Cramped Toes? These Editor-Tested Wide Toe Box Shoes Are up to 44% off for Presidents’ Day (2024)

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• How We Selected and Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQ

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Rykä’s Devotion Plus 3 is our top women’s overall pick due to its supreme comfort. Designed for walking on pavement or treadmills, this shoe features plenty of room in the forefoot with a narrower heel—which is ideal if you need more space in the toe box but not necessarily a wide-width shoe.

The molded foam insole provides solid heel and arch support, plus good shock absorption for long days spent on your feet. We also like that the lightweight construction features breathable mesh and vents to prevent sweat and odors from building up inside the shoe. And the rubber outsole has excellent traction for better grip on the stairs or cardio machines.

When we tested the Devotion Plus 3, we loved how responsive the padding was underfoot. The bouncy, plush cushioning made them comfortable to wear for long periods. We noticed that the shoes never felt constricting, even with all of these support features, with plenty of room for our feet and toes inside. We also found that the shoe was deep enough to add custom orthotics for more support, if needed.

However, we did find that the shoes are built for people with a neutral gait. If you over- or underpronate, you may be better off with a shoe that can gently correct your stride while you wear it.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Mesh and faux leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive | Drop: 11 millimeters}

Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 are road running shoes with a firm midsole and plenty of stability. Our top men’s overall pick for their steadfast reliability in our previous tests, we love these sneakers because they’re stable, supportive, and spacious. They’ve also received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that this sneaker helps promote better foot health.

While wearing the Adrenaline GTS 22, we didn’t feel any tightness around our toes, and we liked how springy they felt underfoot. Overpronators will appreciate the shoe’s internal support, which cuts down on excessive movement and helps align your feet. Although these features add some extra weight, we still found they were comfortable enough to wear on long-distance runs.

Available in a wide range of sizes, plenty of colors, and four widths ranging from Narrow to Extra Wide, finding the perfect pair is easy.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Brooks

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10.7 ounces | Materials: Recycled plastic bottle upper, foam midsole, synthetic lining, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Firm | Drop: 12 millimeters}

For a budget-friendly wide toe box shoe, we recommend Sketchers’ GoWalk Joy, a slip-on walking shoe with plenty of features we love. They’re breathable enough for all-day wear, and the laceless design makes it easy to pop them on and off in seconds.

When we tested the GoWalk Joy, we were impressed by how supportive and cushioned they felt, given they weigh less than half of some of our other top picks. We liked the combination of a narrower heel and a wider toe box—plus, it’s available in three widths for a more precise fit.

But while they offer plenty of plush cushioning, they don’t have the same arch support or stability features as other shoes on our list. The softer midsole and stretchy mesh upper mean this pair may not be ideal for people with flat feet or overpronators.

Otherwise, the GoWalk Joy is our top pick for a roomy, well-fitting, budget-friendly shoe. We also love this shoe for travel, as it’s light enough to toss in a bag and machine washable for easy care.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Macy's

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 5.3 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole | Cushioning: Soft and responsive | Drop: Not listed}

If you are looking for a cushy training shoe that won’t break the bank, New Balance’s 608v5 is our top men’s pick. Long-lasting for the price, these sneakers are available in standard, wide, and extra-wide widths for a better fit. Plus, we love that they’re deep enough to fit insoles or orthotics if you need more support.

After testing these shoes, we noticed how roomy and comfortable they were. Although they’re heavy, at almost 12 ounces each, we found that the padding felt springy and responsive under our feet. And the wide toe box provided plenty of space for our feet and toes to spread out. We also like that there’s a pull tab at the heel, which makes them easy to slip on.

These training shoes are ideal for light jogging or cardio, strength training, or casual wear. They’re fairly breathable, with a full-length foam midsole that provides plenty of cushioning. Since the soles are non-marking, these shoes will also work for pickleball or other court sports.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and New Balance

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 11.9 ounces | Materials: Leather and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Responsive | Drop: Not listed}

For a reliable running shoe with a wide toe box, we love Reebok’s Floatride Energy 4 Adventure. This shoe is considered a hybrid since it can provide fantastic traction on trails while still feeling lightweight and responsive on the road.

