Nothing cramps your style quite like cramped toes. Narrow shoes can negatively affect both your run and your foot health, which is why running shoes with a roomy toe box are a great idea for regular runners.
Some benefits of wide toe boxes include
- Reduced rubbing, which prevents blisters, corns, and bunions.
- Improved balance and stability
- Greater air circulation by your toes, which prevents fungal infections.
We've picked out some of our favorite options for roomy toe box running shoes. Plus, read to the end to get a few tips for switching to your ideal pair and discover where to shop all your options in Milwaukee
Topo Phantom 3
Topo's Phantom 3 claims to be the softest, lightest, and most responsive ride in their lineup, and its features deliver on that promise. In addition to a roomy toe box, Topo's Phantom 3 includes:
- Multi-level midsole foam that's soft against your foot while being firm against the ground. It's springier than EVA, giving you better rebound for a longer time period.
- A flexible mesh upper.
- 33 mm stack height in the heel with 5mm heel-toe drop.
- Recycled materials.
- The APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance.
The Topo Phantom 3 is available for both men and women in store and online a Goodmiles.
Brooks Beast (Men) and Ariel (Women)
Though they're different styles, the Men's Brooks Beast and Women's Brooks Ariel provide similar benefits for your feet. In addition to a roomy toe box, these styles include:
- An upper made with 3D Fit Print technology to provide the perfect combination of stretch, structure, and breathability.
- DNA LOFT v3 cushioning that protects your joints from impact shock and improves comfort.
- GuideRails along the heel and inner foot to prevent extra movement and better align your feet and knees.
- A segmented crash pad in the heel for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
The Brooks Beast is available in men's styles and the Brooks Ariel is available in women's styles in store and online at Goodmiles.
Altra Rivera 4
Every Altra shoe is made with a roomy toe box (called their FootShape™ design) as well as zero drop from heel to toe. You can't go wrong with any style, but we especially love the Rivera 4. In addition to a roomy toe box, the Altra Rivera 4 includes:
- A snug midfoot to keep your shoe in place, even with extra room elsewhere.
- A padded heel collar for extra comfort.
- EGO™ midsole foam that adds comfort, responsiveness, and grounding.
- FootPod™ outsole technology that supports your foot's flexibility and encourages natural movement tthroughout the whole body.
The Altra Rivera 4 is available for both women and men online an in store at Goodmiles.
New Balance Fresh Foam x 840v1
The New Balance Fresh Foam x 840v1 is another fantastic addition to New Balance's lineup of Fresh Foam shoes, which are lightweight but ultra-cushioned. In addition to a roomy toe box, this shoe includes:
- A no-sew upper for a streamlined fit and aesthetic.
- A neutral and extra-soft construction.
- A molded heel cup for extra support.
The New Balance Fresh Foam x 840v1 is available for both men and women in store and online at Goodmiles.
HOKA Stinson 7
HOKA's Stinson 7 is made for the all-terrain runner looking for extra comfort. In addition to a roomy toe box, HOKA's Stinson 7 includes:
- A durable cap to protect your toes.
- Jacquard mesh in the upper for breathable comfort.
- H-frame™ technology that stabilizes your steps on uneven ground.
- A Deep Active Foot Frame™ that cradles your foot with wrap-around side walls.
- Multi-directional lugs made for versatile traction on any terrain.
- The APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance.
The HOKA Stinson 7 is available for both women and men online and in store at Goodmiles.
How to Add Roomy Toe Box Shoes to Your Lineup
If you're going from narrow shoes to wide shoes, try no to jump too quickly into the transition. Your feet will need time to adapt to the new shape, especially when it comes to balance and gait.
Here are a few tips to protect your feet:
- Start wearing your new shoes gradually, building up from short runs to longer runs.
- If you're switching from a shoe with a high heel-toe drop to a shoe with zero heel-toe drop (such as styles from Altra), consider buying an "in-between" pair with a low drop. This will help get your feet used to the feeling before you make the big switch.
- Make sure your shoe fits correctly in other areas. Like any other shoe, proper length and width through the rest of the foot is key for your comfort.
When it comes to the latter, there's no better resource than Goodmiles Running Company. With two locations in the Greater Milwaukee area, you can shop a range of options for better running shoes with a roomy toe box. Our team of Fit Experts will make sure you walk away with the shoe that feels best on your feet.
We hope to see you soon! Enjoy your next goodmiles, running buddies.