In this product guide:
- 1. Versatile daily trainer with a narrow fit: Asics Novablast 5
- 2. Max-cushioned trainer with a narrow fit: Hoka Bondi 9
- 3. Cushioned trainer with a narrow fit: Nike Vomero 18
- 4. Marathon racer with a narrow fit: Nike Zoom Fly 6
- 5. 10K shoe/tempo trainer with a narrow fit: Hoka Mach 6
- 6. 5K racing flat with a narrow fit: adidas Takumi Sen 10
- 7. Trail running shoe with a narrow fit: Salomon Speedcross 6
- How we selected
The Asics Novablast is one of the most commercially successful running shoes in recent history.
The original Novablast was one of the first shoes to successfully combine a cushioned and responsive ride with a forward-propelling rocker midsole. The Novablast 5 has most of the features that made the series successful, except that it’s been updated with a softer ride.
The stack is made entirely of the springy Flytefoam Blast Max, making the Novablast 5 comfortable enough for everyday mileage and long runs.
The rocker profile makes the Flytefoam midsole surprisingly nimble. The rocker midsole tips the foot forward during the gait cycle, so the turnovers come quicker than many comparable trainers.
The narrow fit hasn’t changed for the Novablast through the years. That said, the Novablast 5 has more room than the 4. The thinner mesh breathes better and also frees up space. The first two lacing rows are speed loops now, so the cut-outs relieve top-down pressure.
A snug fit makes the ride tempo-friendly, as it’s better at transferring the power from the foot to the midsole.
That said, the tighter fit of the Novablast 4 made the rocker more effective. The softer foam makes the Novablast 5 less stiff, so the rocker effect is less defined.
Note: The Asics Superblast 2 is more spacious than the Superblast V1, so it’s excluded from this list.
- Asics’s marketing pitch: Dynamic bounce and responsive energy return.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: Full-length Flytefoam Blast Max foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 255 gms/ 9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27
. - Stack heights: 41.5 mm (heel), 33.5 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide).
- Previous model: Asics Novablast 4.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, tempo runs, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Tempo-friendly ride comfort
- Smooth transitions
- Cushioning to weight ratio
- Secure upper fit
- Optional width
Cons
- Less stable than the Novablast 4
- Weaker rocker effect than the Novablast 4
Runners will find a lot to like about the new Bondi 9. The midsole is softer and bouncier than the Bondi 8 and 7. The step-in softness has improved as well. It’s marginally lighter.
All that said, the upper fit is still narrow. While optional widths exist, the midfoot and forefoot deliver an ultra-snug lockdown. If you’re a narrow-footed runner looking for a true-to-size max-cushioning trainer, you’re in luck.
The Bondi 9 uses a regular EVA foam midsole, so you don’t get the cushy softness of the Brooks Ghost Max 2 or Asics Nimbus 27.
What the Bondi 9 delivers is a cushioned and supportive ride that doesn’t feel slow. The stiff forefoot and midsole rocker makes it easier for the foot to roll forward.
- Hoka’s marketing pitch: The ultra-cushioned game-changer.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, reflective details. No tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: EVA foam and footbed. 5 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber, exposed EVA foam.
- Weight: 298 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 44 mm (heel), 39 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Hoka Bondi 8.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and stable ride
- Reflective details
- Smooth transitions
- Secure upper fit
- Optional widths
Cons
- Antiquated cushioning tech
- Heavy
- Overpriced for what it offers
- Mild tongue slide
Nike models like the Pegasus, Structure, and Vomero use a full inner sleeve instead of a gusset. That makes the upper fit snugger than shoes with a partial sleeve.
A quick inspection of the Vomero 18’s upper reveals a full sleeve. Unlike the Asics Nimbus 27 or New Balance 1080V14, the Vomero’s sleeve extends to the toe.
For all practical purposes, the forefoot is double-layered. On top is the perforated engineered mesh; the sleeve is the base layer. This also means that the upper isn’t as breathable as shoes without a full sleeve.
The tongue and heel are generously padded for interior plushness. The padded tongue is also great at filtering the lacing pressure.
The snug upper improves the Vomero 18’s versatility by creating a stronger connection between the foot and the midsole. A secure upper is particularly important on the rockered Vomero.
