Whether you’re running for fun or training for a marathon, the right running shoes provide the proper foundation for your entire body, can help prevent injuries and make it far more enjoyable to log those miles. The list below provides options for the best running shoes for narrow flat feet, best running shoes for narrow feet and high arches, and even best running shoes for narrow heels. Ultimately, the right pair will fit well from the start and complement your running style.
Most running shoes are designed with comfort and support in mind. But most running shoes are also designed for medium to wide feet. So what do you do if you have narrow feet?
If you have narrow feet, you know it can be frustrating finding narrow heel running shoes that are a good fit. Medium width shoes can feel sloppy during runs. Too much room in your shoes will cause your feet to move around laterally. This commonly leads to discomfort and blisters.
People who have a high arch and narrow heels face their own set of challenges. They are more prone to injury and stress fractures. Also, have a hard time finding a running shoe that will fit my personal needs.
Finding the perfect running shoes for narrow heels and wide toes isn’t always an easy task, but with some trial and error and following these reviews, most people can find a shoe that will provide plenty of comfort and durability at a reasonable price.
We’ve taken the time to break it down for you and make it easier to locate your ideal shoe. No matter how wide those toes are or how narrow that heel, there is something here for you and your specific needs.
Stepping you in the right direction, I gathered up the best running shoe for narrow heels to save your time and energy.
It can be difficult to find shoes for runners with narrow feet. Many models aren’t even offered in narrow widths, even if they come in medium and wide sizes. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of the best running shoes just for you!
What to Consider When Buying Shoes for Narrow Heels?
Finding the best running shoes is tricky because there isn’t one best running shoe for all people. What makes the best running shoes the best running shoes for you depends on lots of factors.
Before purchasing the best running shoes for narrow heels, you should know what makes a good running shoe?
Here are the key features that you need to be aware of for the best running shoe so that you can make the correct choice!
To get things started, it’s helpful to understand the purpose of each element of a running shoe and how even the slightest differentiation may affect your experience. Here are the main elements to know.
Upper: Everything above the sole. Traditionally made with layers of fabrics and mesh sewn and glued together, modern models increasingly use knitting and printing to create one-piece uppers that stretch or support in appropriate places.
Ankle collar: Pay attention to whether your heel slips, how the padding interacts with the bones on the side of your ankles, and whether the curve on the back irritates your Achilles tendon.
Heel Counter: Choose a heel that allows a comfortable ankle motion.
Saddle: Pay attention to how the saddle fits and holds your foot, providing a secure feeling with no slippage while allowing for the natural doming of the arch during your stride.
Toe-box: A toe-box that stays out of the way, allowing your foot to flex and spread out naturally in both width and length without binding or rubbing your toes.
Outsole: Materials that provide traction and durability without adding excess weight or stiffness, and for a footprint shape that matches yours and gives you the desired level of stability underfoot.
Midsole: A midsole thickness and material that feels right at running speeds, neither too soft nor too firm and without excess weight.
Heel cushioning: A balance between cushioning, stability, and ground feel, and note whether the shoe touches down where you expect it to and rolls into the stride a way that feels right.
The 5 Best Running Shoes for Narrow Heels
| Product | Style | Material | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Men's | Lace-up | Fabric | 10/9.9 | Check Price! |
| Saucony Men's | Lace-up | Synthetic | 10/9.8 | Check Price! |
| New Balance | Lace-up | Synthetic, Mesh | 10/8.9 | Check Price! |
| ASICS Women's | Lace-up | Synthetic, Fabric | 10/8.8 | Check Price! |
| Brooks Mens | Lace-up | Synthetic, Mesh | 10/9.8 | Check Price! |
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Cumulus 21 Running Shoes
Asics is one of the most recognizable names in road running, and the Gel-Cumulus is a standout in their lineup of neutral shoes. The new Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 sports a few modest updates over the previous shoe. The sock liner has been recontoured to better match the shape of the foot, and the collar has even more foam padding for a more comfortable fit Best Running Shoes for Narrow Heels.
The ride is supportive and stable, although the Gel-Cumulus 21 might feel bulky for runners accustomed to flexible and lightweight trainers. On the road, the Asics Cumulus 21 feels best suited for daily runs of speeds slower than 7 min/mile (5 min/km). With moderate cushioning and solid, stiff construction, the Gel-Cumulus 21 is ideal for runners who want supportive cushioning that outlasts the competition. The Cumulus works for long-distance runs too. Hence, these are the shoes for narrow heels and wide toes.
