Around half of the world’s population has some kind of feet abnormality; wide feet, plantar fasciitis, or flat-feet being the most common ones.
People with wide feet often find it hard to select a running shoe that can properly fit their feet. In the past, such people had limited options, and many of them had to get custom-made shoes from the market.
However, times have changed now, and manufacturers have realized the diverse needs of people. As a result, many manufacturers design shoes for wide feet to make them suitable for people with wider feet.
So, if your feet are wider than normal, you should be able to find plenty of shoes that would fit your feet. However, how do you know if the shoes that you are buying are designed for wide feet?
This is where we come in. We have compiled a list of best Running Shoes for men with wide feet. This should make it easier for you to find a shoe that suits your needs.
We have also discussed some important factors that you should consider when looking for a running shoe for wide feet.
In a hurry? Our top pick is the New Balance Men’s 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
Don’t want to read the entire article? Only interested in getting the best running shoe for wide feet? We’ll let you know which product comes on top. When it comes to running shoes for men with wide feet, the New Balance 1080v8 Fresh Foam stands out from the rest.
This shoe features engineered uppers, which provide excellent breathability to ensure that your feet stay cool and fresh during the run.
These uppers are also flexible and stretchable, thanks to the Fantom Fit technology. Other interesting features of the 1080v8 include a cushioned collar for comfort, and a TPU heel counter to prevent heel slippage during your run.
The toe-area is wide and would provide enough wiggle room to your toes, reducing the likelihood of blisters and hot spots.
The midsole of the New Balance 1080v8 is made using Fresh Foam. This midsole offers excellent cushioning and shock absorption. However, the responsiveness of the midsole isn’t too good. The outsole of this running shoe is made with rubber. It features hexagonal lugs for durability and flex grooves that improve the flexibility of the shoe.
The 11th version of the Brooks Ghost series is quite popular among runners. Its highly durable construction and lightweight design make it stand out from the previous versions.
The width options and advanced cushioning system of the shoe make it a good option for wide-footed runners. Specialized crash pads are incorporated into the shoe for shock absorption, and they distribute the impact evenly across the foot.
The Ghost 11 Running Shoe also offers good balance and underfoot stability.
The outsole of this running shoe is made with carbon blown rubber, which makes it durable for everyday use. These shoes would do well for half marathons and full marathons, keeping you relaxed and pain-free.
The upper of the Ghost 11 shoe is built using a lightweight mesh material that feels softer compared to the last version. The mesh upper would wrap around your foot without minimizing flexibility. The heel area features a TPU heel counter to aid balance for men with wide feet.
When it comes to looks, the Ghost 11 Running Shoe looks sharp and sleek. It is also affordable, which makes it an option worth considering.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 21 is another great option for men with wide feet. Updates to this version include an engineered mesh that offers better breathability and an improved fit. Moreover, the heel gets additional padding, and a premium sockliner is included to offer you a more comfortable in-shoe experience.
The midsole of the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 is made of U4ic material, which is quite light in weight. This makes this running shoe lighter than other models. U4ic also offers superior shock absorption for a smooth and comfortable ride.
The heel wedge of the shoe provides soft underfoot stability and is very responsive. Between the heel wedge and the midsole of the Wave Rider 21 sits the Cloudwave layer, which offers a soft and springy ride.
The upper of the shoe is made with stretchy engineered mesh that mirrors the twisting of the feet. It provides a comfortable fit and offers good breathability to keep your feet cool, dry, and sweat-free. The lace-up system of the shoe is similar to Nike’s Flywire cables.
It is worth noting that runners with wide feet should go a size up because the toe-box of this running shoe isn’t too wide. The colors on the Mizuno Wave Rider 21 aren’t too great, but that might not be such a bad thing because everything else about this shoe is remarkable.
The UA Charged Bandit 3 Running Shoe features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which makes it suitable for running on roads. Sizes run true, which means that you won’t have to order a size up or down. The Charged Bandit 3 is more lightweight than the last version.
The midsole of this shoe is made using charged cushioning foam. This foam is firm around the heel and softer in the forefoot area to provide for an easy and smooth transition between strides.
