If you are looking for the best wide toe box running shoe, chances are you have needs beyond what regular wide width shoes offer. Traditional wide width shoes tend to be wider toward the middle and in the ankle, but they can still be too narrow in the toes. Narrow toe boxes squeeze toes into unnatural positions and can cause or amplify pain at the forefoot.
The best wide toe box running shoe will have enough space in the toe box for the joints of your toes to spread out and move naturally. A good wide toe box running shoe can eliminate irritation from rubbing and ease the pain of bunions and pain in the ball of the foot. Read on to find out more about the top 11 best wide toe box running shoes.
1. Brooks Men’s Ghost 10 Running Shoe – View On Amazon
The Brooks Men’s Ghost 10 Running Shoe is a wide toe box shoe with excellent breathability, flexibility, and comfort. The shoe’s upper is made from breathable air mesh and 3D Fit Print overlays that are supportive, yet flexible. A removable profile sockliner helps shield your foot from irritation within the shoe.
The sole of this shoe has a high-tech variety of cushioning layers to absorb shock and provide outstanding comfort. The midsole is constructed from BioMoGo DNA adaptive cushioning, which protects joints from heavy impact. The midsole also features a full-length, segmented crash pad, which adapts to the foot whichever way it hits the ground.
Cush Pod configuration, which involves the midsole and the outsole in the forefoot of this shoe, helps to balance the position of the foot from the heel to the toe. The outsole is designed with Omega flex grooves for traction and flexibility all in one. There have been some complaints that the sole may separate with only minimal wear.
The Brooks Men’s Ghost 10 Running Shoe is available in four color options at a mid-range price. It is one of the choices for the best wide toe box running shoe because the wide toe box coupled with the flexible elements of this shoe allow the toes to spread out and function naturally.
- Flexible
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Highly cushioned
- Adaptive impact protection
- Questionable durability
- Lacking in arch support
2. Altra Superior 3.5 Running Shoe – View On Amazon
The most affordable shoe on the list is rich in desirable features! The Alta Superior 3.5 Running Shoe for women has durability, support, and comfort, for the best wide toe box running shoe at a great price, available in three colors.
Quick-dry air mesh composes the shoe’s durable upper, providing you with the breathability you need on long runs. GaiterTrap technology allows you to attach trail gaiters with a hook and loop system, so straps won’t interfere with the function of the shoe’s tread.
The midsole is made of an EVA and A-bound blend featuring InnerFlex, for a flexible, cushioned feel. A removable StoneGuard rock protection plate keeps feet safe from sharp rocks off-road and on-trail. The outsole is designed with TrailClaw technology, which utilizes different traction patterns for strategic grip on a variety of surfaces.
The foot-shaped toe box, in combination with the zero drop platform encourages natural walking form, foot positioning, and toe splay, giving you plenty of room in the forefront of the shoe for comfortable movement. The Altra Superior 3.5 Running shoe is the best wide toe box running shoe in women’s sizing for trail running, hiking, and off-road adventures.
- Affordable
- Durable
- Breathable
- High Traction
- GaiterTrap technology
- Foot-shaped toe box
- Complaints of rubbing on the shoe’s inner
- Not the best shoe for feet that are wide overall; the extra width is mainly in the toe box
3. ASICS Men’s 33 FA Running Shoe – View On Amazon
Inspired by the natural running trend, the ASICS Men’s 33 FA Running Shoe is made to feel as if you are running in bare feet. The mesh uppers are ultra breathable, for a cooling sensation you can actually feel. They are lightweight and designed to accommodate the natural movement of your foot joints and muscles. You can walk with them for hours, and they are considered one of the best shoes that can help you stand on your feet all day.
Seamless upper construction and a soft lining help to minimize the possibility of irritation from friction. A ComfortDry sockliner helps to keep the foot dry and reduces the growth of odor-causing bacteria inside your shoes.
The midsole of the ASICS Men’s 33 FA Running Shoe is made out of Solyte material, which is even lighter than commonly used EVA midsole material. The outsole features Fluidaxis technology, with deep flex grooves in anatomically correct positions, allowing the foot to adapt naturally to surfaces.
The last on which the shoe is made is ASICS’ Natural 33 design, which mimics the shape of the human foot more precisely, for a fit that provides stability in the heel, and enough room in the toe box for toes to spread out. This is the best wide toe box running shoe for a barefoot feel.
- Ultra lightweight
- Breathable
- Odor protection
- Flexible
- Natural foot shape
- Soft, friction-resistant inner
- Only available in blue
- Lacks stability
4. New Balance Women’s 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoe – View On Amazon
The New Balance Women’s 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoe was designed based on collections of data from runners, for a fit that is fine-tuned for your comfort on the go. Available in six attractive color combinations, this is the best wide toe box running shoe if you crave cushioning.
