The Best CrossFit Shoes for Wide Feet in 2023- My Top Picks

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What are The Best CrossFit Shoes for Wide Feet? Finally, an answer to the question.

Finding comfortable shoes is difficult, and it’s even more difficult when you need workout shoes with a wide fit. 

A lot of the time, reviewers talk about how great a shoe is, but they don’t focus on whether that shoe has wide fit options which can be really disappointing.

I know it’s a common workaround solution, but having to buy a bigger-sized shoe or “sizing up” in order to get a wider fit isn’t ideal. Also means you’ll have that big gap of space in the toe of the shoe.

This guide will show you 3 of the best CrossFit shoes for wide feet (in my opinion) to help people who may need extra help finding good options.

You Don’t Necessarily Need to Have Wide Feet…

My situation is that I don’t have wide feet but I much prefer to wear a wider-fitting shoe when I workout.

I feel that wider-fitting shoes give me a slight advantage. When it comes to lifting weights and feeling planted on the ground, a wider shoe feels better than a narrower-fitting shoe does.

Being able to really splay my toes out when I’m lifting heavier weights feels more comfortable, and I feel it gives me much better balance and more confidence in the heavier lifts.

So my preference especially for things like squats and deadlifts is a wider shoe.

So I got into trying out several shoes in order to find which one has the features that work best for CrossFit workouts.

Hopefully, you find my results useful!

My Top Picks of 2023

Why Do You Need Special Shoes for CrossFit?

Special shoes for CrossFit are necessary because CrossFit is a high-intensity workout program that puts a lot of stress on the body.

Regular gym trainers don’t have the features to support doing lots of multi-directional movements, running, climbing and lifting weights. So this makes special cross-training shoes necessary.

Getting the right shoes can also provide better stability when lifting and can help prevent injury, aches, and pains in the long run.

The Breakdown – The Best CrossFit Shoes for Wide Feet (2023)

Each of the shoes below offers its own benefits to people with wide feet. I chose these top three because they are extremely comfortable and supportive.

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My Best Overall Pick 👍… Inov-8

The EVA foam worked well to reduce fatigue in my legs and feet which made them work really well for longer and more intense CrossFit sessions but also, I found they were really comfortable for longer distance running.

One thing I noticed pretty quickly is the strong grip on these Inov-8 shoes. These G 300s have a noticeably impressive grip, I ran on a wet morning in the park and on a trail and I felt as though there was no chance of me slipping.

The upper of the F-Lite G 300 is made from a lightweight and breathable mesh, which helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable during workouts. The lacing system on the upper also ensures a secure fit.

The outsole is also designed with flex grooves which helps to give you a more natural feeling of foot movement and flexibility.

Add the abrasion-resistant materials in the sole that really help with gripping rope and for me, with the Inov-8s you have a very well-thought-out pair of CrossFit shoes for wide feet.

My Overall Verdict: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300

Overall, I think the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 is a great choice of CrossFit shoes for wide feet. The wide toe box and midsole provide superior cushioning and support, while the breathable mesh upper and lacing system ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

I’d seriously recommend considering these not just as a CrossFit shoe but for weightlifting, running and hiking too. If you can find these in your size, I would say definitely try them out.

“…These Inov-8s really impressed me. I didn’t expect them to perform as well as running shoes. Great all-rounders. Definitely try them if you can get them in your size.”

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Best Runner-Up… Reeboks

From the first moment I put my feet in them I noticed how roomy they were, the Nano X3 have a quite noticeably roomier toe box that really allows you to splay out your toes when you workout, particularly helpful when stabilizing yourself during squats.

The midsole on the Nano X3 gives a lot more cushioning than the previous X2 did, the cushioning and shock absorption was very good too, which is of course perfect for the high-intensity of CrossFit workouts, particularly jumping and moves involving lots of ground impact.

The upper on the Nano X3 is a lightweight mesh material which keeps your feet very cool, If you live in colder climates Reebok also released a newer iteration which is a winter version of the shoe which comes with more insulation, I wish they were available when I bought my ones.

The outsole provides a good level of grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. No slippage was experienced whatsoever. The Nanos also have a unique cushioning system that sets them apart from many others in this area.

This shoe features Reebok’s ‘Floatride’ Energy Foam midsole which strikes a good balance between rigidity and softness. This means running in them will feel softer. The cushioning system also made them comfortable for longer periods of time, something that’s always welcome.

