Most running shoes are made for mid to wide feet. So, what can be done here for narrow feet? You will have to do a lot of research to find the best running shoes for narrow feet.
Why do you need the right fit for narrow feet for running? Medium-width shoes can feel pretty sluggish during the runs. If there is too much room, your feet will start to move, resulting in blisters or injuries.
Ultimately everyone needs to consider what shoes are the best for them and that’s something we’ve taken into consideration here for people with narrow feet. Hopefully, the below reviews will help you find the best shoes for your narrow feet.
Best Overall
Under Armor Assert 8
Best For Women
Adidas Cloudfoam
Best Gel Shoes
ASICS Gel-Contend 5
Best Cushioning
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
Best For Knees
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
What Factors Were Considered For These Reviews?
We’ve searched the internet for more than 50 hours to collect data about what matters most when finding the best running shoes for narrow feet.
We have considered breathability, snug-fitting, knee protection, comfort, cushioning, support, the durability of materials, design elements, and functionality on different turfs, let alone the price factor.
Based on these factors, we have assigned a category on which a particular shoe stands out.
Let’s find out what these shoes have on offer.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Running Shoes for Narrow Feet
1. Under Armour Assert 8 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Synthetic sole
- For runners who need a balance of flexibility & cushioning
- Lightweight
- Durable leather overlays and locks your midfoot
Reasons to buy
- Features 100% textile upper
- Breathable and stylish-looking mesh
- Flexible and cushioning
- EVA sock liners for easy wearing
- Stays true to size
Reasons to avoid
- Synthetic sole tends to wear out a bit quicker
The upper of the Under Armour Assert 8 shoes feature textile, so your feet will not feel any discomfort during your runs. In addition, you won’t feel any extra pressure on your feet. However, Under Armour has gone for a synthetic rubber sole.
Your running shoes will stay light, and you won’t feel too much burden while running due to excessive weight.
The shaft of these running shoes is around the low top from the arch. Therefore, you might not get much ankle support here. However, you will have plenty of freedom when it comes to feet movement.
High-top designs can be pretty restrictive when it comes to ankle movement, and they are not that great for running. But it doesn’t mean the shoes don’t come with any cushioning and support at all.
These shoes are extremely breathable, thanks to the lightweight mesh present on the upper section. It has a stylish look with its three-color digital printing and will make your feet extremely comfortable.
Another great feature of these shoes is those durable leather overlays to ensure stability. These shoes will lock in your feet, even your midfoot, and you will feel very confident during your movements.
They also come with an EVA sock liner to make sure you can comfortably put your shoes on and take them off.
2. Adidas Cloudfoam Running Shoes
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Stretchable mesh upper for breathability
- Stretchy running shoes with extra cushioning for all-day comfort
Reasons to buy
- Different sizes and colors are available
- 100% synthetic textile
- Breathable
- Sock-like construction
- Comfortable to step in and out
Reasons to avoid
- Not very durable
Adidas is the pioneer for making running shoes for narrow feet. A few years back, when it introduced the shoes with tight-knit upper, they immediately took the industry by storm.
These running shoes come with a 100% synthetic textile in the construction of their upper. Plus, the shoes come with rubber soles to ensure proper traction during your activity. Moreover, rubber soles will not wear out easily.
The platform of these shoes comes with a width of three inches, and the boot opening measures to be around 12 inches. In addition, these shoes come with a stretchy upper section that will fit comfortably on your feet.
Another extraordinary feature of these shoes is the Cloudfoam layer that combines the outsole with the midsole.
With this construction, these shoes are extremely comfortable to step in. you will immediately notice that these shoes have superior cushioning that will make your feet relaxed throughout your activity.
There is a memory sock liner inside these shoes, and it also features Cloudfoam. These sock liners mold well with your feet. So, taking off and putting your shoes on won’t be a problem for you.
The entire shoe has a sock-like construction; it will hug your feet without making you feel uncomfortable. As a result, you can conveniently wear your Cloudfoam running shoes throughout the day.
3. Asics Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Gel technology
Reasons to buy
- Solid rubber sole
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Gel technology
- Flex grooves with upper mesh
Reasons to avoid
- They do take some time to break-in
The Asics Gel-Contend 5 is another one to go for if you look for running shoes for narrow feet. The upper section of these shoes is made of synthetic textile and feature a rubber sole that is quite sturdy, and it will wear out quickly. It has also been engineered with a mesh upper that will significantly improve the overall airflow.
In addition, the upper section features synthetic textile with mesh, so you are going to be very comfortable wearing these shoes on those warm days.
And as the name goes, “Gel-Contend,” these shoes come with infused gel technology to provide you with excellent cushioning and shock absorption.
These shoes also come with an Ortholite sock liner equipped with moisture management, and it will allow you to wear and take off your shoulders conveniently and quickly.
The outsole of these shoes also comes with flex grooves. These flex grooves improve the overall flexibility of the bottom layers and will make your feet’ movement very comfortable.
