The Best Wide Toe Box Running Shoes in 2023

1. Altra Torin 7

The Altra Torin 7 is versatile and comfortable—everything you need in a shoe. The wide toe box is an extra comfy bonus!

What We Like

The Torin 7 has Altra’s classic FootShape toe box, which allows your toes to splay naturally and your forefoot to rest comfortably without being restricted.

It’s also a max cushioned shoe, featuring 28 mm of EgoMax foam underfoot. It’s the ideal balance of responsive and shock-absorbing, making these shoes suitable for quick runs or long-distance training.

A solid, molded heel counter locks your foot in the right place so you can take full advantage of shoe’s support. It’s worth noting that this shoe, like all Altras, has a zero-drop platform, which offers an exceptional ground feeling underfoot.

The shoe is also surprisingly light, hitting just over 7 oz for a women’s size 8.5, and 10.5 oz for a men’s size 10.5.

On the outsole, a unique FootPod design is made to move with the natural motion of the foot. Multiple flex grooves make for a flexible heel-to-toe transition. It’s also grippy enough to be safe and secure on many different surfaces.

Why We Like It

The perfectly-balanced cushioning, versatile arch support, and comfortably-shaped toe box of the Torin 7 make it an excellent choice for almost all wide-footed runners.

What to Consider

The tongue of the Torin 7 is thin and hard. While some people may find this to be helpful as you can get a better lockdown on your foot, others have mentioned that it cuts into the top of their ankle and causes discomfort.

What’s New

EogMax foam replaces the old Torin’s Quantic foam midsole and provides a few millimeters more padding.

The upper has also been revamped and features more padding around the collar and a better, more dialed-in fit.

2. Altra Escalante 3

The Escalante shares many of its great features with the Torin 5, but it’s a better choice for those who want to run at an easy, relaxed pace rather than speed. The midsole is softer than responsive making it perfect for recovery runs.

What We Like

You’ll find the classic Altra forefoot shape too; a broad toe box to allow your toes all the space they need.

They also feature the typical zero-drop platform, placing your feet in a more natural position. You’ll be pleased to know that the 24 mms of Ego foam midsole offers good arch support and soft, comfortable cushion.

The knit upper is soft and luxurious. It stretches enough to accommodate a wide variety of feet and has good breathability to it.

You’ll notice that the outsole looks different from the first shoe. Strategically-placed pieces of thick rubber cover the heel, swirl up into the midfoot, and cover most of the toe area.

Although the outsole rubber looks fairly smooth, it actually has some good grip to it on a number of different surfaces.

Why We Like It

The Altra Escalante 3 is a great fit for runners who need extra space in the forefoot. It also has a soft, comfy midsole that’s both protective and supportive. All—in—all, it’s a fairly versatile shoe that’s a little softer and slower than our first choice.

What to Consider

While this shoe offers great space in the forefoot, the upper is a little less supportive than others. It can make it difficult to get a good lockdown on your foot.

It would work for casual runners who don’t mind a bit of a loose fit, but some runners won’t like the loose feeling.

What’s New

The 3 has a softer upper than the previous version. The insole has been revamped to be more durable and the midsole is a bit softer. It’s also almost an ounce lighter.

3. Altra Provision 7

Overpronators who need both extra support in the arch and a roomy forefoot will love the Provision 7. It’s got all the classic Altra features plus a little extra.

What We Like

Like other Altras, you can expect to find a zero-drop platform and a comfortable, spacious forefoot on this shoe.

The upper is plush and accommodating, allowing for plenty of space not only in front of your toes, but above them as well.

An added feature that overpronators will be pleased about is the GuideRail system; it’s not just a post inside the midsole. Instead, the midsole foam extends upwards on the medial side of the shoe, offering extra support.

The great thing about this system is that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable or intrude on your natural stride. If your feet begin to roll, it kicks in and stops it from happening. But you don’t feel it sticking into your arch on every step.

You can customize the amount of support to an extent by lacing your shoes tighter or looser. That being said, lockdown is one of the things that some users have complained about on this shoe.

