4 of the best WIDE FIT trail running shoes 2022 (Altra, Topo, Inov-8, La Sportiva, plus 6 more)
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2024
- I’ve been testing out wide-fit trail running shoes that let your toes splay in a natural way because I’ve become increasingly alarmed by the way my little toe gets scrunched inwards by certain running shoes, do you suffer with this too? Let me know in the comments below.
So here's my review and round up of my favourite wide-fit trail running shoes, including the Altra Timp 4, Topo Mtn Racer 2, Inov-8 Parkclaw 260 Knit and La Sportiva Karacal. PLUS a quick mention of six other trail shoes that I’ve found to have fairly wide fitting, roomier toe boxes.
If you fancy buying any of these trail running shoes, please use my affiliate links in the film description below, and please click like and subscribe to the channel (it’s free!) so you don’t miss out on more gear reviews and training advice from Wild Ginger Running.
00:00 Intro, why wide-fit trail running shoes?
01:07 Altra Timp 4
04:18 Topo Mtn Racer 2
06:27 Inov-8 Parkclaw 260 Knit
08:19 I need your help!
08:35 La Sportiva Karacal
10:30 My faves & links to more reviews
To buy
Altra Timp 4 amzn.to/3qGPm40
Topo Mtn Racer 2 amzn.to/3Bok8nh
Inov-8 Parkclaw 260 Knit amzn.to/3BLqHBF
La Sportiva Karacal amzn.to/3QId9ew
On Running CloudUltra amzn.to/3xuGB0O
Saucony Peregrine 12 amzn.to/3SaWukK
Brooks Cascadia 16 amzn.to/3SdJZ97
Merrell Agility Peak 4 amzn.to/3bjTqTW
Arc’teryx Norvan LD 3 arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/women...
Salomon Sense Ride 4 amzn.to/3BLw2sH
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My book, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook amzn.to/3jgKvTy
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Thanks for this review! I've been desperate to find some more foot-shaped trail shoes so this has been really useful 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Great timing on this Claire , some of them I like , also it is good information for runners who have got wide feet they will be interested in these trail shoes .
Glad it was helpful!
So glad I found you channel, really struggle to fine wide fit trail shoes!!
Thank you!! 😊
Cool! Hope this review helps you! Claire
@@wildgingerruns it definitely did!
Great video Claire. Glad your now getting on with the Altra shoes after a few years of struggling with them 😊 You know, I would go as far to say that these so called “wide” shoes are just simply normal foot shape! Fantastic comparison. I have my own review of the inov8 shoe myself coming 🔜
Yep I so get that, they are just normal footshape aren't they!!!
Thanks for the shout out to those of us who wear a wide trail shoe!
Lots of us according to the comments here! Thanks John!
I bought some Altra lone peak 6's before Christmas and they are my favourite. I've been gradually lowering my drop over the last year or so. Going from hoka speedgoat 4's to altra lone peaks. Still taking it easy with only short runs in the altra's and longer runs in the hoka but the fit in altra's 'normal foot shape shoes' is a revelation. I can only see myself wearing 'foot shaped shoes' from now on. Thanks for the review Claire.
Awesome, it sounds like you've been doing this exactly the right way Graham! Claire
Great reviews, thank you! Unfortunately, last week I got sucked into a running store and spent more for a pair of shoes than I ever have in my life... $180. I must have been high, because they're Altra Olympus 5 - 0 drop, which I know my abnormally short Achilles can't and won't adapt to! 😆 They were just so incredibly comfortable, I decided a new insole with a heel lift would add a few mm. For a broke girl, it was my worst investment ever, but darn are they comfy on my short trial runs!!
A heel lift is such a great idea, that's my plan for my Altras! Running shoes are so expensive aren't they!!!
@@wildgingerruns I usually have a list compiled from great shoe reviews like this, and hit the clearance sites. Most of my shoes are $70 or less! That's what killed me about the $180. But the shoe store guy gave me such great and thorough service, and they're so darn comfy... Also, the laces, like you mentioned, are junk. For that price, I want golden laces that tie themselves, but they're short and cheap feeling, untie constantly, and will need to be replaced ASAP. I really can't wait to run more miles in them though!
Great stuff 😊
Thanks! 🙂
I've recently bought a pair of speedgoat 5's in a wide fit, so interested to see your upcoming review
Oh nice, I wish mine were wide fit, will have to specify next time. Liking the Hoka Mafate Speed 4's though, they are much wider yey!
Thanks for the reviews! I like the Altra Olympus 5 and Topo Phantom 2 for light trails and roads. For the more gnarly trails I still prefer Hoka Speedgoat 3 (an older model I still have) before Hoka made them more narrow.
Awesome thanks for sharing this Arleen, good to know you are a fellow wide-fit enthusiast!
Another choice is the Salomon Ultra Glide Wide - I have had these few a couple of months and have found the grip/cushioning to be great ro town to trail run's. Also great as they are easily found on sale now...plenty of room for a good toe spread even with hot end of run feet 👍
Ooh thanks for this that's a great suggestion!