The upper of the UA Charged Bandit 3 is made with lightweight fabric knit that offers breathability by increasing airflow. The upper would keep your foot snug and comfortable. An external TPU heel counter is also there to complement the upper and prevent heel slippage during the run.
The outsole of the shoe features high abrasion carbon rubber and flex grooves for grip. It is worth noting that the grip of the sole isn’t too good on wet surfaces.
The UA Charged Bandit 3 comes in extra wide sizes, which makes it a good option for wide-footed runners.
When you are picking a running shoe, one of the key factors to consider is durability. The reason is that running shoes must be able to put up with the constant impact from running as well as the harshness of the road or terrain.
The Saucony Cohesion 11 is built with durability as its main selling point. The outsole of this running shoe uses a hardened rubber that lasts a long time and protects the midsole from wear. The forefoot area comes with flex grooves, which make the shoe flexible.
The midsole of the Saucony Cohesion 11 comprises of full-length foam that absorbs impact and shock. This running shoe also incorporates a footbed made using memory foam.
The upper is made with an open mesh that facilities airflow to ensure that your feet stay cool and fresh. This makes the shoe comfortable for long-distance and heavy runs.
The Saucony Cohesion 11 is available in wide sizes, which means that men with wide feet would be able to find the right size.
Nike produces some of the best running shoes. The Pegasus 35 is one of the most popular running shoes from Nike. This shoe is wide enough to accommodate the feet of wide-footed runners, but it also feels snug and comfortable.
This shoe is designed for performance. It features the Flywire lacing system and a full-length zoom midsole for comfort. The Pegasus 35 strikes a balance between softness and firmness, which makes the shoe comfortable for long-distance runs.
This model offers excellent responsiveness and cushioning to make for a comfortable and smooth ride.
Flymesh upper is used in the construction of the Pegasus 35, and this upper improves ventilation to keep your feet sweat-free. The outsole has Pentagon shaped lugs that help maintain a solid grip on virtually any surface, be it road, dirt, or grass.
Perhaps the only downside to this shoe is its weight. Other than that, it offers everything a wide-footed runner could want in a shoe.
If you are looking for a high-quality pair of wide running shoes from Nike, the Pegasus 35 should be on your shortlist.
The Fresh Foam series needs no introduction as it is quite popular among runners. The 1080v8 comes with major modifications to the previous version.
The engineered mesh upper has been updated to provide better breathability than the last model and keep your feet secure. This upper is quite stretchy and flexible as it incorporates the Fantom Fit technology. The midfoot area of the shoe’s upper features a soft cage that provides a secure fit without being tight.
A TPU heel counter and a cushioned collar provide comfort and prevent heel slippage while running. People with wide feet would be pleased to know that the upper of the 1080v8 Running Shoe offers plenty of wiggle room to prevent hot spots and blisters.
The midsole of this running shoe is made with Fresh Foam. The cushioning provided by the midsole is extremely comfortable. Moreover, the midsole has concave cut-outs in the Fresh Foam to compress and condense as required to give a soft ride to the runner.
The downside to the midsole is that it doesn’t offer good responsiveness. Another impressive feature on the 1080v8 is the rubber outsole. This outsole has color-coded hexagonal lugs that give exceptional durability to the high-impact areas.
Thus, you won’t have to worry about the durability of the outsole. The forefoot area of the outsole has flex grooves for enhanced flexibility.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 25 comes jam-packed with technology. The midsole of this running shoe is made with a silicone-based gel that offers excellent shock absorption and helps reduce the force of impact when your foot strikes the ground.
This midsole is also balanced and responsive without being too soft.
The outsole of the Asics Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoe is made with Asics high-abrasion rubber, which is extremely durable. Softer DuraSponge rubber is used in some areas of the outsole, and they improve cushioning. This running shoe also features crash pads, which should help people who suffer from pronation.
The upper of the Asics Gel-Kayano 25 is made with stretchy jacquard mesh that offers breathability and conforms to the shape of your foot. An external heel counter is also there in the shoe to provide a comfortable fit. This running shoe comes in wide sizes, which makes it an ideal option for people with wide feet.
