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VettedFashion
Becky Eaton Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
Molly Calhoun Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
Footwear, like fashion, is becoming a lot more size inclusive these days. The best shoes for wide feet provide the right amount of space in the toe box to keep your feet comfortable all day, and the options aren’t limited to one or two styles anymore. After researching and reviewing the top-rated pairs, we selected the Hoka Clifton 9 as the overall best shoes for wide feet, since it’s a versatile pick for serious walking or casual wear. From there, we found specific shoes for different needs, including running sneakers, dress shoes and heels.
A bit about our selection process: We evaluated many contenders for fit, comfort, price and style, removing any shoes that didn’t receive excellent scores (at least four stars) in all categories. We then parsed through the highest-rated shoes from brands that we have personal experience wearing ourselves. We also consulted Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, to discuss the benefits of wearing shoes for wide feet. Ahead, you’ll find all the best shoes for wide feet that passed our review and that we highly recommend.
- Best Shoes For Wide Feet Overall: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best Walking Shoes For Wide Feet: Brooks Glycerin 21
- Best Running Shoes For Wide Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
- Best Wide Toe-Box Shoes: On Cloudpulse
- Best Affordable Shoes For Wide Feet: Under Armour Charged Assert 10
- Best Hokas For Wide Feet: Hoka Bondi 8
- Best Dress Shoes For Wide Feet: Margaux The Heel
- Best Flats For Wide Feet: Birdies The Starling
- Best Heels For Wide Feet: Naturalizer Michelle Pump
Best Shoes For Wide Feet Overall
Hoka: Cushioned Support From Heel To Toe
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Hoka Clifton 9 (Women's, Men's)
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 16 | Widths: Regular, wide | Materials: Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber | Colors: 19 total
- What’s notable: The extra support and plush cushioning provide a roomy respite for sore feet.
- What could be better: Some say that the sole on these is so thick it makes their base feel unstable.
Hoka is a favorite among athletes thanks to its trademark rocker sole that gives a comfortable and smooth follow-through during your stride. The wide version of the Clifton 9, which we’ve tested for our best walking shoes guide, is extremely lightweight—only 7.3 ounces—and has a cushioned sole, 3-millimeter stacked heel and a wide toe box that gives your toes space. With an engineered knit upper that encourages air flow and responsive foam under your arches, this pair is an all-around winner.
Best Walking Shoes For Wide Feet
Brooks: Propels You Forward With Excellent Cushioning
Brooks Glycerin 21 (Women's, Men's)
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15 | Widths: Medium, wide | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors: 9 total
- What’s notable: The expansive platform on this shoe makes them very stable.
- What could be better: The shoe comes up too high in the back for some, causing rubbing at the ankle.
When you’re on a long walk, a shoe that’s supportive, flexible and wide enough to accommodate your step’s landing is necessary. Brooks, a brand favored by runners and walkers alike, checks all these boxes with their latest Glycerin iteration. The cushioning is infused with nitrogen to help making it lighter weight, durable and responsive. Forbes Vetted’s deputy editor, Kari Molvar, personally tested this pair and found it “supportive, extremely comfortable and well designed to reduce foot fatigue—the contoured sole helped push my foot forward, so I could easily walk for miles with less effort.” The ultra-plush ride has a streamlined upper, and importantly, is very breathable.
Best Running Shoes For Wide Feet
New Balance: Multiple Widths and Extra Foam Support
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 (Women's, Men's)
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 16 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Materials: Textile upper, foam, rubber | Colors: 4 total
- What’s notable: This is a neutral shoe, which tends to work for lots of people, and it’s available in four widths.
- What could be better: This is only available in four colors—we’d love to see more.
For a solid option available in many sizes and widths, the Fresh Foam x 880v14 offers comfort and support for your best performance, no matter if you’re running miles or running errands. We also like this sneaker for its wear-anywhere modern look, flexible midsole that absorbs impact with every step and the fact that it comes in “wide” and “extra wide” sizes to ensure the best fit. Just FYI: the “wide” width is narrower than similar brands, so we recommend the “extra wide” option.
Best Wide Toe-Box Shoes
On Running: Stability With Extra Room
On Cloudpulse (Women's, Men's)
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 7 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors: 2 total
- What’s notable: This shoe is ideal for cardio and conditioning because it’s both cushy and supports lateral movement. The lacing system also helps keep your heel secure.
- What could be better: Some feel that these are on the heavy side.
For those who need a little more room in the toe box—and not necessarily the rest of the foot—On Running’s first training shoe are a good option. Our team tested this pick and found that the Cloudpulse’s roomy toe box provides extra space and stability. It has their proprietary CloudTec cushioning, similar to their running styles, but this pair is designed specifically for training. From circuits to cardio, it supports lateral moves and the foam midsole optimizes energy return, making you feel grounded, secure and comfortable during your workout.
