Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet
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A good pair of shoes is the basic requirement for running – not feet type. However, not all shoes are perfect for you. If your shoe does not fit your foot perfectly, makes you uncomfortable and gives you pains, you may increase your feet’s chances of having problems. This may consequently make you unable to run altogether.
Different people have different foot types – normal, short, long, narrow or wide. Some people are born this way, while others form these changes. It is so good to know that there are shoes for all foot types. Having wide feet doesn’t have to be a burden if you get the best running shoes to fit this particular foot type.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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BEST OVERALL
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BEST OVERALL
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BEST AFFORDABLE
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BEST AFFORDABLE
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BEST FOR HEAVY RUNNERS
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BEST FOR HEAVY RUNNERS
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BEST FOR MEN
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BEST FOR MEN
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BEST FOR WOMEN
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BEST FOR WOMEN
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View on Amazon → |
Best Rated Running Shoes for Wide Feet Reviewed
Not all shoes have the right widths and offer the kind of comfort needed for people with wide feet. You need to get shoes that will fit your foot type and help you run effectively. Referring to the criteria above, we suggest some of the best running shoes that may be ideal for you.
- Has energizing cushioning
- Great shock absorbance
- Very good moisture absorber
- Has high traction
- Is very durable
- Quite heavier than other shoes
- Some people say it is a bit pricey
- Has energizing cushioning
- Great shock absorbance
- Very good moisture absorber
- Has high traction
- Is very durable
- Quite heavier than other shoes
- Some people say it is a bit pricey
- Offers great ankle stability from the heel collar
- Very well cushioned
- Fits perfectly
- Very breathable
- Lace holes are not wide enough
- Limited colors to choose from
- Offers great ankle stability from the heel collar
- Very well cushioned
- Fits perfectly
- Very breathable
- Lace holes are not wide enough
- Limited colors to choose from
- Super light
- Very comfortable
- Has very flexible heel
- Low cut
- The toe box is not wide enough
- Runs a bit small – short shoe
- Traction is poor on wet or slippery surfaces
- Super light
- Very comfortable
- Has very flexible heel
- Low cut
- The toe box is not wide enough
- Runs a bit small – short shoe
- Traction is poor on wet or slippery surfaces
- Has various width options
- The shoe has effective A-Bound cushioning
- Very springy
- Very breathable
- The outer layer is not quite durable
- Shoe laces are too short
- Has various width options
- The shoe has effective A-Bound cushioning
- Very springy
- Very breathable
- The outer layer is not quite durable
- Shoe laces are too short
- Offers excellent support
- Good shock absorber
- Very stable
- Comes with extra set of insoles
- Arch is too high
- Some customers found this shoe uncomfortable for their feet
- Offers excellent support
- Good shock absorber
- Very stable
- Comes with extra set of insoles
- Arch is too high
- Some customers found this shoe uncomfortable for their feet
- Very lightweight
- Perfect fit
- Has a seamless upper
- Considerably flexible
- Not quite durable
- Few colors to choose from
- Very lightweight
- Perfect fit
- Has a seamless upper
- Considerably flexible
- Not quite durable
- Few colors to choose from
- Very lightweight
- Has dual cushioning
- Very breathable
- Quite pricey
- Size is quite small
- Very lightweight
- Has dual cushioning
- Very breathable
- Quite pricey
- Size is quite small
- Has wide toe box
- Provides excellent arch support
- Very comfortable
- The shoe is well cushioned
- It is quite expensive
- Not true to size
- Shoe laces are short
- Has wide toe box
- Provides excellent arch support
- Very comfortable
- The shoe is well cushioned
- It is quite expensive
- Not true to size
- Shoe laces are short
- Very lightweight
- Great for heavy runners – its heels evenly distribute body weight
- Great arch support, especially for people for flat feet
- Heels too high for some runners
- Its rubber soles are not very durable
- Not suitable for long distance runners
- Very lightweight
- Great for heavy runners – its heels evenly distribute body weight
- Great arch support, especially for people for flat feet
- Heels too high for some runners
- Its rubber soles are not very durable
- Not suitable for long distance runners
- Considerably comfortable
- Lightweight
- There is good stability
- Well-padded
- Too small
- Not enough arch support for some customers
- Quite expensive
- Considerably comfortable
- Lightweight
- There is good stability
- Well-padded
- Too small
- Not enough arch support for some customers
- Quite expensive
Causes of Wide Feet
As will be seen shortly, increased pressure on the feet is one of the major factors that will lead to having wider feet. When your feet are put under pressure, your arches will fall, and when they do, your feet will widen. To avoid this, unless the cause your wide feet were inherited or result from pregnancy, you could avoid some of the habits that tend to increase pressure on your feet. Here are some known causes of wide feet.
- Heredity – Inheriting wide feet does not pose any health issues. It is just one of those things that could run in the family. A lot of people are born with wide feet. So, it should not be seen as something to dread or be ashamed of. More importantly, it should not stop you from being a great runner.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy comes with a lot of observable body changes – one of them is wider feet. Weight added during pregnancy, as well as hormones could make a pregnant woman develop wide feet. This, however, may return to normal sometime after childbirth.
