7 Best Wide Trail Running Shoes, 80+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
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.

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
Hoka Tecton X

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 593 users
89 / 100 from 24 experts

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.
Read our full review of Hoka Tecton X here
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Best wide neutral trail running shoes

Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra
Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 2,017 users
89 / 100 from 18 experts

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.
Read our full review of Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra here
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Best wide stability trail running shoes

ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail

Corescore

86
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,755 users
92 / 100 from 1 expert

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.
Read our full review of ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail here

Best wide trail wide toebox running shoes

Brooks Cascadia 16
Brooks Cascadia 16

Corescore

87
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 4,303 users
87 / 100 from 24 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

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!
Read our full review of Brooks Cascadia 16 here
Brooks Cascadia 16 Parts

Best wide trail medium toebox running shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka Speedgoat 5

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 6,683 users
91 / 100 from 26 experts

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.
Read our full review of Hoka Speedgoat 5 here
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Best value wide trail running shoes

Altra Lone Peak 6
Altra Lone Peak 6

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 8,381 users
91 / 100 from 24 experts

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.
Read our full review of Altra Lone Peak 6 here
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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.