The entire length of the midsole is made from a thick layer of New Balance’s Fresh Foam, a very soft, incredibly cushioning EVA foam material. It responds to your foot for comfortable cushioning on a variety of terrain.
The shoe’s Hypoknit mesh uppers feature Ultra Heel bootie construction, giving you the ease of a slip-on shoe, with the stability of a lace-up running shoe. Unfortunately, one of the biggest complaints about this shoe seems to be the heel being too loose and slipping, or wearing quickly because it is too tight.
While the sole of the New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoe was designed for runners, the problems with heel friction make this style the best wide toe box running shoe for walking in women’s sizing. New Balance is chosen by us for the best shoe for mail carrier.
- Cushioning
- Truly wide toe box
- Fresh Foam
- Breathable
- Six stylish color options
- Complaints of heel slippage, causing irritation and blisters
- Questionable durability in the mesh upper
5. Brooks Addiction 13 – View On Amazon
The Addiction 13 by Brooks is the best wide toe box running shoe in men’s sizing for runners who experience overpronation in their gait. This shoe has maximum cushioning, super soft lining, and an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar to help regulate pronation.
The breathable mesh upper helps manage moisture, while synthetic overlays add structural support. A removable foam insole, along with the BioMoGo DNA midsole provide excellent cushioning and impact protection. The midsole also breaks down more quickly in landfills, making the material friendlier to the environment.
A heel segmented crash pad adapts to any foot landing, offering superb shock absorption and smooth transitions from heel to toe. The outsole is resistant to abrasion, with extra protection in areas of the sole that are exposed to more wear.
The shoe has a wide toe box, but customers say that the shoe runs small, so ordering up is recommended for adequate accommodation of truly wide feet. The sole is a bit bulky, which provides a good amount of cushioning, but adds to the weight of the shoe. The Brooks Addiction 13 for men comes in three colors.
- Overpronation support
- Overall support
- Cushioning
- Breathable
- Shock absorption
- Eco-friendly midsole
- Wear-resistant outsole
- Complaints of the heel collar digging into the Achilles tendon
- Runs small
- A bit heavy
6. Altra Women’s Escalante 2 Road Running Shoe – View On Amazon
Another impressive shoe from Altra, the Women’s Escalante 2 Road Running Shoe has a foot-shaped toe box, zero drop platform, and an improved insole that is resistant to compression. The Escalante 2 encourages natural gait and toe splay, with enough support to help prevent foot fatigue.
This shoe comes in seven colors at a mid-range price point. The mesh uppers of this shoe have extra perforations to encourage airflow around the foot. Fit4Her technology means that the shoe is made to support the anatomy of the female foot.
The Altra Ego midsole of the Escalante 2 is a dual-nature material designed to respond to impact in a manner that returns energy to the foot. It is made with Innerflex technology, with grooves in a grid-like pattern for a lighter and more flexible construction.
The outsole is made with FootPod technology that maps the movements of your foot bones and tendons, allowing your joints to move naturally. The cushioning of this shoe is balanced, and the toe box is wide, which adds to the promotion of natural foot function.
- Foot-shaped toe box
- Breathable
- Wide color selection
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Cushioning is resistant to compression
- Reports of problems with tongue staying in place
- Complaints that the shoe is too stiff
7. New Balance Men’s 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe – View On Amazon
Just like the women’s New Balance style mentioned above, the New Balance Men’s 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe was designed using data collected from real runners. With no complaints regarding heel slippage, this is the best wide toe box running shoe for walking or running in men’s sizing.
Available in seven color combinations, the mid-priced 1080v8 shoe by New Balance gives you comfort that has style. The engineered mesh upper with bootie construction provides a breathable, strechy fit. The flexible upper is still supportive, though, with bands that wrap the arch of the foot for extra protection.
The full-length Fresh Foam midsole offers unbeatable cushioning, with strategically placed Flex Grooves, for a sole that responds to the ground beneath your feet. This shoe lets your foot function freely without pain, because it provides the support that some wide toe box running shoes lack.
- Comfortable
- Cushioning
- Arch support
- Flexible
- Fresh Foam
- Truly wide sizing
- Several color options
- May be tight in the arch
8. ASICS GT-2000 6 Men’s Running Shoe – View On Amazon
This is the best wide toe box running shoe for pounding the pavement! The ASICS Gt-2000 6 Men’s Running Shoe offers superior shock absorption that returns energy to the foot, so you can keep going for miles, even on hard, unforgiving surfaces.
