If you have wide feet, you’ve been there: trying on one pair of running shoes after another, adjusting the laces, trying desperately to find something that doesn’t feel like it’s giving your big toe and your pinky a too-tight hug. As a runner and a mom who's always chasing after my unbelievably energetic seven-year-old, I get it. I grew tired of seeing the outer corner of the toe box on my running shoes wear out before the rest of the shoe (if you have wide feet, you understand), and I started prioritizing wide-toe-box shoes that feel comfortable and hold up over time.
To find the best wide-toe-box shoes, we tested 100+ pairs for comfort, fit, quality, design, and value. We worked closely with experts, including podiatric physical therapist Brandon Park, PT, DPT, and physical therapist Jared Einhorn, to develop a rigorous testing process that enabled us to identify the best wide-toe-box shoes on the market today. Our experts advised us on the importance of a mesh upper for comfort, as well as a wide design that goes beyond simply choosing a shoe in a wide size. With their guidance, our testing team put in thousands of miles to determine the absolute best options for every activity.
Top Picks
Best Overall for Women
Topo Athletic Ultrafly 5
Moderate arch support
Versatile for runners
Soft, stretchy upper for a custom-like fit
Some may prefer more cushioning
Key Specs
Sizes: Women's 6-12 (medium, wide), Men's 7-15 (medium, wide) Weight: Women's 8 ounces, Men's 9.9 ounces Materials: Recycled mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: 5 millimeters Best For: Running, walking Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners and walkers who want a custom-like fit to train across various surfaces and distances.
Why We Love Them
Topo’s Athletic Women’s Ultrafly 5 Shoes are exceptionally comfortable and supportive. During testing, we appreciated the roomy toe box that’s designed to mimic the natural shape of the foot—ideal if you need more space in the toe box but not necessarily a wide-width shoe. Plus, the soft, stretchy upper delivers flexibility for a comfy, custom-like fit.
During test runs, we noticed ample space for our toes to splay, preventing flare-ups of one tester’s Morton's neuroma, or foot numbness. Our feet remained secure without sliding during both easy and intense runs, including long distances. We also appreciated the shoe's moderate arch support, which provides stability without overcorrecting our stride.
Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Road Runner Sports, and Zappos.
Potential Flaws
- While we found this pair comfortable and supportive for running, some wearers may prefer more cushioning.
Most Valuable Insight
“These are the first wide-toe-box shoes that don't aggravate my Morton's neuroma and don't give me blisters. They will probably become my go-to for regular and long runs.” —Anisa A., Verywell Fit product tester
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Ultrafly 5 provides ample space for toes to splay, preventing Morton's neuroma. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Feet remained secure in the Topo without sliding during easy and intense runs. Credit: Verywell Fit -
A soft, stretchy upper on the Topo delivers flexibility for a custom-like fit. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Topo Athletic Ultrafly 5 shoes are exceptionally comfortable and supportive. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Ultrafly 5's roomy toe box is designed to mimic the natural shape of the foot. Credit: Verywell Fit -
Moderate arch support in the Ultrafly 5 provides stability without overcorrecting. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best Overall for Men
Altra Experience Flow 2
No break-in period
Breathable
Lightweight
May be too cushioned for some
Lacks arch support for flat feet
Key Specs
Sizes: Men's 7-15 (medium, wide, extra-wide), Women's 5.5-12 (medium) Weight: Men's 8.15 ounces, Women's 7.05 ounces Materials: Engineered mesh upper, lightweight foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: High Drop: 4 millimeters Best For: Walking Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a super-cushioned shoe to support them while walking and running errands.
Why We Love Them
These shoes offer a ton of comfort from the get-go, with a high level of cushioning and no break-in period. Our tester loved the roomy toe box that made these shoes a perfect fit for walking and running errands. He said that his toes felt free yet stable, and he didn’t experience the same pressure he usually feels in the toe box with other shoes.
