7 Best Running Shoes For Orthotics in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Running Shoes For Orthotics in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. Why trust us

Running shoes for orthotics tend to be wide. Given the number of wide running shoes on the market, choosing can be a drag. 

Having tested loads of running shoes that match well with the orthotics, we’ve selected the finest models from various categories to help all runners.

How we test running shoes

We don’t just randomly choose the orthotic-friendly running shoes we put on this list. We pace and test each one of them to see if they’re worth recommending. 

Some of the steps we take include: 

  • Buying them with our own money to avoid brand loyalty 
  • Logging 30-50 miles worth of test runs
  • Slicing them to pieces
  • Measuring each part of the shoe in 30 different parameters
  • Calculating the Corescore for each running shoe to see how well they go against other running shoes

Best running shoes for orthotics overall

What makes it the best?

The PUMA Deviate Nitro is back with a significant update that makes an already great shoe even better. It’s really comfortable, which is not always the case for carbon-plated shoes, and it’s extremely versatile. As a result, we have a real do-it-all companion to take on the road for every run, not to mention the quality-price ratio, which basically makes it a no-brainer.

Pros

  • Great all-rounder
  • Super-smooth and responsive ride
  • Plush cushioning
  • Comfy upper
  • Grippy outsole
  • Above average durability
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • Heavier than other similar shoes
  • Not many colors available
Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (37680701)
Azul (37680709)
Black (37756701)
Black (37680711)
Sunset Glow (37680703)
Gul (37680705)
Bianco (37680704)

Best stability orthotic friendly running shoes

What makes it the best?

Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates to amp up comfort and flexibility. And with better flex, the shoe was just overall fun! Although designed as a daily trainer, runners also find it fitting as a standalone shoe that you can take out of the closet during race day and on long, slow miles.

Pros

  • Familiar Kayano fit
  • Roomier toebox
  • No lace bite
  • Added pep
  • No medial post
  • Lost weight
  • Kayano durability

Cons

  • Heel slipping
  • Overly plush
  • Runs warm
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 28

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Lake Drive/Black (1011B189402)
Black White (1011B189005)
Black/Electric Red (1011B189002)
Black/White (1011B189003)
Grey (1011B189022)
Black/Graphite Grey (1011B189001)
Carrier Grey/Black (1011B189021)
Black White (1011B189300)
More colors

Best running shoes for orthotics with wide toebox

Hoka Mach 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Mach 5 from Hoka is a performance trainer that can do a bit of everything. If you want to train with speed, it can be your trusty tempo running shoe. And if you want an easy-day or long-distance trainer, the Mach 5's cushy yet stable ride will serve you just right. Even better, it'll give you all the snappiness and energy return you need.

Pros

  • Super fun and energetic ride
  • Velvety smooth strides
  • Runs and feels light
  • Comfy for easy days
  • Cushioned for long runs
  • Absorbs impact
  • Awesome fit
  • Welcomes wide feet
  • Reflective
  • Worth the money

Cons

  • Slips on wet pavement
  • Gets easily dirty
Full review of Hoka Mach 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Mountain Spring/Puffin's Bill (MSPBL)
White/Copper (WCPP)
Black/Castlerock (BCSTL)
White/Scuba Blue (WSBB)
Radiant Yellow Evening Primrose (RYEP)
Impala/Vibrant Orange (IVOR)
Ceramic/Evening Primrose (1127894CEPR)
Evening Primrose/Scuba Blue (EPSB)
White/Flame (WFM)

Best running shoes for orthotics for trail

What makes it the best?

Most trail runners haven't been very KEEN on Adidas trail shoes. They seemed like an afterthought given that the brand's focus was admittedly on sneakers and soccer cleats. But then the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra arrived. It performed so well out on the trails that many runners have chosen it as their go-to.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Nimble ride
  • Grippy outsole
  • Breathable
  • Dries quickly
  • Great lockdown
  • Reflective elements

Cons

  • Feels a touch minimalist
  • No heel pull loop
Full review of Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Green (GZ8921)
Blue (FW2806)
Black / Grey / Red (GY6113)
Black (GZ8920)
Black (FW2830)
orange (HR1120)
ftwr white/crystal w (FW2805)

Best running shoes for orthotics for all-day wear

Brooks Ghost 14
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Great out of the box
  • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
  • Great grip

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
  • Not the best for long distances
Full review of Brooks Ghost 14

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Red (615)
Primer Grey/Black/Alloy (039)
Titan/Teal/Flame (488)
Grey/Alloy/Oyster (067)
Black/Blackened Pearl/Blue (056)
Black/Blue/Nightlife (069)
Grey/Blue/Red (078)
Green Gecko/Blue/Black (310)
More colors

Best running shoes for orthotics for long distance

On Cloudmonster
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The On Cloudmonster is the brand's max-cushioned running shoe that "changed everyone's mind." From firm to forgiving, it's a new take that's perfect for daily training and long runs. True to its name, it has a "monstrous" amount of foam that will keep your feet protected and comfy all day. So much so that you can take it out on your walks as well.

Pros

  • All-day comfort
  • Bouncy cushion
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Protective for long runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Weighs less than it looks
  • Grippy on wet roads
  • Can work on light trails
  • Perfect lockdown
  • Built to last
  • Sustainable upper

Cons

  • Firm for recovery days
  • Not for wide feet
  • Expensive
Full review of On Cloudmonster

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
Black (6199025)
White (6198243)
Eclipse/Turmeric (6198656)
Grey (6198244)
All White/Black (6198434)
Frost Surf (6199023)
Acai Aloe (6199027)

Best running shoes for orthotics with plush cushioning

ASICS Novablast 2
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Built around comfort, your feet are right at home in the ASICS Novablast 2! It's springy and soft (as in everywhere!) - much like a spa day treat in long, easy miles. And with all that plushness, you might think this is a shoe that wears easily. Good news! It DOESN'T. It's built to eat up miles (300-500 miles)!

Pros

  • Fits like a glove
  • Stable
  • Springy, responsive ride
  • Superb breathability
  • Durable
  • Great right out of the box
  • Very soft and comfortable
  • Perfect for long or recovery runs
  • Reflective elements for night runs

Cons

  • Really tall
  • Untrusting grip
Full review of ASICS Novablast 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Metropolis/Clear Blue (1011B192020)
Clear Blue/White (1011B192400)
Verde (1011B192301)
Black/Shocking Orange (1011B192003)
Clay Grey Shocking Orange (1011B192021)
Blue (1011B192402)
Black Pure Silver (1011B331001)
White/Safety Yellow (1011B418100)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for orthotics

+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
+ + Add a product
Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.