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Byrdie / David Hattan
If you have wide feet, we're sure you’re painfully aware of how hard it is to find a pair of shoes in your size that fit comfortably. If shoes are too tight, they can be super uncomfortable and cause blisters and calluses. At worst, ill-fitting shoes can also lead to long-term problems in your back, legs, and feet.
We conducted hours of research on the best shoes for wide feet, evaluating each style on their toe box, upper and sole material, heel height, and whether they fit true to size. We also spoke to Dr. Ashley Lee DPM, a podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists and Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a nationally renowned podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab Member. Ahead, discover our final list and find your perfect pair.
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Upper: Canvas or leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–11.5 | Heel Height: 1.5 inches
The laid back skater shoe is a perennial wardrobe essential, working with everything from jeans to dresses. The best part? They come in medium and wide width fittings so you can find a pair that fits you perfectly. Buy them now, and wear them from season to season.
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Upper: Unlined canvas | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–11.5 | Heel Height: 1 inch platform
The classic shoe was created in 1925 and has remained a timelessly classy wardrobe staple ever since. It doesn’t hurt that the sneakers can be paired with almost anything—from pants to sundresses. Each pair has a natural rubber sole to keep your feet supported, whether you’re traipsing around on your next city adventure or need a reliable walking shoe for work.
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Upper: Knit mesh | Outsole: FootPod | Size Range: 7–15 | Heel Height:About 1 inch
The wrong pair of running shoes will do you more harm than good in the long run. Lee recommends the brand Altras. “[The brand’s shoes] are actually shaped like your foot so they accommodate a wide footwell,” she says If you’re looking for a shoe suitable for running, the Escalante 3 is a good place to start. The shoes offer more room for your feet than most. Unlike the traditional running shoe (which typically has a pointed toe box), Altras’ FootShape toe box is designed to accommodate the natural shape of your feet so your toes can spread out naturally. The sole has responsive cushioning throughout the sole while the body of the shoes is made of a breathable, sock-like knit fabric for optimal comfort.
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Upper: Leather, crinkle patent, or faux leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–10 (wide) | Heel Height: 1.5 inches
For those seeking a sleek, sophisticated shoe, this leather pair from Franco Sarto is a good place to start. They have a rounded toe (which means more room for your feet) and the metal detail at the heel gives it a nice, luxurious flair. Wear them with straight-leg jeans and midi dresses.
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Upper: Vegan leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 7W–15W | Heel Height: 2.6 inches
Consider these your new go-to pair of basic black booties. The heel height is just slightly over two-and-a-half inches, enough to give you the height you want, but not so tall that they’re uncomfortable to wear. And per the width part of things, the wide range of sizes all come in an extra-wide width that’s 12% wider than the average width. An extra cushy memory foam insole ups the comfort level, too.
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Upper: Italian leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–11 | Heel Height: .75 inches
Everlane is much-loved for the brand’s sustainable fashion and The Day Glove is no exception. An update on the classic round toe look, these flats are made from 100 percent Italian leather which means they’re built to last. Not only do they fit like a glove, the flats feel buttery-soft against the skin (so no blisters). The 6,000 positive online reviews can attest to that.
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Upper: Leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–11 | Heel Height: 1.5 inches
Dr. Martens is another beloved and trusted brand for its well-constructed and durable footwear. You can’t go wrong with whatever style you choose. But, if you are just now dipping your toes in what the iconic brand has to offer, we suggest the 1461 Oxfords. Oxford shoes just have a certain eclectic coolness to them, no matter what you wear them with, and this pair doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Not to mention you’ll get years of wear out of them.
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Upper: Leather and mesh | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–12 | Heel Height: Not listed
As any adventurer knows, their choice of shoes can make (or break) a hike. A cross between a sneaker and a boot, this pair from Keen is the best of both worlds. It has a rubber sole with a foam midsole for the right amount of support while still affording you flexibility. The boot has a waterproof exterior with a bellow tongue so you won’t have wet feet or dirt finding its way inside your socks. Plus, the high neck means good ankle support.
