Running is a sport loved by millions. Some like to do it simply to keep fit whilst others prefer to compete to the highest level possible. With running being such a popular sporting activity it’s no surprise just how many options are available for running shoes online or in-store.
It wasn’t that long ago that footwear choices were quite limited. You either had a snug fit or standard sizes that weren’t ideal for narrow feet. Luckily, those days are behind us.
Today there’s a wide range of running shoes on the market that are perfect for people with narrow feet. In fact, there are so many to choose from it can become quite overwhelming to find the best shoe.
A running shoe needs to offer maximum comfort and flexibility to ensure you don’t end up with sore feet or any nasty injuries. It’s also nice to have a pair of great-looking shoes with a smart design. To help you find the best shoe for your narrow feet we have put together a list for you.
Our list consists of the 5 best running shoes on the market now for people with narrow feet, looking at their design, comfort, and any pros and cons.
At the end of the article, we have also included a useful buyers guide to help you make the right decision and answered some frequently asked questions.
The Best Running Shoes For Narrow Feet
Asics Gel Nimbus Lite 2
We kick off our list with the wonderfully designed Asics Gel Nimbus Lite 2 running shoes.
These running shoes use the Flytefoam midsole that provides the shoe with lightweight cushioning to give the runner a comfortable feeling. This shoe is similar to the regular Nimbus shoes but without unnecessary bulk.
When we reviewed this shoe we found that the narrow upper secures the foot down over the midsole for more power whilst running. This makes the shoe a perfect snug fit if you have narrow feet.
The plush tongue is attached to an EVA foam-padded sleeve which is quite uncommon but it works well. This foam sleeve makes the interior of the shoe smooth and soft.
As if that wasn’t enough the quilted heel lining also keeps your heel locked in place, giving you a more stable run. This again is another feature that makes this shoe perfect for runners with narrow feet.
This stylish shoe doesn’t only offer comfort and flexibility, it looks fantastic too. The green and blue patterned design will let you stand out from the crowd as you run effortlessly in a shoe that will give you a smooth ride.
- High-quality comfort – This shoe is padded out with awesome features to add comfort and softness to the shoe.
- Design – The Nimbus 2 Lite looks amazing. The color scheme and patterns work well.
- Variety of sizes – This running shoe comes in a huge variety of sizes so you can find the right pair.
- Breathability – These shoes don’t have as many breathability features as other shoes do.
Adidas UltraBoost 21
The Adidas UltraBoost 21 shoes are an excellent choice if you want a shoe that offers great comfort whilst running but can also be worn out and about.
These running shoes have a great design and perform even better. With a unique, streamlined design these shoes look magnificent, yet subtle allowing you to look and feel good as you run.
We found the upper part of this shoe to be shallow and narrow. This helps the shoe fit those with narrow feet easier. The great thing about this shoe is that the narrowness doesn’t impact comfortability.
The Primeknit mesh upper accommodates an array of foot types whilst keeping the shoe soft and secure.
Inside this shoe sits a high-volume Boost midsole. This midsole makes wearing this shoe all day possible. You won’t feel uncomfortable at any point.
Another great feature of this shoe is its easy-to-use lacing system which allows for quick tying and removal of the shoe after a hard workout.
- Everyday use – This shoe can be used every day. It doesn’t just have to be used as a running shoe.
- Primeknit mesh – Primeknit mesh gives flexibility to the shoe to let you move with ease and comfort.
- Narrow upper – This makes the shoes perfect and snug for those with narrow feet.
- Price – These running shoes are a bit pricier than other running shoes.
New Balance 860V10
The New Balance 860V10 is a chunkier shoe that is designed to give you more stability as you run. As a result, this shoe is a little heavier than the first two on the list but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Having more stability as you run reduces the risk of injury and gives you a more secure feel.
New Balance has integrated TruFuse material all the way along this shoe to ensure comfort throughout. This along with engineered mesh provide the user with a snug fit that will keep their feet in place.
When we tested this shoe we were impressed with the 3D modeled heel counter. This cool feature gives this shoe a more premium feel and again makes it more comfortable to run in.
When looking at the outside of the shoe you will be pleased to know it looks fantastic. The 860V10 is arguably one of the best-looking stability running shoes on the market.
Available in three colors so you can pick a shoe that suits your style, this shoe could also be worn throughout the day like the UltraBoost 21.
We would also just like to mention the sole on this shoe. The shoe has a durable rubber sole that is nice and thick. This adds more flexibility and a softer feel to the shoe as you run in them. It’s a nice touch.
- Strong stability – This shoe will give you stronger stability as you run.
- Amazing design – The 860V10 is an attractive shoe.
- Comfort – The added features like the molded heel counter makes this shoe extra comfy.
- Heavier shoe – This shoe isn’t as lightweight as other running shoes.
Brooks Ghost 14
This reliable running shoe comes in four widths. One of these widths is a narrow ‘B’ which is suitable for those with narrower feet. It must be noted though that the narrow ‘B’ size doesn’t come in as many colors as other sizes.
Like the other shoes on this list so far the Ghost 14 has an upper made of quality upholstery and materials to produce a secure and comfortable fit.
We reviewed the Brooks Ghost 14 and found that the single-density stack of foam does a great job of blending distance-friendly cushioning with stability and smooth transitioning.
Whether you want to carry out a standard everyday run or a more intense long-distance slog, the Ghost 14’s have got you covered.
Built-in to the Ghost 14 shoe is a segmented crash pad that acts as an integrated system of shock absorbers. This neat feature means that with every step you take the shoe will cushion and absorb the pressure to give you a smoother run. This helps reduce the risk of pulls and strains.