The Nike Structure 21 is a stability running shoe, designed to reduce the effects of overpronation. The shoe features a dual-density foam midsole that consists of soft Phylon foam for support and cushioning and a harder form to improve the responsiveness of the shoe.
Crash pads are also present in the heel area to absorb shock on impact and distribute it evenly across your foot. This makes the Structure 21 shoe suitable for long-distance runs and marathons.
The outsole of the Nike Air Zoom Structure 21 is made with hard carbon rubber that offers decent traction on different terrains. Tiny air pockets made of Duralon rubber are also incorporated on the outsole to give a bouncy feel to the shoe.
The upper of the shoe is made with a durable and lightweight mono-filament thread that won’t wear and tear easily. The upper is a lot better than the previous iteration. It is well-ventilated and would prevent the build-up of sweat while you are running.
The Nike Structure 21 is available in wide sizing and fits true-to-size, so you won’t have to order a size up or down.
The fit of the running shoe is one of the most important things to look out for. A good fitting running shoe would feel like a glove that can improve your performance. On the other hand, a poor-fitting shoe would be too tight or too loose and may cause slippage, making it difficult for you to run.
A proper fit would give your toes enough room to breathe while allowing your foot to flex without slipping.
When you are looking for wide running shoes, you will notice that some shoes that come in wide sizes are wide along the length of the shoe but not the toe-box.
If this is the case, you should order a size up to ensure that your toes have enough room to wiggle. If you get a shoe that feels lose around the ankles, you could try wearing thicker socks.
Comfort is another factor to consider when you are shopping for a running shoe because a comfortable pair of shoes would help you avoid soreness, aches, and injuries. It will also allow you to run more and achieve positive results.
Finding comfortable shoes for wide feet wouldn’t be an issue if you pick any of the models from our list.
Comfort depends on several factors, including the cushioning of the shoe. Since you will repeatedly be striking the ground when you run, you must get a shoe with ample cushioning and shock absorption. Otherwise, you won’t feel comfortable on your run. Another thing to consider is the heel slippage.
You won’t be able to run comfortably if your heels keep slipping every few minutes. Insoles also play an important role in keeping your feet comfortable. Some shoes come with removable insoles. If you think that you would need to use custom orthotics, you should go to these shoes. This way, you would be able to use your orthotics with the shoe for additional support and comfort.
The third factor to keep in mind when looking for a running shoe is stability. Stability is vital to keep your feet on the ground when your foot strikes it. Shoes with a mushy and very thick outsole might lack stability, causing an uncomfortable feeling.
Stiffer shoes tend to be more stable but offer less cushioning. We recommend you find a middle ground, i.e., a shoe that is neither too stiff nor too soft. Shoes with a cushioning midsole are ideal for a long-distance run while those with a hard midsole are more suited for races.
Durability will decide if your running shoes will last longer. You wouldn’t want to change your footwear after every few weeks, right? This is why it is very important to pay attention to the durability of the shoe.
Durability depends on the shoe’s construction quality. Nike, Asics, Adidas, and Brooks spend millions of dollars on research and development to improve the durability and quality of their shoes. Many manufacturers would offer a guarantee on the shoe’s outsole.
Durability will also depend on the type of shoe you buy. If you buy normal shoes for flat feet, you might notice more wear and tear along the inside arches. If your feet are wide and you buy shoes that aren’t meant for wide feet, you would fray the upper.
Some shoes come with added reinforcement on the sole to increase durability. You should consider buying those types of running shoes. Durability also depends on you. If you are a serious runner, your shoes will wear down sooner than those of a casual runner.
Traction and grip depend on the outsole of the running shoe. It is extremely important because you can’t afford to lose your grip and slip while running. Many shoes on our list feature a rubber outsole that offers excellent grip on a variety of surfaces.
Some shoes come with tactically placed nubs or grooves to improve grip. Some outsoles are designed specifically for the road running while others are made for trail running. Therefore, you should consider where you plan on running when selecting a shoe.
