Which trail running shoes are best for wide feet: my top 10 picks in 2023
Finding the right trail running shoe to suit you, like nutrition, is such a personal topic. Whilst there is no storage of options out there to suit every type of trail and terrain, it can be a little overwhelming if you’re just starting your shoe rotation from scratch. Not to mention if you’re trying to comb through the weeds in search of a wide fitting trail running shoe.
Why might you need a wide fitting trail running shoe?
Squashed toes, bunions, and new blisters might all be tell-tale signs that you should be wearing a wide fitting shoe. And if you’re training for ultramarathon distances where you’re on your feet for prolonged periods of time, there is even more of a reason to be wearing them.
One of the common questions I see asked is,
‘Can trail running shoes be used for hiking?’.
The simple fact of being outdoors, awake and on your feet for hours on end regardless if you are running an ultramarathon or out for a day of hiking with your dog means that you want a shoe that is comfortable above all else.
As I'm writing this, in 6 months time, Project: Breaking 250 will be heading out to the Atacama Desert to take part in Atacama Crossing (Chile) with RacingThePlanet.
The Atacama Crossing (Chile) is a 7-day, 250km/ 155 mile footrace that takes place in the incredible Atacama Desert of Chile. Throughout the seven days, we will traverse through salt flats, massive sand dunes, icy slot canyons, river crossings and experience starry nights in the foothills of the Andes mountains.
I completed this same event back in 2018. If you’re lucky you’ll be on your feet from anywhere between 40-50 hours for the duration of the week, sometimes even up to a grueling 70+ hours for the back of the packers. One of the biggest mistakes I made when I completed the event the first time around was not wearing a wide fitting trail running shoe. I’ll spare you the photos but let’s just say I knew about it after day three.