Designed for naturally wide feet, Altra’s Men’s Experience Flow 2 has a breathable mesh upper, with laces that are easy to tighten to create a secure, customized fit. The front footbed design also allowed our tester to get a solid push off with each step forward.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Altra, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Potential Flaws
- This pair’s high level of cushioning makes them less responsive than other shoes, which makes them better for walking than running or weightlifting.
- The soft cushioned footbed may lower energy return on walks, which could lead to foot fatigue for some.
Most Valuable Insight
“The shoes were comfortable right from the start and required no break-in period, unlike narrower shoes. My toes felt free and stable while walking, and I experienced relief from pressure.” –Peter K., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Zero-Drop
WHITIN Wide Toe Box + Zero Drop Sole Road Running Shoes
Lightweight feel
Soft, flexible upper for custom-like fit
Reflective elements for visibility
Some may prefer more cushioning
Lacks arch support for high or low arches
Key Specs
Sizes: Men's 8-13 (wide), Women's 5-11 (wide) Weight: Not listed Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Lightweight, responsive Drop: 0 millimeters Best For: Walking, cross-training Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best if you prefer a zero-drop shoe for walking, road running, and casual wear.
Why We Love Them
If you prefer a zero-drop shoe and need a wide toe box, we love WHITIN’s Road Running Shoes. During testing, we were impressed by the shoe’s sturdiness, especially given its sleek style and lightweight feel. We love that the design mimics your natural foot shape, providing plenty of room around the toes and allowing for a more natural stride.
The soft, breathable upper makes the shoe comfortable for long walks or all-day wear, while the durable rubber outsole delivers reliable traction. We also like the shoe’s reflective elements—a convenient feature for running or walking safely at night.
Also available in women's sizes at Amazon.
Potential Flaws
- Since cushioning is minimal, this pair may not work if you prefer thick, plush comfort in a running shoe.
- This shoe doesn’t offer much arch support, so it may not be a good option if you have high arches or flat feet.
Most Valuable Insight
“I find these shoes to be sturdy and enjoyable to wear as everyday shoes. I think the quality holds up well under wear and tear.” —Jared A., Verywell Fit product tester
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The Whitin Road Running Shoes impressed testers with their sturdiness despite a lightweight feel. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Whitin's design mimics natural foot shape, providing plenty of room around toes. Credit: Verywell Fit -
A soft, breathable upper makes the Whitin shoes comfortable for long walks or all-day wear. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Whitin's minimal cushioning may not work for those preferring plush comfort. Credit: Verywell Fit -
A durable rubber outsole on these Whitin shoes delivers reliable traction for daily use. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Walking
MBT Sport 4 II
Excellent arch support
Very comfortable
Rocker sole promotes efficient strides
May be too heavy for running
Key Specs
Sizes: Women's 6-11, Men's 5-12.5 Weight: Not listed Materials: Mesh and synthetic leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: Not listed Best For: Walking Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best if you’re trying to increase your step count or already walk 10,000 steps daily.
Why We Love Them
If you’re an avid walker or trying to become one, MBT’s Sport 4 II Shoe delivers the comfort, support, and reliable traction you need for safe high-mileage treks. And with a spacious toe box, there’s plenty of room for wide feet. We wore them for hours, and our feet felt comfortable and well-supported thanks to the cushioned foam midsole.
As we clocked miles, we also noticed that the shoe’s rocker shape propelled us forward, promoting a more efficient stride. Plus, the upper’s blend of breathable mesh and durable leather delivers a lightweight yet sturdy feel. We also love the shoe’s chunky style, so much so that we consistently preferred this pair over others.
Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and MBT.
Potential Flaws
- We found these shoes best for walking, but they felt slightly too heavy for running.