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Upper: Synthetic fabric | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–10 | Heel Height: 1.5 inches
If you’re on your feet for a good part of the day and want a sneaker made for wide feet, a shoe with thick support is what you need. The Uno Stand from Sketchers is a pair that will go the distance. The shoe has both a memory insole and a cushioned midsole as well as a rubber outer sole with a one and half-inch thick heel to ensure your feet are properly supported; this means less strain on your back. Reviewers who struggle with sore feet vouch for them, too.
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Upper: Leather with synthetic lining | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–11 | Heel Height: .75 inches
These stylish backless mules are a great option for work, but they’ll add a touch of elegance to almost any outfit. Even better, the footbed is lightly padded which means you won’t feel like you’re walking on the ground unsupported, plus they come in medium and wide width fittings.
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Upper: Leather and mesh | Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber | Size Range:5–12 (weight) | Heel Height: Not listed
For women with flat feet, the Merrell Moab 2 is a great boot for hitting the trails. The shoe has all the features you could hope for in a shoe: durable yet ultra-breathable material (so no sweaty feet), a contoured footbed that supports your arch and heel, and they’re super durable. Though, some reviewers note the shoe may be too warm for summer weather.
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Upper: Faux leather | Outsole: Other Materials | Size: 4–12 | Heel Height: Not specified
Don’t miss the variety of Wide Fit shoe options for ASOS, which boast not only a perfect fit but also an affordable price tag. Case in point: these strappy sandals, with plenty of room for your toes, plus cushiony straps that won’t dig into the tops of your feet. They’re just the thing for instantly dressing up a casual look and keeping your feet comfortable at the same time.
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Upper: Knitted | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–11 | Heel Height:1cm
We’re lucky enough to own a pair of these super cute Mary-Janes and they are as comfortable as they are chic. Not only is the size and color range extensive, but they’re available in wide fittings (from D-EE). The fabric, that’s made from recycled plastic bottles, is also antimicrobial and breathable, and fitted with an adjustable strap that makes the fit customizable.
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Upper: Suede, leather, or textile | Outsole: Leather, full rubber forepart | Size Range: 4–13 | Heel Height: 3.3 inches
Unlike other heels that can run narrow, this pair of pumps has an expanded toe box to accommodate wider feet. Plus, this shoe will stretch in width with wear over time for the perfect fit. If that hasn’t sold you, the footbed of the shoe is extra padded for even more comfort, bolstering the insole that is shaped to support the natural arch of the foot. Now, these are a pair of heels you could go all day in.
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Upper: Sheepskin suede | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–12 | Heel Height: 1 inch
These boots are bestsellers for good reason. UGGs are the quintessential fall and winter boots. There’s not much else that needs to be said about them. They now come pre-treated for stain and water resistance so you don’t have to worry about the snow soaking through. Many reviewers note that these ankle boots fit their feet super comfortably, thanks to the wide footbed and roomy interior.
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Upper: Acrylic and polyamide with suede lining | Outsole: EVA | Size Range: 4.5–12.5 | Heel Height: Not listed
There’s a reason Birkenstocks are one of the most spotted shoes on college campuses across the U.S. These best-selling shoes were truly made for walking (and pairing with any outfit). The footbed strikes the right balance of proper arch support and shock absorption for your feet. ICYMI: The sandals also mold to the shape of your feet over time and have adjustable straps to ensure the best fit.
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Upper: Recycled plastic and polyester | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–16 (wide strap) | Heel Height: Not listed
If you need a sandal for longer treks, TEVA is one of the top brands of hiking gear and the Hurricane XLT2 is a fan favorite (with over one thousand positive reviews). The sandals are vegan and lightweight with an EVA rubber traction footbed that keeps your foot rooted securely to the ground.