On a design front, we must say this shoe looks wonderful. Unbelievably this shoe comes in 25 different styles, with each style being different from the next. It is very likely that with the Brooks Ghost you will find a shoe that you love.
- Variety of styles – This shoe seems to have an endless amount of styles to choose from.
- Segmented crash pad – The crash pad absorbs shock to ensure you enjoy a soft, comfortable run.
- Suitable for a variety of sports – This shoe is perfect for short or long-distance running as well as cross-training and gym sessions.
- Colors available for narrow shoes – There are fewer options in terms of style and colors of the shoe when you look at the narrower sizes.
Nike Winflo 8
There’s no way we could finish this list without putting a Nike shoe on the list, after all, they are arguably the biggest and best manufacturer of sporting footwear. The Nike Winflo 8’s are a brilliant affordable running shoe that has narrow interiors to suit people with narrower feet.
The forefront in this shoe is both shallow and narrow making it secure and tight. The non-stretch upper part of the shoe is combined with Nike’s Flywire lacing and toe-box overlay. These features make it a good option for narrow feet.
When tests were carried out on this shoe we found it to be super comfortable, snug, and stable making it a fantastic shoe to run in or wear throughout the day. The padded design the shoe offers and the strong rubber sole bring extra support to our feet.
In our opinion, this is the best shoe on the list if you are looking for a more regular pair of running shoes that can also be worn out to a family meal.
Available in a variety of different colors the shoe’s design is simple, yet effective. Nike has made a no-nonsense shoe that does as it says with the Winflo 8. There’s really nothing to dislike.
- Affordable – This shoe is the most affordable on our list.
- Non-stretch upper – The non-stretch upper keeps the shoe firmly in place.
- Everyday wear – The Winflo 8’s are a great everyday shoe.
- Fewer color options for women’s shoes – For some reason, Nike has made fewer colors available for the women’s version of this shoe.
Buyers’ Guide
This handy buyer’s guide will help you make a decision you won’t regret at a later date. The key factors in this guide are things you should look out for and consider when looking for the best shoe for narrow feet.
Comfort
Arguably the most important factor of any shoe is how comfy it is to wear. If your shoe isn’t a comfortable fit you could find yourself with an annoying loose shoe or one that could increase your risk of injury.
A shoe that will be comfortable and secure on your feet will be made from materials and features that make it so. Features such as padded heels, Primeknit mesh, cushioned midsole, a strong rubber sole, and crash pads are all signs of a good comfortable shoe.
These features ensure the shoe gives a snug, cozy fit and stays in one place as you run. Crash pads are worth looking out for because they absorb the shock from every step. This gives you a smoother run.
If you look out for these features when buying your shoe, you won’t go wrong.
Size
Shoes come in an array of different sizes so it is important you find a shoe that fits you. A ‘D’ size shoe is considered a standard width and the default fit for all running shoes. A ‘B’ width is one size narrower.
You need to consider this when looking for your running shoes because not all brands offer this size. Luckily for you, the brands on this list do. If you do decide to buy a different shoe though just remember to look for a ‘B’.
Design
Running shoes vary in style. You need to think about this carefully when picking your shoes. Let’s face it we all want a high-performance shoe but it has to look good too. That’s not all you have to think about though.
You also need to think about what you will wear the shoe for. If it’s just a running shoe you’re after then any shoe on our list is fine, however, if you want a shoe you can also wear out you need to start thinking.
Some shoes are designed solely for the purpose of running. These shoes would be no good to you. Instead, you need to look at shoes like the UltraBoost 21 which is designed for everyday use as well as running.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Tight Should My Running Shoes Be?
A properly fitted running shoe should feel comfortable and snug around the midfoot and heel, with enough room to wiggle your toes around.
When standing up you can check for a proper length and width by pressing down next to the ball of your foot and around your toes. A good fitting shoe should allow room for half a full thumb’s width of space.
What Happens If My Running Shoes Are Too Big?
If your running shoes are too big you could start to encounter some serious problems or injuries. Common injuries linked to wearing shoes that are too big are blood blisters, strains, and sores. These can be very unpleasant which is why it is so important you find the right shoe for you.
More serious injuries could also occur. Without trying to sound too dramatic if your shoe is too big for you, you could quite easily trip over or fall. This could result in some nasty cuts or even broken bones if you’re not careful.
Is It Better To Wear Shoes Tight Or Loose?
First of all your shoes should always fit comfortably. This means they shouldn’t be loose or too tight. They should also not be too small or too big.
Many people don’t realize that most of us have one foot bigger than the other so it is important when getting shoes that fit to always fit the shoes to your larger foot. By doing this you can buy a shoe that is just right.
As long as your shoe isn’t too extreme one way or the other you should be fine as long as you are comfortable. If you aren’t comfortable you need to change your shoes as soon as you can to avoid any unnecessary discomfort or injuries.
Takeaway
As you can probably tell from our list there is a wide range of different running shoes that suit people with narrow feet. We have hardly scratched the surface with our list. You could quite easily produce a list with hundreds of shoes on it but we wanted to provide you with a list of the very best.
There is a running shoe out there that suits everybody. Whether you are a person looking to keep fit or someone who wants to compete in serious competitions, there is a shoe that you can buy that will give you stability and comfort as you run.
When looking for a running shoe it is important that you look for one that has at least one or two comfortability or stability features. This may be a padded heel or specialized mesh which keeps your foot in place and provides a soft feel.
Now you have our list at your fingertips it’s your turn to do some research. Take our list and narrow down the options till you find the best shoe for you.
By finding the right shoe you will be able to improve your running ability and run more comfortably so definitely take your time when making your final decision. Good luck!