WIDE SHOES SEARCH UPDATE: After reading and watching many reviews, I finally decided to try the New Balance W (wide) version of their Fresh Foam 1080 version 12, and now itʻs my favorite shoe for both running and walking. I was also considering Hoka and Brooks, but some reviewers thought Hoka is not wide enough, while some thought Brooks is too clunky.
So far, New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v 12 is feeling good. Toe box is wide enough, the drop is 10mm and fine for my achilles tendons, and the shoe tongue is not too rigid or puffy.
I went to a local running shop and tried on all three brands. Hoka was definitely too narrow. Brooks looked (to me) like Frankensteinʻs monsterʻs boots, and New Balance had the right blend of fit and style. Just want to note that New Balance offers slightly different running shoes for different budgets and different needs, and most styles have a wide or extra wide version.
Awesome thanks for this super useful info JSJ
The Altra toe-boxes have been the best fit for my wide feet. Tried the Topos which were wide enough, but the instep was super tight which made the shoelaces so short that I could only tie double knots instead of bows. Returned and still looking...
Good that Altra suit you, I wish more brands would offer a truly wide-fit toe box like they do.
To solve the 0mm drop Altra "problem" and to add more arch support, I use a 3/4 insert that creates about a 5mm drop. Still feels a bit low but it's ok since I only use my Altras for walking.
Searching for the best wide toe-box trail running shoe, and came across your channel. Thanks for your helpful, informative post!
Yes, this is a really good shout, a good way to wear Altras if you don't get on with zero drop
Where would be a good place to buy these 3/4 inserts and are there preferred ones for these kinds of shoes.? Thank you.
@@ruger6049 I buy Dr Scholls when they are on sale at the local drug store. They come in both menʻs and womenʻs. I think it is called the triple support - heel, arch, and ball of foot. Place the 3/4 insert underneath the full length insert that comes with the shoes, and that way, the inserts will not slide around so much. Cheers!
Altra ftw!
Always! Such a lovely wide fit, wish other brands would copy as I don't find Altra grip, support or drop the right thing for me.
LS Karacal are great. Very similar to LS Jackal; just that they fixed the “Achilles heel” part of the shoe, which is padded.
Used Karacal’s for the UTMB. Didn’t notice anyone else wearing them 😁
Cool, they are indeed a great shoe, congrats on completing UTMB!
I always size up by half and wide in Hoka. Never had an issue (apart from supply issue when I need more!)
Good to know Dan, thank you!
My Merrell gloves are the widest and most comfortable shoes that I have tried, relatively cheap too.
Excellent suggestion, thanks BB!
Thanks
Aw thanks Phil that is so kind of you! :)))))))))
I ordered 5mm gel heel inserts on amazon. I use them on and off in my Altra lone peaks and timps. I found that paper towels work too. Just 2mm or so because it will keep your heel from squishing so far. I dont think the zero drop is the problem as much as your heel sinking more than the mid foot causing an effective negative drop. The olympus do not need anything and actually feel like they are 5mm drop. They are very stable and very comfortable
Cool this is great info Mike thanks for sharing :) Claire
With wide feet and recurring metatarsalgia I need my forefoot not to be restricted at all while running. My first trail shoe, Saucony's Koa ST was super comfortable and accommodating and I was gutted when they were discontinued but I successfully transitioned to the Peregrine. Unfortunately, my current Peregrine, the 12, is clearly a budget quality shoe compared to its predecessors, as reflected in today's price ... still super supportive with a confidence inspiring sole, and roomy in the forefoot but no longer any padding on the tongue and the shoe generally feels more flimsy all over, I'm not expecting them to last long. They do still have speed laces though, which imo are an absolute must on a trail shoe from a safety perspective, and I can't understand why they're not more popular. I believe Saucony have now switched to traditional laces from the 13 so it's time for a change of brand but not sure where I go from here as I'm not convinced by any of the shoes trialled here. It would definitely help if manufacturers catered more for wider feet, included information about shoe width in the description, and didn't keep changing styles for the sake of fashion. It's hard enough trying to find a good fitting shoe. It's an absolute ball ache knowing you're back to the drawing board every time you need a new pair!
Argh I hate when they stop making a great shoe, I once bought 4 pairs of a shoe I liked and it was great for a few years! Wish more shoe brands used a more Altra-ish wide toe box tho!
Sucks that in the UK wide fit shoes are so hard to find. Most shoe companies don't make them or even let you know they are wide fitting.
Yep, if I was to launch any product it would be a wide fit shoe!
With the La Sportiva you mentioned you had trouble with the lacing at the bottom of the shoe. Have you tried removing the laces and lacing from the next row up? They shouldn't give you any problems then.
Ah what a great idea! I think they might be too wide then though, the reason I'm pulling them in at the end is because they don't clamp down on my forefoot enough, I have a low volume foot. Thanks for the tip though I'll give that a go!
Just bought a pair of altra lone peak 5’s. Hoping to use them as a ‘do it all’ shoe, for walking and running about. Have you had any experience with any lone peaks?
In my experience: Super comfy, but not as grippy as the grippiest shoes out there.
Hey Andrew, sorry no, just the Timp 4s and soon the Altra Mont Blanc BOA review will be up. Stay tuned! Let me know about the Lone Peaks!
