The Best Wide Running Shoes

The best wide running shoes are the ones that actually come in more than one width. Our top pick is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15, which lists B, D, 2E and 4E widths, so it covers narrow through extra-wide feet and is often on sale. For a plusher ride, the New Balance 1080v15 offers the same four widths, and the Brooks Glycerin 23 comes in Regular, Wide and X-Wide.
A "wide" label is only half the story. Some shoes have a narrow, tapered toebox in the standard width, so a Wide helps, but others are roomy to begin with. We note the width options listed by each brand and independent testers, and flag where a toebox is known to run snug. Availability can vary by size, gender and colorway, so check the width selector before you fall in love with a color.
We have not tested these shoes. This is research from brand specs, lab data and owner feedback. If you want to filter by width, cushion and support in one go, use our running shoe finder.
| New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 | Brooks Glycerin 23 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 seen $114.99 | $175 | $155 |
| For | Men & women | Men & women | Men & women |
| Sizes | Men's US 7-16 (half sizes to 13, then 14-16) | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Fabric | - | - | - |
| Weight | 299 g (10.5 oz) | 303 g (10.7 oz) | 300 g (10.6 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 40.5 mm | 38 mm | 37 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 34.5 mm | 30 mm | 27 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft | Soft | Balanced |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Stability |
| Widths | B, D, 2E, 4E | Regular, Wide, X-Wide | Narrow, Regular, Wide, X-Wide |
| Plate | None | None | None |
| Best use | Daily | Daily | Daily |
| Comfort (our rating) | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Performance (our rating) | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Durability (our rating) | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Value (our rating) | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Returns | 45 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Check price | Check price | Check price |
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Our picks at a glance
Our picks, in detail
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's US 7-16 (half sizes to 13, then 14-16)
- Cushioning: Soft
- Support: Neutral
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 299 g (10.5 oz)
- Wide widths
New Balance has the widest range of any shoe here: B, D, 2E and 4E on its own page. That matters if you need more than a "Wide" label, since 4E is a true extra-wide fit. The 880v15 is a classic neutral daily trainer with a plush tongue and secure lockdown, and it lists at $149.99, though NB's page showed $114.99 and it is often discounted. NB calls it its most cushioned Fresh Foam experience. The trade-offs are weight, at 299 g in the men's, and a foam that RunRepeat says feels firmer than expected, with a durability concern for the outsole. Skip it if you want a light shoe, or if you plan to use it mostly for casual wear. Owner votes on RunRepeat call it slightly small, so confirm your size and the width together. Our New Balance 880v15 review covers fit.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's US 7-16 (13.5 missing)
- Cushioning: Soft
- Support: Neutral
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 261 g (9.2 oz)
- Wide widths
The 1080v15 is for runners and walkers who want maximum softness without giving up width options. It has the same B, D, 2E and 4E range as the 880, a premium knit upper and Infinion foam that RunRepeat measured as about 29% softer than the v14. It is much lighter than before at 261 g in the men's, and owners say it is true to size. At $169.99 it is among the pricier choices here, and NB excludes it from promotions. The downsides: the ultra-plush foam will not suit everyone, stability is limited and breathability is below average. Skip it if you run hot or want a stable platform. If you are on a budget, the 880v15 above gets you the same widths for less.
Brooks Glycerin 23
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured)
- Cushioning: Soft
- Support: Neutral
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 303 g (10.7 oz)
- Wide widths
The Glycerin 23 is the comfort-first choice with three widths: Regular, Wide and X-Wide. Testers rate its soft ride highly and praise the knit upper, strong heel lockdown and durability in wet and dry conditions. It is also popular with walkers and recovery runners. At about $175 at full price it is costly, and Brooks' 90-day Run Happy trial helps if the width is off. The trade-offs are that it is heavy at 303 g in the men's, has low energy return and lacks a gusseted tongue at this price. Owners say it runs slightly small, so consider your width and length together. Skip it if you want a light, fast shoe or you are shopping on a budget. Our Brooks Glycerin 23 review has more.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured)
- Cushioning: Balanced
- Support: Stability
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 300 g (10.6 oz)
- Wide widths
Runners who need a wide fit and some support will find the Adrenaline GTS 25 hard to beat. It offers Narrow, Regular, Wide and X-Wide, so the width range is as broad as it gets at Brooks, and GuideRails provide subtle guidance rather than a stiff feel. DNA Loft v3 foam is softer than version 24, and testers praise durability and traction. It costs about $155 at full price and is covered by Brooks' 90-day trial. The trade-offs are weight, at 300 g in the men's, and modest energy return, with a price that creeps up each year. Skip it if you want a light, springy shoe or you run neutral and like a snappy ride. See also our best stability running shoes.
HOKA Arahi 9
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured)
- Cushioning: Balanced
- Support: Stability
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 284 g (10.0 oz)
- Wide widths
The Arahi 9 is for runners who want stability without a corrective feel. HOKA uses an H-shaped frame in the midsole to guide the foot, and it comes in Regular, Wide and X-Wide. Lab testers praised its durability, and wet-road traction improved over the last version. It is about $155 at full price, and HOKA's Fly for 30 guarantee gives you 30 days. The downside is that it is heavier than the Arahi 8 at 284 g in the men's, has low energy return and the price rose versus the previous version. Skip it if you need strong motion control, or if you prefer a lighter, livelier shoe. Owner votes on RunRepeat call the fit true to size, though only a handful of owners have voted so far.