The main features include in this running shoe are DuraSponge outsole, Ortholite sockliner, and FLYTEFOAM propel technology. The cushioning feels really good, absolutely beyond expectations. Actually, even better than in those other Asics Gel-Sonoma 4 that is deliberately designed for longer trail runs. They are extremely lightweight and shock-resistant.
With a stretchy mesh upper, padded collar, and cushy midsole, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 is undoubtedly a comfortable daily trainer. Further, the mesh upper is notably breathable and flexible enough to conform to the foot without any restricting movement.
As a bonus, Asics reduced in this case the weight of the midsole even a bit more, and thus, the technology used, FlyteFoam Lyte, guarantees to be by 55 % lighter than nowadays average midsoles.
So, a man with narrow feet could potentially find a satisfying fit with medium sizes, but this would depend on other factors such as foot length and general size.
Why should you buy this?
The Gel-Cumulus 21 is a substantive shoe for neutral runners who prefer comfort and support over lightness. These Asics Gel-Cumulus should be taken definitely into your scope when deciding what shoes to go for. For beginners the same as long-distance runners, they are by 100 % an interesting option. Finally, these are considered to be the best running shoes for slightly narrow heels.
- Kevlar cushioning feels very good and rebouncing
- High durability of midsole remains for a long time
- Very stable and supportive for a neutral shoe.
- Wide color variety
- The shoe is greatly cushioned but inflexible
- Model might be lighter
- The shoe is pretty heavy and feels relatively dense underfoot.
- Not overly responsive, especially on long, moderately paced runs.
- The extensive padding in the collar and tongue is certainly comfortable but may be overkill for some.
2. Saucony Men’s Ride 10 Running-Shoes
The Saucony Ride 10 is a popular shoe from the brand that has received a major overhaul from Ride 9s.
If you are looking for a good pair of affordable running shoes, the Saucony Ride 10 shoes represent an interesting option. The 10th edition of the series is well received and its upgrades have been award-winning.
The Saucony Ride 10 is a popular shoe, and it makes sense. There are many positives to this shoe — far more than the negatives.
These are Best Running Shoes for Narrow Heels lightweight solution that is affordable and which can represent a daily solution for the average runner. With a mesh upper that offers good levels of heat control, the shoes can even be used for long-distance running. Its outsole is versatile as well and this is why it can be used indoors as well. The outsole maintains traction even after a couple of hundred miles. It is made with Flexfilm technology which is effective in reducing the need for upper overlays. You get cushioning and durability that won’t weigh you down, plus mesh that keeps you cool and dry. And you get the flexible soft Ride outsole, helping you with the quick turnover to push your pace.
Why should you buy this?
The Saucony Ride 10 is a daily neutral trainer that can log the miles you want. The lightweight offering is ready to push the pace. These are the best running shoes for people with narrow heels.
- Great cushion
- Responsive
- Upper fits well
- Breathable without being porous
- The standard insoles can slip in the shoe
- Slippery in wet conditions
3. New Balance Men’s 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
The New Balance 1080v8 is all about max comfort with the same soft ride, ideal for runners looking for a cushy, neutral trainer.
New Balance is known for its retro-style designs. But while the 1080v8 look somewhat retro, they are modern sports shoes which are often used for running.
The ‘new’ 1080 was nothing like the V5. The Fresh Foam midsole delivered a dull, unresponsive ride. The 1080 V8 is very similar to the V7. Not much has changed except for a minor update to the midsole. The upper fit is nearly identical to the V7. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether you upgrade to the V8 or stick to the V7.
This shoe is made with a blown rubber outsole for improved overall durability even on highly-abrasive surfaces. It’s a solid chunk of single-density EVA foam with a heel to toe drop of 8mm. There is a new Ortholite insole, blown rubber outsole, and a new design with no-sew materials. The 1080 features the Fresh Foam which can be seen as comfortable for walking.
