10 Best Wide Trail Running Shoes in 2022

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.4
10 Best Wide Trail Running Shoes in 2022

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.

Best overall
Salomon XT-6 Salomon XT-6
£230 £155 From Footasylum
Best Nike
Nike Wildhorse 7 Nike Wildhorse 7
£140 £83 From Amazon
Best Asics
Asics Gel Venture 8 Asics Gel Venture 8
£80 £45 From Amazon
Best value
Altra Lone Peak 5.0 Altra Lone Peak 5.0
£140 £108 From Amazon
Most popular
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£140 £81 From SportsShoes
See all 50 wide trail running shoes

Overview of this guide

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

Salomon XT-6
Salomon XT-6
£155
See deal  
£169
See deal  
Check stock
No stock  
Top pick

Corescore

85
Great!
4.7 / 5 from 6 users
97 / 100 from 1 experts

Pros

  • Fit true to size
  • Superb responsiveness
  • Quicklace system is a breeze
  • Zero Heel-slip
  • Amazing grip
  • Breathable
  • Super stable ride
  • Great protection
  • Stylish
  • Durable

Cons

  • Quite heavy as some trail shoes go
  • Stiff in colder conditions

Verdict

The Salomon XT-6 has been a hugely popular shoe for nearly a decade both for its looks and its ability to take you anyway on a trail. With heaps of protection, insane grip, and a responsive, speedy ride the XT-6 is still a relevant trail shoe to help you explore the less beaten trails. It’s a shoe that’s sure to leave you confident traversing steep gradients, or comfy at the end of a long hike.
See our full review and facts
Nike Air Max Torch 4
Nike Air Max Torch 4
£65
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 23,534 users
87 / 100 from 8 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Well-cushioned
  • Snug fit
  • Durable
  • Very comfortable
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Stiff
  • Looks clunky and too bright
  • Not for technical terrain
  • Not breathable

Verdict

Touted as a light trail running shoe, the Nike Air Max Torch 4 sports quality features that are ready to beat the competition. Packed with Nike's innovative midsole components, the running shoe offers premium support and lockdown. Although packed with many technologies, this runner does not sacrifice weight. With the Nike Air Torch 4, athletes are geared for comfort, protection, and superior grip on any type of terrain.
See our full review and facts

Best wide Nike trail running shoes

Nike Wildhorse 7
Nike Wildhorse 7
£83
See deal  
£103
See deal  
£110
See deal  
£110
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

85
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 508 users
73 / 100 from 9 experts

Pros

  • True to size 
  • Superb grip in dry conditions
  • Rock plate for extra protection
  • Semi gaiters keep the debris out
  • Built for off trails
  • Pushes you to run
  • Great for hiking as well
  • Awesome looks

Cons

  • Needs breaking in
  • Runs hot
  • Heel might slip
  • Not for a wide forefoot

Verdict

Pacing it through rocky and off-trail terrain, hands down, the Nike Wildhorse 7 just rocks! It made each of our steps confident and its protection just took everything to a whole new level. For a trail shoe, this is what we consider comfortable. It's not pillowy soft but has enough give to keep the foot cushioned and strain-free. All of this, however, comes at the price of heft.
See our full review and facts
Nike Juniper Trail
Nike Juniper Trail
£64
See deal  
£70
See deal  
£73
See deal  
£73
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

81
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 602 users
82 / 100 from 1 experts

Pros

  • Great lockdown
  • Fits true to size
  • Lightweight
  • Comfy
  • Affordable
  • Sturdy
  • Good lacing system

Cons

  • Forefoot can slip over the edge of the midsole
  • Lack of rock plate
  • Grip is pretty bad on anything technical

Verdict

The Nike Juniper Trail is an affordable off-road shoe that seems ideal for beginners and people who want a little more grip for easy trails. With durable materials, trail-specific design features, and an excellent ground feel, this is an excellent choice for compact dirt and gravel trails.
See our full review and facts

Best wide Asics trail running shoes

Asics Gel Venture 8
Asics Gel Venture 8
£45
See deal  
£45
See deal  
£52
See deal  
£52
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

80
Good!
4.5 / 5 from 49,005 users
N/A

Pros

  • True to size
  • Secure fit
  • Extremely durable
  • Grip on wet, muddy surfaces
  • Responsive
  • Very comfortable
  • Little to no break-in
  • Feels light and not bulky
  • Super affordable

