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.” 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.

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.

The 20 Best Sneakers for Wide Feet of 2024

Two of the sneakers we recommend for wide feet in front of a hazy background — Byrdie / David Hattan

“You can never have too many pairs of sneakers” is a well-known fashion trope for any shoe-lover. 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. Many sneaker brands overlook width in construction, and others quickly run out of their wide sizes. Thankfully, brands such as 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 to keep blister-causing friction at bay and to help avoid long-term damage. It’s also important to invest 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 curated detailed advice from podiatrists to compile a list of the best sneakers for wide feet based on materials, support, comfort, fit, and durability.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

New Balance 993 Core at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Budget:

Skechers D’Lites Fresh Start at Amazon ($65)

Jump to Review

Best Classic:

Everlane The Court Sneaker at Everlane.com ($130)

Jump to Review

Best on Amazon:

Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker at Amazon ($120)

Jump to Review

Best for Outdoors:

On Cloudstratus at On-running.com (See Price)

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Best On-Trend:

New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core at Amazon ($299)

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Best Laceless:

Vans Classic Slip-On Wide Shoe at Zappos ($55)

Jump to Review

Best for Running:

Hoka Women's Clifton 9 at Nordstrom ($145)

Jump to Review

Best Leather:

Taos Plim Soul Lux at Taosfootwear.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Knit:

Cariuma IBI Knit Sneaker at Cariuma.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

New Balance 993 Core

PHOTO:

New Balance

View on Amazon View on Newbalance.com

Colors: 3 | Upper Material: Suede and mesh | Size Range: 5.5–13 | Width Range: Standard to extra-wide

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.

Best Budget

Skechers D’Lites Fresh Start

PHOTO:

Sketchers

$49 at Amazon $80 at Skechers.com $70 at Zappos

Colors: White | Upper Material: Leather, synthetic | Size Range: 5–11 | Width Range: Medium to 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.

Best Classic

Everlane The Court Sneaker

PHOTO:

Everlane

$130 at Everlane.com

Colors: White | Upper Material: Leather | Size Range: 7–13 | Width Range: Medium (Men's)

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.

Best on Amazon

Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker

PHOTO:

Amazon

$120 at Amazon View on Dsw.com $140 at Colehaan.com

Colors: 12 | Upper Material: Leather | Size Range: 5–11 | Width Range: Standard to wide

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.

Best for Outdoors

On Cloudstratus

PHOTO:

View on On-running.com

Colors: 7 | Upper Material: Polyester | Size Range: 7–14 | Width Range: Standard (Men's)

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.

Best On-Trend

New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core

PHOTO:

Zappos

$299 at Amazon $150 at Nordstrom $185 at Dick's

Colors: Cool Grey, Black/Silver, Navy/Silver | Upper Material: Mesh and pigskin leather | Size Range: 7–16 | Width Range: Narrow-XXWide

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.

Best Laceless

Vans Classic Slip-On Wide Shoe

PHOTO:

Zappos

$55 at Zappos $55 at Vans.com

Colors: Black, White | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 6.5–14.5 | Width Range: Regular to wide

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.

Best for Running

Hoka Women's Clifton 9

PHOTO:

Hoka

$145 at Nordstrom $145 at Hoka.com $145 at REI

Colors: 9 | Upper Material: Mesh | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Medium 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.

Best Leather

Taos Plim Soul Lux

PHOTO:

Taos

View on Taosfootwear.com

Colors: 9 | Upper Material: Leather | Size Range: 6–11 | Width Range: Standard 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.

Best Knit

Cariuma IBI Knit Sneaker

PHOTO:

Cariuma

View on Cariuma.com

Colors: 15 | Upper Material: Knit | Size Range: 5–13 | Width Range: Standard

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.

Best Canvas

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops

PHOTO:

Amazon

$59 at Amazon $60 at Urban Outfitters View on Footlocker.com

Colors: Optical White, Red, Black, Navy, +more | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 4–13 | 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.

Best for Athleisure

Vionic Tokyo Sneaker

PHOTO:

Amazon

$78 at Nordstrom View on Dsw.com $89 at Zappos

Colors: 6 | Upper Material: Leather and mesh | Size Range: 5–13 | Width Range: Medium to wide

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."

Best Sustainable

Rothy's RS02 Sneaker

PHOTO:

Rothy's

View on Rothys.com

Colors: Bone, Navy, Courtside White | Upper Material: Knit | Size Range: 7–16 | Width Range: Standard (Men's)

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.