The contoured footbed provides excellent and well-placed arch support. EGO midsole foam provides a bit of a snap on the toe-off and it’s great for those who like a bit of a firmer feeling underfoot.

A thick layer of strategically-placed, textured rubber on the outsole keeps you safe and secure on a number of different surfaces.

Why We Like It

Overpronators with wide feet will appreciate the spacious toe box and the GuideRails and InnovArch features that protect your arches. Your feet will stay safe and comfortable in all the ways that count with these shoes on your feet!

What to Consider

There may be some heel slippage when wearing these shoes. This is partly due to the shape of the heel and partly due to the laces being a tad too short to get a great lockdown on the foot.

What’s New

This shoe has received quite a lot of updates since the 6. Firstly, it’s lost almost an ounce of weight!

The upper of the Provision 7 has been updated to create a slimmer fit than the previous versions, and it’s more breathable too!

There’s a new foam in the midsole—Altra EGO foam, rather than the 5’s Ultralight EVA. They’ve also added a bit more rubber to the outsole for extra traction.

4. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12

Sometimes you need a shoe that’s wide throughout, not just in the toe box. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12 is the shoe for those with all-wide feet.

What We Like

The 1080 v12 is a max cushioned shoe for those with neutral feet. Unlike the Altras, this shoe has a more standard heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm.

It has a wide and stable base that provides a solid platform for your foot. One of the best things about this shoe is the rocker sole, although the platform is extremely stable, your foot still rolls nicely through the transition.

The shoe has a traditional padded heel that hugs the Achilles firmly without being restrictive. It does keep the foot in place quite effectively, although it may be too spacious on narrow heels.

A Hypoknit upper conforms to your foot and stretches to accommodate feet of all shapes. The toe box is very elastic, which provides more space and comfort for your toes.

Fresh Foam X in the midsole is plush and soft, great for long runs or moderately paced training sessions. Extensive rubber coverage on the outsole offers you great traction on multiple surfaces.

Why We Like It

New Balance shoes are made for the wide-footed runner, and the 1080 v11 runs wide enough throughout the midfoot and heel to suit those with wide heels as well. It’s got a comfortable fit, a great lockdown on your feet, and rocker geometry to ease foot fatigue.

What to Consider

The 1080v12 runs slightly long, so the manufacturer recommends going a half size down from your usual size in order to get a good fit.

What’s New

The heel counter has been updated to be more robust. There’s also an improved upper, and these work together to eliminate the heel slippage problem the previous model had.

It also has a slightly wider platform and a 4 mm higher stack height. It does come in at ¼ ounce heavier than the previous version.

5. Altra Paradigm 7

This may be a stability shoe, but the stability feature is unobtrusive and only kicks in when needed. That makes this shoe excellent for both neutral runners and overpronators. Either way, it’s got a lot of comfy cushioning!

What We Like

30 mm of EgoMax foam in the midsole provides a comfortable, cushioned platform for your feet. It’s plush, but still delivers a good amount of bounce as you run.

There’s good arch support in the shoe, made better by InnovArch technology. Interestingly, this tech is more in the upper of the shoe. It wraps around the inside of the arch and supports it once you’ve laced your shoes up tightly.

Wide-footed runners will be happy with the fit. The toe box is, of course, spacious. In this case, so is the midfoot and the heel.

The stability features are light but effective for overpronators. A GuideRail—a piece of foam cushioning in the medial side of the shoe—prevents the foot from rolling inward.

If you have a neutral foot, the good news is that you can still comfortably wear these shoes. The support only comes in when needed, otherwise, you don’t feel it much.

It’s comfortable out of the box and doesn’t require any breaking-in period. You might only need some time to get used to it if you’ve never run in a zero-drop shoe before.

Why We Like It

The Paradigm 7’s substantial cushioning is both plush and slightly bouncy. It offers the perfect combination of features for those who need a cushioned and supportive ride.

What to Consider

While we’re focusing on wide toe boxes, the Paradigm 7 is wide throughout. If your midfoot and heel are on the narrower side, you’ll most likely find the fit of this shoe to be a bit large.

The InnovArch technology is designed to help, but it doesn’t work as well on narrow feet and could be uncomfortable.

