide Running Shoes Should Fit
It is important that shoes be fitted not only in length but width, as even wide feet come in many different shapes and sizes. Also, you need to have your feet regularly, as feet can change in appearance and function as we get older, fluctuate in weight, or even with post surgical changes on lower leg, ankle or foot surgery.
"Typically, New Balance and Brooks have the whole gamut of shoe sizes and widths," Mendeszoon says. "A typical or 'normal' width shoe is labeled D for men. Men's widths range up from there, from D, 2E, 4E to 6E."
Your shoe should also have a comfortable foot bed and a proper fitting tongue that's not too tight or irritating on top of the foot. Lastly, make sure that the Achilles notch of the shoe does not irritate the back portion of your heel (the Achilles tendon).
Neutral vs. Support Shoes
There's a big difference between a neutral shoe and support shoe. Generally, neutral shoes are indicated for people who have a higher arch (less pronation), a forefoot striker, or someone looking for a performance shoe that is lighter and more responsive. A supportive shoe is for those who may need a little more control of their feet flattening out (pronation) and to provide a bit more shock absorption and control.
Neutral shoes typically are lighter than a supportive shoe and can break down a bit quicker.
Best Running Shoes for High Arches | Best Shoes for Standing All Day
Heel-to-toe 'Drop'
Heel to toe drop is a recent term that has gained momentum over the last decade. It means the measurement of cushioning from the heel to the forefoot. Since the early 1970’s. the construction of the running shoe changed dramatically as shoes were constructed with blown rubber and thick heels. Prior to this, most shoes were completely flat with no heel drop (think: Converse Chuck Taylors, PF Flyers). Traditionally the most common running shoe has about a 12mm drop off and with in the last decade shoes have gone to the zero drop (0mm). Usually, the greater the heel drop, those runners have more of a heel strike or mid foot strike whereas the lower drop shoes promote mid foot to forefoot strike. That means neutral shoes, racing flats and performance shoes have a low heel-to drop if not a zero mm drop. Support, stability and motion control will have the larger drop (12 mm).
Why You Can Trust Us
At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours testing shoes, researching, and interviewing podiatrists including podiatrist Dr. Mark Mendeszoon. Our writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.
Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
How We Selected
Men's Health's fitness editors have spent countless hours researching and testing the best running shoes on the market. We compiled a list of more than 40 best-selling and top-rated models offered in wide sizes, tested dozens of them through weekly running workouts, then narrowed it down based on fit specifications, support, price, and comfort. The above list represents our curated picks for the best wide foot-friendly running shoes to shop in 2023.
Talene Appleton is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where she covers fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She was previously the Associate Editor of General Surgery News, and a nutrition writer for The Food Institute. Talene is a retired professional dancer, and loves to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her friends and family.
Dr Mark Mendeszoon is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio and owner of Achilles Running Shops in Willoughby , Ohio and Erie, Pa. He still enjoys working out, running and coaching runners of all ages.
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