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Shopping for footwear when your feet are wider than average can be extremely frustrating: A shoe might fit great in length but pinch uncomfortably at the sides, making it a no-go for you. Luckily, some of the best shoes for wide feet come from easily accessible retailers and mainstream orthopedic shoe brands, and are specifically designed to accommodate your unique foot shape.
Of course, the first step when you’re considering buying shoes for wide feet is to determine whether your foot width does in fact qualify as wider than the average shoe can accommodate comfortably. “Wide feet are characterized by the width or depth of someone’s foot being outside the standard sizing of footwear available in shoe stores,” explains podiatrist Stephanie Owen of SO Podiatry Owen. “Usually the widest part of the foot is from the first metatarsal head [the bone that leads to your toes] to the fifth metatarsal head. Often wide feet will still be wide across the toe areas and these are areas that pinch in common footwear, due to the way the toe box tapers at the end.” Feet may also be considered wide if they have developed bunions, which often is a concern for those with wide, flat feet.
As to why you might have wide feet in the first place, this common foot problem “is mostly genetic, and you will see others in the family have similar size and shape of feet,” says Owen. With that said, lifestyle habits, as well as the passing of time, can have a bearing on what your feet look like. “People who spend a lot of time barefoot outside will have stronger muscles in their feet and as the muscles are well developed the foot will widen,” Owen adds. “We may observe a lot of changes in our feet as we age and they will actually lengthen due to loss of elasticity of our ligament and muscles. It’s important that people recognize that their shoe size and fit may change.”
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Wearing ill-fitting footwear can lead to several uncomfortable or painful conditions. “Common issues associated with wide feet are mostly related to footwear pinching: corns on the tips of toes, corns between toes, ingrowing toenails, athlete’s foot (toes bunched together and no air passing through to dry the moisture),” says Owen. “Hammertoes can form if the shoe is too short, and rubbing and blistering can occur if the stitching rubs on the skin.”
With the help of Owen, pedorthist Michael Fishkin of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists Michael Fishkin, and podiatrists Marion Yau of The Harley Street Foot and Nail Clinic, Dr. Robert M. Conenello of Orangetown Podiatry, and Dr. Bruce Pinker of Progressive Foot Care, we picked 13 pairs of shoes for wide feet for men and women, and for all kinds of activities and occasions.
Available widths: Standard
Colorways: 5 men’s, 7 women’s
Materials: Oofoam, FibreFlex
Additional features: Shock-absorbing footbed, machine washable, odor-minimizing, adjustable heel and midfoot lock
Oofos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I have chemo-induced foot neuropathy. The shoes allow me to walk without the pressure on the ball of my foot or my heel. The shoes help keep me working.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Available widths: Regular/Wide, Medium/Narrow
Colorways: 2
Materials: Natural leather, cork, Super Grip rubber
Additional features: Adjustable strap, contoured cork-latex footbed
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are awesome! I work a 12 hour shift wearing these, which means I’m in them for about 14 hours. My feet are NEVER sore. No kidding! I wore Dansko for 15 years, but for a reason i am not sure of, my heels began to hurt and I could no longer wear them. These are my replacements and they are great. I wear a 8.5 so I bought size 39. My feet are medium width but in these shoes I order narrow.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Related: Best Birkenstock Sandals and Shoes
Available widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide
Colorways: 37 men’s, 46 women’s
Materials: Recycled plastic, rubber
Additional features: 11mm midsole drop, plush cushioning
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
What testers say: “Great shoe. Comfortable for long walks. Brooks shoes are the first shoe that when I fly I don’t have to remove. It’s so comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Available widths: Standard
Colorways: 11 men’s, 7 women’s
Materials: Quick-Dry Air Mesh, Altra EGO MAX, MaxTrac
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
These shoes are constructed with Quick-Dry Air Mesh that allows your foot to breathe as you move, making them ideal for sweaty exercise such as running or hiking. Additionally, the proprietary Altra Ego Max midsole guarantees extra durability; the Balanced Cushioning technology keeps your feet aligned and supported; and the grippy MaxTrac outsole ensures your safety on more difficult terrain and in slippery conditions.
