The 10 Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet


When you have wide feet, it seems like you can never find a pair of running shoes that fit well. Most athletic footwear comes in narrow and medium styles, without any wide options. Even these sizes run on the narrow side, making them feel even tighter on your feet. Wearing uncomfortable shoes that are too small leads to other foot health problems, such as tendonitis, corns, and bunions.

We’ve rated the best-selling running shoes for wide feet so that you can invest in your next pair with confidence.

Running ShoeFitPriceBest Feature
NIKE Air Zoom Structure 19 Men'sModerately pricedBest men's running shoe for wide, flat feet
ASICS GT 1000-4Women'sModerately pricedBest women's running shoe for wide, flat feet
Brooks Ghost 10Men'sExpensiveBest running shoe for men with wide feet and high arches
Brooks Glycerin 15Women'sExpensiveBest running shoe for women with wide feet and high arches
NIKE Revolution 4Men'sModerately pricedRubber outsole with molded pods that flatten on impact for excellent shock absorption and traction
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Men'sModerately pricedBest cross training shoes for men with wide feet
ASICS GT 1000-4 Men'sBudget-friendlyHas a wider fit than upgrades
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 4Women'sExpensiveMeta rocker EVA foam midsole that propels you forward
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Women'sExpensiveBest cross training shoes for women with wide feet
Altra Olympus 2.5Women'sExpensiveMore durable than previous versions

Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet

NIKE Air Zoom Structure 19

When you think of running shoes for wide feet, the last company that comes to mind is NIKE. The company is famous for their narrow sizes, but the NIKE Air Zoom Structure 19 is the exception to the rule. This moderately-priced running shoe comes in several colors and designs, with a mesh upper for extra breathability. With a synthetic rubber outsole that has multi-surface traction, you’ll be just as comfortable on the track as you are on the trail. The Air Zoom Structure includes many comfort features, such as a padded tongue, a cushioned ankle collar, and a removable comfort insole. This makes them ideal for men who have foot conditions like bunions, ball of foot pain, Achilles tendonitis, and other conditions. The responsive midsole increases shock absorption with every step, decreasing your foot and leg fatigue. In their wider sizes, NIKE makes their shoes roomier in the forefoot so you’ll always be comfortable.

Pros

  • Best running shoe for wide flat feet for men
  • Moderately priced running shoe available in many colors
  • Comfortable for men with sensitive feet
  • Synthetic rubber outsole with flexible multi-surface traction
  • Mesh upper for breathability
  • Padded ankle collar and tongue
  • Removable insole
  • Responsive midsole
  • Wide sizes are more comfortable in the forefoot

Cons

  • Mesh upper rips easily
  • Run short
  • Small toe box

ASICS GT 1000-4 (Women’s)

Although the ASICS GT 1000 has had several upgrades over the past few years, the ASICS GT 1000-4 has a wider fit than their successors. This moderately-priced running shoe is perfect for mild to moderate overpronators, with a lightweight construction and stability protection that is missing from most running shoes. The mesh upper has synthetic overlays to support the injury-prone parts of your foot while keeping the shoe breathable. ASICS’ Impact Guidance System on the rubber outsole secures your landings and enhances your gait. This gives the GT 1000-4 a smoother ride on your runs and walks. An EVA memory foam midsole with DuoMax support has energy return and bounceback for extra cushion and stability. With excellent comfort, the GT 1000-4 is best for women with wide, flat feet who need a stability shoe for their foot conditions.

Pros

  • Best running shoe for wide flat feet for women
  • Moderately priced running shoe for mild to moderate overpronators
  • Wider fit than upgrades
  • Breathable and lightweight mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays
  • Good support for foot conditions
  • Gel cushioning under heel and forefoot
  • Rubber outsole with Impact Guidance System to enhance your natural gait for a smooth ride
  • Wide toe box with a toe bumper, and a wide heel
  • EVA midsole with DuoMax support energy return and bounceback

Cons

  • Don’t hold up well
  • Clunky
  • Run narrow but mesh stretches

Brooks Ghost 10

Brooks has been manufacturing running shoes for athletes for over one hundred years. The Ghost is one of their most successful models, with several upgrades available. The Brooks Ghost 10 has a wider fit than their recent updates. They are an excellent men’s running shoe for neutral pronation. With a mesh upper with synthetic overlays, the Ghost 10 has a supportive build in a lightweight construction. A fabric interior and a padded tongue and ankle collar keep you comfortable. The shock-absorbent rubber outsole with a Segmented Crash pad diffuses impact away from your feet, with Omega Flex Grooves that splay under the ball of the foot for more protection. Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA midsole gives energy return while also reducing impact for a smoother ride.

