trail runners with wider toe box

[uncletim]

I know shoes are very personal, just looking for more ideas on what to try. my feet are wide in the front.

Since I have a small issue with insertional achilles tendonitis recently, a larger heel to toe drop seems helpful.

Altra is out for now, and Topo has 5mm drop.

looking for something with more like 12mm drop and wider toe box.

rain friendly with drainage holes is nice too. I want breathable non-waterproof.

thanks for ideas

 

[Anniesantiago]

Go to New Balance store or website and find a shoe on the SL-2 shoe last.
It has a narrow heel and a DEEP WIDE toe box.
I wear them every year on the Camino.
Never have need to break them in... just out of the store and onto the trail.

 

[NorthernLight]

I buy my camino shoes in 2E width.

 

[Texas Walker]

How does one find the shoes made on that last? the website doesn't seem to include that info.

 

[trecile]

How does one find the shoes made on that last? the website doesn't seem to include that info.

You might have to email New Balance and ask them, or perhaps the employees in a store that primarily sells New Balance would know.

 

[uncletim]

I found a couple sites with listings of the New Balance made with SL-2 last. not sure if okay to post a link here ("a perfect dealer") . looks like 1540, 1340, 1260, and others. I'll look for a New Balance store to try.

I picked up some La Sportiva Wildcat's on sale that I will try for now. definitely want to try the SL-2 New Balance shoes.

 

[edandjoan]

Check out Altras or Topo Athletics.Both have wide toe box and trail runners.

 

[tjz]

I used to use Altras and loved them. Unfortunately, I've had to switch due to ankle issues from the "zero drop", and am pretty happy with the Hoka Challenger ATR6 (wide). But nothing quite beats the comfortable toe box of the Altras.

 

[JanelMcB]

I know shoes are very personal, just looking for more ideas on what to try. my feet are wide in the front.

Since I have a small issue with insertional achilles tendonitis recently, a larger heel to toe drop seems helpful.

Altra is out for now, and Topo has 5mm drop.

looking for something with more like 12mm drop and wider toe box.

rain friendly with drainage holes is nice too. I want breathable non-waterproof.

thanks for ideas

Altra Lone Peak have a very wide toe box.

 

[Becky 59]

I know shoes are very personal, just looking for more ideas on what to try. my feet are wide in the front.

Since I have a small issue with insertional achilles tendonitis recently, a larger heel to toe drop seems helpful.

Altra is out for now, and Topo has 5mm drop.

looking for something with more like 12mm drop and wider toe box.

rain friendly with drainage holes is nice too. I want breathable non-waterproof.

thanks for ideas

I wear Hokas that come in wide sizes, and haven’t blistered yet after 2 caminos. (Trail runners)

 

[arobins]

I totally understand your issue as I tried 5 or 6 different shoes but all had too narrow toe box for my feet. I tried this one and love it! For me it works! I also saw a video that mentioned to leave the first 3 laces loose and just tighten the last two around your ankle. (I loop the laces twice before I tie them to ensure them staying tight) I have been using this technique for a week and it works great as I practice my long hikes- no rubbing as feet swell. It works great up and/or down paths. I also ordered a size larger in the shoe. Buen Camino.

Saucony Women's Mad TR2 Trail Running Shoe, River/Copper, 11

 

[mla1]

I switched out Lone Peaks for Saucony Peregrines. They come in wide. They last a LOT longer than the Altras.

 

[backpack45]

I used to use Altras and loved them. Unfortunately, I've had to switch due to ankle issues from the "zero drop", and am pretty happy with the Hoka Challenger ATR6 (wide). But nothing quite beats the comfortable toe box of the Altras.

I have switched over to Topo's from Altras and they are also wide in the toebox. Men's

 

[Moorwalker]

I buy my camino shoes in 2E width.

I would love to be able to find shoes that wide, unfortunately they don't make smaller sizes in that sort of width. Even Altra make their shoes narrower once you get under size 40 EU.

 

[NorthernLight]

I would love to be able to find shoes that wide, unfortunately they don't make smaller sizes in that sort of width. Even Altra make their shoes narrower once you get under size 40 EU.

I’m generally a size 38 or 39. I usually have to order the 2E as stores don’t keep them in stock. Even the New Balance store here doesn’t stock many of the wide version of their own shoes and I had one shipped from the other side of the continent. I once waited four months for a specific Hoka shoe in wide width to be made and sent from the factory. I order them through the store and have them delivered to the store, so I don’t have to actually buy them if I don’t like the final fit. The stores don’t seem to care as they sell the wide shoes pretty fast.

