ASICS Knowledge Base: Running Tips and Training Advice

How to Choose Running Shoes for Wide Feet

1. Know the Signs You Need Wide Running Shoes

A wider shoe might be right for you if you regularly experience:

Tightness across the forefoot
Blisters on the sides of your toes or feet
Numbness or tingling during or after your runs
Feet spilling over the sole of the shoe

If your feet feel cramped in standard-width shoes, even when the length is correct, it’s time to consider wide-fit options.

2. Measure Your Feet Properly

A proper fit starts with knowing your true foot size, including length and width. Visit a specialist running store or ASICS store for a fitting, or measure at home using a printable shoe sizing guide.

Look out for terms like:

D width: Standard for women
2E width: Standard for men; wide for women
4E width: Extra wide, commonly used by those with significantly wide feet or certain foot conditions

ASICS Shoe Widths	Women	Men
Standard Width	B	D
Wide	D	2E
Extra Wide	2E	4E

Unsure about your Shoe Fit and Size? Learn more about how to measure your shoe size.

3. Prioritise Toe Box Space

A wide running shoe should offer more room through the toe box, allowing your toes to spread naturally without being squeezed.

When trying on shoes:

Make sure there’s a thumb’s width of space in front of your toes
Your toes should be able to wiggle freely
The shoe should feel snug in the midfoot and heel, not loose

Need help finding the right fit? Visit our Comfortable Running Shoes Fit Guide.

4. Consider Your Gait and Foot Type

Wide feet come in all shapes- flat, high-arched, or neutral. Don’t just go wide; choose a shoe that supports your gait type and arch structure:

Flat feet or overpronation: Consider wide-fit stability shoes
Neutral arches: Opt for wide neutral-cushioning models
High arches: Look for shoes with additional cushioning and a wide platform

Use our Guide to ASICS Running Shoes for personalised recommendations.

5. Try the Shoes On - And Test Them

When possible, try your shoes on in the afternoon (when your feet are naturally more swollen), and test them by walking or jogging around the store or on a treadmill.

Look for:

No pinching or pressure
Secure heel hold
No sliding or instability

A well-fitting wide shoe should feel comfortable straight away- no breaking-in period needed.

6. Use Insoles If Needed

If your feet are borderline wide or one foot is wider than the other, you can try adjusting the fit using orthotic-friendly insoles. These help create a more customised feel and can reduce pressure points or discomfort caused by asymmetry.