The Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet Reviewed 2023 (2024)

Do you have feet that are wider than the norm? Are you struggling to find comfortable shoes for exercising? Here’s our guide to the best walking shoes for wide feet.

There’s nothing worse than having shoes that pinch your toes or are too tight across the midsection.

Let’s look at what to consider when you have wide feet, and the features to look for in shoes. We also review our top 7 picks of wide width walking shoes.

Here our top picks for the best wide width walking shoes in 2019

1. Skechers Men’s Equalizer 3.0 Oxfords

The relaxed fit and choice of widths in these Skechers sneakers make them a great choice of men’s wide walking shoes. They have a knit mesh upper, and a memory foam cushioned insole. Lightweight and flexible rubber outsoles provide traction and support.

2. SAS Time Out Leather Walking Shoes

Available in four width fittings, these leather walking shoes are supportive and hard-wearing. They have a round toe box and wider-than-average sole. Lots of built-in features provide comfort, shock absorption, and stability.

3. Brooks Addiction Walkers

Brooks Addiction Walkers are cushioned, supportive shoes for walking. With a choice of four widths and a range of sizes for men and women, they’re a popular choice with many. The company uses patented technology throughout the shoes to accommodate wide feet.

4. New Balance Suede 928v3

These comfortable walking shoes from New Balance provide motion control and stability for every step. They come in four widths right up to a double extra-wide. The suede uppers are breathable and flexible, and odor control keeps feet fresh.

5. Propet Women’s Travelactiv Sneakers

This is our choice of the best wide width women’s walking shoes. They’re lightweight with mesh uppers and patented TravelTek EVA outer soles. These shoes are cushioned, supportive, and come in a range of colors, and widths up to an extra-wide.

6. Orthofeet Walking Shoes

The Sorrento from Orthofeet not only comes in widths up to an extra-wide, but it also accommodates your feet for more depth. There are removable spacers to give up to 0.18 inches more room. They have a seamfree lining, and offer support, stability, and cushioning.

7. New Balance Men’s Trail Walking Shoes

If you’re looking for sturdier walking shoes rather than sneakers, these fit the bill. They have brown leather uppers which are reinforced around the toe box and a sole with a waterproof membrane. Designed for hiking on trails or pavements they come in three widths.

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Reviews of the Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet for men & women

Shopping for wide shoes can be challenging. We have done the research, so you don’t have to. Here are what we think are some of the best wide width walking shoes for men and women.

1. Skechers Men’s Equalizer 3.0 Oxfords

Skechers is a popular choice for wide feet with their roomy toe box and Skech knit mesh uppers. They’re flexible enough to give your feet more room but still have reinforcement on the heels and front areas for support.

The sizes available are a 6.5 to 16 in regular, wide, and extra-wide fittings. There’s also a range of color choices including black, red, grey, burgundy, navy, and taupe.

Fabric uppers are made almost entirely from one piece of knit, giving a seamless construction. This means less stitching to rub and put pressure on your feet. Laces over the padded tongue secure the shoes correctly.

A soft, breathable fabric forms the lining of the shoes, and they have an Air Cooled Memory Foam insole. This insert is moisture-wicking, has gel infused for rebounding energy to your feet and a proprietary Dual-Lite foam base. It cushions your feet, providing comfort.

The midsole is shock-absorbing, and the flexible outsole offers traction for stability.

If your feet are very wide in the midsection, then these shoes might be a little narrow. Also, the laces come up short and might need to be changed out.

Pros

• Mesh knit uppers.
• Flexible soles.
• Cushioned memory foam insole.
• Choice of widths and colors.

Cons

• Might be snug in the midfoot for some.
• Laces might need to be changed out for longer ones.

The relaxed fit, roomy toe box, and choice of widths make these lightweight sneakers a good choice for wide feet. They have support and cushioning from a memory foam insole, and the soles are designed to give you traction.

2. SAS Time Out Leather Walking Shoes

San Antonio Shoes (SAS) has been trading from Texas since 1976. Its shoes are handmade in the USA, and it prides itself on quality. This would be a good choice of walking shoes with a wide toe box.

Made with leather uppers and a synthetic sole, these shoes are Medicare and diabetic approved.

The sizes available range from a 6 to 15, with four widths including narrow, regular, wide and extra-wide. There are four color options, black, brown, bone, and grey.

Patented SAS Tripad Technology makes sure the shoes are snug at the heel but comfortable and roomy at the ball of the foot and toes. It also provides a comfort system that absorbs shock on the inner and outer lower part of the foot, and the heels.

Their Coolstep Footbed has an anti-friction top layer to prevent blisters and help keep feet cool. The bottom layer wicks moisture and they’re anti-bacterial. If you need extra depth in your shoes, you can remove the insoles.

The shoes are secured with an easy lacing system, and the tongue of the shoe is held in place by elastic stitching. This means it won’t slide out of place when you’re walking, which can aggravate your feet.

While functional and comfortable, these shoes aren’t going to win any style awards. Many are prepared to forgive this for the features they offer.

Pros

• Choice of widths up to extra-wide.
• Roomy in the forefoot.
• Removable cushioned, odor control insole.
• Tongue is stitched in place.

