From Sneakers to Wedges, These Are the Best Shoes for Wide Feet Year-Round

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Sizing matters when it comes to shoes—and if you require kicks with a special width, you need the right footwear to accommodate your body. The best shoes for wide feet allow you to move around in comfort without putting yourself at risk for injury.

Injuries can unfortunately happen if you don’t have the right fit, says Sondema Tarr, D.P.M., a foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona. “Having shoes that are wide enough for your feet is important to prevent things like blisters, calluses, nail injuries, or possibly permanent changes to your feet like bunions and or hammertoes.”

Meet the experts: Sondema Tarr, D.P.M., is a foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona; Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., is a foot and ankle surgeon with New York’s Progressive Foot Care; Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., is a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, IL; and Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., is a podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in Longwood, CA.

You can also put unnecessary pressure on your feet. “Our feet tend to have certain pressure points—which vary from person to person and are hereditary,” says Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a foot and ankle surgeon with New York’s Progressive Foot Care. The most common pressure points are the bunion area at the base of the big toe, the bone at the base of the small toe, which Pinker calls the “bunionette,” the tops of the lesser toes at the “knuckle” area, and the top of the instep located in the middle of the foot.

574 Core Sneaker

New Balance’s 574 Core sneaker toes the line between fashion and function, making this a great shoe to wear to run errands, go to brunch, or simply walk around in. The sneaker’s ENCAP midsole is made from soft foam for support without adding too much weight, meaning you’ll feel comfortable for longer.

What the Reviews Say: “They are SO comfy—and they look nice. When I wear them, I feel like my feet are cushioned in softness! Highly recommend them.”

Clifton 9

Hokas have built up a reputation for being a reliable sneaker with impressively durable construction. While they’re on the pricier end, they’re built to last. These colorful kicks feature a knit upper for breathability and a secure tongue designed to stay in place while you walk and run. The chunky sole isn’t just for aesthetics; its rocker shape gives your stride more bounce while providing additional shock absorption. Prevention Deputy Editor Emily Goldman loves her Clifton 9s. “They offer a wide toe box and are so incredibly cushioned while still feeling super sturdy,” she says.

What the Reviews Say: “I’ve really struggled with finding the right athletic shoes. I’ve always accepted slight discomfort from all my other pairs. But finally, this has everything I need! Now, I could go for hours and not feel any kind of pain,” shared a fan.

Paily Wide Heels

You don’t have to skimp on style when shopping for wide feet. One of Dolce Vita’s best-selling designs, the Paily sandal, is perfect for weddings, upscale brunches, and other dressy events with its feminine braided details and sturdy 3.2-inch block heels. These may not be the move for those with certain foot issues, but if you’re able to wear heels, these are great for wide feet. They come in a variety of neutral tones and even raffia fabric for a beachy occasion.

What the Reviews Say: “Absolutely love these heels,” said one five-star reviewer. “These fit like a dream and don't kill my poor little square feet! 10/10 would recommend!”

Ghost 15

Runners with wide feet, rejoice! These best-selling shoes come in a range of wide sizes, and fans rave about everything from the supportive fit to the great color combinations. These sneakers have plush cushioning across the tongue, footbed, and heel while the mesh upper—made with recycled materials—keeps your feet cool and comfortable.

What the Reviews Say: “These are the most comfortable shoes,” a five-star reviewer said. “I have been wearing Brooks for eight years now and this is my sixth pair!! They are well-made, very comfortable, and I don’t have any more achy feet after a long day. For me, that makes them worth every penny, and I will never buy another brand.”

Giselle Beach Wedge Sandal

When you want a little height with your sandals, consider this option from Clarks. Featuring a lightweight yet supportive cork sole contrasted by genuine leather, this pair lets you travel from the beach to the bar in comfort thanks to an cushioned footbed. Choose from a few different color options to match your existing wardrobe, like this vacation-ready ivory.

What the Reviews Say: “I am over the moon excited about this pair,” wrote one glowing review. “They are cute, lightweight, and very, very comfortable. With high arches and slightly wide feet, finding a good shoe is almost impossible. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase.”

Romeo Slip-On Loafer

Loafers have long been a staple shoe for the workplace and beyond, and this chunky pair puts a modern spin on the timeless style with a functional yet stylish lug sole and slight one-inch heel. They come in black, brown, or cream vegan leather with a gold-toned horse-bit detail across the top. Notably, they also feature a memory foam insole to keep you comfy for long periods of time. Plus, they’re 100% waterproof!

What the Reviews Say: “I bought these in wide width because I have bunions,” said one Amazon reviewer. “They are very comfortable to walk in and perfect for work. Impressive considering I have a difficult time finding shoes.”

Essentials Arizona Waterproof Slide

Birkenstocks are renowned for their supportive soles and casual style, and this pair is perfect for poolside fun. They’re made from waterproof foam rubber, so you don’t have to stress about them breaking down if they happen to get wet. The contoured footbed provides plenty of arch support, and two adjustable straps allow you to make the shoes wider as needed.

What the Reviews Say: “If you love Birkenstock original sandals you will love this pair as they mold to your feet as well," said a satisfied shopper, who recommends sizing down for a secure fit. "The sandals have great traction for being just a slide."

Flexy Slip On Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are a timeless staple that goes from the workplace to weekends with ease. This version from Naturalizer features a sculpted footbed that molds to your feet, a padded heel collar to prevent blisters, and a slight heel that provides arch support while shielding your feet from the elements. Choose from a range of classic shades, including this black leather pair that'll go with everything.