The rocker-shaped midsole uses a soft ZoomX layer with a firmer ReactX base. The resulting ride is cushioned yet peppy – the propulsive rocker and foam blends work together as one. The secure upper accentuates the rocker effect and bouncy character.
Despite its 44 mm and 34 mm stack heights, the Vomero 18 is surprisingly versatile. It’s excellent for long recovery runs, but wastes no time picking up the pace when needed.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: A comfortable ride for everyday runs.
- Upper: Engineered mesh with a full sleeve.
- Upper fit: True to size, just-right fit.
- Midsole: React X foam with ZoomX top layer. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Regrind rubber under the forefoot, Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 298 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 44 mm (heel), 34 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs, tempo runs, marathon training, walking.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile for different use cases
- Rocker assists with smooth roll offs
- Neutral and stable ride
- Goldilocks zone cushioning
- Just-right and plush fit
Cons
- No widths at this time
- Average grip on wet roads
- Runs warm due to full sleeve
- Low reflectivity
It’s getting harder to find plated racers with a narrow fit. A typical supershoe prioritizes weight savings, so an inner sleeve is a design luxury. However, the Nike Zoom Fly 6 has more design leeway than a high-end marathon racer.
Despite its full-length carbon plate and speed-friendly road manners, the Zoom Fly 6 lives up to its advertising. Nike claims this shoe is a marathon trainer, and they have the description down pat.
The midsole architecture and upper design makes the Zoom Fly 6 very user-friendly. The lower midsole uses the supportive SR-02 foam, and the base is wider than, say, the Nike Vaporfly 3. There’s more outsole coverage too.
As a result, the midsole has a high tolerance for slow speeds and heel striking. The upper is also designed like a traditional trainer. The heel collar is generously padded, and the upper is double layered. A thin outer shell covers the full inner sleeve made of spacer mesh.
While the toe-box is roomy, the forefoot and midfoot have a snug fit – just what runners with narrow feet want.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Best-in-class training and racing hybrid
- Upper: Lightweight mesh with full inner sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length carbon plate, ZoomX and SR-02 foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Waffle rubber lugs under high-impact areas.
- Weight: 265 gms/9.3 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1
- Stack heights: 40 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed).
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily runs, tempo/threshold, 10K, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: No.
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than – 5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile training-racing use
- Decent stability for a plated shoe
- Secure upper fit, sleeve
- Soft and bouncy ride
- Works well even at slow speeds and heel strikes
Cons
- Upper doesn’t breathe well
- No optional width(s)
- Not ideal for heel strikers
- Reflectivity limited to select models
Also consider:
- New Balance SC Trainer v3
- Hoka Mach X2
- Saucony Endorphin Trainer
- Brooks Hyperion Max 2
- Use the Nike Vomero 18 for daily training and recovery runs
- Use Nike Zoom Fly 6 for tempo, threshold, 10K, and marathons
- Use the Nike Streakfly 2 for 5K and sprints
If you’re a narrow-footed runner searching for a tempo trainer with a tight fit, you’re in luck. The Hoka Mach 6 receives a full makeover, and part of the update includes a narrow upper fit that is also shorter than the Mach 5.
In our review, we said that the Mach 6 has a ‘performance fit.’ The tight fit is great at driving power from the foot to the responsive midsole. It’s also good at keeping the foot locked in during speed runs and sharp turns.
The fit is narrow but the rest of the interior is very comfortable. The mesh is soft, and so are the tongue and heel collar. The ventilation is pretty good too.
What makes the Hoka Mach 6 special is its cushioned and fast ride. Unlike the Mach 5, the new single-density midsole has better cushioning depth and responsiveness. The narrow fit accentuates the midsole’s springy feel.
A deep channel cuts through the center of the rubber outsole to improve the straight-line tracking.
So what’s the best use case for the Hoka Mach 6? It’s an excellent shoe for tempo runs, mile repeats, and interval training. It’s a great 10K (and 5K) racer as well, as the midsole is comfortable and quick enough for that distance.
- Hoka’s marketing pitch:Your gateway to everyday speed.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, elastic gusset.
- Midsole: Full-length Supercritical foam, 5 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Perforated Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 232 gms/ 8.2 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (rear), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide.
