Recommendations for trainers or trail shoes to suit a wider toe shape

[Fluffyblackcat7]

Can anyone recommend some trainers or trail shoes for me?

I have slimmish heels but my feet are widest at a point level with my little toe, gradually tapering to my big toe which is my longest toe. I have read that this foot shape is called Roman, as opposed to German, Egyptian etc. If I can refind the diagram, I will link to it.

Consequently, my feet are very ill-suited to almond toed shoes as they are too narrow, rubbing/squeezing on the knuckle of my little toe and putting pressure on the outer corner of my big toe. I would definitely suffer from bunions if I wore pointed toes and even rounded toes aren't great. I want foot-shaped footwear IYKWIM.

I occasionally see similar shapes in German and Dutch brands like Wolky but these are usually sandals and I want trainers or trail shoes for the winter.

Any suggestions?

Barefoot/minimalist shoes might suit you.
Have a look here: anyasreviews.com

Altra
toppo
merrel
all do wide toe boxes and come in either Road or trail. I have used all three brands and Alta have been my favourite.

Keen are very wide fit. The keen targhee was too wide for me and I thought I had wide feet. I ended up with Moabs instead.

i do also have keen jasper but more for fashion than hiking. They are very comfy though.

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/keen-womens-targhee-iv-waterproof-shoes-B21AAC0054.html?colour=14914

these, it’s specifically the tie box which is wide on these.

Lots of wide toes shoes are also no rise - meaning it can cause Achilles issues (that’s me).

I wear Topo and Altras

I have duck feet and get on well with La Sportiva. Most wide models like Meindl are also wide at the heel.

I like Soloman Alphacross.

Btw, do you know about the heel lock lacing technique to keep them tight over the ankle and loose at the toes? It's made a huge difference for me.

Vivobarefoot, specifically the leather tracker ones for trail running etc. I have the shoes and boots. I wear insoles with mine for arch support. They aren't cheap but the ones with stitched soles (not glued) are good quality, and they have a sole replacement service.

I have some Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Trail Running Trainers which are roomy round the toes so might be worth a try

I would recommend going to a knowledgeable outdoor shop and get fitted. I usually use Cotswold Outdoor for this. They will measure, look at shape, suggest some brands/fits and then test them on inclines etc.

There are also lacing patterns that can help - look up heel lock lacing on YouTube.

Personally I wear Salomon. Have tried many brands over the years and these are the ones for me. Not the cheapest but my last pair lasted 8 years.

I agree. Lots of people love Hoka, but I found them uncomfortable. Also, there’s different types of trial shoes depending on whether you’re running on hilly trails, rocky paths, off-road and on road etc.

I have wide feet and narrow heels plus an high instep and find Meindl, Merrell and Keen shoes / boots fit best.

My local Cotswold Outdoor shop has a foot scanner that measures your feet and suggests shoes to try, so might be worth giving that a try.

I need a bigger toe box and I wear Brooks, recommended by a podiatrist some years ago. Hokas also do wide toe versions. But do find a good running or outdoor shop and try before you buy; lots of people love Hokas but I can’t get on with them

I would definitely try in store. Outdoor shops like Cotswold often give a 15% discount if you are a member of National Trust and other organisations so worth checking that if you are.

That sounds really useful. Can you provide a link?

Brooks do a wide fitting and are v good if your feet need support.

Birkenstock. They do two types of trainer. I have their Bend Low in different finishes. Highly recommended if your toes need room. They also do a trainer called Honnef City. I don't have this as it looks too much like a trainer. Both have the Birkenstock footbed so are available in narrow or standard fitting.