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The Best Running Shoes for Narrow Feet in 2023

 

Most running shoes are designed with comfort and support in mind. But most running shoes are also designed for medium to wide feet. So what do you do if you have narrow feet?

If you have narrow feet, you know it can be frustrating finding running shoes that are a good fit. Medium width shoes can feel sloppy during runs. Too much room in your shoes will cause your feet to move around laterally. This commonly leads to discomfort and blisters.

And while runners who need wide shoes typically have more shoe options – runners with narrow feet are underserved by the running shoe industry. It can be tough to find a pair that fits correctly!

women with narrow feet running city

Like all running shoes, there are a few important factors to consider when buying narrow running shoes. First of all, you need enough cushioning and support to protect your feet. You also want a breathable shoe to keep your feet dry and cool during long runs. Midfoot and heel fit are also extremely important. This is probably the toughest thing to find when you’re looking for a more narrow fit.

It can be difficult to find shoes for runners with narrow feet. Many models aren’t even offered in narrow widths, even if they come in medium and wide sizes. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of the best running shoes just for you!

Scroll through to make your shoe shopping easier and find the best running shoe for your narrow fit!

Top 3 Best and Favorites

 

Brooks Ghost 15

 

  • Cushioned and supportive
  • Great fit and feel
  • Lightweight
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

 

  • Very supportive
  • Fit accomodates most runners
  • Plush and cushioned
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New Balance 1080v12

 

  • Soft and tons of cushioning
  • Breathable
  • Soft heel design
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Best Overall Running Shoes for Narrow Feet

1. Brooks Ghost 15

The Brooks Ghost 15 running shoe is one of the best-selling running shoes on the market. It’s cushioned, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable. The soft, seamless upper molds to the shape of your foot with no stitching that might rub against your feet.

This running shoe comes with narrow widths, plus a large size range, to accommodate feet of all sizes. It uses soft cushioning in its midsole to keep you comfortable and supported during your run.

The Brooks Ghost 15 is designed to be breathable, using 3D-print engineered mesh upper to keep you dry and cool. This upper also includes specially made stretch and structure for added support and a great fit. On top of this, the shoe uses Flex Grooves to promote forefoot flexibility.

Like many of Brooks’ shoes, the Ghost 15 has a wide toe box. This shoe is great if you need a narrow midfoot and heel, but want some extra room around the toes.

PROS:

  • The width of the shoe is true to size
  • Lightweight
  • High levels of comfort and cushion
  • Good for heel pain

CONS:

  • Limited color options in narrow widths
 

Top Stability Shoe for Narrow Feet

2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

A stable but sleek running shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is designed to give runners the perfect balance of cushion and support.

The latest version uses engineered mesh in the upper to provide an excellent fit with a new, streamlined look. It also comes in equipped with guide rails for pronation control. These offer better support, reduce the weight of the shoe, and provide for better wear in the mid-and outer sole.

Coming in a narrow-fit option, runners will love the enhanced ride that utilizes softer cushioning, more flexibility, and better heel to toe transitions. This shoe is designed to give a smooth and soft ride.

While remaining comfortable and trendy, the GTS 23 gives runners reliable support through a guide rail system. This feature promotes body alignment, and the extra support will be great for those with more narrowly built feet. It’s primarily made for runners with low to flat arches who overpronate.

PROS:

  • Great arch support and overall support
  • Durable enough for daily use
  • Lightweight, sleek, and comfortable
  • Balanced and good transition

CONS:

  • Some users may find fit off from prior versions
 

Most Cushioned Narrow Running Shoe

3. New Balance 1080v12

The New Balance 1080v12 running shoes come in many width options, ranging from narrow to extra-wide. This is good news for those with narrow feet! Even better, 1080 is one of the most cushioned shoes available – and THE most cushioned shoe for narrow feet.

Using data derived from runners, New Balance has designed this running shoe to feature luxurious cushioning. This cushioning includes a full-length “Fresh Foam” midsole that works to absorb impact and provide a plush and comfortable ride.

Fresh Foam is unique in that it’s one piece of foam carved to fit the shoe, compared to most shoes that use multiple layers of foam glued together. This not only provides a unique feel to New Balance Fresh Foam shoes but results in a greener product as there is less waste generated during production. The Fresh Foam used in this shoe is New Balance’s softest, most responsive foam yet.

The 1080v12 is engineered with mesh to offer stretching support, breathability, and mild arch support. All around, this New Balance sneaker gently but firmly supports the whole foot.

PROS:

  • Good for Plantar Fasciitis
  • Very breathable, great for running any distance
  • Highly supportive and comfortable
  • Available in several widths, including narrow

CONS:

  • Heavier than other shoes
  • Can be a little stiff at first
 

Best New Balance Neutral Running Shoe

4. New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

New Balance’s 880v13 is designed as an everyday trainer and with great cushioning and fit.