What the Reviews Say: “I have worn black ballet flats for years and these are the most comfortable ones I’ve ever owned,” raved a five-star reviewer. “The inside is so soft and has decently thick soles where I’m not afraid to go out in the rain in them. So excited I found these at a good price!”

Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe

The Skechers Go Walk Joy shoes have an impressive range of sizes with narrow and wide options to suit your specific foot. We love that they’re easy to put on and take off without needing to worry about untying any laces, and they feature a plush yet bouncy footbed that’s designed to cushion every step. An Ortholite insole provides extra softness, and the brand claims it's breathable enough to keep your feet sweat-free.

What the Reviews Say: “These are my first pair of Skechers, and the cushioning is so good that I don’t think I’ll have to add extra insoles,” shared a customer. “The cushioning is terrific.”

The Flat

Rothy’s doesn’t differentiate between regular, narrow, and wide sizes, but the brand recommends sizing up in this style if you have wide feet. These flats feature a knit upper that’s comfortable to wear—no breaking-in period necessary. They also have a firm sole for your support and can be tossed in the wash as needed.

What the Reviews Say: “Love them! So lightweight too, and great for packing when traveling,” said a fan. “Definitely followed their recommendations to order 1/2 size up, especially if you have wide feet.”

Basels Ankle Bootie

A good pair of ankle boots pairs perfectly with jeans, dresses, and shorts, making it a wardrobe must-have. These Lucky Brand booties feature dual zippers to easily slip them on and off, along with a slight heel for extra height. Per the brand, they also have a lightly cushioned footbed for added softness in every step.

What the Reviews Say: “It’s hard to find affordable boots like these in a wide width. They are very well made and look great! Love them!” said a happy customer.

Tide Kiwi

While these sandals don’t technically come in wide sizes, they have an adjustable strap up top that allows you to customize how they fit. The shoes feature three specialized zones of comfort: a deep heel cup, a forefoot cushion, and an arch support midsole for that Goldilocks blend of softness and structure.

What the Reviews Say: “I have wide feet and a tall arch. These slides not only give me the support my arch needs but also give my toes room to spread out,” shared one shopper.

How can you tell if you have wide feet?

At a basic level, you’ll probably get a sense if you have wide feet if you notice shoes tend to fit a little tightly around the sides. But it’s a good idea to find out for sure.

“It’s definitely important to have your feet measured on a Brannock device for both length and width by someone trained to do so,” Graves says. (You’ve probably seen a Brannock device, even if you don’t know its name: It’s the metal device used at shoe stores to determine your size.)

“A man’s average foot width is a D and for women it is a B,” Pinker says. Anything higher than that could classify as being a wide foot. But, he adds, it’s not a foolproof method.

“Even done properly, width measurements can be deceiving and don’t take into account the overall ‘volume’ of a foot,” he says. “The bottom line is that if a shoe feels tight on the top or sides when you first put it on, then you probably need a wider size.”

How to choose the best shoes for wide feet

Consider these elements when choosing the best shoes for wide feet:

✔️ Beware of different sizing across brands. Every manufacturer is different, and it can be helpful to check out a brand’s sizing guide to make sure its measurements line up with yours, Pinker says.

✔️ Seek out a specific toe box. “It is best to choose shoes with square or rounded toe boxes to prevent cramping of the feet and toes,” Pinker says.

✔️ Leave wiggle room. You’re fine to go for either laces or straps, but be wary of sneakers that have straps that good down too far on your foot. “Look for shoes that do not have constrictive straps around the forefoot,” Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, IL, advises.

✔️ Look for soft materials. “Picking out a shoe with an upper made of softer or more conforming materials—i.e. mesh or soft leather—can sometimes help to safely add more room in the shoe,” Graves says.

✔️ Prioritize your style. This is individual, and so are your feet. “For everyone, regardless of foot type, finding shoes with a proper design for you is important,” Tarr says.

How we chose the best shoes for wide feet

To choose the best shoes for wide feet, we consulted four podiatrists: Sondema Tarr, D.P.M., a foot and ankle specialist at Direct Podiatry Arizona; Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a foot and ankle surgeon with New York’s Progressive Foot Care; Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, IL; and Richard H. Graves, D.P.M., is a podiatrist at Sol Foot and Ankle Centers in Longwood, CA.

We asked for their input on what to look for in this type footwear, as well as what to avoid. Then, we looked at the most popular wide shoes on the market and analyzed them based on elements like construction, sizing options, and design. Reviews from real owners were considered as well to make sure we had the best view of how these shoes perform for a variety of people with wide feet.

What are the benefits of wide shoes?

Squeezing into a too-narrow pair of shoes can be uncomfortable, so it's important to choose shoes that fit your anatomy. "Too much pressure from tight-fitting shoes in these areas can cause pain, corns or calluses, worsening of any pre-existing deformities, as well as shoes that wear out too quickly," says Pinker. By giving the foot room to naturally expand, wide shoes can improve your stability, comfort, and even balance. Your shoes can also last longer thanks to reduced strain on the construction.

Should I get a size bigger if I have wide feet?

If a pair of shoes does not have different width options, going up a size or half size may provide a more comfortable fit for wide feet. Sizing tends to vary by brand, so be sure to consult the size chart for best results. We also suggest reading reviews to see what other shoppers with wide feet recommend. When in doubt, be sure to check the retailer’s return and exchange policies in case you need to make a swap.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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