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- Shop the best wide fit running shoes
- Do I need wide fit running shoes?
- Which running shoes are wide fit?
- The best wide fit running shoes
The best running shoes aren’t just available in one fit these days – plenty are built for those requiring a wider fit, with brands now designing the same model of trainer in regular fit, wide fit and sometimes extra-wide fit versions for both men and women.
Shop the best wide fit running shoes
So, here's our edit of the best wide fit trainers for runners. Keep scrolling to read out full reviews, as well as advice on what to look for if you think you need a slightly wider fit.
Best daily trainer with stability
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
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Best for long runs
On Cloudstratus 3
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Do I need wide fit running shoes?
If you’re not sure if you need a wide or extra-wide fit, you can usually tell by how much bulging there is at the sides of previous running shoes you've used. If you’re experiencing shoe discomfort while running, you should get your foot measured at your local running store. There’s a good chance you’re wearing a shoe that’s too small, particularly if, like most of us, you haven’t been fitted in the past 10 years.
Not all cramp-footed runners need an overall wide-sized shoe, though. Sometimes the problems stem from the length of the shoe, or width and depth of the toebox alone. There are a few brands proven to work better for those of us who prefer a broader forefoot, such as Altra.
For runners with wider feet, we have selected some of the best wide-fit trainers for men and women currently on the market.
Which running shoes are wide fit?
John Jennings, footwear buyer at Runners Need, says that width is one of the main reasons why runners struggle to find a shoe that's comfortable to run in.
‘There are brands whose fit is a little wider,’ he says. ‘Others have very lightweight, pliable uppers that accommodate extra width. Both of these help some runners.’
However, for some runners, this is not enough. ‘By far the biggest step forward in this area is the availability of different width options,’ says Jennings. ‘Take the Brooks Ghost: we carry the wide width for men and women, as well as the standard. It’s an identical shoe, just with extra volume within.’
The terminology for wide shoes is different for men and women. In women’s shoes, 'B' is the standard width, while standard men’s shoes are 'D' width. That means an 'A' would be narrow for women and a 'B' would be narrow for men. For women, wide sizes start at 'D' and go up to 'E' and '2E'. For men, a '2E' is considered wide and a '4E' is extra wide.
The best wide fit running shoes
Hoka Clifton 9 (Wide)
| Weight | 248g (M) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
The Clifton is one of Hoka’s most popular running shoes, available in a standard and wide option. Designed for everyday miles, it’s a max-cushioned running shoe offering a supremely comfortable and easy-going ride.
In the 9, there’s a new midsole foam (compression moulded EVA) designed to be lighter and more responsive underfoot than previous versions. It’s this that makes the Clifton suitable for reducing fatigue during longer runs, while its rocker profile gently encourages you forward, even on easier days. The upper of the Clifton 9 has also been tweaked and updated to provide a more secure and comfortable fit.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
Best daily trainer with stability
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
Best daily trainer with stability
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
| Weight | 309g (M), 243g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
NB’s Fresh Foam X 860v13 is available in wide and x-wide, in both men’s and women’s.
Built for a super-soft ride, these have been designed to be even softer than previous iterations, so if you’re looking for cushioning, comfort and room for wider feet, these are well worth considering. The 860s have also proven popular with overpronators due to the extra support from the dual-density medial post. There's also a traditional heel counter for stability and reduced heel movement.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Wide
One of our favourite running shoes of all time, you’ll be glad to hear the Gel-Nimbus 26 is available in a wide fit and extra wide fit – unfortunately, only in the men's size, though. RW testers rated this suitable for longer runs and everyday miles. It's not as plush as the previous iteration, due to the move from FF Blast cushioning to FF Blast Eco cushioning. This makes it a slightly firmer feeling ride, which lends it well to some tempo work. They're still soft underfoot, though, with a smooth, rolling transition. Bouncy, fun, but not overly springy, if you need a recovery day shoe or a long-distance slow-run trainer, this is a great option.
Brooks Ghost 15
| Weight | 286g (M), 258g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12mm |
What can we say about the Ghost that hasn’t been said before? A stone-cold classic – the kind of trainer future runners will look back on as a benchmark, a shoe that will get you through mile after mile after mile. Brooks offers a wide range of its shoes in differing widths so you can dial your fit right down: with the Ghost 15, you can purchase it in D, 2E and 4E.
On Cloudstratus 3
| Weight | 290g (M) 250g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
Compared with On's other offerings, the Cloudstratus has a slightly wider toe box and soft, slightly stretchy mesh upper, which makes it an ideal choice for those looking for slightly more room.
The shoes have the classic On immediate pull-on comfort. But, while this makes them gentle on tired legs and great for recovery miles, they also respond well to an increase in pace, making them a great everyday trainer.
The speedboard helps to roll you forward on each stride for an explosive take-off, while the double Cloudtech cushioning provides that soft landing underfoot. For this reason, they particularly come into their own on long, steady runs, where you're not going too quick or too slow.
Shop - women's
Altra Rivera 3
| Weight | 278g (M), 232g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0mm |
The latest rendition of Altra’s Rivera features 2mm more cushioning in the midsole for stack heights of 28mm in the heel and forefoot. Testers said the extra cushioning made the shoe feel more supportive than its predecessor and helped them traverse uneven terrain more easily in the zero-drop shoe.
In addition to keeping heel and stack heights the same, Altra is also known for supplying some of the roomiest toeboxes in the game. In the midfoot, the new Rivera 3 is on the narrower side of Altra’s spectrum, but it still offers more space in the forefoot than most of its peers.
Wide sizes are also available for anyone who needs more wiggle room.
Saucony Guide 16
| Weight | 269g (M) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe-drop | 8mm |
Available in regular and wide fit, the Guides are a reliable pair of stability road trainers for runners looking to rack up training miles. A comfortable upper provides plenty of stretch if needed, and with more foam and less weight comfort is key. Unfortunately, only the men's wide fit is available in the UK.
