The best walking shoes include design features like spacious toe boxes and ample arch support. These qualities are especially important when trying to find the best shoes for wide feet. According to Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, poorly fitting shoes can lead to a host of issues, ranging from nail trauma and blisters to more serious complications such as plantar fasciitis and bunions.
To help you find the best shoes for wide feet, I interviewed several podiatrists for their insights and recommendations across various categories, including boots, running shoes and casual comfortable sneakers. I also tapped some of the editors on my team who have wide feet for their favorite picks.
These 11-ounce shoes are made from suede, and they have durable outsoles for added traction. The lined footbeds help protect against odor, an added bonus that comes in handy during warmer months. They’re versatile enough to wear with your favorite high-waisted jeans or sweater dresses.
Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at Ankle and Foot Centers of America, recommends the wide version of these slip-on shoes from Merrell for men looking for a supportive option they can wear daily. They feature Merrell’s shock-absorbing Air Cushion in the heels and have lightweight foam midsoles, which offer comfort and stability.
According to our associate updates writer, Maxwell Shukuya, there are certain shoes he can’t wear because they’re not wide enough, but Dr. Martens shoes are always reliable and comfortable. His favorite pair from the brand? The Dr. Martens Crazy Horse Oxford shoes, which he said pair well with most pants, whether they’re dressed up or down. “Upgrade to the Made in England Commander Oxfords if you want something that will last years,” he said.
Rachel Quigley, CNN Underscored’s managing editor, loves this budget-friendly alternative to Rothy’s flats, since those run too narrow for her. These Frank Mully flats are “so comfortable and right on trend with the Mary Jane style,” she said. “There are padded soles on the inside and lots of room for my feet to spread out. I’ve already ordered [them in] another color.”
Amina Lake Patel, our home and gifts editor, recently got these machine-washable clogs from Rothy’s, which are made from the brand’s ReVelvet material. “They’re way more comfortable than I thought they’d be, especially because they have lots of room in the toe box and a very stretchy fabric upper,” Patel said. “I have wide feet, and Rothy’s flats are usually too narrow for me, but these clogs fit perfectly with and without socks.” Patel appreciates that these shoes also feature contoured footbeds for added support.
These slides are made from the brand’s proprietary shock-absorbent OOfoam, which our editorial director Chelsea Stone found extremely comfortable. “I’ve actually never experienced anything like it; it’s squishy and soft but still very supportive,” Stone said in her review. “Each step in the sandals feels like a gentle massage to my often-strained arches, and the stretchy yet secure straps keep my feet firmly inside the slides without any uncomfortable digging in.”
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Oofos’ Ooahh Slides are a popular pair of recovery shoes according to our podiatrists and editors alike. Per Dr. Nicole Freels, a podiatrist at Lexington Podiatry, these slides are are roomy enough for those with wider feet. She likes that they have cushioned footbeds to “relieve pressure on tired feet,” she said. The shoes are also machine-washable and odor-resistant.
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Thanks to their roomy fit and cushioning, these Crocs-like slip-ons are a favorite of Pourziaee. These shock-absorbing shoes are super airy because of the ventilation throughout the uppers, and they’re made from a sugarcane-based EVA foam that’s quick-drying, easy-to-clean and machine-washable. It’s recommended to buy a half-size bigger than usual to support wider feet.
Our editors love Hoka walking shoes, which come in a variety of widths, but the brand’s recovery shoes are worth a look as well. Freels said she loves the Ora Flip in particular because of its ample cushioning, shock-absorbency, support and slip-on design.
These sandals have an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance for promoting good foot health. They offer neutral stability, plush cushioning and are made from lightweight EVA foam, so they’ll feel like a feather on your feet.
Freels is a fan of these shoes from New Balance, which have a foot-hugging design, massaging interiors and cushioned midsoles to help your feet recover post-physical activity. The shoes also have rubber pods on the outsoles to help with traction.
Freels recommends these Hoka recovery shoes, which come in a wide option suitable for those with broader feet because they offer lots of cushioning and help your feet decompress after intense workouts. These shoes are made from water-resistant leather, have EVA midsoles that make them comfortable enough for all-day wear and are constructed with plush memory foam collars.
Like the Ora Flip, the Bondi SR sneakers also have the APMA seal of acceptance. These sneakers were also recommended by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shannon Alejandro in our guide to the best nonslip shoes as a solid option for those who need to stand for long periods of time.
For a supportive and comfortable pair of hiking boots, Dr. Mikel Daniels, a podiatrist at We Treat Feet Podiatry, recommends these Keen boots. The durable outdoor shoes come with roomy toe boxes and footbeds designed to provide ample arch support, though you can also use your own insoles for more custom comfort.
