Running shoes no longer made to fit wide toed feet in UK

[ThunderFog]

Are my feet normal or AIBU?

I can't find a pair of proper sports trainers to put on my feet. Getting exasperated. I've been into the Sports Direct, Skechers and similar, and into scary running shops where trainers cost £££. I've ordered and returned at least six pairs now, some of which claimed to be "foot-shaped" or "barefoot" (Vivo), and some which claim to be the latest version of shoes I own, but which are different shape side by side.

My feet are 260mm long and 110mm/105mm wide across the toe. My foot has not changed shape: I have various worn-out broken mens size 8 shoes and trainers, and one pair of Clarks men size 8 shoes that I got last year, but for two years now literally zero new trainers in the UK fit my feet. Anything wide enough is an inch too long, and anything the right length I can't put my wide foot into.
How can there be so many vast shoeshops yet all the shoes are basically the same? Why have manufacturers changed the shape of the lasts?

Or are my feet really genuinely unusual and I'm being unreasonable to expect to be able to buy a pair of running shoes?

I have Brooks Ghost, I think they have both a wide and an extra wide fitting, and they are great. They are not the cheapest (though I got mine in the sale) but they are so comfortable. I think Headington has an Up and Running store, would give you a chance to try out different makes?

Brooks are absolutely fantastic runners.

They have a quiz on their website to help you find the right pair for your needs. They are gorgeous too.

I have wide feet and get on very well with Hoka Arami 7 and Asics Ortholite trainers. They're not cheap, but cost less online. It's worth investing in a good pair if you can.

I used to have Brooks Ghost too and they were very good.

The problem is that once you've found a comfy pair of £120 plus trainers then you're hooked. I'm far from well off but accept that I need either a new pair of trails or road trainers every 9 months. It's cheaper than an injury and I have built up a nice selection I can rotate in wet weather.

I second Wide fit topo

I have square feet and I swear by altras😍

Now... do be aware that when you put them on, you will look down at your feet and think "F*&# me I'm wearing giant clown shoes 😱" but they really don't look that bad to others!

Also they're zero (or very low) drop so might take a bit of getting used to, don't run 20k on your first day in them

I find Hoka really uncomfortable. They're wide, but very tight around the toes - not enough "head room" so to speak.

These have lots of toe room and are wide fitting, but they're very much a "barefoot" running style (no good for rocky surfaces).

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5355Z2L?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6&th=1&psc=1

If you have Vitality health insurance, you get 50% off a pair of shoes each policy year.

May be worth doing the maths to see if a very basic policy would be financially worth that? Or asking if any f&f have a policy where they are not using that benefit.

I love my Brooks, and need a new pair. They do different width fittings in mens and women's, but I found my local running shop didn't stock many so I ended up having to buy online and returned 2 pairs before I got a pair I loved (one of the mens Ghost models). I'm about to start the process again...

My feet are wider after getting a bilateral scarf-Akin osteotomy.

My podiatrist recommended FitVille and I'm very happy with the running shoes I got. However, they're made in China and I have concerns about how ethical that purchase is.

I'm told that New Balance shoes are good and they're not made in China, so I'll be trying them next.

Just adding that my toes are wide post-op, but the back of my feet are not. The Fitville shoes do fit well. If it weren't for the fear that they're made by people in very poor conditions, I'd keep buying them. I take a size 7 these days and I wear orthotics.

Recommend a trip to Run and Become in London. Independent specialist running shop who actually let you run outside rather than on a treadmill. Staff are lovely, service is excellent - really know their stuff. There is no choice, you just get the shoes that fit!!

If the shoes that are wide enough are too long can’t you just get a smaller size?

Getting a 7 instead of an 8 would solve this problem surely

My feet are 260mm long and 110mm/105mm wide across the toe.

Mine are 265mm and 275mm long 🙄 and both are 115mm across the toes. I wear men’s Brooks Glycerins in a UK 9.5, width D. I’ve just bought some Glycerin GTS 23s from Start Fitness; they’re offering a 15% discount if you order through their app.

Firstly stop buying Sketchers and shoes from Sports Direct - that is asking for trouble.

Go to a proper running shop, tell them what you want shoes for and get your gait analysed.

I also recommend HOKA. I have wide size 7.feet and over pronate. I wear men's Gaviotas which are a stability shoe.

I had the Brooks Ghost in the men's range. Lovely and wide.

No... the 7s are too narrow

Try widefitshoes.co.uk
They have wide fit versions of many popular trainer brands which are unique to them, as well as other types of shoes.

So you haven't actually had your foot and gait measured in a running shop? I know decent running trainers aren't cheap, but they're worth the money.

For your foot there's specialist shoes, some of which have already been mentioned. And you have the likes of New Balance Fresh Foam 880s and Brooks Ghosts.

I don't have wide feet now (used to) but absolutely swear by Brooks. I've had other trainers which have been decent, but nothing compares to them.

I have wide squares feet and it is crazy how few shoes fit my feet.
Get to the running shop and try:
Brooks ghost, extra wide. The toe box shape and the widest / squarest of the beings range.

Topo athletic range. The models vary, but wide toe box is common. I tried the London marathon model but needed the next size up and it wasn't available. Not many shops stock them.

Altra flow. These have sone heel drop. Lid of toe space but I had sone issues with a dream on the inner causing a pressure point on my outer toe joint. Quality is variable too, only buy the shoes you try on, the next pair in the shop felt different.

New balance 1080 and 880 used to be good in extra wide mens. But they've gone all pointy so no good anymore.

For causal trainers hobibear are cheap with wide square toe boxes. But they are barefoot style so flat. Only buy from Amazon so they can be returned, the brand website return is back to China!

Get yourself a gait analysis done, it’s usually free with no obligation to buy and it’ll give you a really clear idea of what’s suitable for you. I’ve always worn brooks adrenaline.

I don't know if its the same thing but there are manufacturers who make shoes for bunions. They have a wide toe box but normal width at the heel. Would that work? I know about SoleBliss but they don't do running shoes but propbably there is someone who does running shoes for people with bunions.

I got some Brooks and they are really great! My trainer got them for me but I suggest going to a proper running shop - my previous pair were from there and I was a real novice! They will help you.

I work in buying in footwear, 110mm last is very wide.