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Contributed By: Chris AndersonFinding the perfect fitting shoe is like a Cinderella story, and for those of us with a wider foot, that fairy tale ending can take a little longer…
Finding the perfect fitting shoe is like a Cinderella story, and for those of us with a wider foot, that fairytale ending can take a little longer…
I’ve taken it upon myself to talk to the team and put some of my own real-life experiences to create this epic list of wide-fitting footwear that will have you feeling like a prince or princess when the shoe fits to perfection.
Let's kick this off with some hiking footwear. When you're out on your feet for hours and even days on end, you can't have your footwear feeling like they are crushing your feet from every angle. They shouldn't feel like you've just squeezed into a glass slipper, so these 5 options are definitely worth a try.
Starting with a fast hike shoe, the Scarpa Mojito Trail GTX Wide comes in both a men's and women's option and is a low-cut hiking shoe. Built tough to handle any situation, the Mojito features a protective rubber toe cap for rugged terrain, Gore-tex lining to stop your feet from getting wet, a Vibram outsole for extreme grip and medium-density EVA midsole for stability and shock-absorbing. With the addition of the wide foot option, the Scarpa Mojito Trail GTX hiking shoes will have you hiking your way to a perfect fit.
Next up we have Lowa’s best-selling model, the Renegade GTX Mid Wide Hiking Boots, also in a men's and women's version. With their award-winning fit, comfort and durability, the Renegade is an all-around monster of a hiking boot. Made with a Virbam Evo sole for that sure-footed traction and an extremely durable polyurethane midsole that absorbs shock and rebounds well. The sleek design and all-around functionality of the Renegade is a surefire recipe for satisfaction.
Merrell has been making quality hiking shoes for many years and the Moab 3 Mid GTX Wide Hiking Boots are no exception. The waterproof Gore-tex membrane provides you with exceptional breathability and waterproof performance while the Vibram outsole gives you all the grip you need for the technical aspects of your hike. Equipped with a removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support the Moab 3 is a must have.
Salomon provided the goods with the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Wide Hiking boots. Another Gore-tex lined boot for optimal breathability and waterproofing with enhanced stability without limiting mobility. Yes, that was a lot of descriptive words in one sentence but the X Ultra 4’s can do no wrong, especially when you're after a wide option. Not to mention the chevron lugs which improve traction on soft surfaces like mud or loose dirt. What more do you need
Lastly, to round out this robust list, we couldn't go on without taking a look at the Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid-Hiking Boots. Keen claims the Targhee IV are their most durable boots yet and the evidence speaks for itself. Premium nubuck leather upper, non-marking multi-directional lugs for increased traction and breathable mesh lining all add up to be one hell of a boot. The padded tongue and collar allow for extra comfort on those long multi-day hikes to leave your feet feeling fresh for the next day.
Now that we’ve gone over the plethora of hiking boots on offer, let's take a deep dive into running footwear. Running is taxing enough on the legs and feet, but having running shoes that don't quite fit right can be the difference between a bad race and breaking a PB.
To get the ball rolling we have to start with Hoka, and the Clifton 9 Wide Road Running Shoes are no slouch. Hoka has always been a favourite among the comfortable yet high-performance running footwear and the Clifton 9’s are elite straight out of the box. The breathable mesh upper creates a constant airflow on the go to keep your feet from getting sweaty and blistering and the 5mm drop with durabrasion rubber outsole allows you to glide through your run like the road is made of clouds. Now who doesn't want to feel like you're running on clouds?
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Wide Road Running Shoes are another high achiever when it comes to comfort and performance. Their sleek new design and new midsole make these shoes softer and lighter only weighing 286g. Brooks’ GuideRails allow for supreme support while maintaining comfort the entire run. Comfort, performance and style all wrapped into one perfectly fitting wide shoe.
Altra is known for its wider-fitting footwear and the Lone Peak 8 Wide Trail Running Shoes are loved by many and have been put through the test. With a stack height of 25mm and a 0mm drop creating a balance of cushioning that puts your heel and toes the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your trail run. Your knees will thank you for putting your feet into these and your PB’s will just keep getting better.
The Asics Gel-Venture 9 Extra Wide Trail Running Shoes have been modified to provide better cushioning, so you can avoid any unnecessary pain. With an increased stack height in combination with the rearfoot GEL technology, the Gel-Venture 9 creates a softer and more comfortable feel underfoot. Meanwhile, the outsole features an advanced traction pattern that's perfect for road and trail surfaces. Take these from your front door to the trails and back again with no problems at all.
To finish off this list we couldn't go past another pair of Hokas - the Speedgoat 6 Wide Trail Running Shoes! As I mentioned earlier, Hoka doesn’t skimp on performance while maintaining comfort and at a recent ultra-marathon race on the Gold Coast, the number of pairs of these shoes I saw cross that finish line was proof that they are an unreal shoe. The Speedgoat 6s are equipped with a Vibram outsole for extreme technical traction, a protective toe bumper for those annoying rocks and roots on the trails, and a lightweight woven upper for maximum breathability. Hoka has made these so the wide-foot community can enjoy the high-performance aspect of trail running shoes without having to settle for good enough.
With the conclusion of this list, there are many more styles on the market that offer the wide foot community a comfortable, perfectly fitting shoe that I just could fit. But, I must say, there is a golden slipper in here for everyone, it's time to go out and find yours.
If you need any assistance at all with getting yourself fitting in the right footwear for you, chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.
About the contributor:
Chris Anderson is the graphic artist for Wild Earth. When he isn't getting creative behind the computer screen he's behind the camera lens hunting for that next epic landscape shot. You'll often find him hitting the trails and chasing waterfalls or jetting off to new places around the globe to surf, snowboard and just searching those hard-to-reach places for unseen beauties.
Follow his adventures on Instagram.
