We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (2024)

Podiatrist and editor approved.

By Gaby Keiderling
We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (1)

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If you have wide feet, then you know all about the challenge that shopping for shoes presents. Whether we're talking sneakers, sandals, heels, or loafers (to name a few categories), finding the correct width for your foot is critical. According to the founder of Walk NYC Podiatry, Amnon Barnea, "it is estimated that about 20 to 30 percent of the population have wide feet; however, research finds that an average of about 60 percent of the population wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet." Wide-footed folk, you're not alone.

You might be asking why exactly you need a specific width in shoes. "In general, ill-fitting shoes may lead to numerous foot conditions and disorders, and are often the main source of discomfort," Barnea explains. "Shoes that are too narrow can cause painful corns and calluses and pinched nerves and advance the progression of deformities like bunions and hammertoes." Therefore, when shopping for shoes, you should buy a pair that "have a wider toe box, which is more rounded or square and not pointy."

With the help of Barnea, we scoured the market to find the 17 best shoes for wide feet. And guess what? They're practical, comfortable, and chic.

1

Best Walking Shoes

New Balance 928v3 Sneakers

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (2)

The brand is one of Barnea's favorites for those with wide feet. "New Balance introduced wider shoe sizes in the 1960s and is often credited with being the first shoe company to do so," he says. Offering narrow, standard, wide, extra wide, and extra-extra wide, this really is the shoe for those who need maximum width.

2

Best Strappy Sandals

Stuart Weitzman The Nearlynude Sandals

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (3)

With wide and extra-wide options, this sandal is a universally pleasing style for dressier occasions. Choose from a variety of materials and colors for a shoe that feels like you.

3

Best Tennis Sneakers

Cole Haan GrandPrø Tennis Sneaker

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (4)

The simple elegance of a white tennis sneaker is hard to beat. Cole Haan's lightweight style takes you on and off the court, from the country club out to a lunch.

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4

Best Running Shoes

Nike Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (5)

Whether you're setting off on a short jog or training for a marathon, Nike's sneakers deliver maximum cushioning for a supportive run. A wider midsole (and extra-wide size) makes for enhanced comfort.

5

Best Everyday Running Shoe

Hoka Clifton 9 Everyday Running Shoe

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (6)

One more running shoe, for good measure. You've probably seen Hoka's chunky style around town. The thick sole and rocker design give you a smooth stride, while the midsole gives you the stability you need.

6

Best Wedges

Vivaia Square-Toe Wedge

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (7)

Featuring a pressure relief insole, arch support, and no break-in needed, Vivaia puts comfort first in constructing this pair of heels. The stretchy fabric expands to fit your foot, lending itself to easy, everyday wear.

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7

Best Slippers

Ugg Ansley Slippers

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (8)

Ugg's super cozy, fluffy slippers come in a wide size, too. Step out of bed into plush comfort, and wear them around the house (or beyond) as you embark on your day.

8

Best Sandals

Naturalizer Illuminate Heel Sandal

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (9)

An easy-to-walk-in block heel and secure straps make this sandal ideal for those looking for a pair that can go the distance. Dress them up with a midi skirt and blouse or down with a pair of cropped jeans—they are versatile.

9

Clarks Mayhill Walk

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (10)

This is the perfect pair of casual kicks for spring and summer. With their lightweight, flexible sole and contoured footbed, you won't want to take these off anytime soon.

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10

Best Wide-Fit Shoes for Bunions

Vivaia Square-Toe V-Cut Flats

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (11)

Vivaia strikes again, this time with a pair of flats that come in over 50 colorful patterns and prints. The knit upper is also made from plastic water bottles, and the eco-minded composition is something we can get behind.

11

Inuikii Knotted Linen Slides

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (12)

For an effortless slide, Inuikii makes some of the best. A soft leather footbed and extra-light outsole make this pair feel like a cloud. The oversize linen upper envelops your foot like a glove.

12

Best Loafers

Dr. Scholl's Nice Day Loafer

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (13)

We're sure you're aware of the brand's iconic insoles, so why not opt for a shoe that has them built in? This pair of loafers exudes sophistication, bringing a sleek professionalism to your 'fit.

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13

Best Birkenstocks

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (14)

Oh, yes, the classic Birks, which come in both narrow and regular widths—opt for the latter if you have wider feet. The padded footbed molds to the shape of your foot for a custom shape.

14

Best Flats

Margaux The Demi

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (15)

Margaux's ballet flats can be worn to the office or out to dinner, infusing a vintage glamour into your attire. It may not look like it, but there is actually a plush foam padding that makes this comfortable to wear daily.

15

Best Cushioned Outsoles

APL TechLoom Zipline Sneakers

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (16)

Super breathable, lightweight, and streamlined in silhouette, you can't go wrong with APL's futuristic sneakers. The woven knit stretches to the width of your foot, and the platform gives you that extra boost of height.

