Hiking Shoe with Wide Toe Box: My Short List

I've become an expert in wide toe box hiking shoes. When I first started hiking, I bought expensive hiking shoes that didn't work for me because they squeezed my feet and cramped my toes. Then I discovered hiking shoes with wide toe boxes. Now that I know my toes need more wiggle room, I've hiked more than 10,000 miles in brands with wide fits or roomy toe boxes, such as Altra, KEEN, and Topo Athletic. If you're looking for a hiking shoe with a wide toe box, I recommend the KEEN Targhee IV, KEEN Targhee Apex, Alta Olympus 6 Hike, and Topo Athletic Trailventure 2. 

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Wide Toe Box Hiking Shoes

KEEN TARGHEE IV

Traditional Hiking Shoe with Wide Toe Box

KEEN's long-time best seller, the Targhee is a traditional hiking shoe with a wide toe box. I've found the Targhee IV to be a comfortable day hiking shoe, thanks to its well-cushioned soles, decent support, a protective toe bumper, and moderate traction that can handle most trails. It's heavier than most hiking shoes, but those extra ounces add cushioning and foot protection. KEEN's regular sizes have enough room in the toe box for my wide feet, and they're also available in wide sizes (for even more wiggle room). This is the first hiking shoe with a wide toe box that I tried. I've owned two pairs of Targhees and sold a ton more at Appalachian Outdoors. 

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KEEN TARGHEE APEX

Lightweight Hiking Shoe with Wide Toe Box

New for 2026, the KEEN Targhee Apex is a lighter and cushier version of the Targhee above. Like the flagship Targhee, the Targhee Apex features the Original KEEN Fit with its roomy toe box. Beyond that, though, the Apex has little in common with the OG. With light and flexible soles, it's best for casual hikes and fast hikes on groomed trails. If you prefer something lighter and cushier than the old-school Targhee, try the new KEEN Targhee Apex. 

For more, see my full KEEN Apex review. 

ALTRA OLYMPUS 6 HIKE GTX

Zero Drop Hiking Shoe with Wide Toe Box

The Olympus 6 Hike GTX features zero drop (no added heel cushion), a gender-specific fit, and—most importantly—a wide, Footshape toe box. Unlike other Altras, it's actually made for hiking—with sturdier outsoles, more durable leather uppers, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX weatherproofing, and premium Vibram outsoles with good trail tread. On top of those premium features, the Olympus Hike has much more cushioning than other Altras, which reduces the load that Altra's zero drop/balanced cushioning puts on people's feet and lower bodies. I've had lower body injuries in the Altra Lone Peak (below), but I didn't have issues when I personally tested the Olympus over 100 miles of day hikes.

TOPO ATHLETIC TRAILVENTURE 2

Mid-cut Hiking Shoe with Wide Toe Box

The Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 is a mid-cut hiking shoe with a wide toe box for a more natural fit. This cross between a hiking shoe and lightweight "fastpacking" boot is lighter and more agile than the Targhee above with comfortable yet responsive cushioning. The Trailventure also features premium Vibram outsoles for wet and dry traction and eVent membranes, the most breathable waterproofing on the market (non-WP also available for $20 less). I've personally hiked more than 1000 miles in the Trailventure, which is the best fit for my moderately wide feet. 

For more, see my full Topo Trailventure review

Best Trail Running Shoes with Wide Toe Box

If you're willing to hike in a trail running shoe (not a true hiking shoe), you'll find more options with wide toe boxes. The best trail running shoes with wide toe boxes that I've tested and reviewed are the Altra Lone Peak, Topo Athletic Vista, Topo Athletic Traverse, and KEEN Roam. 

ALTRA LONE PEAK

Trail Running Shoe with Wide Toe Box

Many thru-hikers love the Altra Lone Peak for its wide toe box. Lone Peaks are moderately cushioned trail runners with zero drop from heel to toe, gender-specific fits, and "Footshape" toe boxes that allow natural toe splay. Zero drop isn't for everybody, but those toe boxes may be money for wide and swollen feet. And some men and women are convinced that Altra's unique construction restores the body's natural cushioning, stability, and support. The Lone Peak may be a great choice if you need extra room in the forefoot and want to rely on your body—not your shoes—for support.

TOPO ATHLETIC VISTA

Max Cushion Trail Running Shoe with Wide Toe Box

If you're not sold on a zero drop shoe, the Topo Athletic Vista is a low-drop (5mm) trail running shoe with a wide toe box. The Vista also stands out because it's exceptionally light, super-cushioned, and features grippy Vigram outsoles for clutch traction. I've hiked hundres of miles in the Topo Vista and love its cushy build and roomy toe box. It's similar to the HOKA Speedgoat—but with more cushion and more room in the toes. 

For more see my full Topo Vista review

TOPO ATHLETIC TRAVERSE

Best Thru-Hiking Shoe with Wide Toe Box

The Topo Athletic Traverse is the first trail running shoe specifically made for thru-hikers. Built with the Topo Fit, the Traverse features a wide toe box, secure fit in the midfoot, and 5mm drop to encourage natural mid-foot landings. This shoe's lightweight mesh keeps feet ventilated, and it's also designed to drain and dry quickly when it gets wet. The Traverse keeps things light, but it's made for more difficult trails than the Vista above with light stability, firmer foam, and more durable uppers. This new trail running shoe for 2024 won me over in my first-hand review—Topo's toe box isn't as wide as Altra's, but the Topo Fit is easier on my feet and has enough wiggle room for my toes. 

KEEN ROAM

Sturdy Trail Runner with Wide Toe Box

I was sold on the KEEN Roam after backpacking 18 miles through the Gila Wilderness in my test pair. The sturdiest of KEEN's new trail runners, the Roam is both moderately stiff and moderately cushioned, which I've found good for hiking. I prefer more aggressive tread, but the average day hiker will be fine with the Roam's moderate traction. Personally, I prefer the Roam to KEEN's hiking shoes because of its superior support-to-weight ratio. As a hiker with wide feet, I appreciate this shoe's roomy toe box while I'm hiking. 

For more, see my full KEEN Roam review

What's your best hiking shoe with a wide toe box?

When a podiatrist trained me in hiking footwear, I learned than most hikers would benefit from a hiking shoe with a wide toe box. Most of the clients she treated had foot problems that started with wearing shoes that were too narrow. Personally, I prefer a wide toe box because I have moderately wide feet. However, even if you have standard-width feet, a wide toe box can help your toes splay naturally. 

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