Their waterproof uppers make these boots suitable for wet conditions, while their rubber outsoles provide excellent traction. Hiking or outdoor work is going to feel a heck of a lot better in these boots.
“If you’re looking for stylish knee-high boots that go with everything, you’ll be pressed to find a better pair than the Naturalizer Deesha Knee-High Boots,” our fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw said. In addition to loving the walkable heels that make the pair comfortable enough for work or traversing the city, Shaw likes that they come in wide and extra-wide calf widths. “As someone who’s pinched myself zipping up too-tight boots, I really appreciate the inclusive size options,” she said.
Hoping to skip the tough break-in period that comes with many work or hiking shoes? Daniels said these boots have plush insoles that mold to your feet for next-level comfort from the jump. He also noted that these boots from Oboz come in a dedicated wide-size and have spacious toe boxes so your toes won’t be cramped.
In addition to having durable outsoles that can handle a variety of different terrains, these shoes feature the brand’s proprietary waterproofing system, B-Dry, to keep feet dry in the rain. Though the color options for these shoes are limited, they include neutrals that’ll pair well with pretty much anything.
Another one of Daniels’ favorites, the Rockrooster boots are “known for quality materials, true wide fits and support features that make them practical for work or casual wear,” he said. He singled out this style, which has steel toecaps, rugged outsoles, contoured footbeds and memory foam insoles.
“With a wide toe box, the Atmos is an excellent choice for those looking for a wide, supportive walking or running shoe,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon. According to Daughtry, their performance insoles offer great support while their springy midsoles offer plenty of rebound.
These sneakers, which are best for running or walking, are made with mesh uppers that allow your feet to breathe during high temps. They also offer ample cushion and neutral support, making them ideal for runners who don’t need additional stability but do need some joint relief.
These sneakers, made with breathable mesh uppers that won’t restrict wider feet, are designed with the brand’s OrthoLite X-55 sockliners to keep sweaty feet at bay. They also have reflective detailing for enhanced visibility in low light, as well as heel tabs that make them easier to pull on and off.
When it comes to running shoes, Freels recommends the Asics’ GEL-Kayano 32 shoes for stability and support, which makes them great sneakers for overpronaters too. The round-toe shoes have more than enough room for wide feet, and they come in sizes up to 4E.
Pourziaee recommends these sneakers from On because they’re specifically designed for those with wide feet. They offer plenty of forefoot space and feature the brand’s CloudTec+ Helion foam for comfort.
Designed with long-distance runners in mind, these sneakers have breathable mesh uppers and rubber padded outsoles for traction. In addition to the cushioning that provides extra comfort with every stride, the sneakers also have shock-absorbing midsoles to prevent excess irritation.
Freels loves these Hoka running shoes because of their shock-absorbing soles. She also likes that they have a wider fit than other Hoka sneakers and are well cushioned. As our health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright wrote in her review of the sneakers, the Bondi 9 shoes “have a firmer cushion that absorbs shock but allows you to feel the ground and each step a bit more.”
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In addition to coming in wide sizes, the Bondi 9 shoes also come in an extra-wide option for those who need shoes with a little more room. The shoes come in several colors too, so there’s a style to work with every aesthetic.
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“Whenever I’m going on an outdoorsy trip, I wear my Merrell Nova 4 trail running shoes,” Shukuya said. “They’ve got roomy toe boxes, plenty of space for my wide feet and are some of the comfiest shoes I own. Plus, now that sport style shoes are fashionable, they don’t look out of place in most settings.” Though Shukuya can get away with wearing these shoes in the normal width, there’s also a wide version of these sneakers available.
Runners who want a quality pair of sneakers that offers supreme cushion and support should check out the Brooks Ghost Max 3 shoes, which come in wide and extra wide. Freels not only appreciates that offer shock absorption and stability for walking or running, but also that they have special soles (made of a cross between open-cell and closed-cell material) that make them ideal for different types of feet.
According to Cartwright, these shoes’ sturdy cushioning is ideal for those with arthritis. “Wearing these, I can feel the ground under my feet, and I feel much more balanced than when I wear thicker options,” she said. “I turn to these sneakers whenever I experience particularly bad arthritis flare-ups, as they keep me moving and prevent me from feeling any additional pain.”
“This is my first pair of Nobull sneakers, and it certainly won’t be the last,” Quigley said. “These mesh gym shoes are so lightweight they’re perfect for weight training but also comfortable enough to wear all day running errands. I couldn’t believe how roomy they were due to the wider toe boxes, which enables natural toe splay.”
Designed for hybrid workouts, these sneakers offer stability and cushioning throughout the anatomical insoles to keep feet comfortable. The mesh uppers also make them breathable, which is ideal for those who tend to get sweaty feet.