Pros

  • Men’s running shoe for neutral pronation
  • Good for foot conditions
  • Best running shoes for wide feet and high arches
  • Lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays
  • Supportive cushion with bounceback
  • Comfort features: fabric interior, padded tongue and ankle collar
  • Removable insole with heel and ball of foot cushion
  • BioMoGo DNA midsole has a gender-friendly design with bounceback, energy return, and support
  • Shock-absorbent rubber outsole with Segmented Crash Pad
  • Omega Flex Grooves under the ball of the foot splay out for energy return upon impact

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Fabric interior and ankle padding wears down
  • Tight toe box
  • Minor break-in period
  • Outsole breaks down on abrasive terrain

Brooks Glycerin 15

The Brooks Glycerin 15 is a women’s running shoe for neutral pronators that earns rave reviews. A synthetic rubber outsole provides excellent traction on multiple terrains, creating a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The wide toe box with the narrow heel also makes for a more comfortable fit. A mesh upper with supportive overlays and a padded ankle collar and heel also provide more support during your run. Although it has excellent arch support, the insole is removable for a custom insert or an orthotic. The real winner of the Glycerin is the SuperDNA midsole. It combines shock absorption with bounceback for amazing energy return, creating a supportive shoe for either running or walking.

Pros

  • Women’s running shoe for neutral pronation
  • Best women’s running shoes for wide feet and high arches
  • Lightweight and flexible mesh upper with synthetic overlays
  • Good for walking or running
  • SuperDNA midsole has bounceback and shock absorption
  • Running shoes with wide toe box and narrow heel
  • Cushioned insole is removable for a custom insert or orthotic
  • Synthetic rubber outsole with excellent traction and smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Padded collar and tongue

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not enough stability for cross training
  • Fits a little tighter than the 14, but has more cushion
  • Breaks down with rough wear on abrasive terrain

NIKE Revolution 4

The NIKE Revolution 4 is another men’s running shoe that is available in wider sizes. For men with neutral pronation, this shoe has shock absorption, stability, and energy return features for a more dynamic run. The mesh upper has synthetic overlays around crucial areas to hold your foot in place during movement. A shock-absorbent rubber outsole has molded pods that flatten on impact, providing energy return. With an EVA foam midsole, the NIKE Revolution 4 has great rebound for productive spurts of running and walking. All of these features combine in a lightweight and responsive design that makes NIKE one of the most successful athletic footwear companies in business today.

Pros

  • Moderately priced men’s running shoe for neutral pronation
  • Lightweight and flexible for running or walking
  • Comfortable and soft interior liner for foot comfort
  • Rubber outsole with molded pods that flatten on impact for excellent shock absorption and traction
  • Mesh upper with synthetic overlays for stability
  • EVA foam midsole for rebound

Cons

  • Upper rips easily
  • Tight toe box

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 (Men’s)

The firm yet comfortable Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 is a moderately-priced men’s running shoe for overpronators. The GTS 18 is lighter than previous versions, which makes them ideal for sensitive feet. While they are great for running and walking, their extra stability features make them excellent cross-trainers. A Progressive Diagonal Rollbar corrects your gait for a smoother stride, and the BioMoGo DNA midsole has slightly firm support with energy return and bounceback. With comfort features like a soft interior lining, a padded tongue and collar, and a removable insole, this running shoe keeps you stable while surrounding your feet with cushion. With a wide toe box and no break-in period, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 attracts both amateur and competitive runners alike.

