Wide Toe Box Running Shoes: Wide Widths and Roomy Fits

Running shoes come wide in two ways. Brooks, ASICS, New Balance, Nike and Hoka sell wide widths (2E or 4E for men, D or 2E for women). Altra and Topo build a roomier toe box into their standard shoes. AAOS advises room to wiggle your toes and at least 1/2 inch past the longest one.

Wide width or roomy toe box?

A wide width makes the shoe broader across the forefoot, and often the midfoot. A roomy toe box changes the shape of the front so the toes can spread. Altra spells out the difference: its FootShape shoes are “not a ‘wide’ shoe,” and wide shoes add midfoot room, not necessarily toe room.

Runners whose toes feel pinched but whose midfoot fits may only need the roomier toe box. Runners who spill over the sole need a true wide width. The wide toe box shoes guide covers the difference in detail.

Running shoes in wide widths

ASICS names specific wide running shoes in its own guide: the GEL-NIMBUS 28 and GEL-KAYANO 33 in Wide, the MAGIC SPEED 5 in Wide, and the GT-2000 14 in Extra Wide.

Nike says many of its running models, including the Pegasus, Structure and Vomero lines, come in wide or extra wide options. On trails, it describes the Pegasus Trail 5 as wider, with more volume, than its other trail running shoes.

New Balance lists the longest width range, up to 6E for men and 4E for women. Hoka sells some models in Wide and X Wide; retailer listings show men’s 2E and 4E.

Altra says every model has a roomy toe box. Its Original FootShape is the roomiest, Standard pairs that toe room with a secure midfoot, and the racing fit has a snug midfoot. Topo Athletic says its standard men’s shoe is an E in the toe box and a D in the midfoot, and it makes wide sizes in select models.

Running shoes in wide and extra wide widths

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• 2E running shoesBrowse →
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• Women's wide running shoesBrowse →

Brooks widths for runners

Brooks sells running shoes in four widths: narrow, medium, wide and extra wide. For men those are B, D, 2E and 4E. For women they are 2A, B, D and 2E. The same letter means a different width for men and women, so a women’s D is the wide shoe, not the standard one.

Not every Brooks model comes in every width, so the quickest check is to look up the model you like and see which letters it comes in. If your size is not offered in wide, ASICS, New Balance and Hoka are the next places to look.

Brooks running shoes in wide (2E) and extra wide (4E)

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• Brooks 2EBrowse →
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How should running shoes fit wide feet?

AAOS gives running-shop advice that applies to every wide foot:

• Buy from a running store, or research which shoe suits your sport before you shop.
• Try them on in the evening or after a workout, when your feet have swelled. ASICS also recommends measuring in the late afternoon or evening.
• Wear the socks you run in.
• Check the toe box. You should be able to wiggle your toes, with at least 1/2 inch past the longest one.
• Check the heel. The heel counter should grip your heel so it does not slip.

ASICS adds two signs that a running shoe is too narrow: the upper stretches or bulges at the sides, and discomfort grows toward the end of a run. If either sounds familiar, move up a width, not a size.

For width letters, see the shoe width chart. For how Hoka lengths and widths fit, read Hoka sizing, and for all wide-foot guides, start at the wide feet guide.