Category Archives: Narrow Feet

Non-Slip Work Shoes for Narrow Feet

Posted on November 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

If you need a non-slip shoe for restaurant or housekeeping work and you have a narrow foot, your choices are very limited. Fortunately, Skechers makes a non-slip lace shoe for men that — even though sized medium — runs narrow. The style is called Rockland-Systemic and can be purchased from Zappos.com.

First and foremost, this shoe is great because it laces (as opposed to being a slip-on style), which is always better for the narrow foot. Also terrific is the fact that there are 6 sets of eyelets: the more eyelets there are, the better the shoe fit, especially for a narrow foot.

Skechers_Rockland_Work

Finally, there is no hourglass in the waist of the shoe, which provides support in the arch where needed most. This also makes for a stable foundation if orthotics are to be worn inside the shoe.

Skechers_Rockland_Waist

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Posted in Foot Pain, Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review

Trail Running Shoes For Narrow Feet

Posted on May 14, 2013 | 6 comments

Most brands of trail running shoes are only offered in medium widths, and this makes fitting a narrow foot extremely difficult. Asics GT-2000 and Brooks Adrenaline ASR are my current favorites in this category, offering medium width trail running shoes which run narrow.

Trail_ASR_GT2000_Top

Both brands are excellent in terms of design and support. However Asics GT-2000 takes a slight lead in the narrow-shallow department, whereas Brooks takes a slight lead in the support department.

Trail_ASR_GT2000_Bottom

An added bonus — both brands offer Gore-Tex, waterproof versions of the above models.

6 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review

Shoe Review – Asics Gel Foundation 10 Field Review

Posted on September 7, 2012 | 2 comments

I recently compared Asics Gel Foundation 10 to version 9.

As the following field review of Asics Gel Foundation 10 highlights, this is one of my favorite shoes this season. It’s lightweight, yet structured and although it is no longer offered in narrow — medium and wide widths still provide a great fit.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review, Wide Feet

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Shoe Review – Asics GT-2170

Posted on September 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

I previously reviewed Asics GT-2170 and compared it to Asics GT-2160. The following video is a field review of Asics GT-2170, which has changed significantly from Asics GT-2160. Although GT-2170 fits the same volume-wise as GT-2160, structure-wise, it no longer supports the excessively pronated foot.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review, Wide Feet

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Shoe Review – Asics Gel-1170

Posted on September 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

Asics Gel-1170 is a great shoe for those runners having a shallow foot, who need maximum support. Although this shoe is also available in medium and wide widths, it’s most compatible with the narrow foot. It is also a viable replacement for Asics GT-2160, narrow width, as the following field research video shows.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Review

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Shoe Review – Asics Gel Foundation 10

Posted on August 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Asics Gel Foundation 10 is similar to version 9 in that it is highly structured and torsionally stable, with a firm heel counter and an inflexible forefoot.

The differences between version 10 and version 9 have to do with volume. Version 9 was available in narrow, whereas version 10 isn’t. Version 9 was also more shallow than version 10 which will affect those runners who choose this shoe based on volume.

For all other runners, as the following video shows — this remains a great shoe.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review

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Shoe Review – Asics® Gel-Kayano 18 vs. 17

Posted on April 3, 2012 | 9 comments

I’ve been waiting for a well-designed pair of Asics® Gel-Kayano’s since version 14 — but I’m disappointed to say that Gel-Kayano 18 isn’t it. With significant changes to the upper, Gel-Kayano’s latest version will not provide the same structure or fit as prior versions. The following video highlights the differences, and prior Gel-Kayano posts follow the video.

https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/shoe-review-gel-kayano-17/

https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-16/

https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-14/

https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/shoe-review-asics-gel-kayano/

9 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review

Shoe Review – Nike Zoom Kobe VII Basketball

Posted on March 17, 2012 | 3 comments

I was recently at Foot Locker and found an extensive selection of basketball shoes. Not surprisingly, I discovered that Nike has the best basketball shoes available this season. I was underwhelmed by the other brands I evaluated at the store, including Adidas, Reebok, Converse and Under Armour.

I previously blogged about the Nike Zoom Kobe VI basketball shoe, which is one of my favorite basketball shoes. Version VII is equally good. If you have a narrow foot, then you know how difficult finding a basketball shoe that fits can be, since most only come in medium widths.