A Fresh Foam midsole with a 32mm stack height at the heel and 22mm in the forefoot offers an effective shock-absorbing cushion with every footstrike. But it’s not too soft to be responsive, with good energy return on the heel-to-toe transition.

A lightweight, ventilated seamless mesh upper with large perforations keeps the feet cool in any weather.

The wide toe box has plenty of space for spreading the toes out, and a molded heel counter locks the foot down, preventing unnecessary movement—although some may find that it feels uncomfortably firm. And to round it off, the blown rubber sole offers excellent traction.

PROS:

  • Soft seamless upper
  • Molded external heel counter
  • Soft, responsive cushioning
  • Lightweight neutral daily trainer

CONS:

  • Some runners may feel that the heel counter is a little too firm
 

Best for Casual Wear and Running

5. New Balance 990v5

The New Balance 990v5 is an excellent choice for anyone who finds they have difficulty getting their size right. Like other New Balance running shoes, the 990v5 comes in a range of widths from extra narrow to extra, extra wide.

Runners with narrow feet will be happy to know that they don’t have to struggle with a one size fits all deal. They now have the choice of narrow or extra narrow!

The New Balance 990v5 prides itself on utilizing its iconic style and melding it with the perfect combination of cushioning and stability. The running shoe delivers great performance in both comfort and support, ensuring the best fit for the individual. It’s timeless look also makes it perfect for wearing around town as it does for pounding out some miles.

This is also one of the few running shoes that is made in the USA. It costs a bit more than other shoes, but this is due to higher production costs.

PROS:

  • Shoes come in narrow and extra narrow for all sized feet
  • Comfortable and supportive fit
  • Lightweight for ease of movement and a smooth run
  • Durable and lasting

CONS:

  • Narrow toe area may discomfort and blisters
  • Suede upper not very breathable
 

Top Motion Control Shoe for Narrow Feet

6. New Balance Made US 1540v3

These Made in the USA running are similar to the 990s, but with a sturdier, more supportive ride. They come in a wide range of sizes and widths, including narrow.

They are comfortable running shoes with a classic design that looks as good running as it does with a pair of jeans. They feature a breathable upper with several modest color options.

While these running shoes are heavier than others on this list, they provide a ton of support. If you have flat arches or you are just getting back into running, these are a good option.

The midsole features a cushioned layer of foam, plus the stability roll bar. The heel is well padded. There’s plenty of traction on the outer sole.

Like the 990s, these aren’t the cheapest shoes available. But they are comfortable, supportive, and feature Made in the USA durability.

PROS:

  • Great overall support
  • Made in the USA
  • Classic styling

CONS:

  • They run long – made need to order a half size smaller
 

Best Narrow Shoe for Walking and Running

7. Brooks Addiction GTS 15

The Brooks Addiction GTS 15 running shoes offers up the best support for a variety of sizes, including a range of width that goes from narrow to extra-wide.

The sneaker uses BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning that is designed to adapt to each runner’s individual stride. This technology makes it easy to tackle long-distance runs with excellent comfort or go for a walk around the block.

Along with comfort, this shoe provides maximum support throughout the whole body through its Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. This design helps to promote natural movement with extra control.

Equipped with a heel-segmented crash pad and a cushioned sock liner, this running shoe not only gives runners a smooth transition, but it adds extra-plush cushioning for a soft inner feel.

PROS:

  • Cushioning gives excellent soft comfort and support
  • Promotes body alignment and natural movement
  • Adaptable
  • Good for flat and and low arches

CONS:

  • Not recommended for high arches
  • Sizing tends to run small
 

Top New Balance Stability Shoe

8. New Balance Fresh Foam 860v11

The New Balance 860v11 comes in a range of narrow to extra-wide, making it a convenient option for runners who have narrow feet.

This shoe is designed to give runners premium stability and excellent cushioning. This means that you’ll get great support, ideal for runners who overpronate. The shoe uses a Fresh Foam midsole to enhance cushioning while staying lightweight.

The running shoe also features air mesh to maintain breathability, as well as a blown rubber outsole that gives huge amounts of shock absorption and stabilizing support.

A supersoft heel collar keeps your foot locked in while maintaining a comfortable fit around the Achilles area.

While providing all these features, New Balance has been proud to claim that they have not sacrificed style for quality. The shoes come in a stylish design.

PROS:

  • Upper feels soft and comfortable but still holds the foot in place
  • Heel design for comfort and secure fit
  • Great stability shoe in nice-looking design

CONS:

  • Average color selection
  • Some might not like the new heel design
 

Best All-Purpose Running Shoe

9. New Balance 840v4

This classic neutral running shoe by New Balance is cushioned, breathable, and comes in narrow widths and lots of sizes.

