If You Have Wide Feet, You Need These Comfortable, Podiatrist-Approved Heels

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Everyone knows that sneakers and walking shoes are typically your best bet for comfy footwear, but we get it: Sometimes, you want to dress up in a pair of nice, stylish high heels for a night out on the town. The only thing is, comfy heels that don’t hurt your feet can be hard to find—especially if you have wide feet that rarely fit well into shoes. Luckily, the best heels for wide feet can minimize foot pain to help keep you comfy.

But what exactly makes heels so painful in the first place? “High heels are typically uncomfortable because this type of shoe shifts the person’s weight to the ball of the foot,” explains Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in North Carolina. “Added heel height will shift a person’s center of gravity and can put stress on the knees, hips, ankles, and lower back because the knees and hips will push forward and cause the back to hyperextend.” High heels can cause pressure on the joints as well as compression on the toes and forefoot, leading to conditions like blisters, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and bunion deformities, says Daughtry.

Meet the Experts: Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in North Carolina; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas.

This discomfort can be even worse if you have wide feet. Heels are often designed for narrower foot shapes, leading to issues such as pinching and squeezing if your feet happen to have wider proportions. That’s precisely why you’ll want to look for specific features in shoes for wide feet—including spacious toe boxes, supportive heels, and stretchy material. To help you out on your search, we rounded up all the top-rated, comfy heels that podiatrists recommend for wider feet below.

Ready to say goodbye to sore, achey feet? Read on to find comfy, supportive heels that are great for wide feet.

Carmel Heel

Daughtry recommends Vionic shoes, noting the brand offers a large selection of shoes in wide widths. The Carmel heel, in particular, is “the epitome of all the traits that one should look for in a wide width heel option,” she says. “Offering a rounded toe and block heel, this classic pump style will work for all-day wear from the boardroom to the nightclub.” Constructed with a leather upper and a durable rubber outsole, these comfy heels even boast the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health.

What the Reviews Say: “I recently received my new size nine wide heels in black and they are so comfortable! It is so nice to have a pair of heels that I can wear with my dress pants and dresses,” wrote one shopper. “I plan to purchase another pair...I can easily wear these at work without causing myself pain.”

• Sizes: 5-12 (including wide width)

• Colors: 10 options

• Heel height: 2.25”

Melody 2.0 Square Toe Chunky Heels

The brand Vivaia has shoes that are great for wide feet, according to Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas. She specifically recommends its best-selling Melody chunky heels. “They have a cushioned insole and heel cushioning. I love this pair for the platform heel which disperses plantar pressures,” she says. They also feature a comfortable square toe and a stretchy, flexible knit upper (made from plastic bottles)—all features that are great for wide feet.

What the Reviews Say: “Wide foot? Arthritic feet? Get these!” one customer wrote. “I thought I was passed the age of wearing a higher heel due to my foot issues, but not with these beauties! These are super comfortable and easy to wear all day. The toe box is roomy and the look is timeless.”

• Sizes: 5-11

• Colors: 7 options

• Heel height: 1.77”

Vera Ankle Strap Block Heel Dress Sandal

You don’t have to worry about pain with these stylish dress sandals, which come with a 2.5-inch block heel and an adjustable ankle strap design. Not only do they come in a wide width option, but they also feature a contoured insole with arch support as well as a slip-resistant sole. Plus, you can choose from 19 beautiful colors.

What the Reviews Say: “I have wide, flat feet and haven’t worn heels in years. I was able to wear and dance in these shoes for a wedding and didn’t take them off all night. I want to buy them in every color,” said one Nordstrom reviewer.

• Sizes: 5-12 (including wide width)

• Colors: 19 options

• Heel height: 2.5”

Aela Flexa Square Toe Pump

Sharkey notes that the squared toe box and flared heel of these stylish, modern shoes provide “great comfort.” In fact, the unique flared heel style is a great option for those who don’t prefer a wide block heel but still want something supportive. Available in multiple beautiful colors, these comfy heels also feature ergonomic cushioning in the insoles with contoured padding at key pressure points, resulting in comfort and support in every step.

What the Reviews Say: “These pumps are probably some of the most comfortable heels I have worn,” raved one customer. “The heel is the perfect height so your feet don’t hurt. I also really appreciate how the shoe doesn’t squeeze my foot at all.”

• Sizes: 5-11

• Colors: 6 options

• Heel height: 2.75”

Milan Sandal

Looking for a stylish heeled sandal? Daughtry recommends Larroude for their trendy selection of heels that are thoughtfully designed with memory foam footbeds with wider widths, as well as suede and leather materials to accommodate those with wide feet or foot deformities. “The Milan sandal is a block heel sandal that has an iconic Italian look and reasonable heel height while being stylish and comfortable for long time wear,” she notes. These chic sandals feature a chunky chain detail on the straps and come in three classic colors.