- Previous model: Hoka Mach 5.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Easy runs, half-marathons, Fartleks, interval training, tempo runs.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 3:30 min/km (5:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile, speed-friendly ride
- Bouncy cushioning
- Quick transitions
- Ultra-secure upper
- Optional width
Cons
- Less stable than the Mach 5
- Sizing differs from the Mach 5
- Lack of reflective elements
- Average grip on wet roads
Low-profile racing flats with a narrow fit are a dying breed. The Nike Streakfly doesn’t have a narrow fit, nor does the Hoka Cielo Road and adidas Adios 8.
So we were happy to have reviewed the adidas Takumi Sen 10 earlier this year. It’s much more than a racing flat with a narrow fit. It uses a similar construction as the Adios Pro 3, but on a much smaller scale.
The bouncy Lightstrike Pro foam combines forces with the Energy rods inside the midsole. The low-profile midsole adds comfort during a quick 5K, whereas the stiff tubes add a speed-focused flavor to the ride. The traction from the Continental rubber outsole helps with quick push-offs
A shoe like the Takumi benefits from a tight fit. The upper pins the foot against the midsole for focused push-offs and power transfer. The toe-box is also pointy, somewhat reminiscent of vintage flats like the adidas Adios 2 and New Balance Hanzo.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Race-day running shoes for a fast 10K
- Upper: Engineered mesh, collapsible heel.
- Midsole: Dual-layered Lightstrike Pro foam, Energy rods. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Two-piece Continental + Textile rubber outsole.
- Weight: 201 gms/ 7.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 33 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Previous model: adidas Takumi Sen 9.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 5K and 10K races, intervals.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 300 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than 0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Responsive ride
- Quick transitions
- Secure upper fit
- Outsole grip
- Ventilation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- No widths
- Heel pull tab needs to be longer
Also consider:
- adidas adios 8
- Hoka Cielo Road
- Nike Streakfly
- New Balance SC Pacer
- Use the adidas Takumi 10 for intervals and 5K, 10K races
- Use the adidas adios Pro 4 for long runs and marathons
- Use the adidas Boston 12 for daily runs, including tempo workouts
Not only does the Salomon Speedcross 6 have a snug upper, but it’s also an excellent trail running shoe.
The tight and heavily reinforced upper is a result of the Speedcross’s unique upper and midsole construction. On most shoes, the upper stops at the midsole edge. That’s not the case here.
The upper is ‘double lasted’ – a production method in which the upper wraps over the midsole and connects directly to the outsole. This creates a slimmer profile as well as a narrower fit.
The fused layers reinforce the upper for trail use while also making the fit snugger. The bungee cord lacing system (Quicklace) makes it easy to dial in the upper fit. We recommend the waterproof Gore-Tex version for superior versatility.
Two other features make the Speedcross a versatile trail runner. The firmly cushioned midsole adds comfort and protection during trail runs; the heel is supported by an EVA frame.
The bi-directional rubber lugs on the Contagrip outsole are 5 mm tall and add dependable grip on off-road terrain.
How we selected: What to look for
Let’s define what ‘narrow’ means here.
A ‘D’ sizing (and B in women’s shoes) is also known as the standard width. It is the default fit for all running shoes.
A ‘B’ width is one size narrower than D. It is more common for brands to offer wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) widths than a narrower B size. The exceptions are brands like New Balance and Brooks that offer B widths.
This buyer’s guide lists shoes in regular D widths with an inherently snug fit. This category includes partially stretchy uppers that can accommodate a variety of foot shapes. Regular mesh uppers with a conforming fit are also included.
We’ve included narrow-fitting shoes for different use cases, be it everyday runs (Asics Novablast, Hoka Bondi), speed runs (Hoka Mach 6, adidas Takumi 10), marathons (adidas Adios Pro) and trail running (Salomon Speedcross).
Here’s a hack if you happen to have small feet – say, a size US 7 or under. It is not a bad idea to get a boy’s model or even women’s running shoes in neutral colors. Buying a boy’s model will get you a narrower fit with 30-50% of price savings over the adult version.
Here are a few examples of boy’s running shoes that also sell in small adult sizes up to a 7Y:
A. The adidas Ultraboost in youth or teen sizes.
B. The Nike Pegasus 41 in kid’s and big kid’s sizes.
C. The New Balance 1080V13 in kids and big kids sizes.