The seamless upper is cool and comfortable. Your feet won’t overheat when you run in this shoe. And the midsole cushioning provides plenty of padding while keeping the shoe lightweight.

Because these shoes don’t have built-in support, they are best for runners with medium to high arches who run with a neutral stride.

Overall, if you need a basic pair of running shoes, the 840s are a good option.

PROS:

  • Great fit and well-cushioned
  • Nicely priced
  • High-quality design

CONS:

  • Some users found they wore out faster than prior models
 

Top Narrow Running Shoe for Women

10. Asics GT-2000 11

The Asics GT-2000 11 is a great running shoe: cushioned, lightweight, and supportive. While it doesn’t come in a narrow width for men, the shoe is offered in a narrow “AA” for women. Combined with the snug heel fit, even the most narrow feet will stay locked in.

The GT-2000 uses Convergence GEL technology to deliver high amounts of cushioning in the heel and throughout the foot. The midsole features super-light Flytefoam with added EVA foam on top for a springy, responsive ride.

The seamless upper sheds additional weight compared to older models and provides a soft feel with plenty of airflow for increased breathability.

This running shoe also features a guidance line that helps runner perfect their stride and steps. These shoes are made for runners who overpronate and need some added stability.

PROS:

  • Gel technology gives extra comfort to the forefoot and heel
  • Run true to size
  • Different width options for different sizes
  • Narrower in midfoot for narrow-sized feet

CONS:

  • Midsole not as responsive as rest of shoe
 

Most Cushioned Running Shoe for Women

11. Brooks Glycerin 20

If you are looking for a supremely cushioned ride, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is the running shoe for you. This shoe is designed to give runners a soft, plush feel.

Like the ASICS GT-2000, this shoe is only offered in narrow in the women’s shoe (sorry, men!).

Despite being well-cushioned, the shoe has good flexibility and remains fairly lightweight. The soft design includes a plush transition zone in the outersole that ensures you have a smooth ride.

The midsole in the Glycerin 20 stays soft and plush but keeps the shoe responsive and durable. This model also provides an updated fit using a 3D stretch print saddle. The seamless upper encompasses the foot with a plush feel and comfortable fit.

The running shoe also features Air Mesh with a four-way stretch that is able to expand with your foot. This gives runners a breathable, dry run with the best ventilation. Additionally, the pressure zones integrated into this shoe will evenly disperse impact away from the body.

PROS:

  • Breathable stretch fabric for ventilation and dryness
  • Lightweight and flexible for easy and natural movement
  • Pressure zones mitigate impact
  • Different width options available
  • Plush materials give a snug and comfortable fit

CONS:

  • The toe box is reportedly too small for some
  • More expensive than some shoes
 

FAQs

What width size should I look for if I have narrow feet?

If you have narrow feet, you should look for an “AA” width size for women and “B” width size for men.

You’re looking for a shoe that has less space in the upper, which will help you have a more glove-like fit and assist in preventing unnecessary movements.

Also, when you switch to an AA or B width, the last of the shoe (i.e. the shape or outline of the shoe when you look at it from the bottom) gets narrower.

How come not all running shoes are made in narrow widths?

Not many people need narrow widths, so your options for running shoes in narrow widths are going to be limited. There are fewer models available because the market is smaller.

Why aren’t there more color choices for narrow sizes?

Similarly, you’re not going to see as many color choices for narrow sizes because many people don’t need narrow widths, so shoe companies make fewer colors in narrow width.

Are some brands known for being more narrow than others?

Yes, Nike and ASICS are known for being narrower than other brands – even if their standard medium widths. If you want an easy go-to for a narrow shoe, you should look into one of these two options.

Some people find that even if they need a narrow running shoe in New Balance or Brooks, they can get away with using a medium width from Nike or Asics because they run narrow.

Can I change the lacing to tighten running shoes for narrow feet?

Yes, there are lacing techniques for every foot type! If you need to tighten your shoe more than usual techniques to keep your foot snug, begin a standard lacing pattern – like how they come out of the box.

Using the top eyelet – the one that often goes unused – take the lace on the right side of the shoe and feed it across to the top eyelet on the same (right) side of the shoe. This creates a small loop. Repeat on the other side.

When you start to tie your shoes and cross the laces across the shoe, then feed them through each loop. The left lace will go through the right loop and vice versa. Pull down towards your heel, then up towards you to tighten them.

Then, tie them as you normally do. This will keep your feet snug in the heel of the shoe.

Ben Drew

Ben Drew

Ben is an avid road and trail runner, and has completed multiple marathons and ultras. A former running store owner, he now shares his knowledge and experience writing these articles.

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