Traction is also vital on wet surfaces because you might find yourself running on a rainy day. Most high-end running shoes will offer a fine grip on wet surfaces.
Pay attention to the shock absorption properties of the running shoe that you are considering buying. A good running shoe should offer excellent shock absorption to protect your feet from the impact on each strike. Shock absorption depends on the midsole of the shoe.
So, take a look at the midsole of the running shoe that you are planning to buy. It should be able to absorb and distribute shock evenly across the foot to keep you comfortable during the run.
A running shoe with a wide toe-box is a normal size shoe that features a spacious toe-box to accommodate wide feet. Some people who have normal-sized feet can have a narrow heel and a wide forefoot.
For these kinds of people, a wide shoe would slip-off. These people should, therefore, choose a shoe that features a wide toe-box instead of buying a wide sized shoe.
A running shoe that features a wide option is for runners who have wide feet. The width of a person’s feet can be attributed to foot abnormalities or genetics. If you have wide feet, you should go with a running shoe that comes in a wide option or extra wide option.
The shoes we have listed above come in wide options, which means that you can pick any of the models, and they would fit fine. It is worth noting that if your shoes are too wide, it is vital to change them because wearing loose shoes can cause blisters and rubbing on your feet while running.
Running shoes go through a lot of abuse when used daily. To keep them in good condition, you will have to take special care of them. When you take your shoes off after a run, don’t forget to take out the socks so that the shoes can dry naturally.
Also, remove any small pieces of stones that might get stuck between the tread patterns on the outsole as these could damage the outsole and midsole. Consider washing your shoes every month using a cleaning kit to maintain your shoes and ensure that they last a long time.
Running shoes made for women are designed narrower than those made for men. Wide-footed female runners who use a wide option in a women’s running shoe might find that a normal option on a men’s running shoe fits just perfectly.
There isn’t any accurate measure of how wide a person’s shoes should be. Individuals have different feet with various proportions. Some people’s feet are only wide in the forefoot area, while others have wide feet throughout the entire length.
So, the answer is that it depends. When you are trying on running shoes, you should focus on the fit. In case you feel pinching on either your toes or midfoot, your running shoes are tight. In this case, you should consider choosing a wide option. Your feet should feel secure without feeling uncomfortable.
All running shoes will widen a little with use. Most running shoes available today are made with fabric upper and mesh material to make them stretchable while retaining their original size and shape. Any further widening is minimal and will not affect your performance.
It is worth noting that you shouldn’t wear a shoe that is too tight, thinking that it will widen with use. The shoe won’t widen too much, and it might end up causing blisters and hot spots from use.
Yes, price is an important thing to consider when shopping for running shoes. There are many high-end models that you can find in the market. They would offer you exceptional comfort and would last a long time.
They are ideal if you are a serious runner and want high-quality and durable running shoes. On the other hand, if you are a casual runner and aren’t looking for a very high-end shoe, you could go with a mid-tier model. You can find some pretty good options in mid-range running shoes, and they would allow you to run comfortably. However, they might not last as long as a top end running shoe.
We have discussed some of the best running shoes for men with wide feet. This should make it easier for you to find a model that suits your needs and your wallet. When you are looking at a running shoe to buy, consider the factors we discussed earlier. This includes fit, comfort, stability, durability, traction, and shock absorption.
This way, you would be able to choose a shoe that is right for you. All the models that we have listed here are suitable for wide feet, which means that you can pick any shoe from our list. If you want to go with the very best one, then we recommend the New Balance Men’s 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe.
On the other hand, if you want a running shoe that gives you the best bang for your buck, then we suggest you go with the Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe. We have answered some common questions that you might have about running shoes. In case you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Cold treatment helps to reduce inflammation (ice causes blood vessels to constrict) and numbs pain.…
“Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from indomitable will.” ―Mahatma Gandhi Building…
Choosing a good running shoe is important for runners, and there are plenty of options…
How to Find the Perfect Running Shoe Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced runner,…
One of the most under-appreciated pieces of gym equipment, the GHD machine has a lot…
There are many types of shoes available in the market. Some are made for formal…