Best Dad

New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainer

New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$61 at Amazon $75 at L.L.Bean View on Dsw.com

Colors: White/Light Blue, Black/Black, White/Pink | Upper Material: Suede and mesh | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Narrow to wide

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.

Best Flatform

Vans Old Skool Wide Shoe

PHOTO:

Vans

$70 at Vans.com

Colors: Black/White, True White, Canvas Black/Black | Upper Material: Suede, canvas | Size Range: 5–14.5 | Width Range: Medium 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.

Best With Straps

Veja Recife Logo Sneakers

PHOTO:

Bloomingdale's

$185 at Freepeople.com $185 at Bloomingdales $185 at Zappos

Colors: Extra White/Natural, Extra White/Black, Extra White/Sable | Upper Material: Leather and suede | Size Range: 6–12.5 | Width Range: Medium

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.

Best Water-Repellent

Vivaia V Prime Sneaker

PHOTO:

Vivaia

View on Vivaia.com

Colors: 10 | Upper Material: Knit | Size Range: 5–13.5 | Width Range: Standard

Vivaia, also known as a sustainable brand, makes this upper out of 100% recycled yarn from plastic bottles. The water-repellant material (which is better than resistant) makes these 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."

Best Basic

Keds Champion Canvas Sneaker

PHOTO:

Amazon

$45 at Amazon $55 at Zappos View on Shoebacca.com

Colors: 19 | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 5–13 | Width Range: Slim to X-Wide

The Keds we knew and loved as kids 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.

Best Extra-Wide

Propet Travelactiv Fashion Sneaker

PHOTO:

Amazon

View on Amazon $46 at Nordstrom $80 at Zappos

Colors: 8 | Upper Material: Canvas | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Narrow to EEEE

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.

Best for Comfort

SAS Highstreet X

PHOTO:

Zappos

$205 at Nordstrom $205 at Zappos

Colors: Desert Lily, Sagebrush, Sand Dune | Upper Material: Leather, mesh and/or woven twill | Size Range: 5–12 | Width Range: Narrow to double wide

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.

What to Look for in Sneakers for Wide Feet

Credibility: In looking for a pair of wide sneakers, foot specialist Dr. Sarah Richards, DPM says it’s important to go to a trusted running store “where they carry many makes and models of shoes." She recommends trying on many styles and sizes to find a pair that is comfortable and otherwise fits your needs. Metzger notes that some brands run narrow or just don't work for wide-footed people entirely (she cites Adidas as a brand that has never historically worked for her), which makes it even more important to go try shoes on in person—if possible—before making the purchase. If you can only shop online, filter the site for shoes that come in wide sizes and pay special attention to any customer reviews that mention wide feet.
Design: Running shoes are usually the most expansive in terms of sizes, Metzger and Singla explain. This is largely because these shoes have evolved to deal with extreme wear and tear, not to mention the blistering and chafing that can occur with exercise. It’s also essential to try on a few styles and sizes since many shoes, even by the same brand, fit differently because of their silhouette. “Shoes with a wider or square toe box can help accommodate a wider foot,” says Dr. Richards.
Material: Obviously, the sole needs to have cushioning and support, but don't forget about the upper material when deciding what sneaker will be comfortable. “A soft and flexible upper material like goat leather or neoprene will conform to many forefoot deformities, like bunions, that contribute to a wide foot,” says Dr. Lobkova. If the upper is made of multiple materials, that can also affect its stretch and malleability. And Singla recommends staying away from stiff materials like patent leather.

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.”
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.
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.

Why Trust Byrdie

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.

Dr. Sarah Richards, DPM is a foot specialist based in New Jersey. She currently works at FootDRx.
Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, is an ABPM Certified Surgical Podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in NYC.
Naina Singla is a recognized style expert, stylist, fashion authority, and on-air commentator who has been featured in WSJ, Forbes, InStyle, Today.com, Good Morning America, People, The Zoe Report, Byrdie and other outlets
Chloe Metzger is a highly experienced editor, writer, beauty consultant, and content strategist with a decade-long portfolio of SEO, e-comm, and copywriting expertise. She also has, as she puts it, "the widest feet in the world."
Sarah Chiwaya is a plus-size fashion expert, blogger, writer, and size inclusion brand consultant with more than a decade in the industry. She is also the founder of New York City Plus, an events-based community for plus size women in the New York area.

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.