7 Best Running Shoes For Wide Feet in 2024

The second Adidas Adistar truly shines in consistent support and comfort through its vast platform, balanced cushion, and top-tier upper. It's a neutral shoe with hints of stability. Giving our toes room to move and breathe, it wins the best running shoe with a wide toebox.

Its toebox feels round enough to allow our toes to splay naturally, especially in the big toe area, which has an extra 2.8 mm allowance vs. average. With an additional 4.9/6.0 mm in the forefoot and heel, the wide platform enhances free movement and planted landings.

Adistar 2.0 almost feels like a stability shoe with its dual-density foam. The first layer is a velvet cushion measuring 7.1% softer than average. Meanwhile, the second layer integrates the REPETITOR+ foam — which is firmer in the heel area. Our durometer shows it’s 30.6% tougher than average.

The upper keeps our runs sweat and blister-free as we feel the air flow in and out of the shoe. We’re not surprised that it scored the highest 5/5 on our breathability test since the mesh has large ventilation holes under our microscope.

With its accommodating fit, Adistar 2.0 sacrificed weight. At a monstrous 11.6 oz (328g) vs. the 9.5 oz (268g) average, it’s like running with weights on the feet.

All our lab results confirm the comfort and flexibility we experienced in the Adidas Ultraboost 5. Its spacious fit is complemented by a breathable upper, keeping us refreshed as we conquer everyday mileage. We always found ourselves reaching for this pair as it’s our best daily trainer among wide toebox running shoes.

We measured the toebox with our calliper and discovered it’s wider than average at 103.0 mm, and barely tapers to its 81.8 mm big toe area. This explained why we had generous room for toe splaying, especially since the soft Primeknit upper stretches easily. Our feet never felt restricted since we had seamless airflow, confirmed by our smoke test with a 5/5 breathability rating.

The flexible midsole keeps the ride effortless and smooth. We didn’t have to fight the midsole to bend our feet making it versatile for activities beyond running. Our flex test validated this with a rating of 32.4% more adaptive than average.

The plush midsole allowed us to savour and enjoy our runs, providing excellent impact protection and relief. Our durometer backs up our sensation with a reading 19.0% softer than average.

However, Ultraboost 5 weighs a heavy 10.3 oz (292g), Those seeking a weightless ride can find other lightweight daily trainers.

With constrictive and uncomfortable toeboxes seemingly the norm these days when it comes to speedy shoes, the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 represents a breath of fresh air for runners with wide feet. It’s a lightning-quick speed demon of a shoe that zooms its way to the top spot as the best speed trainer with a wide toebox. 

The Boston 12 features a dual-density midsole made using their Lightstirke 2.0, and Lightstrike Pro foams, the latter of which is a speedster’s dream. Scoring a durometer reading of 18.5 HA, it’s 23.5% softer than average, though that’s not what makes it special. As the foam compresses, it feels like it’s storing up potential energy for an explosive rebound that propels us forward without feeling overly springy or bouncy. 

Using our calliper, we measured the toebox to be 101.9 mm wide at its widest point and 78.2 mm at the big toe. This is 3.8 mm and 1.1 mm wider than the average toebox respectively, and means that the Boston 12 should be wide enough to accommodate most foot shapes with adequate room for toe splay. 

The Boston 12 favours forefoot/midfoot strikers. With its midsole measuring only 86 mm wide, it’s 4.1 mm narrower than average. This affords heel strikers much less of a landing platform than their forefoot striking counterparts. As such the shoe will feel much less stable at high speeds, especially when cornering.

We searched high and low for the best stability shoe for runners with wide-foot concerns, and our lab analysis and test runs led us to Hoka’s Gaviota 5. With a forgiving fit, subtle stability features, and delightful cushioning, it gives all the support we need without sacrificing comfort.

The midsole felt unrestricted with its wider-than-average measurements of 125.1/106.6 mm. This extra space ensured our safe and sound strides. We also felt centred throughout our runs and our cut-in-half shoe reveals the H-Frame, which gently guides our foot alignment.

