Best Wide Toe Box Shoes in 2023

Do you get home from work and sigh in relief when you take your shoes off and let your toes be free?

If your toes are cramped and tightly packed into your shoes, you are putting yourself at risk of foot pain and conditions like metatarsalgia and bunions.

Thankfully, the best wide toe box shoes can help to prevent this problem. A wide toe box can help your toes to splay out naturally so they don’t rub against each other or against the shoe.

We chose the Altra Paradigm 5 as our best overall. It has a FootShape toe box and uses FootPod midsole and outsole technology for a soft, cushioned ride.

Here are the top ten shoes that made the list!

Top 3 Best and Favorites

 

Altra Paradigm 6

 

  • FootShape toe box
  • Altra EGO dual-nature midsole
  • STABILIPOD
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

 

Brooks Ghost 14

 

  • Spacious toe box
  • BioMoGo DNA
  • Gender-friendly cushioning design
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

 

Altra Provision 6

 

  • Altra Zero Drop Platform
  • Innovarch arch
  • FootShape toe box
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

Best Overall

1. Altra Paradigm 6

The Altra Paradigm is a great option for an everyday shoe that you can wear at home, or when going about your day.

The toe box on this shoe is extremely wide, like many of Altra’s shoes. The size of the toe box allows your toes to spread out comfortably which can also improve your balance.

This is a zero-drop shoe, which means there is no height difference between the toe and the heel. Many shoes have a higher heel than the toe, which causes your foot to always be leaning slightly on your toes, adding extra pressure. Zero-drop helps reduce the pressure on your toes, so they have complete freedom.

A mesh upper is light, breathable, and dries quickly. Inside, the mesh lining allows for air circulation to keep your feet cool and dry.

These shoes also have some innovative technology incorporated into them that increases comfort as well as the safety of your feet.

The midsole is constructed from Altra Max EGO compound, which not only provides soft cushioning but is responsive with good energy return on every step. They also use FootPod technology in the midsole and outsole. This maps the bones, joints, and tendons, so the shoe moves with your foot.

For extra stability, you have STABILIPOD and GUIDERAIL technology. STABILIPOD creates a tripod effect underfoot for well-rounded stabilization to prevent the arch from collapsing.

GUIDERAIL technology is a support feature that keeps the foot in natural alignment and prevents it from twisting or moving out of its normal range of motion.

This model is available for both men and women. The women’s version has built-in Fit4Her technology, which caters to women’s feet by narrowing the midfoot and the heel. This makes the instep higher and the arch longer.

PROS:

  • FootShape toe box
  • Altra EGO dual-nature midsole
  • STABILIPOD
  • FootPod midsole and outsole technology

CONS:

  • Some people may feel that the heel of the shoe has a narrow fit
  • The stability features may not be suitable for overpronators

Top Classic Running Shoe

2. Brooks Ghost 14

The Brooks Ghost 14 has a spacious toe box so your toes won’t be cramped or up against the tip of the toe box.

Soft-blown rubber material in the forefoot also offers cushioning for your toes. To improve your running performance, a DNA LOFT cushion provides softness and an easier heel-to-toe transition.

The shoe also uses BioMoGo, which is a blended compound including Brooks DNA foam. It’s designed in a gender-friendly way so the men’s and women’s shoes are slightly differently cushioned.

The foam insole is also removable in case you want to replace it with your own. Some runners may not like that the shoes only come in a limited color range.

PROS:

  • Soft-blown rubber in the forefoot
  • Spacious toe box
  • BioMoGo DNA
  • Gender-friendly cushioning design

CONS:

  • These shoes come in a limited variety of colors

Best Stability Shoes

3. Altra Provision 6

You don’t need to be a runner to overpronate. If your arch and foot roll inwards when you take a step, you are an overpronator. Even though you may not have noticed this before, it can lead to some foot and leg problems.

These shoes are great for daily use for overpronators. They are also zero-drop, promoting correct form whether you’re walking or running.

Those who also need more space for their toes will be happy to know that the FootShape toe box is wide and allows the toes to splay comfortably.

An innovation called Innovarch encourages a natural foot alignment and prevents the overpronator’s foot from falling over by using a “three-finger wrap” around the medial midfoot.

A light EVA midsole, Stabilipod, and GUIDERAIL technology all contribute to making this shoe the best stability shoe with a wide toe box. It would be effective for individuals who walk, as well as those who run on a regular basis.

