Running shoes for wide feet in the test | runner's World

The selection of running shoes is enormous - but it is severely limited if runners have slightly wider feet than average. If the shoe pinches, it quickly becomes uncomfortable when walking, pressure points are less of a problem. If the toes don't have enough space to spread out in the shoe and dig into the sole when the foot kicks off, the foot can cramp and the entire running style suffers. Likewise, "wide-footed people" often have to contend with narrow metatarsal areas or heel cups. The good news: there are a number of shoe models that have a wide fit and prevent these annoyances. Individual manufacturers such as Joe Nimble even have the fit of their shoes established as part of their brand philosophy. For the construction of the last shape, they pay particular attention to the anatomy of the foot and the biomechanics when running. The result is running shoes that already visually indicate a comfortable fit.

When are running shoes too wide?

In shoes with a wide fit, the toe box in particular is usually more spacious than with a normal fit. This means that the area around the metatarsophalangeal joint and the toes have more space. The running shoes fit properly when the toes have some "leeway" when standing and are not constrained, not even under load. This should be checked carefully during the fitting. By the way: after our feet have carried us around all day, they tend to swell and literally flatten out. It is therefore advisable to try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening, when the foot is slightly larger than early in the morning.

Can women with wide feet also wear men's shoes?

Women with wider feet may have already asked themselves this question: Can't I just go for a men's model in a smaller size? It is important to take a close look here. In principle, there is nothing wrong with running in a men's shoe, because the general characteristics of the shoe apply to both variants of the model, many models are not designed to be gender-specific. However, when manufacturers offer a specially designed women's version, the women's model is usually designed for a lower body weight and, above all, for the special anatomy of the foot. So if you try on men's shoes, you should pay particular attention to the good fit and, if possible, test the shoes before you buy them. The heel construction of a man's shoe is often too wide for women, and the heel then slips.

Running shoes with a wide fit tested

We tested shoes that are rather wide in the normal width.

Altra Rivera

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Shoes from the Altra brand are characterized on the one hand by their zero drop and on the other hand by their wide toe box - and this is an advantage for all runners with wide feet. In the "FootShape Toe Box" the toes have plenty of space and are not in danger of being constricted.

The Altra Rivera is a popular Altra model and proved itself in the test as a comfortable training shoe that is just as light and flexible as a competition model. The midsole itself is very balanced due to the zero drop, the cushioning level is very homogeneous, no matter which part of the foot you touch down with first. In addition, the Rivera has very direct ground contact: the outsole is criss-crossed by flex notches - not only across the running direction but also in the longitudinal direction. The great strength of the Rivera: It fills the gap between a cushioning shoe and a competition shoe and can therefore be used both for training and for fast runs.

Weight: 257 grams (men), 198 grams (women) Drop: 0 mmPrice: 130 euros

Asics GT 2000 9

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The stable GT-2000 fits right in the gap between the Brooks Adrenaline - which is quite a bit heavier and has a higher drop - and the Saucony Guide - which has a little less drop but still more support than the Asics. In the new version, the GT is noticeably more dynamic: the forefoot area is more flexible, and the cushioning is given a dash of dynamism by the reactive FlyteFoam material. A critical test runner remarked in astonishment, "Oh, a stable shoe in which I feel very comfortable on calm runs and roll off safely without being constricted." Otherwise, the GT remains true to its model tradition as an always reliable training shoe. A big advantage for "breadfooters: inside": The fit of the shoe is rather wide and offers enough space for toes and midfoot. And it is also recommended for heavier runners. On top of that, the new, seamless upper improves the fit. The soft "Flytefoam "Foam ensures a smooth rolling process, "gel" in the heel area cushions when you hit the ground.

Weight: 221 grams (women), 280 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 140.00 euros

Joe Nimble Nimble Toes Addict

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

As with all Joe Nimble models, the Addict consistently follows the principle of toe freedom: there is currently hardly a comparable running shoe with so much space in the toe area. The manufacturer speaks of its "Functional Footwear" concept because the foot is given the necessary toe freedom. The Addict also has a flat sole construction, heel and forefoot are on the same level (0 mm drop). Despite the flat shoe construction, the Addict offers a comfortable, slightly cushioned rolling behavior. Despite the cushioning layer, the construction of the Addict is extremely flexible. This is mainly due to the outsole, which comes from rubber specialist Michelin.