- Flat Feet – Just like wide feet, flat feet could be inherited. It may result from injuries or occur from medical conditions like arthritis. Furthermore, most people with flat feet usually develop wide feet. This is so because their arches are known to fall and result in wide feet.
- Too Much Standing – The longer you stand, the more pressure you put on your feet, thereby causing your arches to fall. Fallen arches will, of course, make your feet wider. Most times, our job descriptions require excessive standing and we just cannot do anything about it. In this case, developing wide feet is inevitable.
- Obesity – Just like increased weight during pregnancy causes a woman to have wider feet, obesity also does the same. Additionally, having too much weight is not healthy and most of the excess weight will have to be carried by your feet. With increased pressure on them, your arches could become low, flatten, and then, as a result, lead to wider feet.
- Inappropriate Shoes – Wearing shoes that are too tight, too narrow, too high, or generally too small could increase the pressure. This limits your blood circulation and leads to the building up of fluids. When this happens, irritation and swelling will occur. This will consequently, cause your feet to flatten. This is avoidable when you use the right shoes at the right time. Therefore, inconveniencing your feet for an extended period is quite unnecessary.
- Aging – Growing old is a blessing that comes with certain inconveniences, one of which is developing wide feet. The inability of the skin and joints to be as strong and flexible as they once were, as well as the loss of the feet’s cushioning, are some of the results. Thus, this is another reason for what could cause your arches to drop.
- Having Bunions – Bunions, could either be hereditary or the result of bad habits. It is a painful condition that is formed when the big toe bends towards other toes. As a result, this makes the connecting joint protrude painfully and result in Bunions.
Key Considerations When Buying Shoes for Wide Feet
Having wide feet should not put an end to your running career. You can have wide feet and still be the best runner in the world. Some basic criteria to look out for may be the following:
- Measure Your Feet – Before buying any pair of shoes, measure the length and width of each foot. You can do it yourself, get help from a friend, or have it done by a professional. Furthermore, knowing your size and the parts of your feet that are wider will help you in making a good choice. This is especially true if you want to order online.
- Roomy Toe Box – Shoes with narrow toe boxes will not give your toes any space to breathe or flex in. The wider your feet, the wider the toe box. Moreover, narrow toe boxes can cause pain, inflammation, inconvenience and even complications. Thus, get shoes you will not have to bring your feet into.
- Comfortable – Every major part of your shoe should offer some kind of cushioning to make you more comfortable. Good cushioning also offers stability. The upper part of your shoes, where the toes are, should be adequately cushioned. Moreover, if the cushioning is too hard or soft, it will be very uncomfortable. Therefore, you should know the level of cushioning you are comfortable with.
- Removable Insoles – With removable insoles, you can create more space for your wide feet if the one the shoe provides is not quite sufficient. On the other hand, if your feet get wider, you may not be able to fit comfortably into shoes without removable insoles. Such insoles are also good for orthotics.
- Roomy Heel – When choosing the best running shoes for wide feet, the heel should not be ignored. This is because most people with wide feet have wide heels too. If your shoe heel is too narrow, you may be forced to push your feet forward and cause your toes some discomfort.
- Flexible – Your running shoe should mold to the shape of your foot. Your feet need space to stretch and your muscles will need to flex while running. Stiff shoes that do not bend at the right places could cause blisters and swelling. They could also limit your motion, speed, and overall performance and even strain your tendons. This could be very uncomfortable.
- Breathable – Your running shoe should be made from breathable materials. If your feet can breathe, you will have a more comfortable run. It also ensures your feet are kept cool and dry. Breathability is assured when the upper part of your shoe is made of mesh. Some products come with engineered mesh while some have all-around mesh. Whichever you choose, let the mesh be well-ventilated.
- Lightweight – Having wide feet is hard enough to manage without adding additional weight. The lighter the running shoe, the easier your motion will be. Heavy running shoes will limit your performance and slow you down. However, ultra-lightweight running shoes can be quite expensive but well worth it.
- Durable – No one will like to have their shoes fall apart during a race. More so, spending to get shoes that are not durable is a total waste of money. Make sure your shoes are made of durable and quality materials.
- Design – You will be cheating yourself by buying unattractive shoes just because they have wider toe boxes. The design of the shoe should match your foot type, the kind of race you are taking part in, the kind of landscape you expect to encounter, and your taste.
- Advanced Technology – There are new improvements to running shoes every day. It is very good to keep track of new technological advancements and get the running shoe with improved features that will work best for your wide feet. These improvements should majorly be in cushioning, flexibility, support, traction, lightweight, breathability, and durability.
Final Thoughts
In summary, wide feet do not pose any health risk. However, it could make it quite hard for those who have it to find shoes. Your running career does not have to come to an end just because you have feet that are wide. This review will make your search easier and give your running career a boost.