Pros

  • Moderately priced men’s running shoe for overpronators
  • More lightweight than previous versions; suitable for foot conditions
  • Best cross training shoes for wide feet
  • Rubber outsole with good traction
  • Mesh upper with synthetic overlays for stability
  • Progressive Diagonal Rollbar corrects gait for a smoother heel-to-toe transition
  • BioMoGo DNA tri-density midsole has energy return and bounceback
  • Comfort features: interior lining, padded collar and tongue, and removable foam insole
  • Moderately firm cushioning for stability
  • Wide toe box
  • No break-in period

Cons

  • Mesh stretches and changes the fit
  • Less arch support than previous models
  • Don’t hold up to rigorous use

ASICS GT 1000-4 (Men’s)

With every new model, nine times out of ten a shoe will be re-engineered for a narrower fit. Although there have been several new versions, the ASICS GT 1000-4 fits looser. It feels better on a wider foot, and its design corrects mild to moderate overpronation. With excellent comfort and stability, this running shoe is perfect for men with sensitive foot conditions. The Impact Guidance System in the rubber outsole corrects your gait for a fluid stride and the cushioned gel support under the ball of the foot and the heel diffuses impact. The wide toe box, the large heel cup, and a padded tongue and ankle collar encourage your feet to rest naturally in the shoe. With an EVA foam midsole and removable comfort insole that improve bounceback and energy return, the ASICS GT 1000-4 perfectly suit your wide feet.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly men’s running shoe for mild to moderate overpronators
  • Has a wider fit than upgrades
  • Good stability support for walking or running with foot conditions
  • Mesh upper with synthetic overlays keep the shoe breathable and lightweight
  • Gel cushioning under heel and forefoot
  • Rubber outsole with Impact Guidance System to enhance your natural gait for a smoother heel-to-toe transition
  • EVA foam midsole with DuoMax support for energy return and bounceback
  • Wide toe box with toe bumper and a wide heel
  • Removable comfort insole for custom insert or an orthotic

Cons

  • Don’t hold up well
  • Clunky
  • Run narrow but mesh stretches

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 4

With the recent release of the Bondi 6, HOKA ONE ONE attempted to make a more cushioned and comfortable running shoe. Many devoted Bondi fans have tried the newest versions, only to return to their trusty HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 4 because they have a better fit for their wide feet. A stretchy mesh upper form-fits your foot for a breathable and comfortable experience. More lightweight than its predecessor, the Bondi 4 has a meta rocker EVA foam midsole that propels you forward. This relieved foot and leg fatigue during long runs and walks.

With thick protection along high-impact areas, the Bondi 4 fits women with wide, flat feet exceptionally well. It has a reinforced heel and a wide toe box for more comfort and stability during your activities. Even though the sole is more elevated than other running shoes, the Bondi 4s are a sturdy running shoe that gets our vote as the best running shoe for women with wide feet. 

Pros

  • Lighter than the Bondi 3, better fit for women with wide feet than the Bondi 5 or the Bondi 6
  • Mesh upper with synthetic overlays and a reinforced heel
  • EVA foam midsole: meta rocker that propels you forward
  • Padded ankle collar and tongue
  • Thicker protection along high-impact areas
  • Wide toe box
  • Good for foot conditions

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Elevated sole might irritate some runners
  • Feel stiffer and clunkier than other running shoes
  • Little arch support

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 (Women’s)

With a sturdy design, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 is suitable for runners, walkers, and cross-trainers. The rubber outsole has excellent traction, with a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar that helps correct your overpronation. A responsive tri-density BioMoGo DNA midsole has excellent energy return and bounceback, with the firmness that you would find in a stability shoe. Even though the Adrenaline is more rigid than other running shoes, it does have several cushioned features. A removable insole and a soft tongue and collar cradle your foot during your run for a smooth feel. Women will love the wide toe box, which helps you splay your toes more naturally. One of the best features about the Brooks Adrenaline is that it is comfortable right out of the box. You won’t have to suffer through a break-in period to get the most out of these running shoes.

