Routines
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medically reviewedAuthor: Medical reviewer:
February 29, 2024
Health Writer
By Chloe Irving
Health Writer
Chloe Irving is a New York-based writer whose work has appeared in InStyle, People, Shape, and Health. She holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from Brown University and is currently pursuing her MFA in writing from NYU.
Medical review by
Robert Kornfeld, DPM
Holistic Podiatrist
Robert Kornfeld, DPM is a holistic podiatrist, dedicated to treating chronic foot and ankle pain at its source.
Image by mbg creative February 29, 2024 When you have wide feet, picking shoes that stay comfortable throughout the day can be a painful feat (literally). Despite being an incredibly common need, it's tough to find the best shoes for wide feet that both look good and feel good. There are a few features people with a wider foot should look out for (and many to avoid). Luckily, podiatrists pointed us in the right direction. Based on expert input, we've rounded up the best shoes for wide feet, with options for every activity and occasion. Setting aside the simple factor of comfort alone, wearing shoes for wide feet can help prevent health conditions and concerns. London-based podiatrist Dina Gohil explains that wider feet are "more prone to soft tissue aggregation, calluses, corns, and ingrown toenails from footwear that doesn't accommodate a foot's width." Many shoe brands are beginning to offer sneakers, sandals, and pumps in wider sizes—but when selecting shoes that support your wide foot, you'll want to look out for more than just a "W" next to the size. Follow below for the best shoes for wide feet, recommended by podiatrists. Best shoes for wide feet
What to look for in shoes for wide feet
"A shoe with a wide toe box and plenty of cushioning is ideal since it allows you to move your feet comfortably without experiencing any pain," says Marion Yau, a podiatrist at the Harley Medical Foot Clinic. "Stability and balance can be improved with shoes with plenty of cushioning and arch support."
Stiff shoes can put a strain on the arch of your foot, making you more prone to plantar fasciitis, a condition that wide-footed people are more at risk of, Yau adds. To avoid this discomfort, look for shoes with flexible soles that mold to the shape of your foot.
As for what to avoid, Gohil and Yau recommend against shoes with narrow or pointed toe boxes or rigid soles. Both suggest avoiding high heels, but we did include a wide-foot-friendly heel option below for those days when you do need to dress up a bit.
"Avoid patent materials, as there is little to no stretch potential, and instead choose soft leathers or fabrics," Gohil says.
How we picked the best shoes for wide feet
Width
We prioritized shoes that are designed specifically for wide feet or are available in wide sizes.
Toe box shape
Because narrow and pointed toe boxes can cause blisters and irritate bunions, we selected options with wide, rounded, and open-toe shapes to minimize discomfort.
Material
Swelling is a major factor in foot discomfort, especially for people whose daily routine involves extended time on their feet. With this in mind, we selected shoes made from materials that provide a bit of stretch, such as leather and knits.
Comfort
Features like arch support, shock absorption, and a cushioned sole that molds to your foot can make all the difference in reducing pain throughout the day. We looked for shoes designed with all of the above.
Best for the gym
Kuru Atom Sneaker
Sizes available
5-12, half sizes available
Weight
10.6 oz
Drop
8 mm
Gym exercises can be hard on your feet. People with wider foot shapes are at higher risk of blisters and the difficulties that come with plantar fasciitis. That’s why this spacious pick is perfect for gym goers.
Why we picked this shoe
The flexible sole and stretchy mesh outer move with your foot to prevent rubbing and pinching, while built-in arch support relieves stress on your muscles and prevents overpronation. In short, it’s a great choice for just about any kind of fitness routine. One shopper who has purchased seven pairs of these sneakers over the years says the design has allowed them to run and exercise again with no foot pain after a long struggle with plantar fasciitis. Others rave that their toes are not scrunched at all.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best boot
Beek Quail Leather Ankle Boot
Sizes Available
5-12, half sizes available
Weight
N/A
Drop
N/A
Boots are notoriously hard to find in wider sizes—but fear not; with a spacious toe box and leather material that stretches with your feet, this pair is a standout.
