Running Shoes with a Wide Toebox

[zoom-zoom]

I used to be a die-hard NB gal, D/Wide widths. Unfortunately, when they swapped their SL-1 last for the newer PL-1 last even their wide shoes were sometimes narrower than other manufacturer's mediums.

I wear the Nike Lunarfly+ on the road and Mizuno Wave Ascend for trails. I may go back to NB for trails when they come out with the Minimus, though. I want something more minimal, but with a wide toebox (the Mizuno is an almost perfect fit, but is a bit clunky, I find).

You didn't state what sort of shoe you need, but the Nike Lunarglide tends to have a pretty roomy toebox. It ended up being too much shoe for me, but it really fit nicely. Nike doesn't do widths on a lot of shoes, but their shoes run wider than they did a few years back, from what I have been told.

Saucony also comes in widths with many of their models. Their heels tend to slip on me, otherwise I would probably really like their shoes.

[GLC1968]

There are no traditional running shoes wide enough and short enough for my foot, so I now run in VFF's or Terra Plana shoes.

Prior to that, I was a fan of certain NB shoes (all of which are now outdated and no longer made). I used to be able to wear a 6.5 D...but now even that size is too narrow for me.

Kirsten - I'm really surprized about the Nike Lunarfly shoes! I've NEVER had luck with any of their shoes because they ran so narrow. Interesting to learn that it's changed in recent years (I haven't tried Nike shoes in 7+ years).

[sjane]

I run in Feelmax Osmas, which have a great roomy toebox, but are also very minimal -- which may or may not be what you're looking for.

[7rider]

I don't have much experience with a lot of running shoes, but when I tried on a bunch of recommended shoes at a local running store - the shoe that seemed to me to have the most room in the toes - and the pair I got - were the Asics Gel Evolution 5s. They are maximum support for flat footed over pronators like me.

[zoom-zoom]

Kirsten - I'm really surprized about the Nike Lunarfly shoes! I've NEVER had luck with any of their shoes because they ran so narrow. Interesting to learn that it's changed in recent years (I haven't tried Nike shoes in 7+ years).

The Lunarfly is still narrower than the Lunarglide, but I can get by in either. Maybe they just stretch a bit more than other makes. I'm still pretty mad at NB for ever ruining the best shoe ever--the 902. Dear gawd, I loved that shoe. The 903 was a weird fit and the 904 on the new last was a horrible fit for me--to get it wide enough it was 2 sizes too long. I gave up on NB after trying 3 different shoes on the new last and not liking the fit of any of them. Before that I could pretty much buy any NB shoe in an 8D and know it would fit my foot perfectly.

[Ambikes]

Thanks for all the replies so far! I knew there were a bunch of us around here

You didn't state what sort of shoe you need.

I'm looking for a road shoe. I don't need a corrective shoe, but I do still run in a regular cushioned one. I've got a pair of VFFs that I've been doing short trail runs on, but I'm really not ready to do the kind of mileage I need to in a minimalist shoe right now!

I have a relatively high arch too.

Hi! Which Supernova shoe do you wear? (There are a few, Riot, Ride, etc etc)..

From what I can tell, they are an older Sequence 2 model. I bought them this season, but I think that we're little behind the US and Canadian coastal areas here in Saskatoon! I like these shoes, but I could stand a little extra room in the toe box. That problem isn't going to go away with additional miles.

It's nice to get some advice before going to the store. I swear I have to try on every shoe in the store when I need new footwear of any kind.

[jessmarimba]

I'd recommend Asics as well - I can't remember the specific model I used to wear (it isn't made anymore) but that's the only brand of shoe I've ever needed a narrow width in because of how much room they had.

[zoom-zoom]

Speaking of NB-- I just spoke with a rep today. Zoom-Zoom, they are coming out (or maybe just came out with?) a shoe thats neutral and meant to rival the Lunar series in Nike. It might be another option for you to look at! NB is also getting ready to change all the numbers and keep them that way... thank goodness. I can't keep them all straight!

Ooh, nice--when might these be available? I wish they would come out with names of some sort, like everyone else. But if they at least came out with #s and then did something like 902-2, 902-3, etc....at least that would make sense. That recycling once they get through the # series makes things even more confusing.

[nscrbug]

Thanks for all the replies so far! I knew there were a bunch of us around here



I'm looking for a road shoe. I don't need a corrective shoe, but I do still run in a regular cushioned one. I've got a pair of VFFs that I've been doing short trail runs on, but I'm really not ready to do the kind of mileage I need to in a minimalist shoe right now!

I have a relatively high arch too.



From what I can tell, they are an older Sequence 2 model. I bought them this season, but I think that we're little behind the US and Canadian coastal areas here in Saskatoon! I like these shoes, but I could stand a little extra room in the toe box. That problem isn't going to go away with additional miles.

It's nice to get some advice before going to the store. I swear I have to try on every shoe in the store when I need new footwear of any kind.

Since you're in a stability shoe right now (the Sequence 2), my suggestion for a wider toe box would be the Nike Structure Triax 13. I was an avid Adidas Supernova Sequence wearer, too...and just like you, I found that the newer models were starting to squish my toes more and more. On the recommendation of my local running store, I tried the Nike Triax and was pleasantly surprised at how roomy they are in the toe box...very squared off at the front of the shoe...unlike many of their other models. I have since moved on to the Nike Free Run+, which is also quite roomy but is considered a minimalist type of shoe...so very little support and cushioning. But I would say try the Triax 13 and see how it feels for you.

[Ambikes]

Syndirelah - Thanks for all the advice. I really wish someone who knows as much as you about shoes worked at my local running store. They are not really known for employing experienced and/or knowledgeable people

To the OP- Do you know if you measure wide? (B or D width)?

I wear a B width shoe right now. Some time ago, I had a horrible experience with a NB D width shoe (don't remember which model). I have tried some Ds on since then, but I tend to feel like my heels are slopping around in most of them, so never bought another pair. After reading zoom-zoom's comments, though, I wonder if maybe the last on those NBs was just too flat for me. The problem with those shoes was that everything from the arch back slid around a bit, which led to giant arch blisters 4 miles into a 10 mile race in wet conditions. Not fun.

Since you're in a stability shoe right now (the Sequence 2), my suggestion for a wider toe box would be the Nike Structure Triax 13. I was an avid Adidas Supernova Sequence wearer, too...and just like you, I found that the newer models were starting to squish my toes more and more. On the recommendation of my local running store, I tried the Nike Triax and was pleasantly surprised at how roomy they are in the toe box...very squared off at the front of the shoe...unlike many of their other models. I have since moved on to the Nike Free Run+, which is also quite roomy but is considered a minimalist type of shoe...so very little support and cushioning. But I would say try the Triax 13 and see how it feels for you.

Will do nscrbug. Thanks!

[Dogmama]

I love my Saucony's. They are coming out with a minimalist shoe and have lots of other options. I have duck feet with a narrow heel.

[Trek420]

DW is running in these. Somewhat minimalist but very wide toe box. She says they are comfy. I have their hiking shoe and like them a lot. Also have duck toes so can attest they are good:

http://www.lemsshoes.com/womens-primal-2-slate.html