 

[Moorwalker]

I’m generally a size 38 or 39. I usually have to order the 2E as stores don’t keep them in stock. Even the New Balance store here doesn’t stock many of the wide version of their own shoes and I had one shipped from the other side of the continent. I once waited four months for a specific Hoka shoe in wide width to be made and sent from the factory. I order them through the store and have them delivered to the store, so I don’t have to actually buy them if I don’t like the final fit. The stores don’t seem to care as they sell the wide shoes pretty fast.

By the sound of it you are in the US? I'm in the UK and the situation is far worse here. Many shoe sellers and manufacturers don't stock the full range of widths and the wide fittings are almost impossible to find. If you order from the US it costs a fortune in shipping and import taxes and then of course you can't return them if they don't fit. I deeply envy the people who can go into an outdoor kit shop and have a whole range of shoes to choose from because i'm lucky if there is even one that is wide enough to get my feet into.

 

[C clearly]

I'm in the UK and the situation is far worse here. Many shoe sellers and manufacturers don't stock the full range of widths and the wide fittings are almost impossible to find. I

Most shoe manufacturers only make a few models in the wide widths, especially for women, and the shoe sellers only stock a few of those. So, that limits my choices a lot. The low heel drop of the Altra and Topo does not suit me, so those are out of consideration. The Altra is also too low in the instep.

Fortunately the Brooks Ghost series comes in Wide and it has served me well in recent years.

 

[trecile]

Most shoe manufacturers only make a few models in the wide widths, especially for women, and the shoe sellers only stock a few of those. So, that limits my choices a lot.

Many stores in my town rarely carry much stock in my size, so I have ordered (and returned) dozens of shoes online over the years. I always order from online stores with free shipping and free return shipping.

 

[NorthernLight]

By the sound of it you are in the US? I'm in the UK and the situation is far worse here. Many shoe sellers and manufacturers don't stock the full range of widths and the wide fittings are almost impossible to find. If you order from the US it costs a fortune in shipping and import taxes and then of course you can't return them if they don't fit. I deeply envy the people who can go into an outdoor kit shop and have a whole range of shoes to choose from because i'm lucky if there is even one that is wide enough to get my feet into.

Canada, and since I don’t want to deal with paying shipping and import taxes, which becomes a waste if you want to send an item back, I deal with local stores and let them have the headache.

 

[jayree]

Go to New Balance store or website and find a shoe on the SL-2 shoe last.
It has a narrow heel and a DEEP WIDE toe box.
I wear them every year on the Camino.
Never have need to break them in... just out of the store and onto the trail.

I’ve been running in NB 1540 now V3 for years. SL-2 last and wide toe box. They are comfortable day 1 just out of the box. Never any issues. Pricey but made in the USA.

 

[Mark Barnes]

I love ASICS. I wear a 4e but the make several wide width options. Good luck.

 

[Patrick Shouvlin]

I wear Hokas that come in wide sizes, and haven’t blistered yet after 2 caminos. (Trail runners)

I’m with Becky. I used the Stinson ATR on two caminos with no blisters. They don’t come in a wide, but the Hoka customer service site recommended them, saying that I would have as much toe box room as their wide models in other Hokas. I have full-length prescription orthotics and the Stinson accommodated them easily.

 

[Ed Aster]

I am on my 10th pair of Columbia trail runners, i wear a size 15 to accommodate my size 14 foot. The Columbia shoes are normally quite wide with a very comfortable toe box. I have had to adapt to 2-3 different models but the quality and comfort is always there.

 

[Bill's_Walking]

Take a look at the New Balance Fresh Foam Hiero Trail Runner, It has an 8mm toe drop and is really cushiony. This is my shoe for my upcoming Camino. The latest version is #6, but the Version 5, which is still available on Amazon, has a slightly wider toe box. I do like the lacing of the 6 better. I wear a US size 12 wide. And like them both.

 

[Dojo]

I wore Keen Targhee mid vent on my 2019 Camino Frances. No issues with shoes, they have a wide toe box. I do regret wearing sock liners - they moved around too much and caused toe and heel blisters. Now I just wear Smartwool socks and my dogs are happy.

 

[uncletim]

On the hunt again! Been hard to find anything that makes sense in US 11.

Something like the Hoka Stinson ATR 6 was very comfortable, but I have found a softer shoe doesn't support my high-arch orthotic as well.

Looking at some hiking shoes at the moment, Oboz seems to fit very well. hard as a rock, might be best..

I do need a drop, at least 5mm, 8-12mm is better.

I may fly to Madrid next week, looking at the official site, looks like just a vax card?

