Sizing charts tell you about length. They tell you very little about width, which is usually what actually decides whether a shoe is comfortable. If you have wider feet and you are looking at ASICS, here is what you need to know before ordering. Shop the ASICS collection at Shoe Religion.
The short answer
ASICS as a brand is generally accommodating, but it varies noticeably by model. The stability-derived running silhouettes tend to hold the foot more securely, which can feel tight if you are wide. The chunkier lifestyle models tend to be roomier and are usually the better bet.
Model by model
- GEL-NYC - best for wide feet. The chunkiest, roomiest silhouette in the line-up. Built for lifestyle wear rather than a locked-down running fit, and the one most wide-footed customers get on with.
- GEL-1130 - middle ground. A standard running-shoe fit, neither notably wide nor narrow. Fine for slightly wide feet at true size.
- GEL-Kayano 14 - can run narrow. It comes from a premium stability line designed to hold the foot securely, so wide feet often prefer half a size up.
- GEL-Venture 6 - secure trail fit. Built to keep the foot stable on uneven ground, so it holds firmly; wide feet may want extra room.
Should you just size up?
Half a size up is the usual fix and it works well for genuinely wide feet, particularly on the Kayano. Be aware of the trade-off: you gain width but also length, and too much length causes its own problems, with the foot sliding forward and the shoe creasing awkwardly.
A useful rule: if the shoe feels tight across the widest part of the foot but the length is right, size up half. If the length is already generous and only the midfoot is snug, consider a roomier model instead.
Practical tips
- Measure your feet in the afternoon, when they are at their largest.
- Measure both feet; most people have one slightly larger, and you should fit to the bigger one.
- Factor in sock thickness.
- Remember mesh uppers give a little with wear, but the midsole and cage structure will not.
What about lacing?
Do not underestimate this. Skipping an eyelet or using a parallel lacing pattern rather than a tight criss-cross can noticeably relieve pressure across the top of a wider foot, and it costs nothing to try before you consider returning a pair.
Frequently asked questions
Which ASICS is best for wide feet? The GEL-NYC, thanks to its roomier lifestyle build.
Does the GEL-Kayano 14 run narrow? It can feel narrow for wider feet, as it comes from a stability running line. Half a size up is common.
Do ASICS stretch? Mesh uppers soften slightly with wear, but do not rely on a shoe stretching to fix a fit that is wrong out of the box.
Related reading: ASICS Sizing Guide | Best ASICS for All-Day Comfort | ASICS vs New Balance