Being comfortable in your trainers is a top priority when you go running – because feeling cramped up or having your toes rub against the shoe’s upper is not nice. So, if you have wide feet, finding a pair of wide-fitting running shoes that give you that extra space to move freely can make a big difference to your workout.

Let’s look at what you need to know if you’re on the market for a pair of wide-fitting running shoes.

How to tell if you need wide-fit running shoes

Maybe you've been buying wide-fit shoes for years and know exactly what you need. However, if you’re not so sure, here are some clues you could do with a pair of running shoes for wide feet:

You can see the outline of your feet and toes pushing up against the fabric
Your feet may also press out over the side of the foam sole
The mesh upper on your running shoes tends to wear away fast
Your feet feel pinched and your toes rub

If the above sounds familiar, finding a pair of running shoes for wide feet could be a big relief.

What features should you look for in wide-fit trainers?

Unsurprisingly, all wide-fit trainers are designed to be broader and give you more space than regular or narrow-feet shoes. However, the best running shoes for wide feet will offer quite a bit more than ‘just’ a bigger sole. Here’s what you should look for:

A wider toe box: A wider toe box affords your toes more room to wriggle and helps avoid chafing and rubbing. Not every wide-foot runner will need one, but if you have bunions or other foot conditions, that extra space can make a big difference.
A little extra length: As a rule for any runner, it’s smart to get a pair of shoes half a size up, as this gives a little more room to move, and that helps as your feet swell slightly during exercise. But for wide-footed runners this can be especially helpful – aim for at least half a centimetre between your big toe and the end of the shoe.
Durable materials: As noted above, a sure sign of a wide-footed runner is worn away mesh uppers – while a wide sole will reduce this anyway, it’s still worth investing in shoes which are constructed with more durable materials.

How to find wide-fitting running shoes

There’s a growing range of running shoes which specifically cater for runners with wider feet – many of our running shoes come in a range of widths,from narrow to extra-wide. To tell if a shoe is going to be wide enough for you, use our shoe-width finder guide:

MEN/KIDS		WOMEN
	2A (or AA)	NARROW
NARROW	B	STANDARD
STANDARD	D	WIDE
WIDE	2E (or EE)	EXTRA WIDE
EXTRA WIDE	4E (or EEEE)

Having wide feet shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your sport, and finding the right pair of wide-fit running shoes for you can make a big difference. For more help narrowing down your running shoe choice, try our shoe finder tool today.