Minimalist (thin) sneakers for wider feet

[Connoisseur]

I'm looking for a pair of sneakers that I can wear for both workouts and walking casually. I'm not a hardcore minimalist runner by any means. I'm mostly looking for something I can wear out in the summer that look good with shorts and are comfortable for walking around NYC. I'm not a big fan of high tops or canvas shoes. My biggest problems are that my feet are relatively wide and i'm also slightly flat footed. I've tried several brands like Puma and a couple of Nikes and NB's but they all seem to be made for much thinner-footed men than me.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to look?

 

[AirAlex]

NB has their Minimus line in 2E and 4E sizes.

 

[Connoisseur]

NB has their Minimus line in 2E and 4E sizes.

Hmm I didn't know they had wider fit sizes. Is there a retail store (preferrably in NY or NJ but any chain will do) that carries the extra sizes?

 

[preslove]

Merell's road/trail gloves have pretty wide toe boxes.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

Hmm I didn't know they had wider fit sizes. Is there a retail store (preferrably in NY or NJ but any chain will do) that carries the extra sizes?

New Balance has their own branded stores all over the place. I'm sure that if they do not have them in stock, they could order some that you could try before you buy.

http://www.newbalance.com/stores-nyc-home/stores-nyc-home,default,pg.html

 

[TraumaRN]

Merrell Trail Glove come in 2E but the regular non 2E trail glove is pretty wide to begin with in the toebox.

They are also very minimalist, only ~4mm of padding total. I love mine and wear them everywhere including work, and race/run in them.

 

[debian0001]

Chuck Taylors.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Do Merrel still make the Trail Glove? It seems they only have the Trail Glove 2 now (which is more expensive).

 

[TraumaRN]

Do Merrel still make the Trail Glove? It seems they only have the Trail Glove 2 now (which is more expensive).

Amazon has the originals still. Google search will turn up what you want. I never buy direct from Merrell, too pricey.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Amazon has the originals still. Google search will turn up what you want. I never buy direct from Merrell, too pricey.

Any word on whether they fit true to size or larger/smaller? Also, are they made for wearing with socks or primarily without?

 

[TraumaRN]

Any word on whether they fit true to size or larger/smaller? Also, are they made for wearing with socks or primarily without?

Any of their barefoot shoes are designed to be worn without any socks. You can wear thin light socks with them but in my experience good luck even getting the shoes on if you wear bulky socks.

And that 'glove' part is true, they are pretty snug across the top of your foot and heel. The three pairs of trail gloves I've got are size 12 which for me was a half size smaller than other shoes and I've got plenty of room in the toebox still with or without socks on.

Word of warning most people the trail gloves might rub your achilles tendon area a bit raw but I found after the initial redness my skin toughened up their and have not had a problem.

Also keep in mind unless you are already quite used to minimalist or zero drop shoes you'll have to give your feet, achilles and especially calf muscles time to get used to the shoes. If you run in these shoes it more or less forces a forefoot strike so take the time to let your body adjust.

Otherwise enjoy them! Best shoes I've ever owned.