“You can never have too many pairs of sneakers” is a well-known fashion trope for any shoe-lover. And, if you're familiar with popular sneaker brands, you'll know that certain styles sell out more quickly than others. This is especially true if you have wide feet: you’re probably painfully aware of how difficult it can be to find a comfortable pair of shoes in the first place. Lots of sneaker brands overlook width in their construction, and even more run out of their wide sizes quickly. Thankfully, brands like New Balance, Hoka, Vans, and others offer shoes for wide feet, while others make pairs that simply run wide. It’s essential to find a sneaker that supports your feet, not only to keep blister-causing friction at bay but also to help avoid long-term damage. It's also important to make the investment in a sneaker—even when you're paying more, your price-per-wear will be much lower. "Cheap shoes don't work for wide feet," explains style expert Naina Singla. "Invest in good quality materials, and seek out the most comfortable (and stylish) shoes." With this in mind, we’ve scoured the web and chatted with five experts to compile a list of the best sneakers for wide feet based on materials, support, comfort, fit, and durability. Keep reading for the best sneakers for wide feet on the market right now, as well as detailed advice from podiatrists on how to tell whether you have wide feet. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Budget: Best Classic: Best on Amazon: Best for Outdoors: Best On-Trend: Best Laceless: Best for Running: Best Leather: In This Article Our Picks Where We Stand How We Researched What To Look For FAQ Why Trust Byrdie New Balance makes the holy grail of comfortable footwear in regular and wide sizing. The 993s, which are made from suede and mesh, are billed to have responsive cushioning and compression at the midsoles and durability from thick outsoles. They come in three widths—standard, wide, and extra-wide. Colors: 3 | Upper Material: Suede and mesh | Size Range: 5.5–13 | Width Range: Standard to extra-wide These popular sneakers will add a cool ‘90s flair to your outfit without costing too much. Designed with a chunky platform sole, the style is sold in an array of colorways and boasts both an air-cooled memory foam insole and a roomy toe box. As the name suggests, they are lightweight and shock-absorbing despite the chunky appearance. Colors: White | Upper Material: Leather, synthetic | Size Range: 5–11 | Width Range: Medium to wide Singla says if you're looking for a wider sneaker and are striking out in the women's shoe section, men's style sneakers may fit a wide foot better. There are a few brands, like Everlane, that offer the same style shoe in women's and men's sizes. This vintage model is light, stiff, and durable, and reviewers with wide feet said they felt the toe box was roomy. Colors: White | Upper Material: Leather | Size Range: 7–13 | Width Range: Medium (Men's) Cole Haan shoes are known for their superior patented cushioning, and these sneakers combine their classic construction with an especially lightweight outsole, so they don't feel too heavy. They have wide sizing and a variety of colors, and with a leather upper it's durable and sleek at the same time. Plus, the soles have strategically placed rubber pods for better traction. Colors: 12 | Upper Material: Leather | Size Range: 5–11 | Width Range: Standard to wide On Running’s Cloudstratus (the 3 was just released and features new improvements) is perfect for long runs. The sneaker is lightweight yet supportive, with a foam midsole, double cushioning, and a slight heel elevation. It runs true to size, but the men's versions come in the exact same colors with a wider construction. Colors: 7 | Upper Material: Polyester | Size Range: 7–14 | Width Range: Standard (Men's) Offered in narrow to extra-wide sizing, the 990v5 has the spirit of a chunky sneaker but doesn’t stand out so much that it distracts from an outfit as they come in neutral shades. Based on the popularity of this mesh and leather sneaker, we’d wager that the “orthopedic chic” trend it encapsulates isn't going anywhere. Colors: Cool Grey, Black/Silver, Navy/Silver | Upper Material: Mesh and pigskin leather | Size Range: 7–16 | Width Range: Narrow-XXWide These sneakers by Vans are slip-ons, with all of the classic sneaker features except for the laces. Since these (and a few of their other classic shoes) now come with a wide option, you don't need to size up—or worry about the elastic not stretching far enough, which can be a problem for some people with wide feet. Colors: Black, White | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 6.5–14.5 | Width Range: Regular to wide Hoka makes running shoes that deserve the hype. Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, an ABPM Certified Surgical Podiatrist, recommends the brand for its structure (it has a rocker bottom sole for even weight transfer) and its cushion (thanks to a plush foam midsole), as it maximizes stability and comfort for medium- and wide-sized feet. Colors: 9 | Upper Material: Mesh | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Medium to wide With heel, arch, and metatarsal support, Tao's footbeds are as comfortable as they are luxe. They run wide in the footbed in general (they pair well with orthotics) but they also have dedicated wide sizes for extra room. They’ve also been treated to protect against odors, stains, and deterioration. Best of all, virtually no break-in period with these. Colors: 9 | Upper Material: Leather | Size Range: 6–11 | Width Range: Standard to wide While Cariuma doesn’t offer wide sizing, this is one of a few styles that customers with wider feet have said worked well for them, according to the brand. Plus, they are so comfortable and supportive, we’ve walked 15,000 steps in the brand without any foot pain. The style is made with bamboo knit material, which is made to mold to fit your feet and is ultra-stretchy. Also, most of their colors come in a men's fit as well if you want an even bigger fit. Colors: 15 | Upper Material: Knit | Size Range: 5–13 | Width Range: Standard You can never go wrong with Chuck Taylors, especially the canvas version. Given their popularity and timeless appeal (the shoes’ tagline is “any age, any one, any era, anywhere”), it’s no wonder why Converse offers them in standard and wide sizing, as both low tops and high tops, in the brand’s most classic colors. Colors: Optical White, Red, Black, Navy, +more | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 4–13 | Width Range: Standard Vionic’s shoes offer podiatrist-approved practicality and a sleek aesthetic to give you just the right amount of panache for day-to-day use. Support-wise, it has a removable, cushioned insole with arch support and patented orthotic technology. This option comes in a dedicated wide size, as well. Singla and plus-size fashion expert Sarah Chiwaya recommend Vionics, with Chiwaya calling them "an orthopedic shoe that doesn't look like an orthopedic shoe." Colors: 6 | Upper Material: Leather and mesh | Size Range: 5–13 | Width Range: Medium to wide When adventure awaits, you need to be prepared with a lightweight yet sturdy sneaker. The Rothy's RS02 (available in women's and men's versions) has a wider toe box and therefore more space. Their patent knit construction—made from ocean-bound plastic bottles—conforms to your foot but isn't so stretchy that they'll stop being supportive. They also hold up over long-term use and are machine washable. Colors: Bone, Navy, Courtside White | Upper Material: Knit | Size Range: 7–16 | Width Range: Standard (Men's) The "Dad" sneaker trend is alluring for its pragmatism, and no style showcases this better than New Balance’s 608 (a best-seller on Amazon). It’s a comfort-first shoe that’s rounded out with a chunky shape and retro detailing. And it's got a wide option—and if that's not wide enough, it comes in men's styles too. Colors: White/Light Blue, Black/Black, White/Pink | Upper Material: Suede and mesh | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Narrow to wide Vans Old Skool Platform Sneakers are the ultimate flatforms, and because of their wide option, it gives plenty of room in the toe box. One reviewer said she had been skeptical about the fit of these sneakers since she has wide feet, but they ended up fitting perfectly. Regardless if you skate or not, these iconic sneakers will add a cool touch to your look. Colors: Black/White, True White, Canvas Black/Black | Upper Material: Suede, canvas | Size Range: 5–14.5 | Width Range: Medium to wide Veja is a champion of sustainable, stylish sneakers. The brand ensures that its production methods positively impact the environment; for example, it procures natural rubber from communities in the Amazon rainforest to support fair trade and organic sourcing. While the brand doesn’t offer wide sizing, this style in particular has a wider-than-average shape, and getting them in men's sizing will give that extra room. Plus, the front straps are adjustable. Colors: Extra White/Natural, Extra White/Black, Extra White/Sable | Upper Material: Leather and suede | Size Range: 6–12.5 | Width Range: Medium Vivaia, also known as a sustainable brand, makes this upper out of 100 percent recycled yarn from plastic bottles. The material is water repellant (which is better than resistant), so these are perfect for a run or walk in the rain. This model has extra space in the toe box, and reviewers say they're "wide feet friendly." Colors: 10 | Upper Material: Knit | Size Range: 5–13.5 | Width Range: Standard The Keds we knew and loved as a kid come in wide and extra-wide today. Plus, they have been updated to feature a memory foam footbed and breathable canvas while maintaining the classic design. Our reviewers like them for a simple, no-frills shoe that works for indoors, short walks, and running errands. Colors: 19 | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 5–13 | Width Range: Slim to X-Wide Editor Chloe Metzger swears by Propet as a brand for people like her who have really, really wide feet. Their shoes go up to EEEE, which make it the widest shoe on this list (next to the New Balance 990v5 Core). Reviewers say—even in the extended sizes—they're lightweight and soft, and they accommodate orthotics easily without feeling overly thick. Colors: 8 | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Narrow to EEEE Another Metzger pick, this is on the pricier side but looks like a fashion sneaker—and goes to double wide in width. Apparently they're "ridiculously good quality and comfortable out of the box," says Metzger, lasting years without needing to be replaced. Their comfort system offers support to the inside ball, outside ball, and heel of the foot. Colors: Desert Lily, Sagebrush, Sand Dune | Upper Material: Leather, mesh and/or woven twill | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Narrow to double wide If you absolutely need a sneaker that fits your wide feet and won't compromise on comfort, your best bet is the New Balance Women's Made in USA 993 Core. If you have exceptionally wide feet and other wide sneakers don't fit you well enough, try the Propet TravelActiv. When there are budgetary concerns, go with the Keds Champion Canvas Lace Up or Skechers D’Lites Fresh Start. We first spoke to two podiatrists to learn more about what it means to have wide feet as well as what features they recommend in sneakers for wide feet. We also consulted with fashion experts for their product picks and advice. With this information, we researched and compiled the list of the best sneakers for wide feet. We evaluated each pair of shoes on these attributes: FAQ What are some common characteristics of wide feet? Those who go about their days on wider-than-average feet are familiar with discomfort in the wrong pair of shoes. But how do you know if you have wide feet? “You can tell if, when you put on a pair of shoes, your feet feel pinched or squeezed,” says Dr. Richards. Sometimes, irregularities like flatness and bunions can also impact the width of your foot; that is to say, if you have flat feet or bunions, there’s a good chance you’d be more comfortable in wide-sized shoes. “The bony architecture of flat feet involves a collapsing midfoot and forefoot splay,” says Lobkova. “Thus, the foot shape becomes wider than standard.” What is the best way to measure shoe size? According to Richards, the best way to measure your feet is with a Brannock device, which measures length and width to determine if you have narrow, medium, wide, or extra-wide feet. Since it isn’t necessarily practical to purchase one, you can do this at either a podiatrist’s office or a shoe store. Meanwhile, Lobkova says there’s a way to do this at home, by comparing measurements you can record on your own to a size chart. Simply trace the outline of your foot on a piece of paper while standing, then draw a line across the widest part of your foot. “Measure the length of the line," Lobkova instructs. "Correlate the measurement with the standard shoe size chart. Often, feet may appear narrow while sitting but widen much more when they stand or bear weight on the feet. That is why any measurements for the width of the foot must be taken in the standing position.” How can you tell whether a shoe runs wide? “Hold the shoes up to your foot to see if it makes the shape of your foot," says Dr. Richards. "Before you put it on, you will be able to tell if it is too short or too narrow." From a practical perspective, reviewers are your go-to resource: lots of people who have wide feet are happy to weigh in on whether a particular shoe worked for them or not. "Also, I find that Googling 'does [brand] run narrow?' can be an effective way to get a quick idea of whether their shoes could work for you," says Chiwaya. Full-time freelance writer Katherine J. Igoe has been writing for over 12 years in the areas of style, lifestyle, and parenting; her work can be seen in the New York Times, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, SELF, Parents, Bustle, and more. Fashion editor Hayley Prokos is passionate about sourcing fashionable footwear that’s also practical and comfortable. Her work has appeared in SELF Magazine, Newsweek, and the daily Greek newspaper Ekathimerini. Hayley holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. For this roundup, she spent upwards of 10 hours researching the best wide sneakers on the market. According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough wide-fitting sneakers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.Best Budget
Skechers D’Lites Fresh Start
Best on Amazon
Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker
Best On-Trend
New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core
Best Leather
Taos Plim Soul Lux
Best Canvas
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops
Best with Straps
Veja Recife Logo Sneakers
Best Extra-Wide
Propet Travelactiv Fashion Sneaker
Where We Stand
How We Researched
What to Look for in Sneakers for Wide Feet
Bunions and bunionettes, or bony protrusions caused by the movement of some metatarsal bones, also add width to feet. Therefore, people with moderate to severe bunions are also deemed to have wide feet. Why Trust Byrdie
FAQs
Are Rothy's good for people with wide feet? ›
Rothy's City Slip On Sneaker is designed to have a wider, cushier fit, so they are ideal for people with a wide foot shape. The Original Slip On Sneaker is more narrow, so it fits more true to size and is best for people with a narrow foot shape.