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Upper: Genuine shearling or textile faux-fur | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–12 | Heel Height: 1.5 inches
The plush slippers were an instant hit when they dropped. And what’s not to love? They’re warm, fuzzy, and fluffy. And the slides come with a flexible strap to keep them firmly secure so they actually fit well. Plus, it has a sturdy rubber sole in case you need to pop outside to grab something.
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Upper: Foam | Outsole: Foam | Size Range: 6–12 | Heel Height: Not listed
Love them or loathe them, this iconic shoe is seeing a resurgence like never before. The lightweight, breathable clog affords wide feet plenty of room while enshrouding in a soft, foam cocoon of comfort. The shoe is available in more than 20 different colors so you find the one that best fits your style.
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Upper: Fabric, leather, or suede | Outsole: Synthetic (non-slip) | Size Range: 6–12 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches
These leather block heels are cute dress shoes that you can wear to work, brunch dates, or a night out on the town. In terms of fit, they’re available in narrow, medium, and wide widths with an adjustable buckle strap and non-slip sole. The heel is a modest two and a half inches, which Yoo recommends to avoid back problems. The good news is that this particular style has reviewers raving about how comfy they are.
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Upper: Stretch suede or leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 3.5–13 | Heel Height: 2.4 inches
If you prefer your boots to have a little stretch, consider these sock boots. Available in stretch suede or leather as well as in wide sizes, they’re as comfortable as they are stylish. They’re also super timeless so the cost per wear should work out well.
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Upper: Leather | Outsole: Rubber | Size Range: 5–12 | Heel Height: 1 inch
A cross between a sneaker and an ankle boot, this style comes in extra wide fittings, and has a cushioned footbed with arch support. The lugged sole and moc-stitched toe provide shock-cushioning and plenty of toe wiggle room, plus the smooth nubuck leather allows for a comfortable fit on the upper region of the shoe. We love that the design aesthetic of these booties are casual but also work appropriate.
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Upper: Leather | Outsole: Italian leather and rubber | Size Range: 4.5–12 | Heel Height: 2 inches
If you like to wear heels all day at the office but don’t want to feel uncomfortable by 11am, opt for a pair from Ally Shoes. Scientifically engineered to alleviate pain, this very chic ankle boot is designed to support your feet perfectly. As such, it comes in a wide range of sizes and three different width fittings (medium, wide and extra wide). We used the label’s online fit finder to ensure we got the perfect size when ordering online, and the result was spot on.
What to Look for When Buying Shoes for Wide Feet
- Toe Box: The toe box is the front area of the shoe that surrounds the toes on closed-toe shoes and can come in a variety of shapes and styles. According to Lee, one that looks like the shape of your foot is better. “Put the shoe next to your foot and imagine what your toes would look like in the shoe,” she says. “If they look like they are cramped, it's not the right shape for you. Also, avoid shoes that have straps that cross right at your widest point (ie a bunion) as this can lead to blisters and irritation.”
- Construction: “People with wide feet should purchase shoes in a wide width, and also look for adjustable straps or velcro so that the fit can be customized for ultimate comfort,” shares podiatrist Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM. “Also, look for softer materials like mesh and avoid tight, narrow, or pointy styles, especially if you have bunions, bone spurs, bunionette, or hammertoes.”
- Width: Yoo recommends that there should be about half a bump nail of space between your big toe in front of the shoe. “As you’re walking trying the shoe—whether it’s sneakers or regular dress shoes—you want to make sure that your heel is not lifting off the back end of that shoe. If it is, that is not the right fit. Even if it has a wide toe box,” he says.
Why Trust Byrdie
This article was written by Danielle Ransom, an NYC-based freelance Byrdie contributor. She has covered a myriad of topics ranging across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. For this article, Danielle researched different styles of shoes from multiple brands across different prices and spoke with podiatrists for further insight.
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best weekender bags.
To get further insights on the best shoes for wide feet, we also spoke with a range of experts:
- Dr. Jerry Yoo, DPT is the founder and CEO of Next Level Physio.
- Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM is a podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
- Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM is a nationally renowned podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab Member.
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