Even though sized medium, Kobe VII runs narrow (rectangular upper), which will benefit a lot of players out there.

In profile, you can see how shallow the upper is, especially in the midfoot and toebox areas.

New to Kobe VII is the Attack Fast insole, shown below, which has a thick, cushioned insole that aids shock absorption. Attached to the insole is an instep cuff that provides additional support and enhanced fit. If you have a history of ankle instability, the Kobe VII with the Attack Strong insole may be a better option. The Attack Strong insole has an ankle cuff for added ankle support.

The best part of this shoe — Kobe VII is torsionally stable, with a non-collapsible heel counter. This means that even though it’s technically a low-top style, the Kobe VII is going to be more supportive than many other mid-tops out there.

All in all, if you have a narrow foot, you will want to consider this shoe.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Fit

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Shoe Review – Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11

Posted on February 21, 2012 | 5 comments

Lightweight, cushioned and compatible with a variety of foot types, Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 is one of my favorite shoes this season.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review, Wide Feet

Shoe Review – Asics GT-2170 vs. Asics GT-2160

Posted on February 11, 2012 | 27 comments

For all of you Asics GT-2160 wearers out there, you will be very disappointed with Asics GT-2170. My following video review shows you how the 2160’s signature structure and support has been compromised, making the 2170 a much more flexible shoe. I have also posted a field review video of Asics GT-2170 which can be found here.

If you are a 2160 wearer you may want to try Brooks Adrenaline 12 or Asics Gel-1170 instead. My previous posts on the 2100 series follow the video.

Asics GT-2160 Review

Asics GT-2150 Review

Asics GT-2140 Review

Asics GT-2130 Review

Asics GT-2120 Review

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review

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Shoe Review – Brooks Adrenaline 12 vs. 11

Posted on December 31, 2011 | 7 comments

Brooks recently released Adrenaline 12. Although this is still a great shoe for the narrow, shallow foot https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/determining-proper-shoe-fit-width-and-depth/. There are some changes to the lower part of the shoe which warrants mention. My video below identifies the changes.

Associated posts include:
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/shoe-review-brooks-adrenaline-gts-10/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/shoe-review-brooks-adrenaline-gts-8-vs-gts-9/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/01/03/shoe-review-brooks-adrenaline/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/footbed-design/

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review

Shoe Review – Asics Gel-Kayano 17

Posted on December 7, 2011 | 1 comment

Here’s my latest video shoe review on Asics Gel-Kayano 17. Unfortunately, the current Gel-Kayano is a shoe I just can’t endorse. Hopefully, Gel-Kayano 18 will make me a believer again.

Here are links to my other Gel-Kayano shoe review posts:

https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-16/


https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-14/


https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/shoe-review-asics-gel-kayano/

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review

Shoe Review – Asics GT-2160

Posted on December 5, 2011 | 3 comments

Asics GT-2160 is the perfect shoe for a narrow, shallow foot https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/narrow-vs-wide-feet/. It also works for the medium foot, easily accepts an orthotic and provides lots of support. Here’s my video review on this great shoe.

3 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review, Sport Specific Shoes

Shoe Review – Brooks Addiction 10 vs. 9

Posted on November 21, 2011 | 6 comments

Today’s video compares Addiction 9 to Addiction 10 and highlights the changes to 10 which may make a difference for you. Overall however, Addiction 10 fits similar to Addition 9 and still is a great shoe for the shallow, pronated foot.

6 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review, Wide Feet

Determining Proper Shoe Fit – Width and Depth

Posted on November 17, 2011 | 1 comment

In order to achieve proper shoe fit, it’s important to take into account volume. Volume = length x width x depth and when choosing a shoe you should try to match the volume of your shoe to the volume of your foot. I previously blogged about length using the Brannock Device which is the first component of volume. The following video shows you how to evaluate width and depth, the final components of volume.

Athletic shoe companies never talk about the upper or depth of a shoe. Instead they categorize shoes according to the lower (midsole) using terms like motion control, neutral or cushioning. Approaching shoe fit in this way only tells half the story and when you don’t take into account overall volume shoe fit and performance are compromised.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Fit, Wide Feet

Shoe Review – Nike Zoom Kobe VI Basketball

Posted on March 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

Basketball shoes can be a challenge because they typically don’t come in widths other than medium and tend to run wide, making it all but impossible to fit a narrow foot. Nike Zoom Kobe VI is an unexpected exception. In addition to a narrower last than most basketball shoes, it’s also extremely stable.

