Best Sneakers for Wide Feet Recommended by Podiatrists
If you have wide feet, you are likely no stranger to the feeling of tightness and pinching that comes from a new pair of shoes. But having wide feet shouldn’t stop you from having your Cinderella moment. You may just need to focus on sneakers that have a wide width to find the perfect running or walking shoe.
“The right shoe will feel comfortable, provide adequate space for your toes to move freely, and support your foot’s natural shape and alignment,” says Dr. Isaac Tabari, a board-certified foot and ankle doctor and owner of the NYC Podiatry Center of Excellence. Thankfully, there are plenty of sneaker brands — like New Balance, Hoka, and Brooks — that make shoes specifically for people with wide feet.
What to Look for in Sneakers for Wide Feet
“A wide width shoe offers more room throughout the entire shoe — including the toe box, midsole, and heel,” says Tabari. But with so many wide width sneakers on the market, it can be tough to know what to focus on when shopping. Here are the things podiatrists suggest paying close attention to:
– **Support**: Look for shoes with arch support and a cushioned sole to ensure comfort and prevent injuries such as plantar fasciitis or stress fractures.
– **Materials**: Opt for shoes with a flexible upper like knit or mesh to provide more room for wide feet to move and prevent feeling restricted.
– **Toe Box**: Choose shoes with a round, square, or wide toe box to allow space for your toes to splay and spread without rubbing against the sides and causing blisters.
The Best Women’s Sneakers for Wide Feet
To recommend the best women’s wide sneakers, I asked podiatrists to share their favorites and included NBC Select staff favorites that come in wide width, along with a few highly rated options. For ease, I separated them by running sneakers and walking sneakers.
Walking Sneakers for Wide Feet
**Ryka Devotion X Walking Shoe**
Featured in our roundup of the best walking shoes, this style from Ryka comes in a wide width and is a staff favorite. The lace-up sneakers are specifically designed around the shape of women’s feet, with a narrower heel, roomy toe box, and soft cushioning in the midsole.
**New Balance Women’s 877 V1 Walking Shoe**
These walking sneakers come in wide and extra wide widths, offering a stylish vintage look along with comfort. They feature a padded footbed, rubber sole for traction, and reinforced ankle support for extra stability.
**Skechers Go Walk Joy**
Skechers’ slip-on walking sneakers are an affordable option with a mesh upper, lightweight cushioning, and flexible, grippy outsoles. They also come in narrow, medium, and wide widths.
Running Sneakers for Wide Feet
**Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes**
At under $60, these sneakers provide an affordable wide width option with a breathable mesh upper and gel technology in the heel for extra cushioning. The deep treads make them suitable for various environments like parks, streets, and trails.
**Hoka Clifton 9**
Known for its shock-absorbing soles and supportive uppers, Hoka offers a wide toe box and breathable mesh upper in the Clifton 9. The rocker shape of the sole allows for smoother heel-to-toe transitions, making it a great choice for running.
**Nike Free Metcon 5**
Although not technically in a wide width, these sneakers are suitable for wider feet, offering sturdy support for workouts and casual walks. The molded heel provides stability, while the breathable upper is lightweight and stylish.
Additional Wide Sneaker Recommendations
**New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13**
With wide and extra wide width options, these sneakers feature Fresh Foam X midsole for extra cushioning and a rocker profile for smooth transitions. The rubber sole provides traction, making them a comfortable and durable choice.
**Altrafwd Experience Road Running Shoe**
Designed with a wide toe box, these sneakers have a rocker-shaped sole for propulsion and compression foam for comfort. The flexible and breathable mesh upper ensures a comfortable fit for wide feet.
**Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 18 Running Shoe**
Featuring a carbon rubber outer and cushioned sole, these sneakers come in regular and wide widths to accommodate different foot sizes. The energy foam in the heel provides cushioning and energy return for a comfortable running experience.
In conclusion, finding the right sneakers for wide feet is essential for comfort and preventing injuries. By focusing on support, materials, and toe box shape, individuals with wide feet can find the perfect fit for running or walking. Consult with a podiatrist for personalized recommendations based on your foot shape and needs.
