9 Best Shoes for Wide Feet, According to a Podiatrist

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If you have wide feet, you know all too well the struggle of finding well-fitted men's and women's styles that keep your feet feeling good during a morning run, commute to the office, or date night. But wide-footed friends, struggle no more. We scoured the internet to find the best shoes for wide feet that are functional and fashion-forward and most importantly won’t cause blisters, calluses, cramming, or discomfort.

To keep us on the right track, we tapped an expert in this area, podiatrist and Ohio Foot Docs TikTok influencer Dr. Michelle Hurless. She offers shoe recommendations from her favorite brands — including Hoka, New Balance, Birdies, and Sketchers — and insight into what to look for when shopping for wide feet and why it's important for your overall health.

"There are many popular shoe brands that are naturally made narrow. If it squeezes your forefoot or toes, it isn’t a good shoe for you," Dr. Hurless says, and later mentions "repetitive squeezing of the forefoot can lead to long-lasting complications."

Below are our top picks of cute, wide-fit, comfortable shoes made with forgiving materials and with style and comfort top of mind. For more expert-approved shoe recommendations, check out our articles on the most comfortable heels, the best shoes for nurses, and the best slippers for women.

Escalante 3

This men's and women's shoe is one of Dr. Hurless's all-time favorites. "They are made more anatomic to fit the foot based on the way your foot is actually shaped, and you don't have to buy a wide width for them to fit comfortably," she says. They are great for walking, running, or casual everyday wear.

Reviewers are saying: "Great shoe. Use it for running, walking, and everyday around town. My feet need a wide-toe box, and this fits the bill."

Clifton 9

Hoka receives rave reviews for a reason — they are incredibly comfortable and fit various foot widths and sizes. The Clifton 9 (and many other Hoka styles) have received The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning they are recognized as promoting good foot health.

Reviewers are saying: "They come in wide (I am size 11 wide), they are durable, and maybe the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. They also have really good arch support."

Highstreet X

The Highstreet X with laces is the perfect everyday shoe. It has a casual, laid-back look that can be paired with slacks, jeans, or running shorts, depending on the occasion. "They're a high-quality shoe and made in several different widths for all colors," says Dr. Hurless.

Reviewers are saying: "The price tag was worth it for me for this shoe. After my pregnancy, I now require wide width and not many brands offer wide [shoes]. My feet are thanking me for buying these, they’re such a cute, everyday sneaker with a touch of vintage swag that is timeless!"

Men's Fresh Foam Roav Tee Shirt

For those with wide and large feet, these New Balance sneakers are a great option. They come in both medium and wide widths as well as sizing up to a men's 18. Their foam cushioning makes each step a comfortable experience.

Reviewers are saying: "I have 4 pairs of these Roav shoes. They hold up great, are versatile for the gym, but attractive enough that my wife likes them on me. The reason I choose them is New Balance has the most options for wide width feet."

Stroll

Dr. Hurless is a big fan of Orthofeet. "They come with a great semi-customizable insole that can be adjusted based on your needs," she says. Her favorite of the lot is the Stroll, which comes in multiple widths — including extra wide!

Reviewers are saying: "I love these shoes! They have lots of cushioning, have a large toe box, and are extremely comfortable."

The Starling

We also call these flats our top women's shoes for standing all day because they're really that comfortable. These are great for work or any occasion where you want to feel a little more dressed up. The comfort level is also off the charts with seven layers of cushioning.

Reviewers are saying: "I love love love these slipper/shoes... I ordered wide (I have a congenital bunion) in Cream Doe Velvet. It fit so comfortably. However, I also ordered and regular size, and it ALSO fits quite comfortably."

RELATED: Best Women's Work Shoes for Standing All Day

Hailee Sandal

For fancier occasions where you want or need to wear a heel, it's important to still wear a pair that accommodates wide feet. The Hailee Sandal is available in medium and wide fits and comes with a cushioned footbed to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Reviewers are saying: "Love that I don’t have to stretch these. The wide width is great. I get lots of compliments. They are comfortable enough for heels. Recommend!"

Women's Tribune Slide Sandal

Sandals are a huge perpetrator for blisters because of their narrow shape and tough uppers. This pair of stylish sandals gives your feet more wiggle room with their wide fit option along with comfort from their memory foam padding.

Reviewers are saying: "These are super stylish and comfortable, plus, they look and feel expensive. They make my wide feet not look so wide!"

Men's Floorhand Waterproof Work Boot

For heavy-duty work or trekking, these Wolverine Work Boots will get the job done with comfort. The pair comes in medium and extra wide widths with a moisture-wicking lining that'll minimize the risk of blisters.

Reviewers are saying: "These floorhand boots are comfortable and look good. I’m on my feet all day doing commercial landscaping, and my feet never hurt. I got a wide and it fits nice and roomy."

What to look for when buying shoes for wide feet

✔️ Fit: If possible, try the shoes on before purchasing. An all-around fit is important, but pay particular attention to the fit of the forefoot (middle of the foot to the end of the toes). "Make sure that the inside of your foot isn't rubbing," says Dr. Hurless.

✔️ Flexibility: Select a shoe with a pliable upper (top of the shoe that covers the foot). "[Choose] a shoe that has a flexible upper rather than a leather [upper] or other stiff material. Mesh, or a more flexible upper, is more forgivable on a wide foot," says Dr. Hurless.

✔️ Width: For those with wide feet, the entire length of the shoe will need to be wider than a standard, medium width shoe, but the most important area to look at is the forefoot. Dr. Hurless recommends "a shoe [where] the forefoot is wider than the heel."

FAQs

• How do you figure out if you have narrow, medium, or wide feet?

Though you can try to measure at home, Dr. Hurless suggests having your foot measured at a reputable shoe store or at your podiatrist's. "The width of your foot is determined by the measurement of your forefoot, or the area spanning from your big toe joint across the foot. If you have a deformity such as a bunion, this will likely put you in the 'wide' width category," she says. Better yet, it's important to have your feet measured multiple times throughout adulthood. "The width of your foot can change over the years, so periodically check in and have your feet measured to ensure you’re wearing the correct width of shoe," says Dr. Hurless.

• Can people with wide feet wear medium-width shoes if they size up?
  

It depends. "Sizing up will often increase the width of the shoe, but there are complications that come along with having a shoe [that] is too long for your foot. It can cause blistering from the toes moving around so much, foot pain, and even instability," says Dr. Hurless. Her recommendation is to stick to wide shoes.

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