Best Affordable Shoes For Wide Feet
Under Armour: Well Designed At A Great Price
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 (Women's, Men's)
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15 | Widths: Medium, wide | Materials: Leather, rubber | Colors: 7 total
- What’s notable: Many reviewers love that this shoe is both lightweight and durable.
- What could be better: Color choices are limited for the women’s version.
A great gym shoe should feel both lightweight and stable on your feet, and Under Armour’s Charged Assert fits the bill. The solid rubber outsole is engineered for high impact and the cushioned, molded foam midsole is responsive for just about any movement during your workout. Expect comfort, breathability and durability in this affordable pick.
Best Hokas For Wide Feet
Hoka: Plush Comfort Mile After Mile
Hoka Bondi 8 (Women's, Men's)
Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 16 | Widths: Regular, Wide | Materials: Recycled polyester, EVA, rubber | Colors: 31 total
- What’s notable: The rear crash pad allows for cushioned heel strikes to prevent discomfort, and the many happy colorways of this shoe will give you a boost on your workouts, or just when running errands.
- What could be better: Some feel that the fabric in the forefoot of the shoe has too much give and they wish it was more firm and supportive.
In addition to our best overall pick, we also love the Hoka Bondi 8 for wide feet, which comes recommended by Forbes Vetted staffers. Versatile and supportive for running, walking and general use, the Bondi 8 has an even more generous toe box than other picks for comfort during movement and a level of support that’s equally impressive. This pick also carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance and has a rear crash pad that provides a great heel-to-toe lift off, plus an engineered mesh upper to prevent sweaty feet.
Best Dress Shoes For Wide Feet
Margaux: Stylish Block Heel That Won't Pinch
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide | Materials: Suede, leather | Colors: 11 total
- What’s notable: The classic almond shape of the forefoot is less likely to squeeze toes than pointier styles and the block heel offers stability. Plus, it’s available in lots of gorgeous colors.
- What could be better: Some wearers wish this style was roomier at the vamp, and it runs a little long, so size down if you’re in between sizes.
For a dress shoe that fits wider sizes and is actually comfortable, our deputy editor has tested Margaux’s The Heel. Unlike most high-end designs, this one comes in three widths and has a 2.5-inch block heel that provides more stability and support than a stiletto. This pick is on the pricier end but it also has unique features, including 5 millimeters of foam padding in the footbed that molds to your feet, an almond-shaped toe that won’t cause pinching and a silhouette that’s been road-tested by actual women.
Best Flats For Wide Feet
Birdies: Seven Layers Of Cushioning
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium, wide | Materials: Leather, calf hair, textile, synthetic sole | Colors: 31 total
- What’s notable: A grippy rubber sole and arch support make these a suitable travel and casual shoe.
- What could be better: These run a little small, so consider sizing up.
With a roomy rounded toe box, a seven-layer cushioned footbed and over 30 colors to choose from, the Starling Flat from Birdies is a versatile and comfortable flat for a wider foot. Based on our testing, we found that it has a relaxed fit and offers more arch support than most flats, so you can wear it for long hours without soreness. The non-slip rubber sole is soft and doesn’t require any break-in time, making this pair an easy option that will hold up for long hours on your feet.
Best Heels For Wide Feet
Naturalizer: Classic For Long Days On Your Feet
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide | Materials: Leather | Colors: 4 total
- What’s notable: Many say this goes-with-everything shoe is comfy right out of the box.
- What could be better: You may need to size down or use an insert to prevent your heel from slipping a bit while walking.
Our deputy editor calls the Michelle Pump “one of the most comfortable heel I have ever worn” and she’s worn a lot of pairs. With a half-inch platform and Contour+ tech foam cushioning, plus arch and heel support, this pick comfortably molds to your foot for all-day wear. The rounded front also helps prevent that squeezed-toe feeling, and the minimalist silhouette is sophisticated and versatile so you can pair these heels with a variety of outfits.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team includes fashion editors, writers and researchers who are always on the hunt for the best products. When it comes to footwear, we’re downright obsessive about picking the most comfortable pairs. We’ve spent countless hours assessing and testing just about every shoe category, from the best travel shoes to the most comfortable heels to the best slippers for sweaty feet. No matter what fashion topic we’re deep diving into, the goal is always the same: to bring you the highest quality and most stylish fashion and accessories at a variety of prices. Online shopping can overwhelming for anyone, and we’re here to help you make smart, informed decisions.