What testers say: “My feet have changed since my last pair of hiking shoes were comfortable. Now those old shoes pinch my little toe and hurt my bunion. I’m so glad I found these shoes! My first reaction after a few steps in the living was – I didn’t know shoes could be this comfortable! Since those first steps, I have been hiking up and down small mountains. No pain, not on flat surfaces, up steep paths or down rocky trails. I ordered two more pairs in other colors, thinking I’m set to have comfortable feet for life!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $125
Available widths: Standard, Wide
Colorways: 3 men’s, 3 women’s
Materials: Recycled plastic, ZipFoam
Additional features: 5mm heel-toe drop, APMA-approved, multi-density midsole, high-performance cushioning
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “For someone with super wide feet and extremely high arches, I’ve been searching for a running shoe without compromise for over a decade…BUT I finally found THE SHOE! Just the right amount of cushion, I feel light and nimble on my feet and no more heel pain! I’m just so elated to have found these running shoes–thank you Topo!!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $145
Available widths: Regular, Wide, Extra Wide, Narrow
Colorways: 3 Men’s, 3 Women’s
Materials: Full grain leather, Pwrrun midsole
Saucony Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “I’ve been wearing these shoes every day for the past month, and they are my all-time favorites for everyday activity. Wide is a nice fit for my feet, very comfortable, snug enough not to slip anywhere. Love the all-leather uppers, nice support around my foot and in the arch, and the heel is the right height in back (doesn’t slip). Because of the leather uppers, they warm up, but I usually slip them off for a few minutes in the afternoon. I put them on first thing in the morning & wear them all day. I also use them for traveling. This shoe has improved since I first started wearing Integrity Walkers. The fit is better, and they finally put long laces on them! Overall, a really nice walking shoe.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Available widths: Standard, Wide
Colorways: 10 Men’s, 1 Women’s
Materials: Fresh Foam X, Vibram outsole
Additional features: Double layer knit mesh upper, American Podiatric Medical Association-approved
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “Most comfortable shoe I have ever worn! Great support and comfort. No breaking in.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Available widths: Medium
Colorways: 3
Materials: Leather, Lycra, rubber
Additional features: Adjustable hook and loop strap, slip-resistant rubber, supercushioning Microwobbleboard midsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I have been wearing these sandals on holiday. It’s hot and we have been doing up to 14,000 steps a day. My feet haven’t got tired and I haven’t had any blisters. Delighted.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Available widths: Normal, Wide
Colorways: 45
Materials: Recycled plastic, Natural Artemisia Argyi, rubber
Additional features: Antimicrobial, breathable, machine washable, rubber outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Vivaia Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are great! Very comfy, especially for anyone who has a problem with bunions. The sizing is accurate, and the shoes look wonderful with anything I wear. I’m so happy I bought 2 pairs!! There will be more styles in my closet very soon.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $98
Available widths: One
Colorways: 4
Materials: Textile
Additional features: 2.5cm heel, memory foam insole, Permalose bacteria-reducing treatment
What testers say: “These slippers were just exactly what I wanted. Wide fit and very comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $30
Colorways: 11 men’s, 14 women’s
Materials: Vegan leather, moisture-wicking fabric liner, fiberglass sole
Additional features: 3-strap closure, compatible with Peloton, SoulCycle, and FlyWheel bikes
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I have wide feet and thought I’d have a really hard time finding cycling shoes – tried these first and they were an amazing fit! Feel a little stiff at first but they soften up after a few wears. Purchased with the lock attached and had no issues with the placement. Would definitely recommend for wide feet.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $77
Available widths: Standard
Colorways: 1
Materials: Vimazi Z-Foam
Additional features: High cushioning, forefoot FastPods, 6mm drop, fortified arch outsole, Vimazi Z-Foam midsole
What testers say: “These shoes are insanely cool looking and the bounce in the sole makes my speed walking and elliptical training much better on my knees than my old shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $175
Available widths: Extra-Wide
Colorways: 2
Materials: Leather, rubber
Additional features: Juanet Technology®, Bunion Bed®, Underfoot Triple Layer Cushioning, rubber shock-resistant heel piece
What testers say: “The most comfortable shoes I have ever had. I have developed a bunion on one foot and have suffered from pain wearing ordinary shoes not anymore. I would rather now have a couple of more expensive Sole Bliss shoes than several other types.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $289
Available widths: Medium, Wide
Colorways: 17 men’s, 3 women’s
Materials: Leather, Vibram TC5+, rubber, recycled materials
Additional features: Breathable mesh upper, Merrell Air Cushion, Kinetic Fit Advanced footbed, rubber heel and toe cap
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “Perfect hiking shoes! Climbed to summit of Mt LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park a few weeks ago, about 13 miles round trip. Shoes were very comfortable & I didn’t slide on the slippery, wet rocks at all. Can’t wait to go in my next big hike with my new shoes!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $109
The Different Types of Shoes for Wide Feet
Sadly, many fashion shoes don’t consider different-shaped feet in their construction. Still, you can totally find plenty of shoe brands with a wide toe box and within pretty much any category you can think of, including everyday shoes such as sneakers, sandals, boots or slippers for wide feet.
- Sneakers: Sneakers are perhaps the most common type of shoe that is made with wide-footed sporty people in mind. It makes sense: If you’re a long-distance runner or otherwise engaging in high-impact sports, it’s all the more important to make sure your footwear is supportive and comfortable, so that means seeking out the best basketball shoes for wide feet, the best golf shoes for wide feet, or the best tennis shoes for wide feet. As well as looking for a sneaker that’s available in wide sizing and features a wide toe box, Fishkin advises you look for a mesh upper. “This allows for more air flow and breathability,” he explains.
