I Have Wide Feet, So I Asked 2 Podiatrists to Help Pick 15 Ache-Free (and Good-Looking) Shoes
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Have you seriously considered how much your feet might be harshing your mellow? I never gave too much thought to my poor little feet—formerly 7.5, now 8 after having a baby—as I pushed their chonky volume into stilettos every day when I worked on Madison Avenue. As a petite woman, I liked the extra inches the shoes gave me, as well as the way they lengthened my legs. What I didn’t like was the way the skin on my feet would bulge from the straps as my feet expanded during the day, or how pointy-toe pumps created a burning sensation in my front foot—until it all went numb. And then, after 12 hours of hobbled wear, I could take them off and go barefoot, so all good, right? Wrong—I eventually needed bunion surgery when my foot pain became chronic and my big toe wouldn’t stop swelling.
My doctor told me that years of squeezing my foot into too-tiny high-heeled shoes had contributed to my foot issues, including actually shifting my bones and toes into a splayed, wider shape. And until recently, I thought my cute shoe days were over, since I needed to wear wide and, if not supportive, then at least not pinching, shoes. Often this rules out royals-approved flats or the seemingly most comfortable flip-flops. Imagine my surprise when I got a pitch from Jessica Simpson’s fashion team that the star was making shoes in wide widths; that discovery started me asking other women, as well as some podiatrists, about the best shoes for wide feet. I discovered that not only have a clutch of new companies selling wide widths debuted, but also some fashion brands have expanded (!) into offering wide widths. Here is my edit of styles I’m loving today, as well as some expert intel from doctors.
Meet the Experts
How to Tell if You Need Shoes for Wide Feet
“Several factors will help determine whether or not you need to choose wide-width shoes,” says Dr. Daughtry. She cited the following as telltale signs:
“Obviously, measuring your foot with a Brannock device [that metal measuring tray you’ll find in shoe stores that measures both the length and width of feet] is necessary to know your proper shoe size; however, just like with clothes, some companies and styles of shoes run smaller than others,Dr. Daughtry says.
Don’t have a Brannock device handy? Dr. Sutera suggests eyeballing it, to start. “Compare the shape of your foot with the shape of the shoe you are interested in. Put the shoe next to your foot and look down. If you have bunions, hammertoes or tailor bunions, you may need wide shoes. Select a style that has enough room for your forefoot without cramming. In general, avoid styles that are tight, narrow and pointy.”
The 18 Most Comfortable Sandals PureWow Editors Have Ever Worn, Starting at Just $20
The Best Shoes for Wide Feet at a Glance
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1. Sam Edelman Felicia
Zappos
“I used to own a pair of these and wore them (literally) to shreds,” says Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu. “Incredibly and surprisingly...I found myself picking up another pair for everyday wear/running errands. They were very accommodating for my feet—though small, I have bunions, so have been going with wide sizes or stretchy shoes when I can.” The small rubber heel and non-slip insole make these comfortable enough for extended wear, and the elastic band around the top of the shoe stretches even when wide feet expand after standing all day. Best of all, these are great for slipping in your bag to alternate with heels.
2. Birkenstock Mayari
“I actually need to get a new pair of these because I wore mine down to the sole, but I love the Mayari style Birks,” says Director of Special Projects and Branded Content, Rachel Gulmi. “I have wide feet, so strappy sandals are usually not my friend, but these are the best—dressier than classic Birks but still casual enough to throw on when running out somewhere quick.” While this shoe has all the comfort of classic Birkenstocks, including the special mold-to-your-sole footbed, the adjustable toe strap and arch can be loosened to fit wide or swollen feet.
3. Margaux City Sandal
“I'm a Margaux girl and the City Sandal is what I've logged miles in—and mind you I have wide feet with bunions,” says Wu. “My arches aren't screaming at the end of the day...truly comfy.” The wide range of materials, including Italian nappa leather, suede and satin, are handmade in Spain into block-heeled sandals that are sometimes festive, sometimes classic and always comfortable and danceable.
4. Keds X Rifle Paper Triple Decker Vintage Blossom
“These have a wide toe bed that doesn't crush your feet and decent cushion, thanks to the platform,” says VP of Editorial Candace Davison. “I love the fun floral design, but it's worth noting that if you plan on wearing them all day, there's a bit of a break-in period. The canvas can be a bit stiff, and I needed to add moleskin to the heel at first because it dug into the back of my ankle.” Davison wears her Keds with dresses, shorts and athleisure, since the print has so many colors it matches just about everything.
5. Vivaia Square-Toe Margot Mary-Janes
“I really appreciate the plush heel backing,” Wu says. “I get blisters so easily! But these didn't need any break-in time. The material is stretchy, hence it accommodates the wide feet even at true to size, but can still look dressy. I've walked at least a mile in them consecutively and they are comfortable! I am qualified to say that because for me comfort is above all, and every time I want to get on the subway it's at least one mile of walking round-trip.” Wu remembers the brand notes advising to size up if your feet are wide, or if you have bunions, but her experience was that the wide size options are true to numerical size. Eco-conscious consumers, take note: The soft knit material of the shoe body is made from recycled water bottles.
