Wide trails shoes

Hi folks,
I am trying to make the transition from boots to trail shoes, and come with three concerns. I am 55 and solo a good bit, so always worry about ankles. As I have talked to sales people, they tell me most of the 'support' comes from what's under the foot, not what's around the ankle--does that ring true? Second, I have a wide foot, and trail shoes seem to run narrow if anything, and I have yet to run into a line that sells a wide. Am currently walking in a Rockport walker of some sort, and they last well and come in wide sizes. I have considered going up a size to get the width with some of the shoes that tighten up so nicely--There was a Chameleon (Solomon?) something that I was awfully tempted to get an 11.5 when I wear a 10.5. Any ideas for a wide shoe? And lastly, I am cheap. I'd like to keep this under $90, and assume if I can figure out the right show, I could find it cheapest on line. Any favorite sites or cautions. Thanks all for help. David

Do a search. phat made a post titled "so where the heck do you find wide trail runners" or something like that in "Lite Gear Talk". It was less than a year ago, so set your search to more than a week, and put trail shoes in the subject and phat in the poster spot. There were some pretty good suggestions made. I'd link to it, but for some reason, this forum has the same html no matter the page. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

New Balance sells many of their shoes in wide sizes.
I also have a wide foot and have found some Columbia brand trail shoes to work.

I too have a wide foot, David. Currently, I'm wearing two versions of Merrell Chameleons (low-cut) in a half size larger than I normally wear, and I like them alot. I also have a pair of Dunham (same brand that makes New Balance....) Waffle Stompers that are available sized in EE & EEEE. While some of their stuff is junk, I've had a few pairs of Hi-Tec footwear that fit really well and gave good service - they also offer wide widths in some models.

Just my own personal opinion about this, but I switched to low-cut footwear for everything but winter applications. Personally, I find that if the shoe offers enough support in the sole & footbed so that they "edge" reasonably well and don't roll over easily, I have no need for ankle length footwear.

I've had decent luck finding Merrell's on Ebay at 30% - 40% off retail. Several online New Balance factory stores carry the Waffle Stompers.

Hope this helps......

Wow, small world. I also have wide feet, and am currently wearing Chameleons in a full size larger. And, I have Dunham waffle stompers that I wear when it is somewhat cold. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well folks,
I almost bought those Merrill Chameleons in a size wider yesterday, and now that I know that would let me join a new movement, I think I am going to do it. The last lacing pulls in a band that wraps around the heel--don't know if that is a common design feature, but tightened up, my foot did not move around in them. Thanks all. David

all I can say is New Balance. I have ridiculously wide feet (5-6E) so by and large even NB is a little tight, but it's the best I can get.

as far as ankle support, yes it's true that it's more about whats under you foot than around it.

That said I HAVE messed up my ankle pretty good before (slid down a bit of sand stone and my ankle whipped into the rock) I advise carrying an ace bandage and trekking poles, the poles will protect you ankles as well as any boot would and an ace bandage works fine for an ankle brace if you do mess yourself up, and is lighter than the boots - shoes weight.

BearPaw is our resident shoe expert since he works at an REI parttime; though all of the above info sounds on the mark. I too have big feet, ahem, so often have to try on a bunch of the same brand to get the fit I want. I usually buy a size larger and 1/2 width larger for the long haul boots. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'm a member of this club too, and have tested a lot of shoes for Backpacking Light. For truly wide shoes, go to New Balance. I personally like the 872 Off Road for lightweight, support, and breathability. They are available in 4E and I get them in my normal size, which is 11.5

That said, there are also some other really good wide shoes out there. My very favorite shoe right now is the Vasque Velocity in the wide width (med, narrow, and GTX also available). The Velocity is quite light and really durable and supportive. Its especially good for off-trail hiking. I get them 1/2 size larger than my normal size.

I also like the Keen Wasatch Crest. They are very comfortable and supportive, and so far their eVENT lining is waterproof (the current model uses KeenDry I believe). I also get these 1/2 size larger.

I also like the GoLite shoes. They run quite wide and have inserts to adjust the volume.

Another good wide shoe is the Montrail Hardrock Wide. Again I get them 1/2 size larger. This shoe is very durable and supportive for off-trail hiking.

Another good wide shoe is the Kayland Dragonfly. I get it 1/2 size larger, and it has an eVENT lining that leaks.

Try new balance. Just did a quick web search on trail runners and they have some that are 4E (I believe it was the 977 that I was looking at). I've been running for a number of years and over time settled on new balance since they seem to accomodate my wide foot better than other running shoes). I just bought a pair of NB 1200 hiking boots that are 2E. Not broke in yet so can't really give an opinion yet.