Some people may find that a zero-drop shoe takes time to get used to, and some may also find the low ankle collar to be uncomfortable.

PROS:

  • Altra Zero Drop Platform
  • Innovarch arch
  • Stabilipod
  • FootShape toe box

CONS:

  • Some people may have to adjust to a zero drop shoe, as well as having a very low ankle collar

Best New Balance Walking Shoe

4. New Balance 840v2

New Balance shoes are known to be both comfortable and wider than average.

The cushioning is perfect for walking comfortably. New Balance’s ABZORB midsole is a full-length foam cushion that is soft enough to let you walk for long distances but firm enough to support your foot properly.

The leather upper is durable and supportive of the foot. Strategically-placed perforations allow warm air to escape from inside the shoe, and cool air to circulate around your feet. A Lightning Dry lining controls moisture and keeps your feet dry.

The outsole is made of blown rubber with NDurance rubber in areas of the sole that are known to be high-abrasion.

PROS:

  • Deeper, wider toe box
  • ABZORB midsole cushioning
  • Perforated suede and mesh upper
  • Dual rubber outsole

CONS:

  • Some people may find the shoe to be a bit too wide in the heel

Top Brooks Walking Shoe

5. Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Brooks shoes are known for their superior cushioning.

That makes them a good choice as a walking shoe, to protect not only your toes but the rest of your foot too. This pair is ideal for overpronators.

These shoes have a leather upper, which holds the foot in place snugly and supports it as you walk. Along with the toes splaying naturally in the wide toe box and the arch support, this keeps the foot balanced.

The insole is removable so you can add your own if necessary. The BioMoGo DNA compound in the midsole keeps the foot supported while also offering a bit of bounce when you walk.

To keep your foot stable on the ground, a PDRB (Progressive Diagonal Rollbar) consists of a firm, medial arch post to counteract overpronation.

You can get the same shoe in the men’s or women’s versions. It’s important to note that these shoes can run large, so you may want to order a half-size down.

PROS:

  • Improved leather upper
  • Features a flat-to-medium insole
  • Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar
  • Engineered MC Pod Configuration

CONS:

  • These shoes can run large and you may have to order half a size down

Best Saucony Walking Shoe

6. Saucony Omni Walker 3

The Omni Walkers are a mix of leather and synthetic, made for both neutral or overpronating feet.

The shoes are lightweight but have a lot of cushioning that protects the toes as well as the rest of the foot while you walk.

A traditional lacing system allows you to keep these shoes as tight or loose as you like. Even if you need to tighten them a lot, the tongue and ankle collar are cushioned and plush, to prevent chafing.

A PWRRUN midsole responds well on every step, and you may be able to feel the slight bounce when you walk.

Walk-Trac outsoles are slip-resistant. When you can walk confidently on any surface, and your balance is improved due to the natural toe-splaying, you may find walking to be easier and more enjoyable.

PROS:

  • PWRRUN midsole
  • Full-grain leather upper
  • Non-slip outsole
  • Padded tongue and collar

CONS:

  • Some individuals find that the toe box is unusually pointed

Best All-Purpose Wide Toe Box Sneakers

7. Topo Vibe

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes you can wear all day, wherever you are, then you may like these ones. The slip-on design is easy and convenient, and they offer a snug fit in the heel but a spacious toe box.

A heel-to-toe drop of 5mm is on the lower side and is helpful to take pressure off the toes when walking or jogging. While the toes have space to spread out, the Ortholite 3D Wave Sense footbed also stimulates circulation with its ridged design.

An engineered mesh upper makes these slip-ons comfortable and allows air to circulate around the feet and keep them dry and cool. It’s also antimicrobial so it keeps odor-causing bacteria away.

A Vibram rubber outsole also means that you can go anywhere in these shoes and feel safe and stable.

PROS:

  • Ortholite 3D Wave Sense footbed
  • Antimicrobial engineered-knit mesh
  • Slip-on fit
  • Wide toe box

CONS:

  • Some people may find that the upper of the shoe doesn’t stretch enough to get their foot out quickly

Top Wide Toe Box Hiking Boots

8. Topo Trailventure

Hiking can be a fun and healthy hobby, but doing it with your toes cramped into a too-small toe box can be miserable instead.

The Topo Trailventure hiking boots solve that problem by offering a roomy toe box and all the features you need in a good-quality hiking boot.

A ZIP FOAM midsole gives you enough cushioning underfoot to spend hours on your feet without feeling any pain. It also provides excellent energy return, which will assist with those rocky bits when you need a bit of extra bounce.