I have a pair of inov8 Terraultra G270 which have loads of toe wiggle room in them
Cool! Thanks for sharing David!
I bought a pair of the Inov8 Parkclaws and was co disappointed. Not sure if it was the sizing or something else but developed horrendous shin splints which made it very difficult to do anything other than a short run. Also found the laces very short, as you pointed out, and I wasn't a fan of the insole. Pretty much the worst shoes I've ever owned and I'll be reluctant to buy Inov8 again. Considering Saucony for my next pair.
Hey Jon, I found these Parkclaws very different to all the other Inov-8 shoes I really like, including the other Parkclaw G 280 which are in this review here ruclips.net/video/7-IbkR4FDHc/видео.html Don't let it put you off Inov-8's, I found them quite different in fit to the others.
I'm happy with my Xero Terraflex though I can easily see them not suiting lots of people.
They sound super Andrea!
Any tips for a good pair of shoes for both trail and road?
You need this film here! My reivew of road to trailers ruclips.net/video/7-IbkR4FDHc/видео.html
Would be nice to see reviews of the wide version models of the shoes that come in wide. Also, it’s not Altras fault you get plantar fasciitis. It’s the fault of your heel drop shoes and the shoe industry that your feet haven’t developed properly. I switched to minimalist shoes (Xeros) and that basically cured my plantar fasciitis. Now, even Altras have too much cushion for me. I prefer Xero HFS.
Yes it would, I must do that at some point. In minimal shoes my PF flares up quickly but doesn't in 5mm - 8mm shoes so I stick to those. Need to strengthen the feet up really!
@@wildgingerruns look into barefoot walking technique. Walking barefoot, at first, i was heel striking and slapping the ground. Now each foot lands like a soft airplane landing. Very quiet walking. And then do that walking barefoot on natural surfaces (not hard, flat ones). Start slow - 10-20 min a day of walking mindfully. Then try it in barefoot shoes (very flexible ones), and increase the walking so that the next day, when you wake up, you don’t feel excessive soreness or aching. If you gradually increase to more time walking barefoot and with minimalist shoes (and take out the insoles of minimalist shoes), your feet will transform. It will take longer and longer before you feel discomfort or aching. And if you walk barefoot/minimalist on natural terrain, you’ll see that it feels good and is fun, as the ground massages your feet (like using a massage ball, but naturally from the ground). If you go a few weeks or months without using cushioned running shoes, then start using cushioned shoes again, you’ll notice how disconnected you are from the ground and how pillowy they are. You might have to go a month without running, but during the transition, you can look into your running technique as well b/c you don’t want to be heel striking (not sure if you do). But the insight is that foot health is the goal, not finding the ‘right shoe’.
Suggestion: Saucony Xodus Ultra - Fellow Wide Foot Runner
How's the midfoot width on the Xodus Ultra? I struggle with hot spots if the last tapers in the midfoot too much.
I tried the Exodus in 2015 and it cut up the back of my heel, I should try the newer version shoudln't I, thanks for the tip Roger!
Yay for us wide feet humans
Whoop whoop! All companies should really get on board with this, from the amount of comments this film has got already!
I had plantar fasciitis for 9 months….until….I got my altras…..zero drop rocks
Oh reeeeeally? Now that is very interesting. For me mine starts to pick up again in zero drop. I've started strength exercises and it defo helps tho, must keep doing them!
@@wildgingerruns Us Gingers must stick together lol ....Ya i was laid up with PF, did shock therapy treatments ($$$$$), the night socks, the stretches, the inflammation meds - you name it, I did it. I was devastated that i could barely stand up or walk ...
It wasn't until an ultra-marathon runner/shoe store owner - overheard me talking to his sales girl about my PF...he has a video camera set up behind an in-store treadmill focused close on the person's knees to feet...then video's the person walking and running.
---then we watch the video(normal speed and slow motion) and he discusses the biomechanics of how all our joints work - (sometimes against us) - certain shoes force the body to adjust certain ways....his theory...was 'why try to force your body to work like a perfect specimen? NONE of us have perfect biomechanics - you've walked and run a certain way your whole life, and now you want to FIX something, that isn't in need of fixing?. Work with your unique quirks and master the end result'.
So, he didn't try to fully correct my pronation or force shoes to fix imperfections...or fix my flat feet (which he said is mostly a fatigued arch and isn't a big deal) ...so....he said the benefits of lengthening the tendons in the calves etc, is more beneficial to your hips, calves, feet, knees etc - we were born walking with zero drop...then shoes try to change that.
Anyway, long message sorry - my adhd is showing up hahaa...so moral of MY story, I spent some time transitioning to zero drop...yes there are some aches n pains going back to a natural stance...but it eliminated my PF and IT band issues as well.
I only run about 5-7 miles a day / 5 or 6 days a week. So long distances aren't my norm.....plus I am 52 and find the shorter runs make me FEEL more energized.
My feet, now have an arch (not a high one, but DEF have one) and my feet splay inside my shoe making trail running SUPER fun...probably all in my head -but it's invigorating. ha
Enjoy - great content :)