Do I Need Wide Running Shoes?

Shoes are the most important piece of equipment a runner will purchase from the standpoints of comfort and injury prevention. Running in shoes not fitted appropriately to the athlete’s feet can result in a number of uncomfortable conditions, some of which can become severe over time. When getting fitted for shoes, it is imperative to determine width in addition to size, as some runners will require wide width running shoes. A wide running shoe will have a broader sole and more room for the foot. Wide running shoes can prevent blistering and cramping of the foot for individuals who previously ran in narrow running shoes not accommodating to their proper ergonomics.

Most major shoe manufacturer’s producing a line of running shoes will release models in sizes to accommodate all feet. Since running, in particular, involves rigorous contact between the foot and ground, the benefits of a properly fitting shoe can drive additional business to a producer. Runners who have previously had bad experiences with a certain brand due to sizing and comfort are far less likely to give that brand another shot as they are to experiment with a new model offered in accommodating size options. Unlike leisure and dress, running shoes are a style in which the function of the shoe will take priority over brand recognition in the majority of cases.

Individuals who have previously experienced discomfort with shoes that felt suffocating or binding would be the ideal candidate for a wide shoe. Mens running shoes for wide feet provide relief to those who experience feelings of narrowness, numbness and pain when removing the shoe. Feet swell during the day and often over the course of an exercise regimen, so those that may feel snug early on can be stifling over time. Wide running shoes eliminate the need for continual loosening of laces for comfort, which can increase the risk of injury due to shifting of the foot or insole.

Blisters and calluses commonly arise as a result of shoes not fit to width, and runners should get their feet re-sized each time they make a purchase. Feet tend to grow slightly with age, and this growth can lead to small adjustments in the size recommendations for a runner. The shoe should continue to fit snugly on the heel without being overly tight, and toes should have room to wiggle. Any cramping that occurs over the period of a run may be an indication that the runner needs to purchase a wider pair of shoes to prevent additional, collateral injury. Differences between the length and width of a right and left foot can vary by as much as a full size, further supporting the best practice of regular fitting and measurement. Runners stuck between sizes and widths should always opt for the larger size, as long as the difference is reasonable. A shoe slightly larger than the foot can be made to fit through adjustments in the types of socks worn and tightness of the lacing. Shoes that are too narrow cannot be modified to accommodate a wider foot.

By Stephanie Crick.