Shoes with a wide toe box

brettatk

Semi-Pro
I haven't found any recent threads on this topic. I know new shoes are coming out all the time. I'm looking for a shoe with a wider, roomier toe box. I've looked up the Addidas Barricade Classic Wide and the New Balance 806 4E. Reviews for both say they aren't true 4E wide shoes. My feet themselves aren't very wide, it's just that I need a bigger toe box. So maybe a 4E shoe isn't the answer. Any comments/suggestions? Thanks!
 

JoshTheLMT

Rookie
I too have a wider fore foot, but fairly medium mid and heal. I’ve struggled for many years trying to find the right shoe. When I found the Asics SS2, I was so happy. Then, I found out that it had a replacement , the SS3. Unfortunately, they completely changed the upper, and the fit was too narrow in the toe box. I found a cheaper pair of SS3’s at my local club for $70. So, I thought I would give them the good ol’ college try. They hurt so bad! I was thinking about trying to open up the the width in the front of the shoe. Cutting holes in certain spots, walking around the house in them wearing three pairs of socks, etc. Then I found my old expandable shoe trees, that came with a pair of Ecco dress shoes I bought long ago. I opened them up, jammed them in the shoes. I’m impatient, so I grabbed a blow dryer, and started heating up the TPU. It took some time, a total 10 minutes maybe. In the end, I let them cool down a bit, and wore a couple pairs of socks, and slipped them on. I could tell a huge difference right away, even with two pairs of socks on. I walked around the house for a little while, did dishes etc. I put the shoes trees back in them, and put them aside. The next day, I used them for a one hour drill session. They actually fit better than the SS2’s did! It didn’t solve the breathability issue of the full TPU upper, but the fit was awesome. I would imagine that this technique will work with any shoe with a TPU upper.


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WildVolley

Legend
I've worn some 2E shoes from NB, but haven't been happy with them.

I found the Yonex Fusion Rev to have a wider toe box than the NB996v3 in 2E. The K-Swiss BS2.5 lite have a wider than average toe box, but not as generous as the Yonex Fusion Rev. Some of the older models from Babolat were said to have a wider toe box.

My toes are the widest part of my foot. If there is a straight enough line for the big toe, I can usually get away with some pinching at the little toe. Luckily I don't tend to blister there, but usually my foot punches a hole in the shoe at the little toe. I know in the past that some players would actually cut the shoe at the little toe to give the toes a little more room.
 

BenC

Hall of Fame
I have literally tried every current NB tennis shoe. I used to wear the now discontinued 656 in size 9 2E and the foot measuring device confirms I should be wearing 9 2E.

NB shoes that did NOT even come close to fitting in size 9 2E:
696v3 (9 2E, 9 4E, 9.5 4E - these were narrow AND short, and even at 9.5 4E felt small)
786v2
896v3
996v3
1296v2

The 806 and 1006 fit in size 9 2E, easily. The 806 is much heavier and felt stiffer than the 1006, so I now wear the 1006. If you are looking for a wide NB shoe I would basically start with these two.
 

om panda

Rookie
Bigger toe box doesn't mean you need 2e shoes.

You can try kswiss hypercourt express or yonex fusionrev. If you are looking at TW, search for "slightly wider fit". These shoes will be great for e or even some 2e feet.

2e and 4e shoes are different than those slightly wider medium shoes. The forefoot are are much wider. My feet is 11.5 4e, and i have to go upsize to 13 with mediun shoes.
 

om panda

Rookie
Bigger toe box doesn't mean you need 2e shoes.

You can try kswiss hypercourt express or yonex fusionrev. If you are looking at TW, search for "slightly wider fit". These shoes will be great for e or even some 2e feet.

2e and 4e shoes are different than those slightly wider medium shoes. The forefoot are are much wider. My feet is 11.5 4e, and i have to go upsize to 13 with mediun shoes.
 

Big Bagel

Professional
I used to go for the Adidas Barricades when they had the 5, then when they went to the 6 I switched to the Nike Vapors, but they've narrowed those so I've gone to the New Balance 996, actually in a 2E width. I also have very long width, size 15, so I'm more limited than most when it comes to options for on court shoes.
 

sredna42

Hall of Fame
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express is very roomy in toe box area.

+1.
My favourite pair of shoes, only issue is I wish they had just a tiny bit more cushioning, and the all court grip type is pretty bad on clay, I lose traction constantly. I wish kswiss made a pair that had a "tractor tread" claycourt sole that wasn't that stupid sweatbox unbreathable solid leather
 

brettatk

Semi-Pro
Thanks for everyone's input. I think maybe I'll try the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express next and perhaps put in some better insoles. If I don't like it then I'll try some of the NB shoes.
 

