Whether you’re a casual jogger or training for a marathon, running with cramped toes is a recipe for blisters, pain, and poor performance. Thankfully, more brands now offer running shoes with wide toe box—allowing your toes to splay naturally for improved comfort, balance, and foot health.
Below, we highlight the top wide toe box running shoes of 2025 — across neutral, cushioned, minimalist, and stability categories — so you can find the right fit for your stride.
🥇 1. Altra Torin 7
Best Overall Wide Toe Box Running Shoe
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Toe box width: Very wide (FootShape™ design)
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Drop: 0mm (zero drop)
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Cushioning: Balanced, moderate plush
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Weight: ~8.6 oz (W) / 9.8 oz (M)
Why it stands out:
The Torin 7 combines Altra’s famous natural foot-shaped design with luxurious EGO™ MAX cushioning and a breathable upper. It’s ideal for road runners who want space and soft landings without bulky weight.
✅ Great for: Daily training, road running, long miles
❌ Not ideal for: Overpronators (no stability support)
🏃 2. Topo Athletic Ultrafly 4
Best for Comfort & Mild Stability
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Toe box width: Wide, anatomical
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Drop: 5mm
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Cushioning: Moderate
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Weight: ~8.2 oz (W) / 9.6 oz (M)
Why it stands out:
Topo shoes feel like a blend of Altra and traditional running shoes. The Ultrafly 4 offers a roomy toe box, medial posting for light stability, and a comfy ZipFoam™ midsole that feels bouncy yet supportive.
✅ Great for: Flat feet, overpronators, wide forefeet
❌ Not ideal for: Maximal cushion lovers
👟 3. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
Best Premium Cushioning with Wide Sizes
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Toe box width: Available in Wide and Extra Wide
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Drop: 6mm
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Cushioning: Plush
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Weight: ~8.3 oz (W) / 10.3 oz (M)
Why it stands out:
New Balance’s flagship neutral trainer delivers soft landings and a roomy forefoot. With multiple width options and a stretchy knit upper, it’s a favorite for runners with bunions or high-volume feet.
✅ Great for: Long-distance running, wide feet with high arches
❌ Not ideal for: Narrow heels (may slip)
🥾 4. Hoka Clifton 9 Wide
Best for Max Cushion with a Spacious Fit
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Toe box width: Moderate-wide (in wide size)
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Drop: 5mm
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Cushioning: Maximum
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Weight: ~7.7 oz (W) / 8.7 oz (M)
Why it stands out:
HOKA’s Clifton 9 offers buttery-soft cushioning and a wide version for runners needing more space up front. Great for recovery runs, walking, or runners recovering from foot injuries.
✅ Great for: Long runs, plantar fasciitis, joint pain
❌ Not ideal for: Speed workouts
👣 5. Xero Shoes HFS II
Best Zero Drop Minimalist Running Shoe with Wide Toe Box
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Toe box width: Extra-wide
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Drop: 0mm (barefoot-style)
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Cushioning: Minimal
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Weight: ~6.8 oz (M)
Why it stands out:
If you’re into minimalist or barefoot-style running, the HFS II gives you just enough sole protection with a generous natural toe box. Lightweight and flexible, it encourages foot strength and natural movement.
✅ Great for: Forefoot strikers, minimalists, toe splay
❌ Not ideal for: New runners or long distances without conditioning
🧠 Bonus Tip: How to Know If You Need a Wide Toe Box
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You feel pressure or tingling in your toes during/after runs
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You have bunions, hammertoes, or Morton’s neuroma
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Your pinky toe always rubs the side of your shoe
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You naturally have wide or splayed forefeet
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Your current shoes cause black toenails after long runs
🛒 Where to Buy
Most of the brands above offer wide toe box running shoes directly from their websites, or from major retailers like:
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Zappos (great for returns)
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REI (Altra, Topo, HOKA)
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Running Warehouse (detailed fit info)
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Amazon (for deals, but check sizing)
Final Thoughts
Your toes deserve space to move. Choosing a running shoe with a wide toe box isn’t just about comfort — it’s about improving form, preventing injury, and boosting performance. Whether you prefer max cushion (like Hoka or NB), zero-drop (Altra or Xero), or a blend (Topo), there’s a perfect wide-fit shoe waiting for your next run.
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