Cons

  • Narrow toebox
  • Sweaty on hottest summer days

Verdict

At an affordable price, the Asics Gel Venture 8 does a fantastic job on the trails! It's extremely grippy even on wet and muddy sections, comfortable, and secure. And all these come in a light and durable package! The Gel Venture is a shoe we'd consider for anything short to mid-distance.
See our full review and facts
Asics Fuji Lite 2
Asics Fuji Lite 2
£66
See deal  
£78
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£81
See deal  
£81
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

83
Good!
4.2 / 5 from 207 users
89 / 100 from 4 experts

Pros

  • Responsive
  • Well-cushioned
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent stability
  • Perfect for tempo runs
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable during easy days
  • Impact protection
  • Excellent traction
  • Roomy toe box
  • Snug midfoot wrap
  • Zero reports of heel slippage
  • Stretchy upper
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Ungusseted tongues
  • Lacks of protection
  • Tad deficient

Verdict

The Asics Fuji Lite 2 is the addition to your trail lineup if you want a light and fun shoe that can bridge the gap between your ultra shoes and daily trainers. It's a speedster that's versatile enough to handle all types of terrain you throw at it. Even better, it can be your race-day option. It does have its limits. For highly technical trails, you might want to consider a trail shoe with more protection underfoot like the Hoka Challenger 6 ATR.
See our full review and facts

Best value wide trail running shoes

Altra Lone Peak 5.0
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
£108
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
£77
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 5,179 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Great for wide feet
  • Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow) 
  • Stiff and durable 
  • Sheds mud easily
  • Great water drainage
  • Balanced and stable ride
  • Removable Ortholite insole
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Extremely breathable
  • Rock plate for technical terrain
  • Gaiter-friendly
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • No ground feel
  • Too cold for winter days

Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make you run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this shoe will bite its way through them!
See our full review and facts
Brooks Cascadia 16
Brooks Cascadia 16
£102
See deal  
£120
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  
Also great

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 735 users
88 / 100 from 15 experts

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

Verdict

Brooks updates their venerable trail crusher in this 16 version of the Cascadia. If you demand 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!
See our full review and facts

Most popular wide trail running shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
£81
See deal  
£89
See deal  
£92
See deal  
£102
See deal  
Top pick

Corescore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 168 users
87 / 100 from 13 experts

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

Verdict

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in our feet, we just had to see it in trail action. And voila! 50 miles later, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 won us over with its uber plush landings! It's stable and comfy and will make your run cloud-like. When faced with slick surfaces, however, it shows its limitations.
See our full review and facts
Altra Olympus 4.0
Altra Olympus 4.0
£122
See deal  
£140
See deal  
£150
See deal  
£150
See deal  
Also great

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 1,538 users
89 / 100 from 16 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Wide toebox
  • Built for long runs
  • Superb cushion
  • Excellent traction
  • Durable Vibram sole
  • Light for a maximal shoe
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Very comfortable
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not very responsive
  • Expensive

Verdict

Looking for a versatile trail shoe? Take the Altra Olympus 4.0! From gravel path, dirt single track, beat-up forest roads, and technical rocky climbs, this shoe just made us run with confidence! And since it's billed as a long-distance trail shoe, we had to see for ourselves that it delivers. And deliver it did! It gave our feet all the protection and comfort they could ask for.
See our full review and facts

What are the most popular wide trail running shoes in 2022?

  1. Asics Gel Venture 8
  2. Altra Lone Peak 6
  3. Brooks Cascadia 16
  4. New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6
  5. Merrell Nova 2
  6. New Balance Nitrel V4
  7. Saucony Peregrine 12
  8. Hoka One One Speedgoat 5
  9. Asics Frequent Trail
  10. New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1
  11. New Balance Summit Unknown v2
  12. Saucony Excursion TR 14
  13. Hoka One One Challenger 6 ATR

See all wide trail running shoes sorted by popularity

What are the cheapest wide trail running shoes in 2022?

  1. Salomon Madcross - from £106
  2. New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 - from £117
  3. Brooks Cascadia 16 - from £120
  4. Altra Lone Peak 6 - from £124
  5. Asics Gel Venture 8 - from £80
  6. Merrell Nova 2 - from £120
  7. Saucony Peregrine 12 - from £140
  8. New Balance Nitrel V4 - from £80
  9. Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 - from £160
  10. New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1 - from £170
  11. Asics Frequent Trail - from £70
  12. New Balance Summit Unknown v2 - from £130
  13. Saucony Excursion TR 14 - from £80
  14. Hoka One One Challenger 6 ATR - from £140

See all wide trail running shoes sorted by lowest price

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.

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