As a welcome side effect, the sole and the overall construction of the shoe have proven to be extremely robust and durable. "No other test shoe currently has this level of quality," says one test runner. The Addict is not only recommended for ambitious runners. If you feel comfortable with the Addict but want to run on trails and forest paths, you can also take a look at the trail version of the Addict. In addition to better traction, the Addict Trail convinces in direct comparison with a significantly more robust upper material.

Weight: 250 grams Drop: 0 millimeters RRP: 179 euros

Joe Nimble Nimble Toes Trail Addict

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Two characteristics of the NimbleToes Trail Addict are striking. The flat construction of the sole with zero millimeter drop and the unusually wide shoe construction in the forefoot area for running shoes. The toes can spread out in the Trail Addict - and ensure a stable footing. This also reduces the risk of injuries - says the manufacturer.

The comfortable insole and the ten millimeter high EVA sole ensure comfort, which makes the Trail Addict a very comfortably cushioned shoe. Incidentally, the insole can be replaced with a Flexitec insole. Even by trail shoe standards, the grip of the outsole is excellent off-road: developed in cooperation with rubber specialist Michelin, it offers a lot of grip on soft ground and trails thanks to multidirectional lugs - supported by the wide, large contact surface. With 6 millimeter lugs, it is also deeply profiled and can also take on rough terrain and loose trails. Runners looking for a trail shoe with natural rolling behavior will find a shoe in the trail version of the Addict that combines excellent traction with very good protection and stability. All target groups benefit from maximum toe freedom thanks to the asymmetrical toe box.

Weight: 250 grams, drop: 0 millimeters, price: 189 euros

BÄR Easyrun

Manufacturer

The Easyrun is a very special shoe and you quickly realize that the shoe is difficult to compare with all-rounders à la Asics Nimbus, Adidas Ultraboost or Brooks Ghost. And yet the BÄR Easyrun has its place - albeit outside the target group of the shoes mentioned.

The upper of the Easyrun is a mix of mesh and suede with a classic look. The midsole is made of PU, the outsole is made of TPU, the drop is 10 millimeters (manufacturer information). The most important feature is the shape of the last: where most other running shoes are narrower at the front in the toe area, the BÄR model offers a lot of space in the toe area and in the area of ​​the metatarsophalangeal joint. In the test, the Easyrun proved itself as an everyday shoe. When running, the shoe is suitable for leisurely paces and for runners who generally take it easy. However, the cushioning level is more in the lower midfield compared to other higher-quality running shoes. The flex behavior of the sole is good, especially in the forefoot area, where the foot pushes off the ground. The stability is also very good due to the wide shape of the last; the very good midfoot fit, which is achieved through the targeted reinforcements in the shoe saddle and in the lacing, also helps.

Drop: 10 millimetersPrice: 229 euros

BÄR Lady Run

Manufacturer

At first glance, the BÄR Ladyrun doesn't exactly look like a running shoe - the plush, soft lining on the inside of the shoe also contributes to this. The BÄR-typical wide toe box, in which the toes have significantly more space than in most models from well-known manufacturers, is also immediately noticeable. The upper material made of calfskin leather, calfskin nappa leather and mesh speaks for a robust, durable shoe and gives the Ladyrun a high-quality, sneaker-like appearance.

When running, the shoe proves to be a comfortable companion for quiet runs and units on the road and on well-paved paths. The Ladyrun is less suitable for off-road use and on very muddy surfaces. The slightly heavier weight of the shoe doesn't make it bulky, but it's definitely noticeable and affects the ride. Thanks to the fit and the toe box, the foot finds a very comfortable footing in the shoe, which has a positive effect on the roll-off behavior. The feet can push off powerfully from the ground. The midsole made of light PU provides a comfortable cushioning, which is not buttery soft and is more in the middle area. For runners who like to run quietly in a comfortable and quality shoe, the Ladyrun is a great option. In addition, it also makes a great everyday sneaker outside of the run.

Weight: 321 grams Drop: 10 millimetersPrice: 219 euros

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Adrenaline GTS 21 is one of the Brooks models that come with a wider fit. It is also a stable constructed training shoe. The midsole provides good cushioning, especially for heel runners, but is not too soft and offers even softer rolling comfort than the GTS 20 - heavier runners also benefit from this. The "Guiderails" in the midsole are something like a lane keeping assistant in a car; the more the movement deviates from the center, the more the rail intervenes. Otherwise: the upper is very soft, the strap is connected to the sole area, the drop is quite high, the forefoot is quite wide. A tip for beginners or frequent runners.