What’s New

The EgoMax midsole is an update, adding both softness and bounce. There’s also updated InnovArch technology in the shoe, for better support. The upper is more minimalist than before, and the shoe is lighter.

6. Altra Solstice XT 2

If you like to hit the gym when you’re not running, the Altra Solstice XT 2 is a great choice. It’s light and sleek, and the zero-drop platform is great for heavy lifting.

What We Like

When you’re doing squats, lunges, and deadlifts, the last thing you want is chafing on your toes. The wide toe box of the Altra Solstice XT 2 is perfect for comfort in the gym.

A firm cage on the upper offers excellent stability. There’s also built-in toe protection, so you’re safe from an accidental bump, but don’t drop a weight on your foot!

At around 10 ounces in weight, it’s still fairly light. Certainly light and flexible enough for you to perform dynamic movements with ease and a full range of mobility.

Another feature that makes it great for fast, dynamic movement is the herringbone-patterned outsole. It offers traction for changing direction quickly.

The zero-drop platform is great for heavy lifting, planting you firmly on the ground in a natural stance during exercise.

Why We Like It

The Altra Solstice XT 2 offers a wide fit and all the features a serious gym-goer could want; plus the ability to run for short distances. Perfect for getting in your weight training and a bit of cardio.

What to Consider

This shoe is an excellent choice for the gym and can quite easily handle short runs or sprints as part of your exercise routine. However, you won’t be able to go for a long run in these, they’re definitely more of a cross-training shoe than an actual running shoe.

It’s also increased in weight quite significantly from the previous version—almost 2 ounces. If you want a lightweight shoe, this may not be the one.

What’s New

The XT 2 is one of the few shoes we’ve seen that has increased rather drastically in weight since its previous iteration. It’s 1.6 ounces heavier, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

The upper has been revamped with a firmer cage-like structure, which provides a better lockdown on the foot.

7. Topo Magnifly 4

Some brands are beginning to take steps to make their shoes more eco-friendly, and this is Topo’s offering. With an upper made from recycled plastic bottles, you can feel both stable and good about the planet with these on your feet.

What We Like

Every pair of Topo Magnifly 4s has an upper that’s crafted from 3 plastic water bottles. You’d never think it, as the upper is soft, padded, and breathable.

For wide feet, the platform is stable and safe, keeping your foot in a neutral position. The toe box is shaped similar to the Altra, with plenty of space for your toes to splay.

A dual-density ZipFoam midsole offers both soft comfort and a touch of energy return, making for enjoyable runs, both long and short.

The outsole is generously layered with rubber in the forefoot and heel, upping the durability of the shoe and keeping you safe on almost any surface.

Why We Like It

If you like the idea of wearing a comfy shoe and knowing that you’ve made a difference to the planet, then these recycled-material shoes are a great choice.

What to Consider

This shoe, although eco-friendly, is designed for new runners. If you’re an experienced runner looking for something to boost performance, this isn’t going to be it. It hasn’t quite got the pop necessary for speedy runs.

What’s New

This version is a little lighter than the previous one, thanks to a reduction of about a millimeter of rubber on the outsole.

8. Topo Ultrafly 4

Stability shoes can be heavy and cumbersome, but not this one. The Topo Ultrafly 4 weighs less than 10 ounces and has a comfortably wide toe box.

What We Like

This is a stability shoe, but it weighs just under 10 ounces. By most standards, it’s lightweight and easier to wear than most other chunky and cumbersome stability shoes.

It also offers a roomy toe box that gives you plenty of space for the forefoot and toes to rest comfortably. The heel cup, on the other hand, hugs the rearfoot snugly and offers inherent stability and comfort.

This secure feeling is helped by the air mesh upper, which contours to the foot and helps you get a great lockdown. Two unobtrusive lateral laces keep the flat laces in the right place so you can really cinch down without discomfort.

In the midsole, the 3-piece EVA ZipFoam midsole with a 5 mm drop encourages a natural gait without the drastic feeling of a zero-drop platform. It’s surprisingly zippy and great for short to mid-distance runs.