Most Valuable Insight
“The shoe accommodates my wider-splayed toes very well and allows for a wide range of movement. They have an insole built in that supports my flat feet in a great way, and my feet tend to feel better after a normal day of walking than with other shoes.” —Kelly B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Sport 4 II's rocker shape propelled testers forward, promoting efficient stride. Credit: Verywell Fit -
A cushioned foam midsole in the MBT kept feet comfortable for hours of wear. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These MBT shoes have a blend of breathable mesh and leather for a lightweight yet sturdy feel. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The MBT Sport 4 II delivers comfort and support needed for safe high-mileage treks. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The MBT Sport 4 II offers plenty of room for wide feet with its spacious toe box. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The MBT Sport 4 II has a cool, chunky style along with its comfort and support. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Cross-Training
Asics Women's Gel-Cumulus 27
Good arch support
Super-lightweight and breathable
Responsive, comfortable cushioning
Not ideal for those who prefer a more structured fit
Key Specs
Sizes: Women's 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide), Men's 6-16 (medium, wide, extra wide) Weight: Women's 8.1 ounces, Men's 9.3 ounces Materials: Recycled engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, foam and rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: 8 millimeters Best For: Running, walking, cross-training Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for exercisers who appreciate a lightweight shoe with solid arch support that can handle long walks, runs, and gym sessions.
Why We Love Them
Asics’ Gel Cumulus 27 Sneakers feel like a Goldilocks hug around the arch of the foot—not too loose, not too tight, just right. The roomy toe box immediately adjusts to meet the unique contours of the foot, making this a perfect fit for those who experience discomfort with overly structured toe boxes. We love their instantly broken-in fit, which doesn’t require the awkward period between buying new shoes and making them the most comfortable option in your closet.
The comfortable cushioning offers the perfect balance of foot protection while allowing you to connect with the ground, making these shoes a great fit for long walks, road running, and urban adventures alike. Plus, they feel super lightweight, breathable, and responsive, whether we wear them walking around town all day, at the gym, or while running on uneven roads. Bonus: The elastic heel loop makes it easy to put these shoes on and take them off.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Asics.
Potential Flaws
- We found this shoe incredibly comfortable, thanks to its toe box that contours to the foot; however, it might offer too little structure for those who prefer a stiffer shoe.
Most Valuable Insight
“I love wearing these on walks around town and on longer road runs. They’re super lightweight and provide solid arch support, and I especially love how well the wide toe box contours to my feet for a truly customized fit.” —Amanda B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Our tester loves wearing Asics on walks around town and longer road runs. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 feels like a Goldilocks hug around the arch of the foot. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 27's wide toe box contours to feet for a customized fit experience. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Gel-Cumulus 27 offers an instantly broken-in fit without any awkward adjustment period. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The comfortable cushioning in these Asics offers perfect balance of foot protection. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The roomy toe box of the Gel-Cumulus 27 immediately adjusts to meet foot contours. Credit: Verywell Fit -
The Gel-Cumulus 27 provides solid arch support with lightweight construction. Credit: Verywell Fit -
These Asics feel super lightweight, breathable, and responsive for all-day wear. Credit: Verywell Fit
Best for Running
On Running Cloudrunner 2 Wide
Lightweight
Rocker bottom sole
Cushioned heel
The toe box may be too wide for some
Outsole may trap stones during outdoor workouts
Key Specs
Sizes: Men's 7-15 (wide), Women's 5-12 (wide) Weight: Men's 9.9 ounces, Women's 8.2 ounces Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: 10 millimeters Best For: Short runs, gym workouts Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners who prefer a lightweight shoe and need an extremely roomy toe box.
Why We Love Them
Stylish and cushioned with a super-wide toe box, On Running’s Men’s Cloudrunner 2 Wide stood out as the clear winner for the best running shoes with a wide toe box. Our tester said that these shoes didn’t require a break-in period and were extremely comfortable to wear from the start. He also loved how light they were, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
The rocker bottom sole of the Cloudrunner 2 Wide also made this shoe a standout, as it helped to create a smoother stride. The cushioned heel provided plenty of stability, making it a good fit for speedy runs on the trail, road, or treadmill. Our tester also appreciated that this shoe wasn’t bulky, unlike some other brands that offer a rocker-bottom sole.