- Sandals: Some sandals are specifically designed for wide feet, but even ones that aren’t can make a great option when they come with adjustable straps to accommodate your foot shape, such as those from FitFlop. With sandals, “your feet shouldn’t be hanging over the sides of the shoe, but rather cradled by the construction of the footwear,” notes Fishkin.
- Boots: Many brands now create boots that are a better fit for those with wide feet. “With boots, it is often difficult to get your foot through the throat of the shoe, so finding footwear with a side zip and long lacing will permit the smooth transit into the shank of the shoe,” says Owen.
- Slippers: Slippers usually have a lot of give in their construction, meaning most styles should be comfortable for your wide feet. However, there are some great slippers on the market that are specifically engineered with a wide fit, such as our pick from Pavers.
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Wide Feet
Having wide feet can put you at risk for various foot problems, especially if you’re not wearing well-fitting shoes. As such, “I always tell people to check their feet regularly,” says Fishkin. “Individuals should see a podiatrist yearly or regularly to have their feet looked at. They can obtain proper foot measurements and determine if there are any prominences on the feet that might cause issues.” Once you’ve figured out you have wide feet, here’s the trickier part: knowing what footwear will promote the health of your feet and feel comfortable in the process. Below are some helpful shopping tips for wide feet.
- Toe box: Whether your foot is naturally wide all the way through your toes, or you have bunions that often mean shoes’ toe boxes are too narrow, this is the most important factor to look at in a shoe. “Always look for a good deep toe box and one that is similar to the shape of your foot,” says Owen. “When you stand up in footwear none of your toes should be pressing into the upper or side of the shoe.”
- Construction: As for a shoe’s construction, Owen recommends asking yourself the following questions before making a decision. “Does the shape of the shoe look similar to the shape of the foot? Can you fully adjust the fastening to safely secure the shoe to your foot so you are not gripping with your toes and no indentations are left in your skin?” Meanwhile, Pinker also suggests looking for pairs with “a stable shank, cushioned midsole and stable heel counter.”
- Width: Some shoes for wide feet, like our picks from Oofos and Altra, come in one width but have other features (such as flexibility or a wide toe box) that allow them to accommodate your feet. Meanwhile, many shoe brands for wide feet, like Vivaia, Saucony and Birkenstock, offer a range of widths to help you find your perfect fit. “The width should be snug, but not tight,” Pinker notes.
How to Determine the Width of a Shoe
Many of the brands we included on our list note the width or widths their shoes are available in. In general terms, you might see a choice between standard or medium, wide, extra wide, and narrow. If you’re new to shopping for wide feet, it might take some trial and error to figure out which width is most suitable for you, but it’s helpful to refer to the letter scale some brands use, which spans A (narrowest) through EE (an option for those who need extra-wide shoes for swollen feet.).
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Wide Feet
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
In order to select the best shoes for wide feet, we conducted extensive research into the products currently on the market, as well as sifting through reviews to make sure we only included high-quality shoes that enhance foot health. We spoke to expert podiatrists Marion Yau, Stephanie Owen, Dr. Robert M. Conenello and Dr. Bruce Pinker, and pedorthist Michael Fishkin, who provided insight into how to choose appropriate footwear when you have wide feet, and shared their recommendations for specific suitable shoes. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Marion Yau is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist based in London, UK. She practices at The Harley Street Foot and Nail Clinic, where she specializes in the use of hot and cold laser therapy to treat fungal nail infections. Yau creates educational content on social media as Miss Foot Fixer. You can find her on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Stephanie Owen is the director and owner of SO Podiatry, a practice based in Worcestershire, UK. She is a qualified podiatrist who specializes in gait analysis, dynamic function, footwear, and tissue stress, and teaches educational sessions to health care professionals on podiatry biomechanics, as well as delivering presentations to running clubs and specialist sports groups on foot health and education.
Dr. Robert M. Conenello is the founder and sole proprietor of Orangetown Podiatry, a practice based in New York state. He specializes in prevention and rehabilitation of lower extremity pathologies, and focuses on podiatry for athletes. Dr. Conenello is the Clinical Director of the Special Olympics New Jersey Healthy Athletes division, and was formerly the Global Clinical Advisor for Special Olympics International, and the President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.
Dr. Bruce Pinker is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon of Progressive Foot Care in New York state. He has experience with foot and ankle trauma, foot and ankle surgery, diabetic foot injuries and infections, dermatology and disorders of the foot, as well as general medicine and general surgery.
Michael Fishkin is a certified pedorthist and currently treats patients at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Meet the Author
Iris Goldsztajn is a freelance writer and editor based in London, UK. She is currently the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Brides, Refinery29, Bustle, and many more. She is originally from Paris, France, and has lived in Los Angeles and New York City. Previously, Iris was the associate editor at Her Campus, where she was responsible for all style and beauty blog content. Goldsztajn regularly researches foot health-related topics, and she applied her expertise in the category to write this article on the best shoes for wide feet.