Asics have also gone for synthetic stitching on those overlays. This is important for better support and stability.
These shoes are pretty lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear. You will not feel them on your feet during your running sessions. Thanks to its sock liners, wearing and taking them off in a hurry won’t be an issue.
The thick Amplifoam on these shoes makes them highly versatile to take care of different foot conditions like underpronation and overpronation. In addition, these shoes are remarkable for their therapeutic tendencies.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Great cushioning
- Lightweight and breathable
Reasons to buy
- Synthetic textile upper
- Mesh construction for breathability
- Thick rubber sole for stability
- Fits perfectly well
- Lightweight and supportive
Reasons to avoid
- Not true to size so worth trying instore
If you are looking for some heavy cushioning on the sole to keep your feet well protected against ground impact as you do a lot of running activity, you will love the V10 by New Balance.
The upper section of these shoes is made of synthetic textile and has mesh in it. It means these shoes will make you highly comfortable moving your feet while keeping them inside highly breathable to prevent any sweating.
The plushness is enough to keep your feet comfortable and not overly supported.
In addition, you can freely make your feet move and run around without feeling too much stuff in your shoes.
Thanks to the Hypoknit upper of these shoes, they allow free movement in various strategic sections of your feet, making your wearing experience extremely comfortable.
With the upper construction and the heel design, these shoes will fit perfectly well. As a result, you won’t feel any discomfort in wearing them for long hours.
Whether you are looking to wear them throughout the day or want to wear them for a running session, these shoes will work pretty well for you.
These shoes also come with an Ortholite sock liner that will keep your feet comfortable.
5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Made in the US
- Synthetic and Mesh
- Provides support and cushioning
- Guiderails holistic support system helps keep you moving comfortable by keeping excess movement in check
Reasons to buy
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Synthetic textile upper
- High breathability with mesh
- Plenty of support and cushioning
- Fits comfortably
Reasons to avoid
- Slightly expensive
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoes might look expensive, but they are super comfy. These Brooks shoes are very similar in construction if you compare them to the V10 by New Balance. But they are much closer in design and look similar to a standard pair of running shoes.
The upper section of these shoes comes with synthetic textile and mesh. So, these shoes will be highly breathable and comfortable to wear in warm weather. They also perform well when you use them for high-impact activities like running.
These shoes come with rubber soles, and these soles will wear out easily. So, if you are a runner and looking for a supportive pair of shoes, the Adrenaline GTS 21 is the right pick for you.
This pair is great if you are dealing with overpronation while keeping your feet very relaxed. With this much cushioning and stability, you can conveniently use them for road running and cross-training.
These shoes are lightweight, and you will find them pretty comfortable during your long strides. They might come in various color combinations and sizes, but they also have a slightly bigger price tag.
6. Mosha Belle Womens Non Slip Training Shoes
Key Features
- Stylish
- Multi-purpose
- Durable
Reasons to buy
- Huge price advantage
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Hollow rubber sole
- Maximum cushioning and support
- They look pretty stylish
- Highly versatile
Reasons to avoid
- Not a dedicated running shoe
If you are looking for a running pair for narrow feet on a budget, Mosha Belle is best for you. These shoes are available in a range of different colors and sizes. You can conveniently use them for running, walking, and playing tennis.
They come with rubber soles that have spaces to keep the shoe light and comfortable to wear.
You can even wear them casually for the entire day. The upper section of these shoes is made of a knit vamp, Mosha Belle’s stretchable mesh fabric. This fabric has breathable properties and keeps your feet fresh at all times.
They look pretty stylish with their crush fire pattern. This pair seems extremely lively, and it won’t disappoint you if you are looking to use it as your fashion wear.
They also feature a non-slip outsole which has a shape of a hollow curved structure. This design will provide your feet with highly stable support and optimal shock absorption.
You can use them on various occasions. As a result, they are highly versatile and are not just limited to running purposes only.
You can use them for walking your dog, your daily wear, casual wear, light trekking, gym training, urban recreation, basketball, jogging, camping, workout, cycling, and other indoor and outdoor activities and sports.
However, they have a slightly plasticky touch associated with them, and you will notice that they tend to wear out pretty quickly.
7. Lamincoa Womens Air Running Shoes
Key Features
- Rubber and air cushion sole
- Removable insole (For orthotics)
- Can be used for a variety of sports alongside running
Reasons to buy
- Highly versatile
- Mesh fabric upper for high breathability
- Features removable insoles
- Air and rubber cushioned design
- Different colors and sizes are available
Reasons to avoid
- The soles might be too soft for some
Here’s another pair of running shoes for narrow feet that is highly versatile. You can wear these shoes for running, walking, jogging, and playing tennis. There is nothing better than a trusty pair of shoes you can wear on any occasion, and they are suitable for your narrow feet as well.
But how good are the Lamincoa?
First of all, they come in different sizes and color combinations, so you can pick the right one based on your preferences.