While it is not as comfortable as the foam used in the Zante, it is still enough to deal with for the average length walks. The shoes have plenty of versatility in Best Running Shoes for Narrow Heels. The 1080V8 has a fairly roomy fit. The toe-box has enough vertical space and the forefoot is spacious. With an engineered mesh upper, they are certainly breathable for any type of exercise in the gym. Hence, these are the best gym shoes for narrow heels.
Why should you buy this?
The one-piece midsole offers up a nice smooth, consistent, and stable ride but its lack of softness and unresponsiveness make it hard to get excited about. But for tennis, these are the best tennis shoes for narrow heels.
- Comfortable tailored fitting upper.
- Wider footprint provides a stable and supportive ride
- Smooth transitions
- Hexagonal outsole grips nicely
- Updates to the midsole have not improved the shoes unresponsive or dull ride
- Price vs. value is not in line.
- Heavy
4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 18 running Shoe
The ASICS Cumulus 18 marks yet another in a long line of neutral trainer offerings from ASICS. The ASICS Gel Cumulus 18 road-running shoes offer a comfortable, stable platform for everyday runners. Cumulus 18 is a comprehensive magnificent product. The shoe will get you all through your training sessions in style and with ease.
It’s a well-balanced running shoe that is suitable for regular usage. ASICS has engineered it for both speed and comfort using light and highly durable materials.
Be it dry or wet, warm or cold, the Asics Cumulus 18 breathability and ventilation won’t allow weather conditions hinder you from running or doing your best exercise. These shoes are a great choice for those who love enough space for their toes and good cushioning. These features show that they are the best shoes for narrow heels.
Why should you buy this?
The ASICS GEL-Cumulus is fast, light shoes, and comfortable. A durable, responsive midsole offers cushioning for everyday training. For the outsole, Convergence Gel Technology is used. It has a Fluidride midsole that gives the eventual blend of cushioning properties and bounce back to cut off the shoe’s weight.
- Well cushioned
- Designed for the long-haul
- Breathable but not porous
- True to size
- Toe-box is tighter than wanted
- Forefoot was too pillowy for long runs
5. Brooks Mens Ghost 12 Running Shoe
The Ghost line is one of the most enduring series of shoes in the Brooks family. Now in its 12th adaptation, the Ghost has been a reliable go-to shoe for runners at all levels for more than a decade. The Brooks 12 runs true to size and provides a sock-like fit.
The Ghost 12 provides an invariably soft ride that is ideal for long runs, recovery runs, and high-mileage Best Running Shoes for Narrow Heels.
Premium materials and an accommodating fit make the Ghost 12 ideal for people who want a comfortable, reliable running shoe. It has shock-absorbing DNA Loft cushioning in the heel. Like the Ghost 11, Brooks gave the Ghost 12 an engineered mesh upper. The soft, pliable mesh is comfortable from the moment you step into the shoe. One feature that shines is the heel cup. Brooks used an internal heel counter on the Ghost 12, which lends rigidity and structure to the back of the shoe. The Brooks Ghost 12 is designed to be breathable, using 3D-print engineered mesh upper to keep you dry and cool.
Adding to the comfort, these flats for narrow feet coated the ankle collar and heel in a soft fabric to mitigate any rubbing that could lead to chafing and blisters. They’re soft to the touch and slide nicely through the eyelets when you cinch them down.
Why should you buy this?
The Brooks Ghost 12 is reliable as ever as a daily trainer and long-run shoe that will deliver a plush, smooth ride mile after mile. This is the best running shoes for slightly narrow heels.
- Supremely cushioned and soft ride.
- Highly durable shoe that will easily last 400+ miles.
- Secure upper flexes flawlessly with the movement of the foot.
- Excellent outsole grip.
- Unstable on uneven surfaces due to high stack height.
- Pricey (but durable)
- Engineered mesh upper holds in heat
Closing Thoughts!
This analysis pulled up, So there you have it, everything you need to know about the best running shoes for narrow heels. Before investing your money, it is better to spend time and effort in researching various products and comparing prices.
While all these shoes have a great style with incredible features, nothing more amazed us than the Brooks Mens Ghost 12 Running Shoe. Although these are expensive pair, there is nothing more important than comfort and ease. Hence, these are the best shoes for narrow feet.
Therefore, please take the time to read the customer reviews before you purchase a product, and then actually buy it. You can try out any of the above or feel free to do your own research. Best of Luck!
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