What shoe brand is best for wide feet? ›Podiatrists commonly recommend New Balance shoes for their patients, and it's no wonder why. This brand is well-known for its comfortable pairs that offer plenty of arch support and cushioning. New Balance also promotes foot health by catering to varying foot widths.
Are New Balance OK for wide feet? ›New Balance carries a full spectrum of shoes that are suitable for all of life's to-dos in sizes spanning from extra-narrow to extra-extra-wide. From children's wide width shoes to adult wide shoe sizes, our selection accommodates various foot silhouettes and needs.
Is the New Balance 550 for wide feet? ›How does the New Balance 550 fit? Like most New Balance models, the NB 550 is true to size. If you have a wide foot, it makes sense to buy the shoe in half a size larger. The chunky sole makes this model very comfortable and suitable for everyday walking.
How do Rothy sneakers fit? ›Most customers go up half a size for narrow feet, and a full size for wider feet for the most comfortable fit. Featuring a more spacious toe box and our new In Love Insole™, The Point II runs true to size. For a roomier fit, or for those with wider feet, we suggest going half a size up.
What is the widest shoe fitting for ladies? ›- C = narrow fitting.
- D = standard fitting.
- E = wide fitting.
- EE = extra-wide fitting.
- EEE = ultra-wide fitting.
- E = narrow fitting.
- F = standard fitting.
- G = wide fitting.
Thankfully, brands like New Balance, Hoka, Vans, and others offer shoes for wide feet, while others make pairs that simply run wide. It's essential to find a sneaker that supports your feet, not only to keep blister-causing friction at bay but also to help avoid long-term damage.
Should you size up if you have wide feet? ›If you have wide feet, you should buy shoes a half size larger. This is because shoe width increases slightly as shoe length increases. A shoe that's half a size longer will often be a little bit wider. However, it's important to try on shoes before you buy them to make sure they fit comfortably.
What shoes make wide feet look smaller? ›Choose shoes with horizontal, thicker straps, such as Mary Janes or T-Bar sandals, as they visually break up the foot and create an illusion of a narrower silhouette.
Why do podiatrists recommend New Balance? ›One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining the natural alignment of the foot and preventing issues like overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling of the foot).
How much wider are New Balance shoes? ›
There is a 1/2" difference between widths B and D and 3/8" difference between widths 4E and 6E. It is important to note that this is the maximum difference in width and occurs around the ball of the foot. As such, there is less of a difference towards the tip of the shoe and towards the heel.
What does 2E mean in New Balance? ›"2E" equals "Wide" according to their sizing chart. Here is a full sizing chart from New Balance's web site. http://www.newbalance.com/id/sizechart-footwear.html. SHOE/WIDTH SIZING.
Is the New Balance 574 good for wide feet? ›Unlike some New Balance styles, you'll generally find that the New Balance 574 fits true to size. They have a relatively wide footbed and a roomy toe box, which means that they won't squish your feet, unlike some more narrow New Balance styles.
What letter is wide in New Balance shoes? ›New Balance Foot Width Size Chart | ||
---|---|---|
Narrow | B | Medium |
Medium | D | Wide |
Wide | 2E | Extra Wide |
Extra Wide | 4E |
New Balance sizing notes
New Balance shoes are made to fit directly out of the box, meaning that – unlike so many sneaker brands – they do not need to be broken in. Choose the larger size if your feet are between sizes. You can adjust for a better fit with socks, insoles and lacing patterns.
In general, the consensus is that Rothy's tend to run small. But, I think they are true to size. I actually only found the Point Flats to run small. I think if you have wide feet or you are typically a range of sizes, go with the larger size!
Do Rothy's shoes stretch out? ›Rothy's do not stretch. They will fit the same from day 1 to day 365. There is no break-in period.
What is so special about Rothys? ›They're light as air
The plastic knit is made from 100% recycled water bottles in a seamless design that weighs practically nothing. It feels like wearing hotel-room slippers, if those slippers fit perfectly. The soles of the Rothy's flats are made from a thin, flexible rubber that is also super light and flexible.