How wide can we go?
Getting the right running shoe size isn’t only about length.
Width matters too.
If your shoes feel tight across the forefoot, your toes feel cramped or the upper feels stretched, you may need a wider fit rather than a bigger size.
What Do Running Shoe Widths Mean?
Running shoes are often available in different width options.
For men, common widths include:
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D: Standard
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2E: Wide
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4E: Extra wide
For women, common widths include:
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B: Standard
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D: Wide
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2E: Extra wide
These can vary slightly between brands, but they’re a useful starting point.
How Do You Know If Your Shoes Are Too Narrow?
A running shoe may be too narrow if:
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Your toes feel cramped
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The sides of your feet feel pressure
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Your foot pushes against the upper
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You regularly feel a rubbing sensation around the forefoot
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The shoe feels tight even though the length feels correct
Your foot should feel secure without feeling squeezed, while there should also be enough space for your toes to move naturally.
Should You Just Go Up a Size?
Not always.
If the shoe feels too short, going up a size makes sense.
But if the length is already right and the shoe only feels tight across the width, a wider fitting is usually the better option.
Sizing up unnecessarily can create too much space at the front of the shoe and may make the heel feel loose.
That’s why it’s worth treating length and width as two separate parts of fit.
Which Running Shoes Come in Wide Fits?
Many popular running shoes are available in multiple widths.
Models from ranges such as:
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ASICS GEL-Kayano
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ASICS GEL-Nimbus
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Hoka Bondi
- Hoka Clifton
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New Balance 1080
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New Balance 860
These are often available in wider options depending on the model and size. This gives runners more choice without having to completely change to a different shoe.
How Should a Running Shoe Fit?
A good running shoe should feel secure through the heel and midfoot while giving your toes enough room to move.
You shouldn’t feel excessive pressure across the sides of your feet. At the same time, the shoe shouldn’t feel loose or unstable. The best fit is one that feels comfortable from the start and doesn’t rely on the shoe “stretching out” later.
A common misconception is that going up 0.5 sizes increases only width. While this is somewhat true, it also adds an extra 0.5-0.7 cm of length to your shoes, which can cause the foot to line up with the wrong part of the shoe. This can potentially cause unintended fit issues and cause further discomfort while using the shoes.
So, Do You Need Wide Running Shoes?
Maybe – but only if your foot actually needs the extra space.
If your current shoes feel comfortable through the width, there’s no reason to move into a wider fit.
If they regularly feel cramped or tight across the forefoot, however, trying a wider version may make a noticeable difference.
The goal is simple:
Choose the right length and the right width.
We suggest going down to your local INTERSPORT store and consulting with the experts on whether it would be best to seek a wider option for your foot.
Explore INTERSPORT Australia’s running shoe range to compare standard, wide and extra-wide options.
