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Sizing matters when it comes to shoes, and if you have wide feet, 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,” she says.

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. “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.”

It can also just be painful to try to squeeze a wider foot into a shoe that’s designed for someone with more narrow feet, points out Melissa Lockwood, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, IL.

At this point in life, you probably have some idea of whether or not you have wide feet. But, if you’e not sure, it’s a good idea to check with a podiatrist or your local shoe store, Pinker says. A doctor or knowledgable shoe store employee will use what’s called a Brannock device (scroll down for more on that) to measure the width and length of your foot to give you accurate sizing.

Our top picks

Searching for the perfect wide shoes for you can take time and patience—two things you probably don’t have in high supply these days. So, we did the hunting for you. From sneakers to slides, snap up one of these shoes for wide feet for more comfortable days ahead.

Ghost 14

These running shoes are bestsellers at Amazon, where fans rave about everything from the comfortable fit to the great color combinations. These sneakers have a simple midsole for seamless strides, along with the brand’s BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning for a comfortable feel.

What the Reviews Say: “These are the most comfortable shoes,” shared a five-star reviewer. “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.”

Tide Kiwi

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

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.

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 sneaks feature a breathable knit upper, gusseted tongue compression, and molded EVA foam midsole for your comfort. They also have an early stage meta-rocker for a faster transition to the forefoot and a smoother gait.

What the Reviews Say: “I’m not a runner, but I do l lot of walking. First pair of shoes I’ve found that hit all the high points for me,” shared a fan.

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.”

574 Core Sneaker

New Balance’s 574 Core toes the line between fashion and function, making this a great shoe to wear to run errands, go to brunch, or just walk around in. The sneaker’s ENCAP midsole is made from soft foam for support you’ll enjoy all day.

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.”

Essentials Arizona Waterproof Slide

These Birkenstocks are perfect for poolside fun. They’re waterproof, so you don’t have to stress about them breaking down if they happen to get wet. Two adjustable straps allow you to make the shoes wider, as needed.

What the Reviews Say: “They are very comfortable and go with everything,” said a satisfied shopper. “They are well made and look expensive.”

Jillian Gem Wedge Sandal

When you want a little height with your sandals, consider this option from Clarks. It’s built with an Ortholite footbed for next-level comfort with every step. Choose from a wide range of color options and sizes.

What the Reviews Say: “These shoes are sooooo comfortable and cute!” shared one happy customer.

Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe

The Skechers Go Walk Joy shoes have an impressive range of sizes with narrow and wide options for each. These slip-ons feature a Goga Max footbed that’s cushiony for comfort with every step. An Ortholite insole provides extra cushion and breathability.

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.”

Spark Caroll

Black ballet flats are a total classic. This version from Vionic features a podiatrist-designed footbed for added stability and support that you just won’t get with most other brands. Choose from a huge range of shades.

What the Reviews Say: One fan said the shoes “fit perfectly with no breaking-in period.”

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.

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.

Sweetpea Chelsea Rain Boot

Bogs manage to toe that fine line between fashion and function, keeping out rain without looking ugly in the process. These slip-on waterproof boots have a rubber sole to help you get a grip in wet conditions.

What the Reviews Say: “My feet are wiiiiide and I always have trouble finding shoes that fit. These are perfect in that regard and are also extremely comfortable, look good as a casual shoe, and are high quality overall,” said a fan.

Lezly Fashion Slipper

A good pair of slippers is a must, and if you can wear them outside as well, even better. The Lezly slipper from Koolaburra Ugg has a grippy rubber sole to help you maintain good footing, whether you’re trekking outside or just around your house. Faux fur lining feels like your feet are surrounded by clouds.

What the Reviews Say: “I have a wide foot and sometimes slippers are too narrow for me,” said a fan. “This one is just perfect! Really like it and very comfortable.”

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,” Lockwood 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.

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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