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[SeñorJacques]

Have you considered using heel lifts with a pair of shoes that are otherwise a good fit for you aside from a lower drop than you’d like? I‘ve been a huge Altras fan for a while largely due to the wide toe box … until my podiatrist advised me that they were likely aggravating my own achilles tendonitis due to their zero drop and that 1/4” (6.35 mm) heel lifts might help.

Not willing just yet to give up my Altras, I found an inexpensive pair of cork heel lifts on Amazon and tucked them under the heel of the insole of my current pair of Olympus 5s … and lo, after a couple of weeks my achilles pain has decreased considerably.

It did seem silly at first to wear Altras with heel lifts, since the zero drop is one of the main features of the brand. But they’re otherwise perfect (I really like the stack height and cushioning on the Olympuses as well), and I figured trying the heel lift solution was worth a shot to see if it worked - which it did for me.

So maybe something to look into if you have a pair of shoes you like but need a higher drop? 1/2” lifts would give you that 12mm drop you’re looking for.

 

[uncletim]

I have tried that, my heel tends to not lock and slip for me. I have the Olympus pretty sure they caused some problems after a few summer hikes. it's a good idea and something to try again.

going to try some new balance on tomorrow, may not be the best for the rain, but I wouldn't consider Gore-Tex really.

I have this bursitis thing, achilles seems to be fine. as the sign says...don't stop walking.

 

[uncletim]

I received the Inov-8 Parkclaw 260 Knit today and like them.

firm enough to support my orthotic, and a little cushion. toe box is wide enough and 8mm drop.

I went 1/2 size up from my normal 11 and worked out.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Many stores in my town rarely carry much stock in my size, so I have ordered (and returned) dozens of shoes online over the years. I always order from online stores with free shipping and free return shipping.

This is my experience as well.

For the OP, I finally settled on the Xero terraflex. It is a zero drop shoe, more of a drop than I would like, but I solved this with a supportive insert, since I could not find another trail runner with a wide enough toe box. Maybe an insert in a zero drop style shoe could work for you if you can’t find anything else.

 

[tjz]

I have had a similar dilemma - I have awful toes from decades of hiking and running, so I really need a wide toe box. I thought I had landed on Altras as the solution - I loved them, but after a year or so they contributed, at least in part, to an achilles issue I have now as well. I've settled on either Hoka Challenger ATR6 or Speed Goats in the wide sizes and use either some custom built orthotics or SuperFeet Green insoles to stiffen things up and keep my heel where it belongs. I actually think the SuperFeet work just as well as the custom orthotics and are a whole lot easier and cheaper to find. For me I get the regular (not wide) ones and use them in the wide shoe.

 

[uncletim]

The Stinson ATR 6 fit my feet well, but the heel slipped a little, plus I don't think it's a good idea to walk in a really soft shoe for my feet. I haven't been able to find any wide Hoka anywhere lately, a couple years ago they seemed too wide for my foot.

I have found the Superfeet green hit a bit more toward the rear of my arch, they say that is okay with the sideways bone that sits there, but I have had better luck with the Powerstep "Original", the padding is thinner in the front than the "Pinnacle" giving me more toe box room.

roadtrailrun did a review of the Hoka Tecton X that will be worth trying when it comes out, looks like a wide toe box! Some of the 2022 Solomon are supposed to have more room up front.

most likely will walk in this Inov8 shoe, it's *very* firm, we will see.

 

[CatPhillips]

I've been wearing the Topo Athletic Ultraventure. Wide toe box and a bit of lift (5mm). I changed out the lacing to allow for a high arch and they're perfect.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2 Trail-Running Shoes - Women's | REI Co-op

Tackle mile after mile in total comfort with the women's Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2 trail-running shoes. Their plush cushioning and Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsoles offer lasting comfort and traction.

www.rei.com

 

[uncletim]

I walked Portuguese in 2021 with Topo running shoes, didn't work out too well, I guess I need a firmer platform. I'll have to try those on, thank you.

The Inov8 shoe just didn't work for me, going to walk in my La Sportiva Wildcats with Currex insoles.

 

[D.Matthew]

For those that really like the Altra and Topo shoes but want a wide toebox insole/insert, I've found the Superfeet Trailblazer a great fit. I tried the Superfeet Carbon, Green, and Blue without much luck, and then found the Trailblazer by recommendation from PCT thru-hikers. The Lone Peak and Trailblazer is a combo many on the PCT swear by, and has worked well for me.

 

[uncletim]

I'll have to try the Trailblazer. Zero drop doesn't work well with my foot condition. Right now walking the Portuguese in Vila Nova de Cerveira. Weather has been incredible sunny blue skies everyday.

