Running shoes for wide feet: which models really fit

Two routes to the right shoe for wide feet

Wide feet can be made happy in two ways. The first route is via brands that offer their models in true widths, that is in 2E and in some cases 4E. This is an additional width option of the same silhouette, so the shoe becomes noticeably roomier in the forefoot and midfoot without any change in length or cushioning. The second route is via brands that build a wide, anatomically shaped toe box as standard. Here you do not need a special width, because the standard shoe already leaves room for the toes.

Both routes are legitimate. Which one fits better depends on whether you only need more width or whether natural toe splay and a flat stance are also important to you. If you are unsure whether you are looking for a neutral or a support shoe at all, our guide Neutral or support shoe will help beforehand.

Route 1: models with true width 2E and 4E

This is the most convenient route for most runners, because you simply get a proven shoe in a wider version. Three brands cover this particularly well in the catalogue: ASICS, Brooks and New Balance. When buying, look for the width note in the filter field, and you will find the matching variant.

ASICS in wide

• ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26: maximally cushioned neutral shoe, 8 mm drop, approx. 300 g, available in wide 2E and 4E. The first choice when wide feet want plenty of soft cushioning for long, easy runs. Reference price €199.95.
• ASICS Gel-Kayano 31: the support shoe of the range, 10 mm drop, approx. 300 g, also in 2E and 4E. Good for wide feet that need guidance against overpronation.
• ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26: the versatile everyday shoe, 8 mm drop, approx. 270 g, in wide 2E. Somewhat more direct than the Nimbus, ideal as an all-rounder.
• ASICS GT-2000 12 and ASICS GT-1000 13: two affordable support shoes, both in 2E and 4E, with 8 mm drop and approx. 272 g. At a reference price of €120, the GT-1000 13 is the inexpensive entry point.

Brooks in wide

• Brooks Ghost 16: the comfortable classic, 12 mm drop, approx. 278 g, in 2E and 4E. A very safe choice for wide feet that want an uncomplicated everyday shoe.
• Brooks Glycerin 21: the soft, high-quality cushioning of the range, 10 mm drop, approx. 289 g, in wide 2E.
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23: the well-known support shoe with 12 mm drop, approx. 289 g, in 2E and 4E. For wide feet with mild overpronation.
• Brooks Ghost Max 2: higher stack and strongly rolling, 6 mm drop, approx. 300 g, in wide 2E. Pleasant for joints that like plenty of cushioning.
• Brooks Beast GTS 24: the maximum-stability shoe in the range, 12 mm drop, approx. 340 g, in 2E and 4E. Robust and supportive, designed for heavier runners with a wide foot.

New Balance in wide

New Balance has traditionally been strong on widths and offers three models in the catalogue:

• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13: the soft, cushioned flagship, 6 mm drop, approx. 269 g, in 2E and 4E.
• New Balance 880v14: the solid everyday shoe, 6 mm drop, approx. 283 g, in 2E and 4E.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5: the extra highly cushioned maximalist shoe, 4 mm drop, approx. 290 g, in wide 2E.

Route 2: brands with an inherently wide toe box

Some runners do not need a special width but a fundamentally differently shaped toe cap. That is exactly what Altra and Topo offer. Here the toe box is cut anatomically wide so that the toes can spread naturally at push-off. This is especially comfortable with a broad forefoot and with complaints in the toe joints.

Altra with FootShape and zero drop

Altra combines the wide FootShape fit with a drop of 0 mm. This means a flat stance from heel to forefoot, which you should get used to gently. If you are not yet familiar with the topic of drop, first read our guide Drop explained simply.

• Altra Torin 8: the cushioned all-rounder, 0 mm drop, approx. 280 g. A good entry into the wide FootShape world with plenty of comfort.
• Altra Escalante 4: lighter and more flexible, 0 mm drop, approx. 230 g. For a direct, natural running feel.
• Altra Provision 8: the support shoe in the range, 0 mm drop, approx. 290 g, for wide feet that need guidance.
• Altra Vanish Carbon 2: the racing shoe with carbon, 0 mm drop, approx. 215 g. Wide toe box even for fast sessions.

Topo with a wide fit and moderate drop

If you like the wide toe box but do not want a completely flat stance, Topo offers a middle way.

• Topo Cyclone 2: wide fit with a moderate 5 mm drop, approx. 230 g. Light and responsive, a good compromise between natural toe freedom and a familiar running feel.

Caution: these models tend to run narrow

Honesty is part of this. Not every popular brand suits wide feet. Hoka deliberately builds many models with a slim cut, which feels responsive but can press on the forefoot. With wide feet, choose these models only with caution and ideally after trying them on:

• Hoka Clifton 9: rather narrow, but at least also available in wide. If Hoka, then deliberately go for the wide version here.
• Hoka Bondi 8: maximum cushioning, but cut rather narrow, also available in wide.
• Hoka Rincon 4: light and fast, but rather narrow and without a wide option. Usually not a good choice for wide feet.

Many lightweight tempo and racing shoes from other brands are also built snug, because a narrow fit holds the foot in place. If your foot is wide, you are better off sticking to the wide or FootShape models mentioned above for everyday use.

How to find your shoe

The quickest way to the right choice: filter the Finder by width and your desired profile, or compare two favourites directly in the comparison. You can get an overview of all models on our running shoe overview. As a rule of thumb: if you only need more room, take a proven shoe in 2E or 4E. If you also want natural toe freedom, try Altra or Topo. And if a shoe runs rather narrow according to the catalogue, be sure to plan a fitting.