We’ve worn these while hiking rocky coastlines and on plenty of trail runs, and we appreciate how responsive and supportive they are. The wide toe box gave our toes plenty of room to breathe without any pressure, friction, or squeezing. However, we found that the deep treads are fairly close together, meaning the outsole fills up with dirt and mud easily. As a result, these aren’t the best choice for very wet or slippery runs.

These shoes are breathable and well-suited to warmer weather. The upper is made with weatherproof ripstop and includes a rubber toe wrap to protect against debris. We particularly recommend the Floatride Adventures if you have high arches, neutral pronation, underpronation, or supination.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Reebok

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 9.6 ounces | Materials: Recycled plastic ripstop upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Lightweight and responsive | Drop: Not listed}

We recommend Klaw Footwear’s 528 sneaker because it combines some of our favorite features in a stellar cushioned walking shoe. When we walked in these, the shoe’s rocking motion helped propel us forward, as did the removable insoles’ responsive cushioning. Our toes also appreciated all the room in the front of this shoe, which prevented any chafing or blisters from forming.

Arch support and deep heel cups mean your feet are fully supported and your ankles, knees, and hips stay appropriately aligned while you walk. Combined with great shock absorption, this sneaker is designed for comfort—ideal for those on their feet all day. Wearers love how the design helps relieve foot pain and discomfort, including plantar fasciitis and pregnancy-related foot fatigue.

The regular width has plenty of space, but they’re also available in wide sizes from 6 to 11. A smaller heel-to-toe drop and a rainproof leather upper makes the 528s suitable for walks in rain or shine. They are heavier than most of our other picks and more expensive, too. But we feel they’re worth it if you’re in search of a premium walking sneaker for wide forefeet.

Also available in men's sizes at klawfootwear.com

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 11 ounces | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole | Cushioning: Ultra light | Drop: 7 millimeters}

New Balance’s Fresh Foam 1080v11 is a well-built running shoe that hugs your feet with layers of thick, plush padding. They also have a wide toe box and come in four widths for a better fit.

During testing, we loved how comfortable these sneakers were when we tried them on, with lots of cushioning that didn’t feel bulky or weigh us down. Weighing just over 8 ounces, they’re some of the lightest shoes on our list. We also noted that the shoes are well-ventilated and breathable, making them ideal for warm-weather workouts but too airy for cold temperatures.

Although they're more expensive than other options on our list, we think their smart features and stellar comfort are well worth the investment. Some wearers have found that they’re not as stable, since the flexible upper isn’t as supportive. But the bootie-like shape offers a snug fit. For shoes with more support, try our Brooks or Hoka recommendations on this list.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and DICK's Sporting Goods

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 8.1 ounces | Materials: Synthetic and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Plush and lightweight | Drop: Not listed}

After testing lululemon's Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe for ourselves, we fell in love with them as a reliable sneaker for everyday wear. Designed for supporting your feet on roads and sidewalks, the Blissfeel 2 has firm cushioning and all-around support that kept us feeling comfortable all day long. And we noticed there was plenty of space in the front of the shoe, even as the heel provided a secure fit.

While we enjoyed wearing these on long walks, we found they weren't cushioned enough for running—making them a solid choice for running errands or commuting to the office. We also liked that the seamless mesh upper felt breathable, allowing air to circulate so our feet stayed cool and dry.

Despite how lightweight these shoes felt on our feet, we noticed that they were surprisingly responsive and springy. The sleek design pairs well with most athleisure, for a sneaker that's just as stylish as it is functional. Although it's more expensive than other options on our list, we think it's worth paying more for a sneaker you can throw on for whatever comes your way.

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 9.7 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole | Cushioning: Firm and responsive | Drop: 9.5 millimeters}

If you have plantar fasciitis, the right orthotic will relieve pressure from sensitive areas, provide thick cushioning, and offer good foot control and support. Hoka’s Clifton 8 is our pick for a shoe that has many of the same benefits—plus a spacious toe box.

We love that these sneakers have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they’re podiatrist-approved for better foot health. And despite all of their foam cushioning, these shoes are lightweight, making them a solid option for daily running shoes.