SJSA

Professional
+1.
My favourite pair of shoes, only issue is I wish they had just a tiny bit more cushioning, and the all court grip type is pretty bad on clay, I lose traction constantly. I wish kswiss made a pair that had a "tractor tread" claycourt sole that wasn't that stupid sweatbox unbreathable solid leather
I replaced the insoles to get more cushion on the heel area.
 

sredna42

Hall of Fame
I replaced the insoles to get more cushion on the heel area.
The heel is fine for me, it is the area under the balls of my feet.
Must be the way I run
I wear through the insoles and the cushioning at that point pretty fast. I replace the factory insoles with "supergreen" insoles (forget the brand) but lokking for something better.

they make a claycourt designated pair, but the uppers are all leather, which make them impossible to wear my feet sweat bad if the uppers are not highly breathable.

the bigshot light 2.5 were a similar fit, and another good option, but felt too clunky for me.
 

JoeQ

New User
Thanks for everyone's input. I think maybe I'll try the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express next and perhaps put in some better insoles. If I don't like it then I'll try some of the NB shoes.
I'm looking for the same thing. Have you tried the Hypercourt Express yet? How's it working out for you?
 

JoeQ

New User
Has anyone tried the KSwiss Ultrashot? The TW Review says "some playtesters found the forefoot a little too spacious," which sounds promising.
 

markwillplay

Hall of Fame
I would love to know if the Ultra Shot 2 is as wide as the Ultra Shot. The wide toe box of that shoe was too much for me. If it is a little less wide now then I may grab a pair. Can anyone advise? TW???
 

Prince Vegeta

Semi-Pro
I’m actually about to purchase a pair of Altra HIT XT 2s specifically for the wider toe box. It’s not perfect but I’d rather be comfortable than miserable in any of the crap tennis retailers try to sale to us.
 

brettatk

Semi-Pro
I'm looking for the same thing. Have you tried the Hypercourt Express yet? How's it working out for you?

I never tried them. I ended up going with the Adidas Barricade Classic Wide 4E and they've helped some. It's still not a very wide shoe but better than the Asics I has been using.
 

SJSA

Professional
Has anyone tried the KSwiss Ultrashot? The TW Review says "some playtesters found the forefoot a little too spacious," which sounds promising.
I just got a pair of Ultrashot 2 for playtest from TW.
Hypercourt Express is more wider in toe box than Ultrashot.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
adidas Solecourt Boost are very good and especially great on clay.

Babolat SFX3 are less expensive, less sturdy option with good cushioning for a light shoe. Just not as durable as the adidas.

Those two are the best wide forefoot shoes I've come across. i do not find the cushioning in either the NB's or KSwiss to be at the same level.
 

JoeQ

New User
In a similar search myself. Currently leaning towards trying out the Babolat SFX3, seems to be about EE or EEE?
I have some Babolat SFX3s right now. I like the fit, and they're pretty good shoes overall, but I want to try something else for a few reasons. (1) The durability isn't great. Not terrible, but small parts of the sole become detached pretty quickly (fixed mine with ShoeGoo) and the sole is starting to wear out under my toes. (2) I feel a little flat footed in them, and I don't think they're as responsive as some others. (3) The laces loosen faster than any shoes I've ever had, so I'm always tying my shoes (which might be because my heel is narrower).

Note: my feet aren't extremely wide. My toes are wider than average (can't wear Nike Vapors, for example), but my heel is pretty normal. For reference, I also liked the fit of the Nike Air Zoom Ultra React but thought the uppers were pretty uncomfortable.
 

SlvrDragon50

Semi-Pro
I have some Babolat SFX3s right now. I like the fit, and they're pretty good shoes overall, but I want to try something else for a few reasons. (1) The durability isn't great. Not terrible, but small parts of the sole become detached pretty quickly (fixed mine with ShoeGoo) and the sole is starting to wear out under my toes. (2) I feel a little flat footed in them, and I don't think they're as responsive as some others. (3) The laces loosen faster than any shoes I've ever had, so I'm always tying my shoes (which might be because my heel is narrower).

Note: my feet aren't extremely wide. My toes are wider than average (can't wear Nike Vapors, for example), but my heel is pretty normal. For reference, I also liked the fit of the Nike Air Zoom Ultra React but thought the uppers were pretty uncomfortable.
I ended up going with the Solecourt Boost. THe SFX3 fit me well, but they just weren't stable enough with my weak ankle.
 
D

Deleted member 763366

Guest
Sorry for reviving this old thread, but I am having the same issue OP had.

I went for the adidas SoleCourt Boost like suggested, but my entire feet hurt so bad. The only tennis shoe I ever had that didn't hurt at all were adidas classic wide 4E which are not available anymore/impossible to get in Europe/No Clay version.......