One thing I will add as well, the Reebok Nano X3 range probably has the best selection of colors I’ve ever seen in a fitness shoe! It’s just a shame the best colours tend to sell out so fast.

My Overall Verdict: Reebok Nano X3

“The cushioning system also made them a pleasure to wear for longer periods of time, something that is always welcome.”

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Best Pick Under $100… Xeros

“The result is you get a shoe that gives you more of a natural feel, you build up muscles in your feet that are very likely to have become lazy and also (in my case) your balance is improved when you wear barefoot or minimalist shoes.”

Xero are a new brand, so it’s likely you’ve not heard of them but they are a strong contender in this area. We recently did a deep dive into Xero shoes and the Prio comes highly recommended as a CrossFit shoe for flat feet.

These shoes like the Vivos above are barefoot shoes, which means they’re very stripped down. If you have flat feet, barefoot shoes have been proven to help train you to build muscle in your foot – a little different from the idea of selecting a shoe with arch support, but this is a different approach to fixing the problem of flat feet, more of a long term solution.

The result is you get a shoe that gives you more of a natural feel, you build up muscles in your feet that are very likely to have become lazy and also (in my case) your balance is improved when you wear barefoot or minimalist shoes.

My Overall Verdict: Xero Prio

The Prios are so lightweight, it honestly feels like you are just wearing socks. I really like that the inverted V straps are not sewn down. This aspect allowed me to lock in my instep while ensuring my toes were still free to move around.

“You get a shoe that gives you more of a natural feel, with barefoot shoes your foot alignment and balance improves. You strengthen muscles in your feet that have likely become lazy over the years.(…)Overall, a good experience.”

My Best Alternative Pick… New Balance

The mesh upper makes this shoe light and breezy enough for high-intensity interval training, while the midsole shank ensures sufficient stability for heavyweight lifting. This is a terrific minimalist alternative for a dynamic gym trainer before lifting weights.

These shoes are a great choice for agility because of their snug fit and surprisingly flexible midsole. People with wide feet can use this pair for more dynamic workouts and heavy weight lifting. 

This lightweight, zero-drop trainer provides a pleasant transition to a minimalist shoe from more traditional designs on the market.

These shoes are notoriously grippy when worn on synthetic flooring, such as rubber mats and gym platforms typically found in gyms. I feel that they stabilize and support the orientation of the feet very well. 

I find that minimalist or barefoot shoes like these remind and encourage me to correct my gait and foot position especially when I’m working out mainly because they give you such a true connection with the ground.

The ankles and arches don’t roll or tip too much, both of which are a threat to people with broad feet when doing weighted dynamic activities.

My Overall Verdict

“These shoes are notoriously grippy when worn on synthetic floorings, such as rubber mats and tiles typically found in fitness centres. Thus, the pair can stabilize and support the orientation of the feet very well.”

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What to Look for in a Training Shoe

When it comes to finding the best CrossFit shoes for wide feet, it’s essential to select the right shoe for your specific training needs.

In this section, we will cover various aspects of training to help you make the best choice.

Running and Cardio

For running and cardio workouts, you’ll want a shoe with ample cushioning and support to reduce stress on your feet and joints.

Look for shoes with a wider toe box, allowing your toes to spread out comfortably during high-intensity cardio sessions.

Flexibility in the forefoot is also important, as it allows for a smoother stride while running or performing other cardio exercises, such as jump rope or agility ladders.

Weightlifting and Heavy Lifts

When engaging in weightlifting and heavy lifts, stability is key. Shoes specifically designed for lifting often have minimal cushioning and a flat, solid sole, which provide a stable base and optimal power transfer during lifts like squats and deadlifts. Some cross-training shoes may cater to both running and weightlifting needs. Be sure to prioritize shoe features that cater to the kind of strength-training exercises you frequently perform.

Plyometrics and Box Jumps

Plyometrics and box jumps require shoes with a proper balance of cushioning, stability, and grip. When performing these high-impact exercises, it’s vital to have shoes that absorb shock and provide strong lateral support to minimize the risk of injury. Look for shoes with a durable outsole and sufficient traction to handle both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Rope Climbs and Functional Fitness

Rope climbs and other functional fitness activities demand shoes with excellent grip, durability, and flexibility.

Select shoes with abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced areas, especially around the toe and heel, to prevent wear and tear from rope friction.

Additional features like a heel clip or medial guard can also help enhance grip and stability during various functional fitness exercises.

FAQs – Working out With Wide Feet