Nike Winflo 12
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured)
- Cushioning: Balanced
- Support: Neutral
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 305 g (10.8 oz)
- Wide widths
The Winflo 12 is the value play. It lists at about $110 at full price, which is the lowest price on this list, and the men's version comes in Regular, Wide and X-Wide (the women's in Normal and Wide). Reviewers describe a plush, stable ride with a durable outsole, and it works for long runs at an easy pace. Owners say it is true to size. The trade-off is weight: it is about 10.8 oz, or 305 g, in the men's, and it is not for fast running. Skip it if you want a light, speedy shoe. Nike's 60-day return window gives plenty of time to check that the width feels right at home. For more affordable choices see our best budget running shoes.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured)
- Cushioning: Soft
- Support: Neutral
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 281 g (9.9 oz)
- Wide widths
The Nimbus 28 is the max-cushion option with a stable feel. RunRepeat lists men's Normal, Wide and X-Wide and women's Narrow, Normal and Wide, though ASICS' own page showed a width selector without listing them, so check before buying. It has very good step-in comfort, high shock absorption and strong lockdown, and it is lighter than the Nimbus 27 at 281 g in the men's. At about $170 at full price it is costly, and this is the second consecutive US price increase. Skip it if you want bounce and speed, since energy return is poor, or if breathability is a priority. ASICS accepts returns within 90 days, which gives you time to test the width. Fit is reported as true to size.
Nike Structure 26
- Men & women
- Sizes Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured)
- Cushioning: Balanced
- Support: Stability
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
- Weight: 298 g (10.5 oz)
- Wide widths
The Structure 26 is Nike's mild stability trainer. RunRepeat lists Narrow, Regular, Wide and X-Wide, and testers describe outstanding durability, a plush upper and ReactX foam that replaces Cushlon. It costs about $155 men's and $145 women's at full price. The compromises: it is not light at 298 g in the men's, breathability is limited, outsole coverage is reduced and owners say it fits slightly small. Skip it if you run hot or want a light shoe. Widths come from RunRepeat, so confirm availability on the product page. If you need a wide fit and want stability, it is an alternative to the Brooks and HOKA options above, with a 60-day return window to help. Reviewers also note the compact, mildly supportive build, so it suits steady daily miles and walking better than workouts that demand a light, flexible shoe.
How to choose wide running shoes
Understand width labels. Brands use different systems. New Balance's page lists B as narrow, D as standard, 2E as wide and 4E as extra-wide. Brooks, HOKA, Nike, ASICS and Saucony mostly say Regular, Wide and X-Wide. Because the labels differ between men's and women's, check the exact width listed for your size.
Check the toebox, not just the label. A Wide width in a tapered shoe may still feel tight at the toes. Lab data flagged narrow toeboxes in shoes such as the HOKA Clifton 11 and Nike Vomero 18 in their standard widths, which is why we list a range of shoes here.
Do not size up to get width. Going up a half or full size can cause heel slip and add length you do not need. Order the Wide instead, and use the return window if the length feels right but the width does not.
Mind the stack and weight. Wide-width shoes often feel more stable, but several of our picks are on the heavy side, between 261 g and 305 g in the men's. That is fine for daily miles and walking, but if you also want a fast shoe, pair one of these with something lighter for workouts.
Think about cushion and support. A wide foot can still want a stable, firm ride or a plush one. Our cushioned running shoes list covers soft options, and the stability list helps if you want guidance.
Look at the return policy. Fit is personal and widths vary in stock. Brooks gives 90 days, ASICS 90 days, Nike 60 days, New Balance 45 days and HOKA 30 days.
How we picked
We have not tested these shoes. Our picks come from product records built from brand pages, retailer listings and independent lab data such as RunRepeat. We required an actual width range, then considered cushion, support, weight, price and durability. Widths are summarized from brands and testers, so double-check on the retailer page. Read our methodology for how we estimate ratings.
How wide shoes should feel
A good wide fit lets your toes spread without sliding forward, and it holds your heel firmly in place. If your foot spills over the footbed, you need more width. If your heel lifts or your foot slides around, you have too much volume or length. Check both while walking, going downstairs and jogging in place. Try shoes later in the day, when feet are at their largest, and wear the socks you run in. Brands also differ in whether men's and women's versions share widths, and some colorways are only produced in standard. If a width is sold out, ask a store to special-order it, or check the brand's site.
A note on foot comfort
If you have bunions, swelling or persistent foot pain, a wider shoe may feel more comfortable, but it is not a treatment. See a podiatrist for personalized advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best running shoe for wide feet?
For most wide-footed runners, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 is our top pick because it comes in B, D, 2E and 4E at a price that is often reduced. The Brooks Glycerin 23 and Adrenaline GTS 25 are strong alternatives with Wide and X-Wide options. Check the width selector for your size.
What does 2E or 4E mean in running shoes?
On New Balance's page, B is narrow, D is standard, 2E is wide and 4E is extra-wide. Other brands do not use letters, and some say Regular, Wide and X-Wide, so use each brand's own chart and compare it with your foot measurement.
Should I size up in running shoes if I have wide feet?
Usually it is better to choose a Wide width than to size up. A longer shoe can cause heel slip and feel clumsy. Try the Wide at your normal length, leave about a thumb's width in front of your longest toe and use a retailer with an easy return policy.
Are wide running shoes good for walking too?
Many are. Cushioned shoes like the New Balance 880v15 and Brooks Glycerin 23 are tagged for walking in our data. For a walking-focused list with wide widths, see our best walking shoes. If you have ongoing foot pain, see a podiatrist.
Do wide running shoes cost more?
Usually not. Most brands charge the same price for standard and wide widths, though some colorways or sizes may not be offered in Wide. Our picks range from about $110 for the Nike Winflo 12 to about $175 for the Brooks Glycerin 23 at full price. Sales can change the picture, so compare prices.


