How to Identify if You Need a Wide Width Shoe

All running shoes are different, and sometimes the standard width just isn’t enough for your feet. Wearing shoes that are too narrow can make running a pain, causing blisters, discomfort or foot fatigue. You may benefit from a wide-width running shoe if you notice any of the following:

• 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).

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.

Wide shoes feature increased forefoot width and deeper toe boxes. This extra space helps reduce pressure on the foot, improve comfort, and prevent common issues like corns and blisters.

While shoe width increments aren’t perfectly standardized across brands, a common guideline is that:

• Moving from a standard width (Men’s D / Women’s B) to a wide width (Men’s 2E / Women’s D) adds about ¼ inch (≈6 mm) across the ball of the foot.
  
  
• Moving to an extra-wide width: (Men’s 4E / Women’s 2E) adds roughly another ¼ inch.

It’s a common misconception that buying a longer shoe solves width issues. This approach almost always just adds extra length rather than truly improving fit. A shoe that is too long can cause heel slipping, blisters, and poor foot alignment while still leaving the forefoot cramped.

True wide-width shoes provide extra space where it’s needed most, across the ball of the foot, without compromising overall fit or stability.

Yes! A Brannock device, commonly found in shoe stores, measures both foot length and width. You can also trace your foot at home and measure the widest part of your forefoot with a ruler. Compare your measurement to our width charts to determine if a wide width might be necessary.

Keep in mind that measurements are only a starting point. Not all shoes fit the same, even if they have the same length and width. Your feet may feel more comfortable in some brands or models than others. Let your comfort guide your decisions, not just measurements, social media, or appearances.

Unfortunately, no. Not all brands offer wide-width shoes, and even those that do may not provide them for every model. Additionally, width sizing can vary between brands and models, meaning what is considered wide in one brand may be different in another. For example, some HOKA models, such as the Clifton and Bondi, tend to run narrow, so even a wide width may feel tight for some runners.

We recommend trying a few options to ensure you find the shoe that provides the best fit for you. Comfort is personal, and the right shoe can make all the difference in your running experience!

Wide-width shoes provide extra space for runners who need it, increasing comfort, preventing blisters and injuries, as well as supporting a natural stride. Each runner’s feet are unique, and finding shoes that work best for you as an individual can make all the difference.

Take the time to measure your feet, try on different brands and models, and trust what feels best. With the correct fit, you can run farther, more comfortably, and enjoy every step. At Running Warehouse, our selection of wide-width running shoes and free returns make it easy to find the shoes that fit your feet perfectly — because when your shoes fit right, every run feels better.