Hello! I’m Ryan.

Wide toe box shoes saved my feet.

Two years ago, I’d had enough of the pain from flat feet and Morton's neuroma.

I tried the usual fixes, orthotics, wide sized shoes, supportive shoes.

Nothing worked. So I started over.

I started wearing barefoot shoes that actually let my feet move; wide toe box and natural foot-shaped. I also started strengthening my feet.

Since then, the pain’s eased up, and my feet are stronger than ever.

Why I started Wide Strides

Figuring this stuff out was hard.

I found it difficult to find shoes that looked good, performed the function, and that didn’t break the bank.

I started Wide Strides to help others avoid the same foot pain struggles I went through.

Everything here is from my real world perspective, someone who needs a wide toe box and has tested these shoes in daily life.

I'm sharing reviews of shoes that worked for me in the office, casually, at the gym or for running.

But what about Running?

I’m a keen runner and love running shoes.

I don’t run in barefoot shoes and I’m not here to preach them. I look for running shoes that give my toes room to breathe with a wide toe box.

So while I love barefoot shoes and wide toe box shoes, I’m not religious about them.

You'll even see me in regular running shoes on race day.

I see it as a reward. My feet are strong enough now to handle the occasional compromise.

What you will find here

Honest reviews on barefoot and wide toe box shoes I’ve tested for the gym, running, casual wear, and the office
What I’ve learned from fixing my feet, and what I'm continuing to find out
Advice for switching to wide toe box shoes and building stronger feet