They do not have a hefty price tag on them. So, value for money is there. One of the best features of these shoes is they come with air and rubber cushioned soles.
It means that they are not only going to provide you with rubber cushioning, but the whole also has hollow air cushioning in it to make it highly comfortable for you.
This double-buffering will ensure that your feet remain well protected against the high impact that results in activities like running.
These shoes also come with removable insoles that you can take out and wash and can replace with other food orthotics.
In addition, the upper section of the shoes comes with mesh fabric construction, and it is slightly stretched to make the shoes more breathable and comfortable even in a warm conditioner.
Things to Consider When Buying Running Shoes for Narrow Feet
Here are some key factors you should keep in mind when looking for the best running shoes for narrow feet.
Durability
When you are looking to buy running shoes for narrow feet, you need to look for a durable construction pair. In addition, you need to think about all the activities that you are going to indulge in while wearing that pair.
If you’re going to wear the same pair of shoes daily, you need to look for some extra durability features. The pair must be robust construction, and the materials used in the construction should also be high-quality.
Material
Go for rubber soles if you do more road running than anything else. Asphalt will be harsh on the sole of your shoes, so you need to go for genuine rubber if you will be running the roads.
Synthetic rubber will not cost much, but it will also wear out quicker, so this option would work out if you go for trail running with no tarmac or asphalt.
As for the upper section, make sure you go for textile or even synthetic leather. Leather will be the best option, but these shoes will be expensive and not feasible for day-to-day use as they need proper maintenance. So, it would be better to go for synthetic or textile.
Breathability
Another significant feature that most people tend to overlook is breathability. If your shoes are not breathable, you are not going to feel comfortable in them. Therefore, it is better to go for shoes that have mesh on the upper.
They will be highly breathable and will keep your feet in a comfortable zone throughout your running session. If you live in a warmer climate, you need to think about the breathability of your shoes even more. Breathable shoes will prevent smelly feet and keep them fresh and active.
Cushioning and Comfort
If you have some foot condition like over or under pronation or anything else, you will have to hold cushioning and comfort, more important. With more cushioning, your feet will feel relaxed even if you are involved in high-impact activities or sports.
Too much cushioning will add more weight to your shoes, and your feet movement will become restricted. Therefore, make sure you don’t overdo it and keep your foot movement in consideration.
Support and Stability
With more support and stability, your feet will maintain their natural ergonomics. In addition, there will be some room available for any of those special moves that you try to make during your strides or other manoeuvres while playing a sport.
But you will also have to keep in mind that there will be less cushioning with more support and stability, and you will have to compromise a bit on your comfort.
Therefore, it would be better for you to balance comfort and stability to get the most out of your running shoes. Also, look for laces and molded midsoles because these two features significantly boost the support factors of a pair of running shoes.
Fitting and Size
You need to check your foot size professionally before you order a pair. A wrong size will always cause a problem as too snuggly fit will make it uncomfortable for you, while loose-fitting might cause your feet to move around unnecessarily and cause an injury. In case of loose-fitting, you can always go for a pair of insoles to provide your feet with more comfort and odor-free experience.
Anti-Slipping Properties
If you are going to wear your running pair for various purposes like camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity or sport, make sure their soles come with anti-slip properties.
Slip resistance grip will make you more confident in your footage and will make you feel more confident during your moves. These features will also help in preventing any injuries.
Safety Features
Make sure you go for a pair that doesn’t expose your feet to injuries. You can look for puncture-proof soles, cut resistive materials, and reinforced toes as bonus features to make your running pair even more secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best width for narrow feet is AA width for women and B width for men. You need to look for a pair that doesn’t come with much room in the upper section. Your shoes will provide you with that glove fitting, and it will prevent any unwanted movements.
Not all women and men have narrow feet, so they don’t need shoes with narrow widths. Therefore, your options will be limited. Also, as the market is smaller, you will not find many models in this niche.
This is precisely why you will not find many color choices available, but the shoes mentioned above in our list come with plenty of color options.
Yes, Adidas and Asics are well known to have a good range of narrow shoes. Even some of their standard medium widths are narrower than most other brands on the market. So, if you are looking for an easy-going pair of running shoes, try these two brands.
Yes, you can change the lacing of these narrow pairs according to your preferences. There are different lacing techniques for different foot types.
Conclusion
The best running shoes for narrow in men category is the Under Armour Assert 8. You won’t feel any discomfort during your runs in these shoes. The lightweight design allows you to feel lightweight during running sessions.
In our opinion, Adidas Cloudfoam is the best narrow feet running shoes for women. The Cloudfoam provides you with the perfect balance between comfort and support, and their rubber sole makes them great for day-to-day use as well.
Running shoes for narrow feet are not very commonly available on the market. Therefore, your options are limited. But after going through this guide, we hope you find your perfect pair of running shoes for narrow feet that you can use like any other pair of shoes and enhance your overall performance.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.