Also available in women’s sizes at On Running and Backcountry.
Potential Flaws
- The toe box of these shoes is super wide, to the point that it may cause instability for some.
- The outsole of the shoe can catch stones if you’re running outdoors.
Most Valuable Insight
“I really like the unique outsole that mimics a “cloud,” as well as the thoughtful use of color and design that make this a very stylish shoe. The rocker bottom helps alleviate toe pain by promoting a smoother stride, while the cushioned heel cradles the foot for added support and stability.” –Jimmy V., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Cushioned
Altra Women's Paradigm 8
Super comfortable
Breathable
Cloud-like cushioning
No grip off-pavement
Mesh exterior gets dirty easily
Key Specs
Sizes: Women's 5.5-12 (medium, wide), Men's 7-15 (medium, wide) Weight: Women's 8.6 ounces, Men's 8.6 ounces Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: High Drop: 0 millimeters Best For: Running on paved surfaces, recovery workouts Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for those seeking a supremely comfortable shoe for pavement running and/or recovery days.
Why We Love Them
Altra’s Women’s Paradigm 8 easily snagged our top spot for the best cushioned shoes with a wide toe box, thanks to the cloud-like comfort of its foam midsole. While these shoes are a great fit for road running, they’re also like a hug for your feet following a long run. The wide toe box gives the forefoot area plenty of room to breathe before tapering off to a narrower midsection, offering stability and support for the rest of the foot.
Our tester said that she didn’t just love these while running–she also put them to the test during a 14-hour road trip and couldn’t get over how comfortable her feet felt from start to finish. If you typically struggle with toenail issues or toe pain when wearing shoes after a long run, these are a great fit for helping you stay comfortable with swollen feet. An important note: our tester mentioned that these shoes run big, so you may want to order half a size down from your normal shoe size.
Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Altra, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- While these shoes have enough traction for road running, they’re not grippy enough for other terrains, like trails.
- The mesh exterior of these shoes made them super breathable, but it was hard to keep them clean.
Most Valuable Insight
“They’re very breathable and comfortable. Wearing them after a long run is heavenly because they don’t rub against my bruised and battered toes.” –Anja V., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best for Standing All Day
On Running Cloudsurfer Next Wide
Breathable
Firm cushioning
Durable upper mesh exterior
Heavier than other options
Doesn’t offer much ankle support
Key Specs
Sizes: Women's 5-12 (wide), Men's 7-15 (wide) Weight: Women's 8.1 ounces, Men's 9.8 ounces Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: 6 millimeters Best For: Walking, errands, standing Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
People who need comfortable shoes with firm cushioning for standing and walking.
Why We Love Them
On Running’s Women’s Cloudsurfer Next Wide is the perfect fit for teachers, nurses, and anyone else who needs to spend the day on their feet. Whether you’re standing for most of the work day or you’re rushing from one appointment to the next, the firm cushioning of these running shoes can help to fight foot fatigue as you move through your day. We also love that this pair is very breathable, making it a great fit for long walks in warm weather.
The Cloudsurfer Next Wide provides ample support, and our tester found that it showed few signs of wear and tear over time (other than some creasing near the toe box). Reviewers of the shoe say that there’s no break-in period, allowing you to enjoy your new shoes straight out of the box. An important note: our tester said these shoes ran a bit on the small side, so you’ll want to size up by about a half size for a comfortable fit.
Available in men’s sizes at On.
Potential Flaws
- This shoe doesn’t offer a ton of ankle stability, which may make it a bad fit for running and other intense workouts.
- Our tester found that this shoe felt heavy, making it a better fit for walking than running.