Why We Like It

It’s stable but surprisingly light. The shoe is also comfy for those who want some extra space in the forefoot.

What to Consider

The grippiness of the outsole is a little questionable. It’s best to keep these shoes for well-maintained roads where there’s little chance of needing extra help on rough ground.

What’s New

The previous version’s triple-density midsole has been replaced with a ZipFoam midsole. The upper has also been renewed, making it more breathable.

An updated heel counter keeps you stable, and the collar and tongue have been slightly more padded. The shoe has lost a few grams since the last version as well.

9. HOKA Gaviota 4

Hoka shoes are known for their max cushioning, and the Gaviota is the best choice of stability shoe if you want some serious padding underfoot.

What We Like

Featuring the classic chunky Hoka cushioning and plush foam ankle collar and tongue, the Hoka Gaviota 4 is cushioned everywhere you need it to be.

The stability features are highly effective. An internal heel counter holds your foot firmly in position. The upper uses an H-frame lacing system, which is designed to help you cinch down tightly but comfortably for a custom lockdown.

In the midsole, you’ll find a J-frame. This is a J-shaped section of dense foam, positioned in the medial side of the shoe to stop overpronators from rolling their feet and getting injured.

The midsole is constructed of EVA foam, and has a surprising amount of bounce to it. A 5 mm drop is right in between, not so high that it places pressure on the forefoot but not so low it hurts your calf muscles.

Those who want a wide toe box will be pleased. Hokas run naturally wide, so there’s plenty of room both in width and depth. The wide platform also provides a stable platform, countering out the high stack height.

A Meta-Rocker built into the sole is the final feature that makes this shoe great. While your feet are well-supported, it facilitates an easy heel-to-toe transition and peppy toe-off.

Why We Like It

There’s plenty of cushion underfoot, and although it’s fairly stiff, it offers excellent shock absorption. Hoka also has a naturally wide fit, so those who want a spacious toe box will appreciate the fit.

What to Consider

Despite the max cushioning, the Gaviota 4 isn’t soft underfoot. It’s got a much more stiff feeling than you might expect. If you want soft, plush comfort, this isn’t the shoe!

Also, the laces are extra long. You’ll most likely need to do a bit of experimenting to figure out what’s the most comfortable way to tie them.

What’s New

The upper is where most of the changes have been made. A stable heel counter has been added and there’s extra padding in the ankle collar and tongue.

There’s also 2 mm more foam in the midsole. These changes have added a little less than an ounce to the weight of the shoe.

10. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Brooks is another fan favorite, and the Adrenaline GTS 23 is a no-fuss, classic-design stability shoe to keep you safe and secure.

What We Like

Brooks fans will appreciate this stability shoe. It features unobtrusive GuideRails that only come into play when they’re needed, making this shoe good for both overpronators and neutral runners.

The system consists of strips of foam along the lateral and medial side of the midsole, visible on the outside. This forms a sturdy heel counter that prevents dangerous movement of the foot.

A plush midsole made of DNA LOFT foam is soft, comfortable, and lightweight. It does a good job of absorbing shock.

Underfoot, there’s a segmented crash pad that also reduces vibration and protects the foot, while offering some energy return at the same time.

Why We Like It

There’s nothing too fancy about the Brooks Adrenaline 23. It’s a classic stability shoe but with an unobtrusive stability feature and it does its job well. If you’re looking for something simple but supportive, this works well.

What to Consider

The Adrenaline 23 is stiff underfoot. The outsole and midsole don’t flex much while you’re running, which could be off-putting to some.

Although the cushion is soft, the stiff outsole makes the shoe a little dull on the road, so those who want some bounce may be disappointed with it.

What’s New

The midsole now features only one foam, DNA LOFT. They’ve also refined the 3D Fit Print technology on the upper, making the upper more structured but still flexible.

11. Altra Timp 4

Trail runners who need a shoe that fulfills their every need—including space in the toe box—will enjoy the Altra Timp 4.

What We Like

The Timp 4 offers all the Altra features for comfort and effectiveness. What makes it excellent for the trails is the MaxTrac outsole, which features differently-shaped lugs for traction on rough ground.

