Having wide feet is not a condition. It is perfectly normal. However, not so many people have wide feet, and people with wide feet are not a booming market target, so most shoes are not designed for them.
While you can wear the rest of running footwear if you have wide feet, there is a considerable downside, especially if you are running for long-distance or rough terrain. Your running shoes should feel like part of your feet and not the other way round. Also, feet tend to swell a bit during a demanding exercise like running. That means that you will get more and more uncomfortable during your running routine if you don’t have the best running shoes for wide feet.
In this article, we will look at how to choose the best running shoes for wide feet.
Consider Your Comfort
There are high end running shoes with fantastic technology behind them. You can get any shoes that your feet can slide into, but that does not mean they are ideal for you. How you choose your running shoes is quite different from how you choose your day sneakers. Running shoes include various features designed to protect your feet from injury and help ease the pressure points on your feet. So, what would you look at when you are considering comfort for your running shoes?
The best running shoes for wide feet need to have enough room for your toes to splay naturally. Toes splay to increase your stability and support your weight during running. Get shoes with a wide toe box to allow for your natural toes splay. However, the wide fit should run from your toe box to your heel, which makes us consider something else.
Most people with wide feet have flat feet. That means you will need extra support for you to have a comfortable run. Another aspect to consider under comfort is the flexibility of the upper shoes and breathability. You are susceptible to injury if your feet do not have space to breathe and move naturally. Get shoes with the right upper fitting that will for natural feet movement and still have space to accommodate the feet swelling and bulges.
Stability
Injuries take a lot of an athlete’s time and resources. That’s why, regardless of what type of feet you have, most of the athletes focus so much on the stability of their running shoes. The balance of running shoes is designed based on the terrain in which you plan to run. Trail running shoes have more support and better grip than road running shoes.
We have already seen that most people with wide feet also have flat feet. It is good to know that flat footers are highly susceptible to overpronation. This is why the stability of the shoes you get is crucial. Proper running shoe stability will protect your ankles from falling inwards and causing an excruciating amount of heel pain.
Consider the heel to toe drop of the shoes. It is vital because each stride needs it. A proper drop will give you the stability you need while running. That’s not all. The heel counter is another aspect that athletes with wide feet need to look at. Since you have a wide fit in the heel region, you also need it to be able to protect your ankles from falling. Too much space in your shoes can be catastrophic. Also, look at the torsion bar and medial post depending on your feet movement to make sure your feet are in position during your running routine.
The Shoes Fit
Your shoes fit probably is one of the most crucial areas you need to look at when choosing the best running shoes for a wide feet. Most athletes with wide feet tend to go for half or full size bigger than their actual feet. Remember that having a room in your shoes is essential, but too much room can be dangerous for you. Your running shoe fit is what determines the stability and comfort of the shoes. You need a running shoe model that works with your feet naturally but with sufficient support to avoid injuries. And if your tight on cash check out the best budget running shoes.
Conclusion
There is a lot of things to consider when you are looking for the best running shoes for wide feet. You need to also consider the health of your feet before getting running shoes that you think will work for you. Runners suffering from plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or any other types of feet injuries need to consider them before getting the right running shoes for them.
One great tip for choosing the right running shoes for yourself is to try them on in the evening. It’s because your feet have slightly swelled, and it will reduce your stress of trying to estimate the right size for you when running.