Any suggestion? I play on clay80% of the time, so clay version would be very nice for a change
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Remioli

Rookie
Sorry for reviving this old thread, but I am having the same issue OP had.

I went for the adidas SoleCourt Boost like suggested, but my entire feet hurt so bad. The only tennis shoe I ever had that didn't hurt at all were adidas classic wide 4E which are not available anymore/impossible to get in Europe/No Clay version.......

Any suggestion? I play on clay80% of the time, so clay version would be very nice for a change
K Swiss Big Shot Light 3 is a very wide toe box.
 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Sorry for reviving this old thread, but I am having the same issue OP had.

I went for the adidas SoleCourt Boost like suggested, but my entire feet hurt so bad. The only tennis shoe I ever had that didn't hurt at all were adidas classic wide 4E which are not available anymore/impossible to get in Europe/No Clay version.......

Any suggestion? I play on clay80% of the time, so clay version would be very nice for a change
Few brands have actual 4E width. New Balance is the only one I can think of with 4E sizing that's really 4E. Others are usually 2E.
 

fundrazer

G.O.A.T.
I have a little bit of a wider foot as well. Was curious to try Mizuno, and my Wave Exceed Tour 4's just arrived today. Heard this update was wider than the previous iteration which was apparently a bit narrow. Happy to report that they fit pretty well in a 10.5. Have been wearing the same size in Solecourt Boosts which are another good option.

The Mizunos are a little snug on my right foot (it's slightly bigger), but that should open up after breaking them in a bit.
 

Kiran

New User
I have been using Solecourt Boost for a while now. It is a good option for wide foot, but I personally feel we need to go for half size higher to feel comfortable, though I have not tried the higher size myself yet. At my current foot size, it is kind of uncomfortable. I did read Prince T22 is also good for a wide toe box and some places again suggest to go for half size higher. Right now debating if I should go for adidas or prince.

If anyone has tried Prince T22, curious to know their experience.
 
My favorite of the current wide forefoot shoes are the Ultrashot 2s - good width and comfort combined with excellent traction and performance. I agree that the SoleCourt Boost is also sufficiently wide although feels harsh on the feet - definitely better when you size up. I actually think the Solematch Bounce is a better shoe overall (despite being the little brother of the Solecourt Boost) - its a softer version, more comfortable version of that shoe with most of the same on-court characteristics (and less expensive)!. Diadora's Blushield series is also wide in the forefoot as well although I never really liked the feel of the shoe while on - reviewers describe it as a wider Gel Resolution, which is high praise. I've also tried the Babolat SFX and I agree with the general consensus - super comfortable shoes that are noticeably less stable that shoes like the Barricades, Gel Resolutions or Ultrashots of this world.
 

zipplock

Hall of Fame
I have a wide high volume front foot. I switched to New Balance a year ago and haven't considered another brand since. Have played in the 886, 996 and Lav Foam.
 

kusut

New User
sonicage 3 plus (super-wide) is wider than sfx3. loving it so far

anything from other brands? asics maybe?
 

K1Y

Professional
sonicage 3 plus (super-wide) is wider than sfx3. loving it so far

anything from other brands? asics maybe?
gel resolution 9 is slightly too narrow for me in the front. Atleast for my right foot. for my left its fine.. I have weird feet lol. I ordered the babolat propulse fury 3 to try out
 

BBender716

Professional
I have a wide high volume front foot. I switched to New Balance a year ago and haven't considered another brand since. Have played in the 886, 996 and Lav Foam.
How do you like the 996 vs the Laver? I'm debating between the two. I have a wide forefoot (bunionettes) and wear an ankle brace on one foot. Considering a 2E shoe in one of those two models...
 

KC!

Hall of Fame
K Swill Hypercourt Express 2 2E & New Balance Fresh Foam Lav 2E. If you have super wide foot then New Balance MC 805 or 1006 are best options 4E.
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Wish these guys made a tennis shoe,
altra-lone-peak5-snow-vert-shoe-1030x773.jpg
 

K1Y

Professional
Try the new Babolat Propulse Fury. Absolutely huge toebox.
I ordered it to try out. I'm not overly amazed by it, but if this is one of the best we got then I will probaly roll with it. Also the reviews online are so good, so maybe my hopes were sky high. Maybe I don't have enough experience with other shoes, but except for the toe box the GR9's feel better. Yes propulse fury has better toe box. Today I will wear the shoe around the house as a final test to make sure it doesnt ache my foot.
 

K1Y

Professional
The propulse fury 3's are on the edge for me. Width of the forefoot is just ok, as long as the socks I'm wearing is not too thick. The head revolt evo 2.0 that I currently use is the next step up in forefoot witdh, but the cushioning and stability is not on the same level as these fury 3s. Im keeping them, lets see if they break in more after a good session tonight.
 
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