6. Easy Spirit Getty Fisherman Sandal
I choose Easy Spirit’s wide styles for when I need a shoe to be stylish, comfy and affordable. This sandal ticks all the boxes, and I can’t wait to wear it with ankle socks and trousers shorts when I’m in Provincetown this summer. I appreciate the small heel on this shoe as well as the cushy arch support that means I won’t have to switch to sneakers even after a long day on my feet.
7. Reef Water Vistas
“I swear by Reef Vistas for pool days or splash pad trips, when I want something a little more polished and supportive than a regular pair of flip flops,” says Davison. “They're roomy and the straps don't dig into your feet, but they still feel secure. And my heels don't ache after being on my feet all day.” The one-inch platform is comfortable and walkable, and the whole shoe weighs seven ounces—a next-to-nothing sandal for the breezy weather.
8. Sole Bliss Ruby
These kicky heels are “made especially for wide feet and sooooo comfy,” says PureWow Director of Branded Content Roberta Fiorito. As co-host of the Royally Obsessed podcast, it makes sense that Fiorito knows about this English-made shoe brand, a favorite of the well-heeled Brits. (For example, according to the NY Post, Camilla Parker Bowles has worn the same pair of Sole shoes 80 times. The wide straps, substantial platform and podiatrist-approved construction overall keep the whole shoe comfortable hour after hour.
9. Jessica Simpson Women's Prizma D'Orsay Pump
Jessica Simpson’s shoes are favorites of mine for comfort and style without breaking the bank. And the brand’s size inclusivity extends to wide widths. “I’ve been searching for cute closed-toe heels that come in wide for months and I was so happy I found these,” writes Amazon reviewer Cassandra G. “They are affordable, good quality and fit perfectly. They don’t look too wide.”
10. Vionic Petaluma
I tried these slingback flats on at Nordstrom and was blown away by the cushy interior and roomy width—a shoe profile I’ve got a history of buying then leaving in my closet because the narrow front always seems to pinch. In a wide configuration however, this is roomy and walkable—and the Paris-in-the-springtime cap toe colorways are going to be my wrong shoe theory choice for when I hop into the boxer shorts trend this summer. Plus, this brand is beloved by PureWow staffers who love everything from its slippers to its sandals. Makes sense, since it was founded by podiatrist Phillip J. Vasyli. Vionic is all about designing stylish shoes that just so happen to be supportive. This includes an emphasis on the proper fit, which explains why the brand offers four different widths: narrow, medium, medium/wide and wide. Vionic also touts a varied (albeit impressive) group of celebrities fans, including Kristen Cavallari, Alexa Chung and Oprah all singing its praises.
11. Wydr Studios Donna Platform Sandals
The retro-styling of this platform sandal is distinctive—from the puffy crisscross front straps to the chunky covered heel, this shoe is a little bit disco, especially in the toast hue. “I sincerely thank you for your product,” raves Wydr reviewer Shakiyla B. “This is life changing for me. I woke up this morning absolutely terrified that I wouldn't be able to walk to the bathroom due to the pain I have experienced with other wide shoe brands. I am happy to report that I am well and have complete mobility.” With a heel height of nearly three inches and a one-inch front platform, this shoe is well-balanced, and the non-stick rubber sole keeps you from sliding—even on a wedding dance floor or at a nightclub.
12. Bared Broadbill
Super-soft leather and quality construction are joined by an extra-added fit surprise—a selection of insoles so you can tailor the shoe to exactly your foot—in these loafers. There’s a thinner insole, plus front and rear inserts to pad out a bunion, support a thin ankle or pad a fallen arch. It’s a shoe that looks like a mild-mannered quiet luxury loafer, but it’s got the inner stuff of a slipper.
13. Hoka Clifton 9
I love the wide cushioned footbed of the Cliftons—they’re so soft, I’ve even gotten both of my parents hooked on these shoes. As for me, the engineered knit upper of the shoe molds to fit my foot and the gusseted tongue hugs my foot snugly. The 3 mm stacked heel and plush interior make these a joy to run in or just ear around town.
14. LifeStride Kamilla Espadrille Wedge Pump
A comfort foam footbed makes this wedged espadrille super-walkable. It’s got a 1.75-inch heel and crisp fabric upper, along with a woven base. Unlike so many espadrilles, this style comes in wide widths. This versatile shoe is a summer standby, it’s practically asking for a sundress to keep it company.
$90; $60 at LifeStride
15. Naot Meringue Sandal
Naot is the shoe I opt for when I’ve got a big walking vacay where I need a versatile shoe that I can stand in for hours—they’re my best friends at galleries and on walking tours. That’s because they are constructed with a unique anatomical cork and latex footbed that is wrapped in a cuddly suede that molds to your foot the more you wear them. This pair is extra-special because not only does it have a nice platform to dress up outfits a bit, but it has straps I can loosen over my bunion after a long day of hoofing it.
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