Why we picked this shoe
In addition to an enhanced width, this bootie features a padded sole that offers a touch of additional arch support. The material is high quality and the construction is durable. In other words, this is a pair of boots you’ll have for years to come. Reviewers with wide feet agree that these are stylish, well-made, and totally worth the spend. One notes that they’re even comfortable after being worn for eight hours straight.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best high heel
Sam Edelman Kia Heel
Sizes available
5-14, half sizes available
Weight
10 oz
Drop
N/A
Are high heels more your style? Thanks to its thick block heel, cushioned sole, and wide, square toe shape, this three and a half inch sandal is a great pick.
Why we picked this shoe
The open toe design is ideal for wider feet, as there’s less material to rub against skin or bunions. Best of all, reviewers say these heels areactuallysturdy enough to wear for hours.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best loafers
Vionic Willa Loafer
Sizes Available
5-11, half sizes available
Weight
8 oz
Drop
N/A
In the last few years, loafers have gone from workware fare to a trendy must-have—and this pair encapsulates everything that’s great about the style.
Why we picked this shoe
The sleek, versatile shoe looks simultaneously elegant and relaxed thanks to its velvet, leather, and calf hair outer options. What truly sets the design apart is the spacious toe box and cushioned, arch supporting soles. Whether you’re walking or standing, your feet will be comfortable in these. One shopper with wide feet compares these shoes to a custom glove. Countless reviews praise the stylish design and comfortable fit.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best flats
Vivaia Margot 2.0 Flat
Weight
N/A
Drop
N/A
Sizes
5-11, half sizes available
This brand is known for its chic and luxuriously comfortable designs—and these ballet flats are no exception.
Why we picked this shoe
The soft, cushioned sole is made from recycled yoga mats. On the outside, an airy, sweat-wicking knit stretches with your feet, making swelling a thing of the past. The design is versatile enough to be paired with any outfit, whether you’re heading to the office or going for a more casual look. One reviewer says these flats fit seamlessly over her bunions with no pain at all. Others say they look elegant and mold perfectly to their feet.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best for running
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneaker
Sizes Available
5-12, half sizes available
Weight
7.3 oz
Drop
5 mm
Awarded a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), these sneakers are incredibly effective at minimizing shock from high impact activities such as running.
Why we picked this shoe
The wide, rounded shape gives toes plenty of room to wiggle, while the knit material molds to the shape of the foot, providing enough stability to prevent sliding and overpronation. Plus, the soles are so plush thatmultiple shopperscompare the sensation of wearing them to walking on clouds—our marathon-running commerce editor can attest to this. These shoes can truly do it all. We’ve included them on our roundups of thebest sneakers for standing all day,best shoes for arch support,best shoes for knee pain,best gym shoes, andthe best shoes for high arches.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best for walking
Superga Cotu Classic Sneaker
Sizes Available
5-14, half sizes available
Weight
8 oz
Drop
N/A
These classic, machine-washable kicks are so much more than a fashion statement. The tractioned rubber bottom, which was originally designed for the tennis court, provides a grippy, slip-proof hold while walking.
Why we picked this shoe
What’s more, a breathable cotton upper is ideal for keeping your feet cool (a huge win during warmer months). While these shoes do not come in “wide” sizes specifically, they’ve long been favored by people with wider feet for their comfortable, stretchy fit. One reviewer who described their feet as extremely wide says these are comfortable, well-made, and have lasted a long time. Others with bunions say they fit beautifully with no irritation.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best sandals
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
Sizes Available
4-11
Weight
9 oz
Drop
N/A
Another favorite among people with wide feet, these iconic sandals are loved for their extremely roomy fit.
Why we picked this shoe
Designed with support in mind, the Arizona slides provide even weight distribution, arch support, and a foot-healthy stance. They have a deep heel cup and contoured footbed that molds to your feet (just like our experts suggested!). According to shoppers, the major draw of these shoes is how comfortable they are. Some say they’re more comfortable than going barefoot, touting the stellar arch support and the fact that they accommodate swelling from heat.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best for standing
New Balance Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker
Sizes Available
5-12, half sizes available
Weight
7 oz
Drop
N/A
To find the best shoes for standing all day, we turned to expert input and reviews from nurses, teachers, waiters, and other people who spend hours on their feet.