What the Reviews Say: “Beautiful and comfortable. Absolutely love for day or night depending on outfit. To me they are the perfect sandal,” wrote one reviewer.

• Sizes: 5-11

• Colors: 3 options

• Heel height: 1.8”

The Day Heel

If you’re on the hunt for a casual, comfy heel you can wear all day—and everywhere you go—look no further than this popular pair from Everlane. The Day Heel comes in a cute ballet-inspired silhouette, complete with a roomy rounded toe and a two-inch block heel. But the best part is that it’s designed with an elasticized back, meaning you can stretch it around the back of your foot for a comfortable fit.

What the Reviews Say: “Most comfortable shoe for all day. I am not a big fan of wearing heels due to it causing me back pain, but these stylish heels are low enough to be comfy but high enough to dress up a work outfit (or any outfit for that matter!),” said one Everlane customer. “They are great for wide feet and the elastic at the back of the foot means no heel rubbing.”

• Sizes: 5-11

• Colors: 4 options

• Heel height: 2”

Platform Sandal

Coming in narrow, medium, and wide width options, these chic shoes from Margaux combine a walkable one-inch platform with a three-inch block heel to provide you with a nice height—without compromising on comfort. Made of high-quality Italian leather, they also feature five millimeters of plush foam padding for extra comfort, and they come in five different colors.

What the Reviews Say: “These shoes are the most comfortable heels that I have ever worn on my wide feet,” shared one customer. “Walked for miles in them on the first night...Rare to find a pair of comfortable heels that aren’t dowdy. These are actually quite hot. Immediately ordered another pair.”

• Sizes: 3-14 (including narrow, medium, and wide widths)

• Colors: 5 options

• Heel height: 1” platform, 3” heel

Be Ready Wedge Slip-On

Dr. Scholl’s is known for its comfy and supportive shoes, and these ones are no exception. Great for everyday wear, these pumps feature a low 1.75-inch wedge heel to add some height while still providing comfort. They feature an anti-odor foam insole with lightweight cushioning, built-in arch support, and a molded heel cup. To top it off, the slip-ons are sustainably made with materials constructed from recycled plastic bottles.

What the Reviews Say: “I purchased the shoes for a wedding and wore them the day before to see how they felt. I was immediately comfortable and wore them the following day for over 12 hours, the majority of the time standing, and had no pain. No blisters and nothing smushed or sore,” said one reviewer.

• Sizes: 6-11 (including wide width)

• Colors: 4 options

• Heel height: 1.75”

Kayla Sandal

If you’re looking for an everyday, comfy pair of sandals with some heel, you can’t go wrong with this popular pick from Naot, which specifically comes in a wide width option (and an array of colors to choose from). Constructed with an EVA sole and offering 1.75 inches of heel height, these shoes also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance. “The straps across the forefoot avoids pressure across a possible bunion deformity and keeps the toes open to avoid forefoot crowding,” says Daughtry. “The cork, latex, and suede footbed molds to your foot making these shoes extremely comfortable.”

What the Reviews Say: “I am a size 8.5 wide with bunions on both feet. This find was a blessing,” shared one Amazon reviewer. “It is comfortable right out of the box—no break in required. Good arch support and great for everyday wear.”

• Sizes: 4-13.5 (including narrow, medium, and wide widths)

• Colors: 42 options

• Heel height: 1.75”

Goodie Ankle Boot

Daughtry recommends Naot’s boots—especially if you’re looking for a stylish fall or winter option. “Many of their boots are very accommodating for a wide width but are still stylish and comfortable,” she says, noting that you can remove the footbeds, replacing them with a thinner insole if the toe box is too snug for your foot. These Chelsea ankle boots feature a flexible and removable cork and latex footbed, which molds to the shape of your feet—plus they offer great arch support and a 1.8-inch heel.

• Sizes: 4-11

• Colors: 3 options

• Heel height: 1.8”

Pattie High Block Heeled Mule Sandal

Mules are a trendy, stylish option for heels—and these ones from The Drop are an affordable pick. They feature a comfy block heel and are available in an impressive 27 colorways—including metallic, quilted, mesh, and suede designs. Did we mention they have over 1,300 five-star ratings on Amazon?

What the Reviews Say: “Perfect for wide feet!” wrote one Amazon shopper who gave the heels a perfect five-star rating. “Loved the shoe, perfect fit and height for my wide size 11 feet. Highly recommend!”