Weight: 258 grams (women), 294 grams (men) Drop: 12 millimeters Price: 140.00 euros

Brooks Glycerin 19

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Brooks has new model names with a simpler logic: There are fewer models, but these come in two variants: Neutral and Support, the latter can be recognized by the abbreviation GTS (Go-To-Support). This should make it easier for runners to choose a product. You can choose a model based on the desired running feel and cushioning behavior and then choose the version that suits your stability needs. In the neutral version, the Glycerin 19 is the successor to the Glycerin 18. In the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 support variant, it replaces the Brooks Transcend. Comfortable cushioning is still the top priority for the Brooks Glycerin.

The midsole is made of DNA Loft, Brooks' softest cushioning foam. On the one hand, it should offer super-soft cushioning over the entire length of the shoe, but on the other hand it should also be durable, so that the soft walking feeling lasts for the entire lifetime of the shoe. A tester: "The Glycerin is an absolute feel-good shoe. The walking feeling is soft, cloudy and springy." Despite the thickness, the sole and the soft tread, the walking feeling is never spongy. The sole is very flexible and offers a soft rolling process. It's a training shoe for almost any workout, from tempo jogging to long runs. The weight is in the middle of the group of well-cushioned neutral shoes. The fit is spacious as usual, especially in the toe box there is a lot of space.

Weight: 255 grams (women), 289 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters RRP: 170 euros

Hoka Bondi

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Hoka Bondi X is characterized above all by its thick, very comfortably cushioning midsole. Also a component of the shoe: a carbon plate. This is unusual as the Bondi X is more of a training shoe and carbon plates are typically found in competition shoes. However, for those who can get used to this combination, the shoe is a great option, which also boasts a comfortably cushioned midsole.

Thanks to the "Early Meta-Rocker" construction, the rolling behavior of the Bondi X provides a gentle drive forwards, from which heel runners in particular benefit. The shoe feels particularly comfortable on asphalt, and it has the ideal fit for wide feet: the entire width is designed in such a way that narrow feet tend to have too much room in the shoe.

Weight: 300 g (men US 9) / 257 g (women US 7) Heel drop: 4 mmRRP: 220 €

Mizuno Wave Rider

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The anniversary version Wave Rider 25 combines the soft, dynamic running feeling of Mizuno Enerzy foam with a more stable and larger Mizuno Wave. Thus, the rider is now soft and bouncy, but at the same time stable in the rearfoot area. "The Rider strikes the right balance between too soft and too firm, just right for running on hard surfaces," describes one test runner. With a Mizuno-typical wide fit, the shoe is a good option for wider feet.

Weight: 230 grams (women), 275 grams (men) Drop: 12 millimeters Price: 150.00 euros

On Cloudstratus

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The On brand was founded over 10 years ago and is now the fastest growing running shoe brand in the world. What does that say about the Cloudstratus? The shoe wouldn't have existed five years ago, when On hadn't even considered the runner target group for this shoe; now the range is larger, compared to the otherwise rather filigree On models, the Cloudstratus looks like the Swiss "Chuchichäschtli" (a sturdily constructed wooden cabinet): The double "Cloud" elements paired with the stabilizing speedboard in the midsole also have high ones (Weight) burdens gone. And they offer a lot of support, even for heavier runners. Despite this, the shoe is not sluggish; During the test, it also received praise from the testers, who otherwise don't like more stable running shoe models at all.

Weight: 305 grams, drop: 8 millimeters, price: 180 euros

Salomon Ultra Glide 3

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Ultra Glide is a trail shoe that simply puts "comfort" in the foreground. The last is a bit wider than in other Salomon models and the toe area in particular offers a surprising amount of space. However, the latter not only brings pass comfort, but also more toe freedom, thus more stability in the push-off. The 3D mesh upper is very breathable, rubber reinforcements ensure more robustness and durability, while the minimalistic laces can be tightened in a simple pull thanks to the Quicklace lacing system.

The so-called Energy Surge foam used in the midsole of the Ultra Glide is surprisingly soft. It's made from an EVA material that's lightweight, a little reactive, and has strong cushioning properties. In addition, the more voluminous sole structure (32 millimeters in the forefoot, 38 millimeters in the rear foot), the low drop (6 millimeters) and a light rocker construction have a significant influence on the running feeling... and that is surprisingly dynamic with all the comfort. Overall, the Ultra Glide is a successful all-rounder that offers wide feet enough space and is characterized by comfort and dynamics during training.

Weight: 220 grams (women), 260 grams (men) Drop: 6 millimeters RRP: 140 euros

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