An internal rocker allows for smooth, fast transitions as you run, while the midsole and upper offer plenty of stability. That being said, they are designed for slower runs or walking rather than speedwork.

They're more expensive than other shoes on our list, and some wearers have noticed that it takes a while for their feet to get used to this shoe’s arch support. Still, we think they’re a reliable, worthwhile option for everyday walks or runs if you’re looking to combat heel pain.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and DICK's Sporting Goods

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 7.2 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Protective and responsive | Drop: 5 millimeters}

Overpronation occurs when your feet and ankles roll inward and downward while you walk. Brooks’ Addiction Walker 2 is our top pick for overpronators with a wide toe box because it features a diagonal bar in the midfoot to support your arches and prevent excessive rolling. Although they’re heavier, they’re made with stellar support that lighter shoes don’t always have.

When we tested the Addiction Walker 2, we immediately noticed how comfortable and stable it felt. We noticed we could easily wear them for long periods of time—ideal if you spend a lot of time on your feet while running errands or at work. We also found that the slip-resistant outsole had great grip for walking easily on wet, slick, or muddy terrain.

The design and solid coloring make these sneakers suitable for formal workwear and casual wear. Another benefit for overpronators is these shoes have enough room to add custom orthotics. For a tailored fit, you can choose from medium, wide, narrow, and extra-wide widths.

With a leather upper, these shoes aren’t as breathable as others on our list. But this material allows them to soften and conform to your feet for a snug, personalized fit. The inner material is mesh to keep your feet cool and comfortable, while a padded collar and tongue provide additional support and comfort.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Brooks

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 14.5 ounces | Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Soft | Drop: 12 millimeters}

Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 3 is our top choice for a shoe with both a wide toe box and enough support for high arches. The design provides plenty of springy cushioning, with ample stability for long, comfortable miles. And a nylon plate in the middle of the shoe offers great energy return to smooth your transitions and help propel you forward while you run.

We like that you can wear your Endorpin Speed 3 shoes in rain or shine confidently, as they have great traction on dry and wet roads. Moreover, they are excellent in cold or warm temperatures due to a flexible outsole that won’t seize up in the cold and an airy, breathable mesh upper. Although they’re on the expensive side, we think the attention to detail in weatherproofing this supportive sneaker merits the additional investment.

These shoes are designed with a wide toe box but more narrow mid and end foot for support. That said, they do come in wide sizes if you need more room. Just note that some wearers have found that the heel tends to rub since it isn’t as padded. You may want to pair them with some high-quality running socks for additional protection against blisters.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and Saucony

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 8 ounces | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Light and responsive | Drop: 8 millimeters}

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of wide toe box shoes?

  Wide toe box shoes provide ample room for your toes to spread out, move freely, and relax naturally. Providing a more stable and supportive fit, these sneakers help reduce the likelihood of cramped or pinched toes.

  In addition, wide toe boxes can help prevent painful foot conditions like blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, and even sprains and fractures. “This added space can also reduce the pressure on your feet, making it more comfortable to walk or stand for extended periods,” Garcia explains.

• How do I know if my toe box is wide enough?

  To make sure your toe box is wide enough, Garcia suggests measuring the width of your foot at the widest point (usually at the base of your toes). Tracing your foot on a piece of paper can help you measure. Then, check your measurements against the brand’s size chart to determine what size and width shoe will fit you best.

  Once you receive the shoes, Garcia recommends trying them on and standing up to see how they feel. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely without feeling cramped or squished. Take a few steps around to ensure there’s no pressure or rubbing on your toes or the sides of your foot while walking. If you experience any discomfort, the toe box may not be wide enough.

• Does a wide shoe mean it has a wide toe box?

  Choosing a shoe that comes in a wide size doesn’t always mean that the shoe also has a wide toe box. “Most often, when a shoe is indicated as ‘wide’ on the packaging, this is meant to indicate a wide heel,” Sharkey says. Garcia adds that the width of a shoe’s toe box can vary depending on the style, brand, and overall design. “Some brands also offer shoes with a specific ‘wide toe box’ feature, so be sure to look for those if you need more room in the toe area,” he says.

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