The Wildcat is okay for for now, still looking for the perfect shoe.

 

[RussB]

I’m using Altra Lone Peak, the rock plate from my Superiors and some Superfeet Orange, all sounds a bit fiddly but working fine so far

 

[cooldavidt]

I have the same problem Big feet, and the orthotics take up space.
I use Merrill. I find their mesh shoes are well ventilated and quite lightweight.
As an example

https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/merrell-riverbed-3-hiking-shoe---mens/499932?activeColor=001&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Athletic%20%26%20Sneaker-_-New_Athletic%20%26%20Sneaker&cadevice=m&gclid=CjwKCAiApfeQBhAUEiwA7K_UHxYJUKjgFZGjxpaeJjMMvU2eyJWSVwmOnp5OEtvkR8e9rrtHM0FSMRoCioYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Chris RJ]

I know shoes are very personal, just looking for more ideas on what to try. my feet are wide in the front.

Since I have a small issue with insertional achilles tendonitis recently, a larger heel to toe drop seems helpful.

Altra is out for now, and Topo has 5mm drop.

looking for something with more like 12mm drop and wider toe box.

rain friendly with drainage holes is nice too. I want breathable non-waterproof.

thanks for ideas

I have been testing the Altra Olympus. It’s not for me. I can’t really explain why. I find my big toe curling up against the material, which is odd. This forum is full of seasoned experts, unlike myself, who can probably explain why that is.

I have noticed that the Altra Lone Peak 5 and 6 have a dramatically more cushioned sole than the older versions of the same shoe, but much less cushion than the Olympus.

just out is the Altra Mont Blanc, which sits somewhere between the two for cushioning, but has the drawback (apparently) of not being as roomy as the Lone Peaks.

hope this uninformed view helps.

 

[uncletim]

I found the Brooks Cascadia 16 in 2E on runningwarehouse and like them so far. will do some hiking in them tomorrow. they are generous in the toe box. hoping a little extra room is okay, we will see.

 

[Salty]

I know shoes are very personal, just looking for more ideas on what to try. my feet are wide in the front.

Since I have a small issue with insertional achilles tendonitis recently, a larger heel to toe drop seems helpful.

Altra is out for now, and Topo has 5mm drop.

looking for something with more like 12mm drop and wider toe box.

rain friendly with drainage holes is nice too. I want breathable non-waterproof.

thanks for ideas

The running store told me that Altras are flat shoes, compared to Hokas. Today I am trying out Hoka Speedgoat 5 on one foot and Altra Olympus 5 on the other foot. I was told to walk 1 hour in my house with the shoes on, to compare. Altras so far very comfy but my big toe is lifting up too. And I am on flat surface now what will it do on up and down hill ? Altras is more comfy then my Hokas. Which one to keep ? I have wide feet and love a bigger toe box and a soft ride. I want to feel like I am walking on a cloud. Most other shoes feel very plasticky and hard and heavy to me. I have now bought 5 pairs of shoes - 2 Hokas Keens Merrill and Altra. its well over a $1000 for these 5 pairs. I can return them. Funny thing is, in the store they feel amazing, I come home and they dont feel so great anymore.

 

[Former member 92300]

I know you said Altras are out - but just throwing it out there - you can always change out the insoles and might find them much more comfortable. I love my Altras but usually change out the insoles.

 

[RussB]

The running store told me that Altras are flat shoes, compared to Hokas. Today I am trying out Hoka Speedgoat 5 on one foot and Altra Olympus 5 on the other foot. I was told to walk 1 hour in my house with the shoes on, to compare. Altras so far very comfy but my big toe is lifting up too. And I am on flat surface now what will it do on up and down hill ? Altras is more comfy then my Hokas. Which one to keep ? I have wide feet and love a bigger toe box and a soft ride. I want to feel like I am walking on a cloud. Most other shoes feel very plasticky and hard and heavy to me. I have now bought 5 pairs of shoes - 2 Hokas Keens Merrill and Altra. its well over a $1000 for these 5 pairs. I can return them. Funny thing is, in the store they feel amazing, I come home and they dont feel so great anymore.

I like Altra, no blisters , no ankle pain, just a good trainer, not the most robust but I like the feel of them. Lone peak don’t have a lot of cushioning but no probs

 

[mla1]

I am also an Altras convert. I am not sure about current models, but in the past the Timp was a bit more cushioned than the Lone Peak. I loved them. It was also better for people with a high arch and high volume feet (but that might have changed with newer models). I ended up back in Lone Peaks because that was what I could get while shopping in person.