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16

Best Ankle Boots

Samuel Hubbard Leather Ankle Boots

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (17)

An ankle boot that claims no break-in time is a must visit. The stack heel is great for a day filled with walking when you want to look just a little more put together. Plus, a water-repellent treatment allows them to handle the elements.

17

Best for Added Stability

Asics Gel-Resolution 9 Wide

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (18)

Tennis lovers can rejoice at a shoe designed specifically for those with wide feet. Advanced cushioning and stability supports your lateral movements so that you can move around the court with secure steps.

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Gaby Keiderling

Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.

We've Found 17 of the Most Comfortable Shoes for Wide Feet (2024)

FAQs

What brand of shoe is best for wide feet? ›

Podiatrists commonly recommend New Balance shoes for their patients, and it's no wonder why. This brand is well-known for its comfortable pairs that offer plenty of arch support and cushioning. New Balance also promotes foot health by catering to varying foot widths.

What shoe should I wear for a wide foot? ›

OPEN SIDED SHOES

The open-sided style is great for wide feet because they offer a more relaxed fit than a fully closed shoe, especially if the shoe is made of suede, which is very soft. This style is a popular choice for bunion sufferers who need width at the point of the bunion.

What size shoe should I get if I have wide feet? ›

For women, a men's Medium (D) is considered a Wide width, while anything E or bigger is Extra Wide. For men, Wide typically starts at E and anything greater than 2E is considered Extra Wide. Not all brands will offer widths in every increment, and 2E/4E are the most common.

How to buy shoes for people with wide feet? ›

HOW TO CHOOSE COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR WIDE FEET
  1. Measuring your foot to learn your foot width is a useful starting point to finding comfortable shoes for wide feet.
  2. Choose the softest leathers, suedes and materials possible.
  3. Look for brands that specifically accommodate wide feet or have multiple fittings.

Are skechers good for people with wide feet? ›

Shop our great selection of Extra Wide Fit shoes and find your perfect pair. Each style features our innovative Skechers technologies and delivers incredible comfort every step of the way.

What shoes make wide feet look smaller? ›

Choose shoes with horizontal, thicker straps, such as Mary Janes or T-Bar sandals, as they visually break up the foot and create an illusion of a narrower silhouette.

Can shoes that are too wide hurt your feet? ›

Problems wearing shoes that are too large for foot:

Shoes which are too large for foot size can lead to problems. In my experience this is a contributing factor to development of blisters. Blisters occur because of shearing force. Sliding shearing movement can occur if the shoe is too large for the foot.

What classifies as a wide foot? ›

Usually, regular or medium foot width is a little less than half of your foot size in inches. For example, if you wear a size 7 shoe, then a regular foot width would be around 3.45 inches, whereas a wide size 7 foot would measure anywhere from 3.75 to 4.25 inches.

Why do podiatrists recommend new balance? ›

“New Balance shoes are designed for comfort and walking while offering adequate arch support for many people. They are lightweight and provide comfort while keeping your foot in a neutral position.” Plus, many New Balance shoes offer a durable outsole with trail inspired lugs for better traction, Dr. Daughtry adds.

What are the best walking shoes recommended by podiatrists? ›

Cushion Neutral
  • TOPO. Ultrafly 5mm drop.
  • New Balance. 890. 990. 1080.
  • Saucony. Ride.
  • Mizuno. Wave Rider. Wave Creation.
  • Nike. Pegasus. Vomero. React Infinity Flyknit.
  • HOKA. Bondi. Stinson. Speedgoat.

Are HOKA shoes good for wide feet? ›

With their recent lineup, HOKA offers more accommodating toe boxes and wider options, so runners with high-volume feet can enjoy the brand's signature cushioning and plush comfort.

What shape of shoe is best for wide feet? ›

Sneakers, round-toe booties, square pumps or open sandals will offer your wide feet the necessary comfort.

Should I size up or down for wide shoes? ›

Should you size down in wide-fit shoes? If the shoe size width charts above suggest you should get a wide-fit shoe, then stick to your usual size. If your feet are only slightly wider, visit one of our stores and try on a size bigger – this might give you the extra room you need.

Should you go up half a size if you have wide feet? ›

If you have wide feet, it's generally recommended to buy shoes that are a half size larger rather than smaller. This extra space can accommodate the width of your feet more comfortably, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or blisters.

Are Nike good for wide feet? ›

Which limited shoes to choose when you have a wide foot? Nike Dunk Low They are considered to be kicks suitable for wide feet. However, if they would still be too narrow, choose the SB version – originally intended for skateboarding. They are even wider than the “standard” edition.

Which designers do wide fit shoes? ›

  • Calla Shoes.
  • Cheaney.
  • Comfylux.
  • Tredd Well Cosy Footwear for Extra wide Feet.
  • Dek.
  • Dunham.
  • Grafters Shoes and Boots.
  • Grunwald.

Is there much difference in wide fit shoes? ›

First, it's important to understand what wide-fitting shoes are. These are shoes that offer a wider toe box and/or a wider midfoot area to accommodate people with wider feet or foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. They can also provide more space for swollen feet or for those who prefer a roomier fit.

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