Running shoes for wide feet

Triathlon Forum
1

I’ve been running happily for years in Asics Cumulus extra wide (4E). They have begun to give me trouble, however, over the last year as I’ve reformed my old heel striking ways. Now that my foot strike is more midfoot to forefoot, the toe boxes of my shoes are breaking down quite quickly. In addition, I think the relative lack of cushion in the forefoot is contributing to foot and ankle soreness (warning signs of Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis).

Anyone have suggestions for other wide running shoes I could try? Thanks!

2

I’ve had pretty good luck with brooks beast. They are a bit heavy but they last, and I havent had any issues in 2+ years.

3

I have been using New Balance for years for my extra wide feet. All of their shoes come in several wide widths witch give you several choices.

4

I’m not sure if Saucony offers width options in the new Progrid Triumph 4, but it supposedly has a wide platform, tons of cushion & a comparable feel to the Nimbus. I’ve tried these on & felt like I was wearing pillows on my feet. Looks like they would be fairly durable as well.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/SCN818/

5

When you say they are “breaking down quickly”… how many miles are you getting before you have to replace them?

Someone recommended the Beast but the Cumulus is a neutral shoe so I’m not sure this would be a good shoe for you because it is a motion control shoe.

6

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. As for breaking down, seems like I’m getting less than 200 miles out of them. By then, the forefoot cushioning just doesn’t bounce back — feels dead. But at 6’, 185 lbs, I’ve never been real easy on my shoes.

7

You’re right, tsilcyc, the cumulus is neutral. I’ve always run in a neutral shoe. So I guess I’m looking for a wide, neutral shoe that’s on the beefy side up front. I tried a pair of Nike Air Pegasus last year and hated them for some reason.

8

200 miles doesn’t seem unreasonable given the shoe and the fact that you’re not “easy” on them as you say. You might want to go to a running shop and have them look at you run.

As for a basis of comparison, I overpronate, am light on my feet and get about 250 miles out of my shoes.

The bottom line for me (and maybe for you) is… I like the shoes, they allow me to run injury free and if the only real problem I have is they only last me 250 miles… I can live with that.

But go to a running shop because you might be able to get a different shoe that will allow you to squeeze a few more miles out of them.

9

Well, we have a very nice running shop with a qualified staff in my town. That’s where I always buy my shoes. But my options there in a wide, neutral shoe seem limited to the Asics Cumulus, Nike Pegasus and the Brooks Radius, which only comes in a 2E (and quickly gave me a blister). Just thought I’d see if anyone else in my “boats” has had success with something I haven’t tried. Thoughts, anyone, on NB or Saucony?

10

I am exactly your size and weight. I have been running in the Asics 2100 series for years with no injury. I get about 300+ mils out of the shoes . I do keep 2 pairs and rotate them faithfully. I have run in both the 2E & 4E. When Asics makes a change in design I have found some varaition in toe box room.
Also, as an example am running the Houston Marathon tomorrow (1/14) and will take the 4E’s as I know my feet will swell.

fal7

11

I’m 6’ 227lbs and run with the New Balance 1024 2E

I have used it the last few seasons and it has been great
lot’s of comfort and cushioning in the mid to front foot as
I have changed my running style as well.

I also found Mizuno to have a really wide toe box as well

If your toes are wearing out the box you could go 1/2 size bigger to give you extra space

12

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I’ll check 'em out.