Pros

  • Women’s running shoe for overpronation
  • Best cross training shoes for wide feet
  • More lightweight than previous versions; good for foot conditions
  • Rubber outsole with good traction
  • Mesh upper with synthetic overlays for stability
  • Progressive Diagonal Rollbar corrects gait for a smoother heel-to-toe transition
  • BioMoGo DNA tri-density midsole has energy return and bounceback
  • Comfort features: interior lining, padded collar and tongue, and removable foam insole
  • Moderately firm cushioning for stability
  • Wide toe box
  • No break-in period

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Mesh stretches and changes the fit
  • Less arch support than previous models
  • Fall apart in about a year

Altra Olympus 2.5

When engineering an upgrade to the Altra Olympus, the manufacturers wanted to construct a user-friendly trail shoe that was more durable than its predecessors. The Altra Olympus 2.5 has more protective features than the current version on the market, and it fits women with wide feet much better. This lightweight women’s running shoe has an abrasion-resistant Trail Mesh upper with synthetic overlays. If you do a lot of running on trails and other unpaved terrains, Altra incorporates Gaiter Trap technology into the design of the shoe. A series of straps, loops, and laces connected to the upper for attaching trail gaiters to keep rocks and other debris in your shoes. The Vibram outsole has excellent durability and grip, with excellent support for heel landers. An EVA foam midsole provides the cushion and response that you need for your trail runs.

Pros

  • Lightweight women’s running shoe for neutral pronators
  • More durable than previous versions
  • Abrasion-resistant Trail Mesh upper with synthetic overlays for breathability
  • Gaiter Trap technology of straps, loops, and laces for attaching trail gaiters
  • Wide toe box and removable cushioned insole contoured to the shape of a woman’s foot
  • EVA foam midsole for cushion and response
  • Full Vibram outsole for durability and grip
  • Good heel support
  • Good for off-road walking and running

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Feels heavy and clunky
  • No toe bumper
  • Although it is a trail running shoe, the traction is always better on smooth terrain

Why Do I Have Wide Feet?

Many more people have wide feet than you might think. Most of us are born with wide feet, a genetic curse that usually runs through families. Even if we are born with thinner feet, our feet get wider as we get older. This means that your shoe size will change throughout the decades. Some people try to ignore the change in their feet. They will wear shoes that are too small for them, leading to a host of foot problems — conditions such as bunions, ingrown toenails, and tendonitis.

Your feet can also become wider as a side effect of pregnancy or weight gain. Pregnant women produce hormones that will relax the ligaments in their feet, which makes your feet lie flatter on the ground. If you have gained a significant amount of weight recently, then your feet will flatten out to evenly distribute your body weight.

Here’s a helpful guide to all the best shoes for pregnancy.

There are some gender differences in the occurrence of wide feet. Men generally have wider feet than women, which is why their shoes tend to have a looser fit. Women’s shoes are more narrow in the forefoot, which means that women with wide feet have more problems finding the right shoe. Forced to smash their feet into skinnier shoes, women will often have more foot conditions than men by wearing shoes that are too narrow for them.

More Wide Shoes

If you are into more than just running, here are some helpful articles to help you get great gear for your wide feet.

The Bottom Line

Just like any foot type, wide feet come in many shapes and sizes. You might have wide, flat feet, or you might have an arch. Depending on how much support you need, any of the shoes on this list would be an ideal fit for you. Although these models are more suitable for wider feet, it is always a good idea to order between a half-size to a size larger than your regular shoe size to get the best fit.

 

Resources:

“Do I Have Wide Feet? Here’s How to Tell.” Woman’s World. https://www.womansworld.com/posts/do-i-have-wide-feet-166501

FootFitter. “Wide Feet: Here Are the Causes and How to Break the Curse of Painful Shoes.” The Cobbler’s Bench. https://www.footfitter.com/blog/wide-feet/

Sources

  1. Best Football Cleats for Wide Feet, www.purposefulfootwear.com
  2. Best Snowboard Boots for Wide Feet, www.purposefulfootwear.com
  3. Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet, www.purposefulfootwear.com
  4. Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet, www.purposefulfootwear.com
  5. Do I Have Wide Feet? Here's How You Can Tell, www.womansworld.com
  6. Wide Feet: Here Are the Causes and How to Break the Curse of Painful Shoes, www.footfitter.com