Why we picked this shoe
Many reviewers have praised the cushioned feel and stability these lace-ups provide. The shock-absorbing padding provides relief from the constant impact of walking on hard surfaces, and a grooved rubber outsole ensures solid traction. All this considered, it’s easy to understand why this shoe has nearly 13,000 perfect Amazon ratings. Reviewers with wide feet describe these sneakers as light, comfortable, and “fantastic.” One even says she wears them for 12-hour hospital shifts.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Best low heel
Trotters Doris Heel
Sizes Available
5-13, half sizes available
Weight
8 oz
Drop
N/A
Finding a pair of heels that doesn’t pinch wide feet is a struggle. While our experts recommend avoiding heels altogether if they cause discomfort, we know that’s not always doable.
Why we picked this shoe
With a flexible sole, these one and a half inch pumps differ from most rigid narrow heel designs. Per podiatrist guidelines, the shoe bends with your foot to relieve pressure on your arch. What's more, cushioned insoles provide a pillowy landing for every step, while the leather outer conforms to your foot (instead of squeezing it). It’s no surprise that multiple reviewers rave about these heels. One calls them “the most comfortable dress shoes ever.” The best part? The classic design doesn't sacrifice style for comfort.
Pros & cons
Pros Cons
Comparing the best shoes for wide feet:
| Product | Cost | Sizes | Half sizes available | Colorways | Materials | Return policy | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuru Atom Sneaker | $160 | 5-12 | yes | 6 | Rubber; Synthetic material | 45 days | 10.6 oz |
| Beek Quail Leather Ankle Boot | $395 | 5-12 | yes | 3 | Rubber; Leather | 30 days | n/a |
| Sam Edelman Kia Heel | $100 | 5-14 | yes | 20 | Leather; Synthetic material | 30 days | 10 oz |
| Vionic Willa Loafer | $130 | 5-11 | yes | 7 | Rubber; EVA; Velvet; Leather or calf hair | 30 days | 8 oz |
| Vivaia Margot 2.0 Flat | $97 | 5-11 | yes | 33 | Rubber; Recycled vinyl; Recycled synthetic blend | 30 days | n/a |
| Hoka Clifton 9 Sneaker | $145 | 5-12 | yes | 17 | Recycled nylon; Recycled polyester; Rubber | 30 days | 7.3 oz |
| Superga Cotu Classic Sneaker | $69 | 5-14 | yes | 40 | Rubber; Cotton | 30 days | 8 oz |
| Birkenstock Arizona Sandal | $190 | 4-11 | no | 7 | Leather; Cork; EVA | 30 days | 9 oz |
| New Balance Fuelcore Nergize V1 Sneaker | $37 | 5-12 | yes | 13 | Rubber; Synthetic textile blend | 90 days | 7 oz |
| Trotters Doris Heel | $100 | 5-13 | yes | 4 | Leather; Synthetic rubber; Tricot fabric | 60 days | 8 oz |
FAQ:
What kind of shoes should you wear if you have wide feet?
Per Marion Yau, a podiatrist at the Harley Medical Foot Clinic, "a shoe with a wide toe box and plenty of cushioning is ideal" for wide feet. If your shoes are too stiff, they could put a strain on the arch of your foot. Yau says this makes you more prone to discomfort, pain, and conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Look for a shoe with a flexible sole that molds to the shape of your foot.
What shoe brands have a wide toe box?
Hoka, Superga, Birkenstock, Kuru, Bionic, New Balance, and other brands all make shoes with wide toe boxes. Our roundup above contains the best shoes for wide feet, based on podiatrist guidelines.
The takeaway
Turns out, finding shoes for wide feet isn't actually impossible. With expert guidance, you can find plenty of spacious and supportive options for broader foot shapes that are definitely worth the investment. A final tip: Before throwing away the packaging from your new sneakers, sandals, or pumps, try them on at the end of a busy day when your feet have swelled to ensure a perfectly comfortable fit at all times. And if running shoes are what you're after, check out our guide to the best running shoes for wide feet, from a personal trainer.