Another plus is the insole waist of the Kobe VI doesn’t hourglass providing a more supportive foundation for a pronated foot.

With an inflexible forefoot sole, torsional stability and a firm heel counter, this court shoe rivals some of the most stable running shoes available, which truly is an exception to the rule.

My only minor reservation with this shoe is that it’s a mid-top style and not a “true” high-top which may exacerbate ankle instability. This is easily remedied however, by wearing an ankle brace during play. If you remove the sock liner, there will be more than enough room to accommodate any additional tightness an ankle brace or custom orthotic might cause.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review, Sport Specific Shoes, Uncategorized

Brooks Addiction 10 vs. Brooks Adrenaline 9

Posted on August 18, 2010 | 9 comments

I have always recommended the Brooks Adrenaline for a narrow foot, but am pleased to announce that Brooks Addiction is also an option for a narrow foot. In fact, if you have a flat, narrow foot, Brooks Addiction is probably your best option.

Similar to the Adrenaline, the Addiction has lots of medial EVA which is great for heavy pronators.

It also doesn’t hourglass in at the waist which is good for flat feet.

Both models come in narrow widths – A width for women, B width for men. Overall, I am very pleased with the new Adrenaline as it fills a much needed void for the narrow foot category and at only 3 ounces heavier than the Adrenaline, the Addiction 9 is sure to please.

9 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review

Shoe Review – North Face Fire Road I vs. II

Posted on July 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

I have been a fan of North Face Fire Road I for quite some time https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/shoe-review-north-face-fire-road/. It fits the narrow, shallow foot well and is lightweight and stable. Unfortunately, Fire Road II is not quite the same shoe. For starters, there are fewer eyelets on the II . This means the shoe will not adjust as easily or cinch up as tight. These features are crucial to a narrow foot type.

The next and most important difference is the toebox depth. Fireroad II has a much deeper toebox than I, which will not fit the narrow foot as securely. This may contribute to sliding forward and improper fit in the forefoot and heel.

If you are upgrading from version I to II, you will want to pay close attention to the changes this shoe has undergone as they can affect function. This is especially true if you have a narrow foot.

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Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review

Shoe Review Gel-Kayano 16 vs. 15

Posted on January 31, 2010 | 22 comments

I was very disappointed when Gel-Kayano 15 debuted. I was a fan of prior versions, but not the 15 and I blogged about the reasons why  https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-14/. The main difference was the 15 was deeper than the 14 and the 15 was much more unstable laterally. These trends haven’t changed with Gel-Kayano 16.

Overall, Gel-Kayano 16 is not a big departure from the 15 with the exception that it  is even deeper. The medial midsole of the 15 and 16 are nearly identical as shown below. The outsole is exactly the same.

Gel-Kayano 16 has a similar midsole to the Gel Kayano 15 with more gel and less EVA in the lateral (outside) midsole. This design may make your heel strike more wobbly causing things like ankle sprains or tendonitis. Everyone doesn’t necessarily need firm lateral EVA but if you do, you would be better off with the 2150 than the Gel Kayano 15. This modification is a huge departure from versions 14 and prior.

Asics has continued with the asymmetrical lacing, however this version design is better than the the 15. I’m still not a fan of asymmetrical lacing, but at least this one won’t bunch up causing irritation like the 15 did. The lack of trim over the big toe, also means less potential irritation along the top of the big toe.

The one plus is Gel-Kayano 16 has a higher heel counter int he back which will reduce heel slippage if that’s been a problem for you.

Overall, Gel-Kayano 16 is too much like Gel-Kayano 15 and not enough like Gel-Kayano 14 and prior versions for me to recommend.

22 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Review, Sport Specific Shoes

Shoe Review – Asics GT-2140 vs. Asics GT-2150

Posted on December 14, 2009 | 5 comments

Asics just debuted their GT-2150 model and I am happy to report it is very similar to the GT-2140 https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/asics-2140-has-arrived/

I am a huge fan of this series as it is one of the few shoes that works for the narrow foot.  Although the GT-2150 model is ever so slightly wider than the GT-2140, I don’t think this will be a problem for most feet.

All in all, the 2100 series remains one of my favorite running shoes and I will continue to recommend it for many of my runners feet.

5 Comments

Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review