Most Valuable Insight
“These shoes were pretty comfortable for all-day wear. Since the cushion is on the firmer side, it is ideal for people who have to stand for long periods of time.” –Verywell Fit product tester
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Bonus Favorite
While we didn't personally test this shoe, it's a favorite among tennis players seeking a wider toe box, and it has many of the same qualities of our top, tested pairs. If you're looking for tennis shoes with a wide toe box, we highly recommend this pair.
Best Lightweight
Topo Athletic Cyclone 3
Super breathable
Padded tongue for extra comfort
Stable during runs
Thin outsole
May not have enough cushioning for some
Key Specs
Sizes: Men's 8-13 (medium), Women's 6-11 (medium) Weight: Men's 6.9 ounces, Women's 5.5 ounces Materials: Polyester mesh upper, polymer midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: 5 millimeters Best For: Tempo runs, hot weather runs, racing, walking Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a lightweight, breathable shoe for tempo runs or short- to medium-distance racing.
Why We Love Them
When you’re heading out for a tempo run (or you’re lacing up for a race), you want a light shoe that won’t weigh you down—and we found that Topo’s Men’s Athletics Cyclone 3 is a great fit for those who want a light, airy shoe with plenty of room in the toe box. Our tester said that these shoes were super-breathable, making them perfect for hot-weather runs. The roomy forefoot offered plenty of space for comfort while still providing stability.
Our tester said that he often struggles with foot swelling, and loved that he had plenty of wiggle room in the toe box of these shoes, even when running in hot weather. The adjustable laces allowed him to create a secure fit despite the wide toe box. Stability was also a huge plus—the Cyclone 3 performed well on uneven terrain, including hilly pavement.
Potential Flaws
- The outsole of this shoe is fairly thin, leading our tester to believe that it may not last as long as others.
- While there is plenty of cushioning in the heel area, our tester wished there were more cushioning in the forefront of the shoe.
Most Valuable Insight
“The design accommodated my foot shape well, allowing my toes to splay naturally. They also felt comfy, even when my feet swelled a bit in intense heat and during longer runs. They also have a nice heel-to-toe drop, ideal for tempo runs.” –Andy A., Verywell Fit product tester
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Most Versatile
Saysh The Felix Runner
Good arch support
Cushioning plus stability
No break-in period
Shoelaces may be too short for some
May not be flexible enough for some
Key Specs
Sizes: Women's 5-13 (medium) Weight: Women's 10.5 ounces Materials: Polyester knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Cushioning: Moderate Drop: 9.5 millimeters Best For: Road running, trail running, hiking, workouts, errands Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for women who want a wide shoe that offers both structure and comfort for running, workouts, and errands.
Why We Love Them
From the moment we laced up Saysh’s Women’s The Felix Runner, we were sold. The instant arch support felt like a hug. And the high-end materials, bright design, and spacious toe box set this shoe apart. It was uber-comfortable immediately, requiring no break-in period, and was a great fit for running daily errands and hitting the trails.
While some wide-toe-box shoes lack stability, this is where the Felix Runner truly stood out. Even though there was plenty of wiggle room in the toe box, the structure and support of the rest of the shoe made it great for tackling rocky paths, uneven sidewalks, and more. These were also super-breathable, but somehow managed to provide plenty of warmth on chilly morning runs.
Potential Flaws
- Some reviewers say that the laces of Saysh’s Felix runner are too short.
- Some also say that these shoes are too structured, and would feel more comfortable if the materials offered more flexibility.
Most Valuable Insight
“These shoes are so crazy comfortable that I'm a little annoyed I didn't find them sooner. The extra room in the toe box is amazing without leaving me feeling like I am sliding around in my shoes. I wore these for short walks, long runs, and everything in between, and they were absolutely perfect for every activity.” –Amanda B., Verywell Fit product tester
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Best Tennis Shoes
New Balance 806 V1 Tennis Shoe
If you're looking for wide-toe-box tennis shoes, look no further than these New Balance Women's 806 V1s. The tennis shoes are available in wide and extra-wide options, leaving you plenty of room to wiggle your toes and plant your feet firmly on the court during a match.