Alvarez recommends these sneakers from New Balance for their great arch support. He also notes that the mesh uppers offer flexibility and breathability, which are important features to look for when you’re shopping for shoes that will properly accommodate wider feet and not leave them feeling stifled.
Available in four different widths — narrow, normal, wide and extra-wide, these trendy shoes are designed to be comfortable for everyday casual wear. They also come in half sizes for those in-between sizes. Their forgiving material makes them a great option for those with bunions, according to two podiatrists we interviewed for this article.
First things first, you’ll want to figure out if not your feet even require wide-width shoes. According to Pourziaee, there are certain tell-tale signs that can help you determine whether you truly need them or if you just need a larger shoe size.
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Your toes naturally splay when you’re barefoot and the front of your feet look wider than average
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You feel consistent pressure on the sides of your feet and your toe joints rub against the upper of normal-sized shoes
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You feel off balance when you walk, which may be because the front of your feet is not being properly supported
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You experience swelling or discomfort after physical activity, especially around the sides of your feet
Toe boxes and fit
When it comes to finding the best shoes for wide feet, you have to make sure the pair you’re looking at has wide toe boxes. “You need to have enough room in the toe box to allow the toes to relax and spread naturally,” Freels said. “So, if they’re not able to do that, then you do need to increase your size.” Additionally, Dr. Steven Neufeld, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, said it’s important to ensure the shoes feel comfortable and not tight around the widest part of your feet. He recommends seeking out brands that offer shoes in extra-wide options. Because feet tend to swell throughout the day, Neufeld said trying on shoes in the afternoon or evening yields a more accurate sense of how they’ll fit.
As far as materials go, Neufeld and Freels both recommend looking for shoes made from flexible materials that can mold to your feet, like mesh, leather and knit. These types of uppers will flex and bend with your feet and allow them to rest in the shoes more naturally.
According to Daniels, laces and adjustable Velcro straps are the best closure systems for those with wide feet, since you’re able to adjust the fit. “Slip-on styles and shoes with fixed buckles can make wide feet feel cramped unless the shoe is specifically made for a wide foot,” Daniels said. He said lace-up boots and sneakers that have multiple eyelets or gusseted tongues are also great. Neufeld echoes the importance of thinking about closure systems when shopping for wide shoes and suggests looking for pairs that have adjustable straps, laces or buckles to ensure a proper fit.
According to Freels, proper arch support can help ensure proper alignment and reduce the amount of stress on wide feet. Pourziaee agreed, adding that you should also look for shoes that have secure heels and midfoot locks. According to him, your heels shouldn’t slip out of your shoes just because your forefeet are wide. He suggests looking for shoes that feature supportive midsoles and cushioning because “wide feet mean more surface area and potentially more stress across the foot.”
The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Gregory Alvarez, Dr. Mikel Daniels and Dr. Steven Neufeld.
Are On shoes good for wide feet?
“While On offers exceptional cushioning, their toe boxes tend to run narrow,” Alvarez said. For that reason, he recommends opting for “wide” models or going with a brand that better accommodates wider feet. Pourziaee recommends the wide version of the brand’s Cloudsurfer Max shoes, which are specifically designed for runners, because they offer lots of forefoot space and are made with the brand’s proprietary Helion foam for added comfort.
What shoe shape is best for wide feet?
According to Alvarez, shoes with rounded or square toe boxes are ideal for those with wide feet. “These shapes allow the toes to spread naturally, minimizing pressure on the sides of the feet,” he said.
How do you know if shoes for wide feet are a good fit?
“The shoe should feel secure around the heel and midfoot without tightness in the toe area,” Alvarez said. According to him, you should be able to move your toes comfortably, and there should be a thumb’s width of space at the front of your shoes.
Do you recommend custom orthotics for people with wide feet or are over-the-counter inserts sufficient?
“Over-the-counter inserts can help in mild cases, but custom orthotics provide the best support for lasting comfort and alignment,” Alvarez said.
Are certain shoe styles better for wide feet?
“Sneakers and boots are often a better choice because they usually come in wide sizes and offer roomier toe boxes,” Daniels said. “Heels tend to run narrow, especially at the toe and forefoot, which can make them uncomfortable for wide feet unless specifically designed with a wide fit.”
What should you look for in running shoes?
Neufeld suggests opting for running sneakers made from soft, flexible materials like mesh or knit since they’ll stretch over the widest part of the feet. A wide and stable base or broad soles for stability and shoes with laces or adjustable straps are all helpful features to look for.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this story, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis interviewed podiatrists who shared their tips on what to look for in shoes for wide feet and reached out to editors who have wide feet for their product recommendations.