The Vibram XS Trek outsole uses an aggressive lug pattern to keep you sturdy on your feet. Good traction also takes pressure off the toes as they don’t need to be clenching to keep you stable.

A rubber cap on the toe protects them from the outside, and a rearfoot rock plate stops you from hurting yourself when stepping on sharp rocks. eVent DVdryLT inner lining is waterproof, so you can brave any weather.

PROS:

  • ZIP FOAM midsole
  • eVent DVdryLT inner bootie
  • Vibram XS Trek outsole
  • Flexible full-length ESS rock plate

CONS:

  • If you hike often, these shoes may not be as durable as others

Best Wide Toe Box Boots for Men

9. Altra Smith

Finding normal shoes with a wide toe box can be hard, but finding boots can be even harder.

For men, the Altra Smith boot is a good choice. Altra is known for having wide toe boxes, and this boot features Altra’s FootShape technology to keep your toes comfortable in the shoe.

A Bloom Foam insole, EVA midsole, and full rubber outsole make this boot comfortable, and a leather upper makes it durable. It may be stiff for the first few wears until t is broken in.

PROS:

  • FootShape toe box
  • Premium leather upper
  • Full rubber outsole
  • Wide toe box

CONS:

  • The shoe may be stiff and rigid until broken in

Best Wide Toe Box Boots for Women

10. Propet Pia

The Propet Pia are orthopedic shoes, made to withstand any weather, with waterproofing and a thermal lining.

A well-padded ankle cuff and tongue make them comfortable to wear even when they’re laced tight, and the deep toe box lets your toes be free to move.

An EVA midsole and removable insole make the inside of these shoes adjustable for any foot. It also absorbs shock, so your foot won’t be jarred when you step.

PROS:

  • Deep, rounded toe box
  • Thermal lining
  • Waterproof and windproof
  • Padded shoe collar and tongue

CONS:

  • Some people may find that these shoes don’t provide enough arch support and will have to use an insole to support the arches

Top Wide Toe Box Dress Shoes for Men

11. Drew Park

Dress shoes can be uncomfortable at the best of times, but if your toes don’t have room to move, then they’ll be even worse.

The Drew Park shoes have an added depth with a removable footbed, which has impressive arch support that molds to the lines and curves of the feet.

The Drilex lining moves moisture away from the skin to evaporate so that there’s no odor, and your feet don’t get damp.

The medial heel stabilizers also keep the foot properly aligned and prevent pronation. This also helps the toes, as they don’t need to stabilize your foot themselves.

PROS:

  • Drilex lining
  • Extended medial heel stabilizer
  • Added depth
  • Removable insole

CONS:

  • The tongue isn’t very padded and could cause discomfort

Top Wide Toe Box Dress Shoes for Women

12. Aravon Maya

The women’s dress shoe we’ve chosen is the Aravon Maya, which is a Mary Jane-style shoe made by New Balance.

It has a slight heel, which will put just a little pressure on the toes but the wide toe box helps to disperse the pressure. A Memory Foam footbed conforms to your foot, but you can remove it if you wish to add your own.

A hook-and-loop closure, stability shank in the midsole, and a rubber outsole add to the benefits of this shoe. This shoe is also a Medicare A5500 diabetic shoe.

PROS:

  • ABZORB cushioning in the forefoot and heel
  • Memory Foam footbed
  • Adjustable hook and loop strap
  • Medicare A5500 diabetic shoe

CONS:

  • These shoes can run a bit small so you may have to order a half size up

FAQs

Why are wide toe box shoes beneficial?

Every person’s feet are unique to them. When choosing shoes, we want them to be comfortable to wear. A shoe that has a wide toe box lets your toes splay naturally and helps the feet to keep their natural shape, as the shoe isn’t creating pressure points on the joints and bones.

When our forefoot and toes have space to move and they’re not being squeezed together, it’s also preventing hammertoes and bunions.

Often we will wear shoes that fit too tightly in the toe box, and this forces the toes to be too close to each other for extended periods of time. Over this time, the toe joint begins to calcify, which then bulges out and you’ll have a bunion.

You may find when you start wearing shoes with a wide toe box that it feels strange. But when your toes can spread naturally, you’ll find that your balance improves.

This is because your toes have an increased surface area, which leads to better agility and balance. It also helps to distribute weight more evenly, which allows your feet to return to their natural alignment and anatomical shape.