Like all Altras, you can expect plenty of room for your toes and a more snug fit in the midfoot and heel, locking the foot in effectively.

The zero-drop platform encourages a natural gait, which can be an advantage on uneven ground.

On the upper you’ll find abrasion-resistant overlays, which extends the life of your shoes by helping prevent damage.

Quantic foam in the midsole is lightweight but effectively absorbs shock and reduces fatigue in the feet and legs.

There’s also a handy Gaitertrap hook-and-loop tab that you can attach your gaiters to—designed specifically for Altra products.

Why We Like It

The Timp 4 has a wide toe box, grippy, multi-directional lugs underfoot, and fatigue-reducing cushioning. All you need for a day on the trails!

What to Consider

The toe box is sufficiently wide, but it’s lacking a little in depth. If you have high arches or a particularly high-volume foot, you may find that the upper rubs uncomfortably on the top of your toes.

What’s New

The forefoot has changed shape slightly to provide more space. They’ve added overlays to the sides of the shoe for extra support. The heel cup has also been redesigned to offer a better, more padded fit.

These upgrades have added almost an ounce onto the weight of the shoe. It weighs around 11 ounces, which some may consider too heavy.

12. Altra Lone Peak 7

The Lone Peak is one of Altra’s most popular shoes. It’s robust and just looks like it’s built for the trails!

What We Like

The MaxTrac outsole features chevron-shaped lugs in multiple directions, providing excellent traction on rough terrain.

It also uses Trail Claw technology, which features sizable lugs at the front of the shoe that work with the natural movement of your toes to form a claw-like grip.

The woven air mesh upper features overlays for increased support and a better lockdown, which adds to the protection when side sloping.

There’s also a reinforced toe guard that protects your toes from bumps and bruises against rocks and other hazards.

EGO foam in the midsole provides a great mix of cushioned comfort and responsive bounce, ideal for casual runs or competition.

Why We Like It

The Lone Peak 7 is built on a classic, spacious last so it’s great for wider-footed runners. It delivers everything you need on the trails, from upper to outsole.

What to Consider

The Lone Peak’s heel is on the wider side, which may not fit well for some runners. Sizing down to fit the heel properly may result in a narrower toe box!

What’s New

The overlays on the upper have been revamped. The upper itself is more stripped down and lightweight, which has resulted in a loss of an ounce of weight.

They’ve also added a handy little eyelet in the midfoot. This gives you the opportunity to customize your lacing and lockdown.

13. Topo Ultraventure 2

Topo’s adventure shoe, the Ultraventure 2 is a great choice for wet trails. It dries surprisingly quickly, and the breathability keeps your feet cool on hot days.

What We Like

The breathable upper of this shoe may feel like it allows water in, but it’s excellent for drying off thanks to its porous nature that allows air to flow freely through the shoe.

At the same time, there’s a tighter layer underneath the shoe that prevents sand, stones, and other debris from getting in. Surprisingly, there’s no drainage system but it does a great job of wicking moisture.

Topo’s traditional roomy toe box means there’s less chance of chafing and discomfort. Another thing we like is the 5 mm drop, which isn’t as drastic a change for those who may be used to 10 or 12 mm drop.

It has plenty of EVA foam underfoot, especially in the heel, which aids with shock absorption and increases the comfort of the shoe. The naturally wide platform offers stability even on uneven ground.

Another thing that keeps you safe on rough ground is the Vibram outsole. Chunky 6 mm lugs are grippy on a number of different surfaces. You can easily catch your footing or push yourself forward for more speed.

Why We Like It

The air mesh upper is more breathable than before, making this shoe dry very quickly on the trails. You can take it through puddles without worrying about your feet getting—and staying—wet.

What to Consider

This shoe is best for medium-paced runs at mid to long distances. There’s very little pep in the shoe, and some may find it to be frustratingly dull underfoot.

What’s New

The upper is more breathable than before. There’s a new microfiber strip connecting the heel counter and midfoot, and a new gaiter eyelet. The lacing eyelets have also been redesigned with wider spacing.