How We Chose The Best Shoes For Wide Feet
Shoes are an everyday essential so it’s important to get the proper fit, support and comfort. To find the best shoes for wide feet specifically, we focused on top-rated brands and styles that the Forbes Vetted has personal experience with, and those that stand out for their size inclusivity, fit features, versatility and overall value. We’ve tested several of the pairs on this list ourselves and also analyzed real customer reviews for additional independent feedback. We also spoke with Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, to discuss important factors to consider when choosing shoes for wide feet. Finally, our deputy editor, Kari Molvar, who has more than two decades’ of experience in the fashion and lifestyle space, helped us finalize the list of best shoes for wide feet.
What To Consider About Shoes For Wide Feet
- Fit: When it comes to wide sizing, one size does not fit all (literally). While a medium in some brands are roomy enough, you might need a wide or extra wide in other brands. “Overall, think about heel position, arch position and what your forefoot looks like,” says Conti. Look for a toe box with extra room for movement and an upper that doesn’t feel too tight across the top of your foot. Pay attention to brand fit recommendations, user reviews that rate sizing and size charts—which sometimes include helpful instructions for taking actual foot measurements. Margaux, for instance, says The Heel runs a little long and narrow and suggests sizing down in length but going up in width.
- Comfort: If a shoe isn’t comfortable, it can ultimately lead to rubbing, blisters and other foot pain. All of our wide foot shoe picks include cushioned midsoles that absorb impact and pressure, and some, like our favorites from Hoka, have rocker soles designed to promote heel-to-toe comfort with every step you take. “Certain brands will be more comfortable, and finding the right one can be a work in process,” says Conti. “Often if you’re running or traveling your feel swell, so you want a shoe that can accommodate that. A mesh toe box also allows for breathability.”
- Support: We typically recommend supportive footwear at Forbes Vetted. Support is an important factor that shouldn’t be ignored, as it can actually prevent foot pain after your shoes comes off. Since wide feet cover more surface area than narrow feet, you’ll want to be sure you’re giving them the extra support they need. Look for cushioning with responsiveness features to eliminate pain in the arch and heel, and soles that are built to withstand many hours of wear.
How Do I Know I Have Wide Feet?
Foot width can be a tricky thing to navigate, especially if you’ve never had wide feet before. “In general, you know you have wide feet if you start to have pain on the inside or outside of your forefoot while in sneakers,” says Dr. Conti, who points out that people with wide feet usually feel like they can't find a shoe that accommodates their forefoot. “Sometimes, you may feel as if you have to go up a shoe size. Often, you may have a bunion deformity or bunionette, [which is the] widening of outside of the foot.” Pronation plays a role in this too. “People who pronate can have a flatter foot and some foot deformity like a bunion or hammer toes, so they require a wider toe box,” Conti says. Genetics or lifestyle changes—think aging, injuries, weight gain or pregnancy—can also contribute to changes in your foot width. If you’re worried about changes in your feet, see a podiatrist to ensure your feet are healthy.
What Are The Benefits Of Wide Shoes?
Wearing a wider style will give wide feet a little more room to naturally expand, so expect increased stability, comfort and potentially even an improvement in posture since you’re not squeezing into a too-narrow pair. “If too-narrow shoes cause irritation and inflamation it can be challenging,” says Conti. “Wide shoes really just lessen pressure on the foot by decreasing the force on the inside and outside of the forefoot.” If you struggle with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, hammer toes or other painful conditions, wearing a wider pair of supportive shoes might help. Just make sure they’re not too big; a pair that’s too wide and roomy can also cause rubbing, blisters and pain, and cause you to trip easily. Wide width shoes should fit comfortably and securely.
How Do I Know If A Shoe Is Made For Wide Feet?
Wide shoes usually have a wider toe box; the forefoot width can be up to a quarter-inch wider than a standard, medium width shoe. Most shoe brands will clearly label their sizing as “wide” or “extra wide,” or they might use a letter-based system: A and B widths are generally considered to be narrow to medium, while D and E widths are wider widths, depending on the shoe and brand. Some shoes might technically be sized as a medium width, but are made with a wider toe box—a feature runners and walkers like for increased mobility—and can likely accommodate a wider foot. When in doubt, pay attention to the brand’s sizing, take your foot measurements (we like Nordstrom’s simple how-to guide) and check the store’s return policies. You can often try on at home and exchange for a different width if necessary. It’s not uncommon to have to size up or down depending on the brand and the specific model.
Can The Wrong Shoes Cause Long-Term Foot Problems For People With Wide Feet?
Conti gets asked this question a lot, and the answer is nuanced. “The natural history of a lot of problems in the feet is that they gradually get worse over time,” he says. Almost everyone who has a bunion has a genetic predisposition to it, according to Conti, and if they have that predisposition and are wearing tight-fitting shoes it could exacerbate or accelerate the formation of a bunion. “There’s no study that a shoe or orthotic prevents the disease process, but wearing comfortable shoes could potentially slow down the progression of problems.” What is for certain? “Chronic trauma to the foot can cause long-term pain,” says Conti.
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