Shoes ... Large toe box

[JeffP]

I am searching for a new trail shoe this year. I have walked the Frances for two years in Hoka Speed Goat 5s. The toe box is too narrow for my foot, and I get blisters on my pinky toes. My shoe size is 14, and I usually purchase a 15 for the Camino. This year, I am planning on starting in Le Puy and walking to Finisterre. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[C clearly]

I wear women's shoes, but the Brooks Ghost Max has a roomy forefoot - volume as well as width. Maybe they are worth trying.

 

[Turga]

You could take look at the Topo Athletic trail runners. They have a wide toe box, they are well cushioned and are quite comfortable.

 

[phook]

Altra's have a wide toe box. But be aware they are zero drop - there is no heel raise, which can cause injury if your legs don't like them.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I'm another Altra (Lone Peak) convert. LOVE the wide toe box.
But you do need to take time to get used to the zero drop. I was pre-warned, so eased into it gradually and have been wearing them for two years now - absolutely love them. My older shoes are worn practically daily, there's always a new pair in the cupboard for the next Camino. I loved the sixes, disliked the sevens ( don't know what had changed but something did) but was fortunate to find additional sixes online. The eights are every bit as good if not better than the sixes were.
Not a great fan of their inserts, but as I wear orthotics it's not really an issue. A friend of mine wears aftermarket inserts.
We both have the originals in our packs to wear around town in the afternoon.

But as always with shoes this is very individual of course, and purely my personal opinion.

 

[JustOneGuy]

My partner has feet with a wide sole and a valgus thumb, and recently in a sports shop they suggested Topo shoes to her, a brand I did not know about. This shoe has literally changed her life. She walks a lot (10-20 km a day) and before it was a problem, also because she hates waste and buying 150 euro shoes seemed like a capital crime . I literally forced her and it changed her life.

However, if I can give you some REAL advice (and if you haven't done so yet...), rather than taking... advice from me or others you should go to a reliable runner's sports shop and get some expert advice. That was essential for me too and changed my life when I started running seriously years ago.

 

[francesbe]

Topos are very comfortable, but the soles totally wore out before the end of my camino (SJPP-->Finisterre-->Muxia). I wore them until the end, but the tread was smooth by Sarria.