Great for overpronators, these shoes have motion-control features that help prevent ankle rolls during fast pivots. Plus, the non-marking, patterned rubber outsole will keep you from slipping and will work for both indoor and outdoor courts.
The shoes also come in men's sizes at Amazon and New Balance.
Wide Toe Box Shoes We Also Tested
We tested over 100 sneakers to find the best wide-toe-box shoes on the market today. There were some we tested that had a few good features, but didn’t quite meet the criteria to make our list.
- Topo Athletics’ Women's Vista Wide shoe looked great and seemed to be made of super-durable materials, but our tester found that it felt uneven while walking, to the point where she didn’t feel comfortable continuing to wear the shoe.
- Flux Footwear’s Women's Adapt Knit Trainers were durable, breathable, and lightweight, but failed to deliver in the comfort category. Our tester said she was able to feel her foot strike with every step, and experienced uncomfortable rubbing that left her feet feeling beat up after wear.
- Adidas’ Women's Supernova Rise 2 Running Shoes were aesthetically pleasing, but weren’t able to stand the test of time. Our tester’s shoes tore after less than 10 miles, and she found that they caused serious blisters.
What We’ve Updated
We continually put in the work to ensure that we provide you with recommendations for the best shoes on the market today. Since last updating our list of top picks, we:
- Tested 10 new shoes, bringing our total pairs of shoes tested to over 100.
- Interviewed two new experts, including Dr. Park, who helped us develop our new testing methodology.
- We replaced five of our previous recommendations and added two new shoes to our list of top picks, based on further testing and new releases.
What to Look for When Shopping for Wide Toe Box Shoes
We worked with a number of experts to learn more about what you should look for in wide-toe-box shoes. Here’s what top podiatrists and other experts in the field recommend you keep in mind:
- Toe Box Shape: When shopping for shoes with a wide toe box, choose styles that conform to your natural foot shape and avoid those that taper at the front, says podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM. He suggests tracing your foot on a piece of paper and placing the shoe over the tracing. If your foot outline extends beyond the shoe, especially at the toe box, the shoe is too narrow. For the best fit, he suggests looking for foot-shaped or anatomical designs.
- Shoe Type: Some shoes are for casual wear, while others are designed for specific activities, from fitness walking to gym workouts. For running outside on the pavement, choose a flexible, well-cushioned running shoe with a breathable upper. Einhorn recommends looking for a stretchable upper for maximum comfort. If you plan on wearing your shoes on uneven or slippery terrain, opt for a pair with textured rubber outsoles.
- Durability: When choosing shoes, pick ones made with high-quality uppers and outsole materials—like leather or mesh uppers and sturdy rubber outsoles—since these will last the longest. You should also look for reinforced stitching in high-wear areas, including the toe box. Cunha says you can tell if the toe box is reinforced if it resists compression when pressed down on with your thumb. Podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, adds that the toe box can also have protective coatings like a laminate for added durability.
- Personal Preferences: When choosing a shoe, consider your tastes and preferences. Do you like a plush feel or firm cushioning? Do you need a high level of arch support? Do you prefer a sleek, stylish shoe or one that’s wider, more hefty, and rugged-looking? You’ll also want to consider your personal tapering preferences, according to Park. He says that it’s important to find shoes that naturally fit the taper of your foot, rather than changing sharply from a wide toe box to a narrow midfoot area.
How We Tested the Wide Toe Box Shoes
To find the best wide-toe-box shoes, we tested dozens of pairs, wearing them while taking long walks, running indoors and outdoors, hiking, working, and more. In addition to evaluating the comfort level of the wide toe box of each shoe, we also considered additional factors to ensure we’re providing well-rounded picks. When testing wide-toe-box shoes, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.