• Sizes: 5-13

• Colors: 27 options

• Heel height: Not listed

Perfect Round Toe Pump 70

Looking for a pair of comfy, stylish designer heels that are worth the splurge? Daughtry likes these pumps for the “wider toe box to ease crowding of the foot, extra padding (three millimeters) for increased comfort, arch support that is shaped to support the natural arch of the foot, and an inset block heel that provides height and length without the heaviness of a traditional block heel.” They come in a wide array of colors, including leather and suede options.

What the Reviews Say: “They are amazing. I wore them for a few hours, and they were comfortable—no pinching, no ball of foot pain, no rubbing,” said one customer. “I wore them to events—danced, walked, and danced some more, and my feet were absolutely fine. I love these shoes, and I am so happy I purchased them.”

• Sizes: 4-13

• Colors: 8 options

• Heel height: 2.75”

Giovanna 2

Available in wide widths, these elegant pumps from LifeStride feature unique front and side cut-outs with a comfortable 2.5-inch heel. They’re constructed with soft microfiber uppers with stretchy elastic panels for a flexible fit and have a back zipper to easily slip them on and off. On top of it all, they’ve racked up over 9,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with reviewers loving their comfortable fit.

What the Reviews Say: “I have the hardest time finding dress shoes to fit my very, very flat, 10-wide-size feet...I found a winner with these shoes. I now own four pairs in different colors, and I just love them!” wrote one shopper. “I can wear them for hours, and they don’t leave blisters or marks on my feet...Usually when you wear a wide width shoe, the designers wanna put you out to pasture and give you old lady shoes. When I wear these heels, I feel feminine and elegant.”

• Sizes: 5-12 (including wide width)

• Colors: 23 options

• Heel height: 2.5”

Lace Up Heels

If you’re looking for something dressy, try these elegant lace-up heels. They feature a stylish design with lace-up straps that you can tie around your ankles, but they’re still comfortable thanks to a spacious square toe, a soft padded insole, and an anti-slip rubber outsole. Plus, they come in multiple stylish colors, including this beautiful rhinestone-studded silver.

What the Reviews Say: “I’m a woman who doesn’t like heels because they’re always so tight, and I can’t last in them…but these are so cute! And wide-feet friendly!” raved one customer. “The fitting/straps help shaped my foot nicely, it doesn’t feel tight at all, and it even has cushion support...My favorite pair of heels by far.”

• Sizes: 6-13

• Colors: 9 options

• Heel height: 3.94”

How to choose the best heels for wide feet

When choosing heels for wide feet, here are some specific features to look for:

✔️ A spacious toe box: For wide feet, experts advise looking for shoes with a deep, roomy toe box—like a square or rounded toe design—rather than a narrow pointed toe box. “Shoes with a naturally spacious silhouette especially in the toe box or a rounded toe box will avoid compression and crowding of the toes,” explains Daughtry.

✔️ A platform or wide block heel: Sharkey recommends choosing a heel style like platforms, wedges, or pumps over a stiletto heel for more support. “Look for heels with a wide block heel versus a more narrow or stiletto heel, which can help with proper weight distribution and take some pressure off the forefoot while still giving you height,” Daughtry adds. In addition, Sharkey advises sticking to a heel height of no more than three inches.

✔️ Stretchy material: Look for shoes that are made with a material that has some stretch to it to “allow for accommodation of varying foot shape,” says Sharkey. “Opt for shoes made with soft leather, suede, or nubuck, as this will mold and stretch instead of crowd or pinch the toe,” advises Daughtry.

✔️ Cushioned insole: Daughtry recommends looking for shoes that offer additional arch support and cushioning in the ball of the foot. “A cushioned or padded insole can alleviate pain from extended wear,” explains Sharkey.

Should you go up a size in heels if you have wide feet?

You might think that you need to size up your shoe in order to fit your wide feet, but this is actually a common misconception, says Daughtry. “Sizing up is going to affect the length of the shoe and not the width,” explains Sharkey. “Going up a size will not generally help with width if the shoe doesn’t fit well in your appropriate size.”

Wearing a shoe that is too long for your feet won’t do you any favors with pain and discomfort. “If the shoe is too long, the foot will slide, and when wearing heels, this can lead to blisters and increased pain,” Daughtry says.

Instead of sizing up, look for shoes that offer wide widths. In general, make sure that the shoe’s length is a good fit as well as the width. “Make sure that the shoe length is correct, and if the toe box is slightly snug, the shoe can be stretched if made from a soft leather or suede material,” advises Daughtry.

How we chose the best heels for wide feet

We consulted Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in North Carolina, and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas. We also evaluated countless online ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best heels for 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. Additionally, 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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