Even though the cushioning of this shoe is designed to be lightweight, it gives you the support you need, so you can crush miles instead of your shoes. ASICS’ FluidRide midsole bounces back after impact for an anti-fatigue effect. Gel Brand technology at the heel and forefoot absorb shock and support your foot in any impact or takeoff position.
The heel of the shoe’s upper is constructed to lock your heel in place. The toe box is wide and roomy enough for bunions, reducing irritation. The mesh upper is designed to be breathable and supportive, however, there are many complaints that the durability of the upper material is subpar.
The ASICS GT-2000 6 Men’s Running Shoe comes in the widest variety of colors, with thirteen options to choose from.
- Supportive
- Roomy toe box
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Gel cushioning
- Lightweight
- Large color selection
- Mesh uppers may develop holes quickly
9. Hoka One One Women’s Gaviota Running Shoe – View On Amazon
This shoe is the most expensive on the list, but it is the best wide toe box running shoe in women’s sizing for people who are on their feet all day. The Hoka One One Gaviota Running Shoe has pillow-like cushioning, is lightweight, has plenty of room in the toe box, and comes in four colors.
This premium stability shoe uses Hoka One One’s J-Frame technology to guide your foot without the use of uncomfortable, rigid materials. The J-Frame construction is enhanced with Hoka One One’s RBOUND EVA and rubber blend, which rebounds for dynamic support.
Arch lock wings provide midfoot stability, and a molded Ortholite sockliner dials in the comfortable fit inside of the shoe. The outsole is reinforced in areas of high-wear for added sole durability. The 3D puff print frame makes this shoe incredibly lightweight compared to other highly supportive running shoes.
Hoka One One’s Women’s Gaviota Running shoe is a great trainer, but it is highly praised by people who are always on their feet, like nurses and teachers. The high price may be a decent trade-off for the lightweight motion control that sets this shoe apart from the others on this list.
- Pillow-like cushioning
- Lightweight
- Motion control technology
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Supportive
- Arch stability
- Expensive
10. Altra AFM1859F Men’s Olympus 3 Trail Running Shoe – View On Amazon
Altra’s AFM1859F Men’s Olympus 3 Trail Running Shoe, available in three colors, is the best wide toe box running shoe in men’s sizing for trail running, hiking, long distance racing, and backpacking. This shoe was designed to stand up to the wild terrain only found off-road, for a sneaker that acts like a hiking boot.
The mesh upper is ultra breathable and allows water to quickly drain when submerged. It features Altra’s GaiterTrap technology, so you can add gaiters to protect your feet from trail debris, without a strap interfering with your underfoot traction.
Speaking of traction, the outsole of Altra’s Olympus 3 Trail Running Shoe combines Vibram MegaGrip and TrailClaw technologies for outstanding grip on a variety of surfaces, even when they are wet. This is because Vibram is a sticky rubber, and it has been strategically placed according to the metatarsals of the feet with TrailClaw technology, giving you optimal traction.
On top of it, literally, the midsole uses Altra’s A-bound recycled material to cushion impacts and return energy to the foot. InnerFlex technology allows the sole to move with your foot and adapt to the ground more effectively. Further, the wide toe box and zero drop platform also let your foot align naturally, for a low-impact experience.
- Superior traction with Vibram rubber and TrailClaw lug placement
- Wide toe box and a wider heel
- Breathable
- Flexible
- Anti-fatigue technology
- GaiterTrap trail gaiter attachment system
- Complaint’s that shoe’s upper is not very durable
11. Altra AFW1845F Women’s Provision 3.5 Road Running Shoe
The Altra AFW1845F Provision 3.5 Road Running Shoe, offered in four colors at a mid-range price, is the best wide toe box running shoe in women’s sizes for overpronation. Designed for the female foot with Fit4Her technology, this shoe also provides specialized support with the use of three corrective technologies.
Stabilipod technology creates a tripod of stability that keeps your arches from collapsing, which causes the foot to overpronate. Varus Stability refers to a full-length wedge that slopes downward from the inside of the foot to the outside to strategically support overpronators. Guiderail technology helps you intuitively correct your foot position when you get out of line.
The foot-shaped toe box, zero drop platform, and FootPod technology found in Altra’s Provision 3.5 Road Running Shoe lets your foot spread out and function properly, with the added support flatter feet need. Further comfort comes from the midsole, which is constructed from Altra’s A-bound material for cushioning energy return.
- Overpronation support
- Anti-fatigue midsole
- Durable mesh upper
- Foot-shaped toe box
- Breathable
- Inconsistent sizing
- Complaints of stiff sole
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