- Fit: When we first put the shoes on, we assess whether the toe box is wide enough to accommodate our foot's natural shape and width. As we walk and run in them, we consider the following: Is there any tingling, numbness, or irritation? Do the shoes feel secure? Are we stable, or do our feet slide around?
- Comfort: Your shoes must provide comfort during extended wear. Next, we assess how the wide toe box enhances overall comfort: Do we experience foot fatigue or discomfort during activities like walking or working out? Is the upper material soft and flexible, and do we sense any pressure points or irritating seams? We also evaluate whether the shoe's cushioning and support meet our expectations for all-day comfort.
- Quality: When we first try on the shoes, we inspect them for any manufacturing flaws or defects in their construction or materials. We also evaluate the quality of features, such as the laces, eyelets, and soles. Throughout the testing period, we assess whether the shoes retain their shape and structural integrity or display signs of wear and tear.
- Design: When testing each pair, we assess how well the shoes' design accommodates various foot shapes and sizes, including differences in toe splay and width. We also consider if shoes feature any functional design elements, such as adjustable straps or breathable mesh panels, that enhance their usability, overall functionality, or appeal.
- Value: We don't check the price until our testing is complete to assess each pair's value fairly and accurately. We then assess whether we’d pay the full price or possibly more. We only recommend shoes that we’d wear regularly or personally purchase ourselves.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts advised us on what key features to look for in a quality pair of wide toe box shoes and what to avoid. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.
- Brandon Park, PT, DPT, podiatric physical therapist at Gotham Footcare in New York City
- Jared Einhorn, DPT, podiatric physical therapist at Gotham Footcare in New York City
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center in New York City
- Michelle Castiello, DPM, podiatrist at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York
- Anne Sharkey, DPM, podiatrist at North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas
- Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my toe box is wide enough?
When trying on shoes, pay attention to how much room your toes have. They're wide enough if you can comfortably splay them without feeling squished, says Sharkey. It's also a good idea to try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet may be a bit swollen, says Cunha. If your toes feel cramped in your shoes, it's not only uncomfortable but may also lead to foot conditions, including calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes), and more.
Are wide toe box shoes better for your feet?
Wide-toe-box shoes may be better for your feet if you have foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes. Plus, wide-toe-box shoes can help with stability and balance, even if you don't have foot conditions, says Valencia.
How should wide toe box shoes fit?
Wide-toe-box shoes should fit comfortably without feeling too loose or tight. The rear of the shoe should fit snugly, and your heels shouldn’t slip out while you walk or run. If your toes feel squished without any room to spread out, the toebox is too narrow, but if you splay your toes and they don't touch the sides of the shoe, the toe box may be too wide, says Sharkey.
What are the shoe brands with the best wide toe box sneakers?
On Running, Altra, New Balance, and Topo Athletics all make shoes that are well-suited for people who need a wide toe box. That being said, it’s important to try shoes on and see what feels best for your foot, rather than choosing a shoe based solely on the brand.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Amanda Berkey, M.Ed., has worked at Verywell Fit since 2022 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a former personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she specializes in testing fitness equipment and recovery gear, including gym towels, Pilates mats, vibrating foam rollers, running shoes, and more. For this roundup, she used her expertise and tested several wide-toe-box shoes to recommend high-quality options to Verywell Fit readers.
Additional reporting contributed by Christine Luff and Gabby Applebury
As a Verywell Fit writer, certified personal trainer, running coach, and avid runner, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, understands the importance of getting the right shoe fit for optimal comfort and performance. Christine frequently recommends Altra and Topo running shoes to her trainees who have wide feet or a history of bunions.
Gabrielle Applebury is a runner and the former associate editor for Verywell Fit. She covers topics such as targeted workouts and fitness gear, and has tested various types of workout equipment, apparel, and shoes, including walking and running shoes. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing.
