7 Best Wide Trail Running Shoes, 80+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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As any trail runner with wide feet knows, the list of brands that offer wide trail running shoes is not particularly extensive. Finding the perfect fit for your next off-road adventure can be a challenge.
To help you pick the right one, we’ve rounded up 40+ trail running shoes that cater to wider feet. We’ve tested and reviewed all of them to narrow down your options in different categories, from best overall value and performance, to top picks in various brands such as Salomon, Nike, ASICS, and Altra.
Depending on your intended use and personal preference, HEAD on to check our fantastic selections which cover from flexible and versatile shoes for the novice to tougher and stable designs for the seasoned long-distance trail runners.
Overview
How we test trail running shoes
To determine which models make our best lists, we put all the shoes to the test that involves actual off-road testing and a rigorous lab test. Each trail shoe has been weighed and measured using the following approach:
- We purchase all our wide trail running shoes from our own pockets. This makes sure we avoid any taint of bias and brand loyalty.
- For more thorough testing, we bring the shoes to our independent lab. We then cut the shoes into their essential parts. We measure 30+ parameters of the shoe and keep a record of all necessary data.
- We ask our trail runners in the team to wear them in their next training sessions or their actual race. This helps us gain more perspective and figure out the real strengths and weaknesses of each model.
- We collect more information from trail running experts and regular folks with wide foot problems who have tried the shoe.
All things being considered, we go to our CoreScore system to see the final ratings (from 0-100) of a particular pair of shoes. All the highly-rated wide trail running shoes are included in the final list.
Best wide trail running shoes overall
Hoka Tecton X
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$146
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
Corescore
Pros
- 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
- Insanely stable
- Looks fast and runs fast
- Lightweight
- Very cushioned & responsive
- Worth the investment
- Room for feet swelling
- Grippy
- No break-in
- Vegan materials used
Cons
- Not for technical terrains
- Might accumulate mud
- Expensive
What makes it the best overall?
The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.
Best wide neutral trail running shoes
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$72
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$96
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$109
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$125
Corescore
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nimble ride
- Grippy outsole
- Breathable
- Dries quickly
- Great lockdown
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Feels a touch minimalist
- No heel pull loop
What makes it the best neutral?
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.
Best wide stability trail running shoes
Corescore
Pros
- Excellent support
- No break-in
- Versatile
- Comfortable straight from the box
- Good amount of impact protection
- Smooth road to off-road transitions
Cons
- Not for technical trails
What makes it the best stability?
The ASICS 2000 9 Trail is the off-road version of the acclaimed 2000 9 stability shoe. It carries over all of its beloved features in a a more durable package with a more aggressive outsole. That makes it a cushioned trail shoe with arch support.
Best wide trail wide toebox running shoes
Brooks Cascadia 16
Amazon
Free shipping
$96
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$130
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$130
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Corescore
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Wide toe box
- Great lockdown
- True to size
- Durable
- Gaiter attachments
- Rock plate
- Aggressive
- Lacing options
Cons
- On the heavier side
- A bit stiff
- Runs warm
What makes it the best wide?
Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand a stout grip, a stable platform, and bright colors take a look at the Cascadia 16. It’s true to size, durable as hell, and packed with features like a ballistic rock plate, lace loop, and enough upper lacing eyelets to ensure a custom fit. These aggressive kicks are ready for adventure!
Best wide trail medium toebox running shoes
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$155
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$155
Hoka
Free shipping & returns
$155
Backcountry
Free shipping
$155
Corescore
Pros
- Super grippy
- Springy ride
- Stable platform
- Extra durable
- High impact protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- Excellent heel hold
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
What makes it the best medium?
The Speedgoat 5 from Hoka remains your reliable and great-value do-everything trail shoe. But if you want to bring the best out of it, fast runs on very technical terrains can do the trick. On top of this, it ticks all the boxes of an excellent trail shoe. It's insanely grippy, durable, and supportive; conquering the great outdoors is an easy feat. Overall, take the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if you want to go fast and far.
Best value wide trail running shoes
Altra Lone Peak 6
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$84
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$85
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$97
Backcountry
Free shipping
$105
Corescore
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Excellent all-round grip
- Highly durable
- Great ground feel
- Feels like it makes you run better
- Great pull tab
- Gaiter compatible
- Brilliant lacing
- Roomy toe box
- Fully gusseted tongue
Cons
- Stain magnet
- Not enough cushioning for some
What makes it the best value?
Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.
Most popular wide trail running shoes
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$80
Fleet Feet
$98
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Stadium Goods
$105
Corescore
Pros
- Soft, bouncy ride
- Very comfortable
- True to size
- Wide for a Nike
- Wide loop on heel
- Built to last
- Reflective swoosh
- Killer grip on dry trails
Cons
- Not grippy in wet
- Runs warm
What makes it the most popular?
The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.
