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Published: January 26, 2024
When it comes to running, it is essential to find a comfortable shoe, and a key component in determining comfort is how well the shoe fits. A good fit means that your feet will feel right at home as soon as you slip them on and remain comfortable for your entire run, while an improper fit can lead to a host of problems, such as discomfort, pain, blisters, bunions, and even injuries. Therefore, your running shoe must fit you properly in length and width. This article will focus on helping you determine whether you should consider a wide-width shoe. For further guidance on shoe sizing in terms of length, check out our guide to finding the right shoe size.
Keep in mind that a comfortable fit is entirely personal to you. Just because your running group raves about the fit of a specific model does not necessarily mean that it will be a great fit for your particular foot shape. Running is supposed to be fun, and having the right shoe is a key factor in unlocking that fun. If a wide-width shoe feels better on your feet, you will have a more enjoyable experience in the long run.
Signs You May Need a Wide Width Running Shoe
- Your toes feel bunched together or overlap in the toe box.
- Blisters form on the outside of your big toe and/or on the outside of your pinky toe.
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the feet.
- Your foot spills over the side(s) of your shoe.
- You have existing foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or Morton's neuroma.
- Something just doesn't feel right in the toe box despite having enough room (length wise).
How Are Shoe Width Sizes Labeled?
In the shoe industry, a numbering system is used to identify the length size of a shoe, whereas an alphabetical system is used for the width of a shoe. While there is a wide range (pun intended) of width sizing in the shoe world, our focus will be on the width sizes that are common in the running industry and the ones we carry here at Running Warehouse. For quick reference, the standard width is a "D" for Men and a "B" for Women.
MEN’S | WOMEN’S |
B = Narrow | 2A = Narrow |
D = Medium | B = Medium |
2E = wide width | D = Wide |
4E = extra wide width | 2D = Extra-Wide |
Can Foot Width Be Measured?
Yes! If you have stepped inside a shoe store before, you have undoubtedly seen the Brannock measuring device, which measures your foot length and width. You can also determine your width by tracing an outline of your foot, measuring the widest points of your forefoot with a ruler, and then referencing this chart to see if a wide width is necessary. Note that while the measurements from a Brannock device or your at-home measuring will give you a solid starting point as to whether you should consider a wide width, not all shoes fit the same, even if they are the same length and/or width. Our feet get along better with some brands and models than others, so be sure to let them guide your decision-making, not your mind, not your eyes, and most certainly not social media!
Do All Shoes Come In Wide Width Sizes?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Not all brands make wide-width shoes, and even with the brands that do, they don't offer a wide width in every model. When navigating our site, use our filter to search for shoes by width to see all the available options at once.
No One Size Fits All
Just as there is some variance in shoe lengths between brands and models, the same applies to width sizes. For example, if you always wear a wide width in one brand, it does not necessarily mean you need a wide width in every other shoe brand. In fact, our staff has routinely found that some HOKA models, such as the Clifton and Bondi tend to run narrow and that even a wide width may not be wide enough for some wide-footed runners. Therefore, we recommend trying on a few options to ensure you purchase the shoe that will provide the best fit for YOU.
If you have determined that a wide-width shoe may be necessary for you, check out our list of the Best Running Shoes in Wide Widths to find the best option.
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Written by Jon
Jon is a dedicated runner whose current life goal is to qualify for and run the Boston marathon. When he's not at Running Warehouse or hanging out with this family, you can find him running the streets and hills of beautiful San Luis Obispo.