Gaviota 5 holds a superior blend of comfort and surefootedness by incorporating dual-density foams. The top layer is a firm 22.0 HA for enhanced stability, while the soft 12.9 HA foam absorbs impact landing.

What also keeps us refreshed is the breathable and spacious upper. Our breathability test reveals a well-ventilated 5/5 mesh material. Meanwhile, the toebox allows our natural toe splay with its 101.8 mm width that tapers gently to the 83.1 mm big toe area.

We anticipated this cushioned stability shoe to be heavy and unfortunately, it was. At 10.6 oz (299g), it proved to be somewhat burdensome during faster runs.

The Altra Experience Flow suits its name because “go with the flow” became our mantra while sporting this pair. Our lab reveals it has an effortless yet stable build, boosting comfort through its accommodating fit and low weight. Among the wide-toebox running shoes we’ve tested, Experience Flow is our best low-drop pick.

We felt grounded in the flat platform, which our calliper validates with a minimal 4.1 mm drop. The low incline naturally delivers a steady feel while the raised sidewalls and broad base further secure our foot alignment. Our measurements confirm an expansive 118.4/93.2 mm midsole.

Experience flow is undeniably agile, with our scales showing a mere 8.3 oz (235g) on the scale, 11.7% below average. The midsole bends seamlessly with our feet, which adds to its weightless feel. Our flex test shows it’s 27.5% more adaptive than average.

Our toes never felt restricted because of the generous 101.0 mm width for toe splaying. Even the big toe area mimics our natural foot anatomy with its square shape that measures 9.3 mm wider than average.

However, we felt uninspired with the dull ride. Runners who want more explosiveness should find more energetic shoes.

After thorough testing of wide-toebox running shoes, we found the Altra Lone Peak delivers the agility, stability, and grip needed for off-road adventures, ultimately leading the trail category. It gives us a high sense of control over unpredictable terrain with its minimalist, ground-sensitive build with an unrestrictive fit.

Lone Peak 8 is highly versatile because of its light 10.2 oz (288g) weight and low profile. Staying true to Altra’s core, it features an almost flat 1.4 mm heel drop which is crucial for control and ground feel. The midsole has enough cushioning for protection and gives off a nice rebound. Our durometer reveals a firm 29.3 HA foam, adding to our surefootedness.

Improving our control and comfort is the spacious toebox since it allows for our natural toe splay. Lone Peak 8 features a square-shaped toebox that tapers to the front by only 5.9% vs. the 20.1% average, providing massive real estate for wide and swollen feet.

Further boosting our confidence on loose ground and dry paths are the 3-mm lugs. Strategically patterned based on our foot anatomy, they allow bending without much resistance. True enough, it emerged 25.3% more flexible than average in our flex test, allowing us to adapt quickly. Unfortunately, we felt less confident tackling mud and wet surfaces. Those who need more grip should check alternatives.

Our feet can attest to Xero Shoes HFS II’s exceptional ground feel and straightforward build. Our lab results confirm it’s a barefoot wonder with its low platform, zero drop, flexibility, and spacious toebox design, making it our best minimalist wide toebox running shoe.

HFS II ensured maximum surface feedback with its minimum cushioning, with precise calliper measurements of 13.1/12.1 mm. This configuration results in a 1.0 mm drop that feels flat—like we don’t have any shoes on. This setup strengthens our leg muscles since we have to do the work.

HFS refers to “Highly Flexible Shoe” and this shoe proves it’s perfectly named, emerging 62.9% more adaptive than average in our bend test. It offered no resistance whatsoever which allows us to freely move, enhancing the barefoot sensation.

The toe box is designed to the shape of our feet, which is why it barely tapers to the 86.7 mm big toe area. This space allows room for natural toe splay, swelling, and square-shaped feet.

However, what’s not minimal is its 8.6 oz (244g) weight. While this is lighter than average, we expected it to be much lighter because of its simple and humble construction.