Looking back, Nike was never very good about offering different width options on most of their shoes. And I still don’t think they offer wide toe box shoes.
Neither Hoka, Asics, New Balance, et al. make truly wide toe box shoes.
Better than nothing - sure. Though after wearing Altras, feet health is much better and you can feel how all other shoes feel tight, even my widest Hokas are tight in comparison.
My biggest complaints though with Altras:
- They offer only zero drop (or near zero drop) shoes;
- Their QC to price ratio is atrocious (stitches failing, heel fabric gone to shreds 2-3 times faster than other brands, sole is so soft that it goes to shreds or wears out 2 times faster than others);
Problem for me is that I wouldn't even consider buying them if they wouldn't be the only shoe brand that I can access that has truly wide toe box and is not "barefoot shoe".
My Altras last about 2x any other running shoe, and I even took them on trail runs (Lone Peaks).
Not defending the company, they’re pricey and the catalog is exaggerated, full of nonsense 30mm+ stack shoes, etc.
Got my hands on Olympus - will see if it’s better.
I don’t see the need to have multiple trail shoes on offer, some of which have a non-replaceable sole. Lone Peaks are almost perfect, keep the stone guard, drop the total stack, and we’re cooking. The longevity of the shoes seems to be compromised by the fancy fabric in some areas, though.
Good luck with the Olympus. Don’t let the lack of prosumer foam discourage you!
For a non-US company, maybe give Asics (Japanese brand) a look? They never really fit me right personally, but I know they are popular amongst runners.
And just to clarify - I don't think any of the brands above sell proper "wide toe box" shoes that I mentioned above. Xero and Altra are the best known brands (both US-based) in this category I think. There are also some really inexpensive options from Chinese companies on Amazon that I think are actually worth a look - Whitin seems to be the most popular on Amazon in the US, but I see the same shoes sold under different brand names. These shoes tend to be really light weight and comfortable for casual use or working out, but they just don't have enough cushion where I would want to run long distances in them.
Oh and Skechers sells some wide toe shoes as well - not as roomy in the toe box as the brands above, but still super comfy. But again, not something I would recommend for running.