Cons

• Some find them ugly and not stylish.

Handmade in the USA, these shoes are Medicare, and diabetic approved. They’re roomy, cushioned, and comfortable. Feet are kept fresh from moisture-wicking and odor control insoles, which you can remove for extra depth if you want.

3. Brooks Addiction Walkers

Brooks started way back in 1914, making ballet slippers and bathing shoes. It progressed to football cleats and skating boots, eventually breaking into the sports shoe market. It has become a worldwide favorite with many people.

For women:

These leather shoes come in styles for men and women, and a range of sizes from 5 through 12 for women and 7 to 15 for men. Four width fittings are on offer from narrow to extra-wide. You can choose from black, bone or white for women and black, white or brown suede for men.

For men:

They have motion control and Brooks proprietary BioMOGo cushioning, designed for walking. You’ll find they conform to your feet cushioning them according to your gait, speed of walking and weight.

The midsole offers shock absorbency, and arch support from the patented Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar system helps ensure a natural movement.

A slip-resistant sole is constructed to keep you balanced and stable.

Brooks has confidence in its products. The company offers a 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Some find these shoes a little heavy, and the durability of the front of the soles might be questionable.

Pros

• Four widths.
• Midfoot support.
• Impact resistance.
• Motion control features.

Cons

• The front of the sole can peel away after a few months.

These leather walking shoes have support for your arches and midsole. There’s a roomy toe box and they come in sizes up to an extra-wide. The comfort system conforms to your feet, providing cushioning just where you need it.

4. New Balance Suede 928v3

New Balance is a well-known name that has been producing sports shoes for more than 100 years. Many of its shoes are still produced solely in the USA.

The 928 model walking shoes come in sizes for men and women. Those available are 7 to 16 and 5 to 13 respectively. Widths include a narrow up to a double extra-wide. There are also color choices including grey, white, black and brown, with some being full-grain leather, and others suede.

Patented technology applied to these shoes offers motion control and stability. They have a Rollbar that helps reduce movement of your heels, and a Walking Strike Path to guide and stabilize your feet.

The proprietary Abzorb feature cushions the middle of your feet while the Phantom Liner provides further comfort and odor control. The rubber outsole contains shock absorption and traction.

These shoes might qualify for reimbursem*nt under the Medicare scheme.

Some find the tongue of these shoes a little short giving them challenges with lacing them.

Pros

• Range of sizes up to an XX-wide.
• Motion control features.
• Cushioning Abzorb.
• Odor control footbeds.

Cons

• The tongue appears to be a little short.

Technological features in these shoes stabilize your feet and support them as you walk. They’re available in sizes for men and women in leather or suede uppers. There’s added cushioning and odor control for comfort and freshness.

5. Propet Women’s Travelactiv Sneakers

Propet specializes in making footwear for hard-to-fit feet. To this end, it offers an array of sizes and widths in all its shoes. This sneaker is one of the best wide width women’s walking shoes.

It’s available in sizes 5 to 12, and five width options, narrow, regular, wide, X-wide and XX-wide. There’s also a fantastic choice of colors, including your usual black, white, navy and grey. However, if you want to break from the norm, you could choose red heather, watermelon red or pacific blue.

Mesh uppers and linings make these shoes soft and comfortable. They’re treated with Scotchguard for water and stain-resistance. The EVA insoles are cushioned to absorb impact and support your feet, you can remove them for extra depth.

Patented TravelTek outsoles give you plenty of traction, and are also hardwearing. They’re lightweight and flexible, allowing the natural movement of your feet.

The eyelets for the laces are made from fabric and can be prone to break with wear.

Pros

• Five width choices.
• Range of colors.
• Soft, stretchy uppers.
• Lightweight soles.

Cons

• Eyelets might wear out quickly.

These soft, flexible shoes from Propet come in a wide range of colors, and five different widths. They have a cushioned insole and lightweight outsole. Treated with Scotchguard, they’re water and stain-resistant.

6. Orthofeet Walking Shoes

For men who like a more rugged look, this shoe from Orthofeet could be a good choice. It comes in sizes 7 to 14, and in three widths, regular, wide and extra-wide. You can adjust the room inside by removing spacers which are one-sixteenth or one-eighth of an inch depth.

The uppers are made from mesh with supporting leather accents. Inside the shoes, it’s seamless, meaning no ridges or stitching to rub your feet.

Orthotic support is provided by insoles that anatomically support your arches while cushioning your feet. They’re designed to relieve pain associated with many foot conditions like overpronation, plantar fasciitis, and bunions.

The soles are lightweight and have Orthofeet’s patented Ergonomic Stride. They air cushion your steps, adding spring as you walk while keeping you stable.

Although these look similar to hiking shoes, they aren’t. They’re designed for walking but maybe not on uneven trails.

For the ladies, there’s a similar design in a high-top version. It has all the same great features as the men’s in sizes 5 to 12.

Pros

• Can be adjusted for extra depth.
• Orthotic insole with arch support.
• Air cushioning in outer sole.
• Seamless interior.

Cons

• Not suitable for rugged terrain.

Orthofeet brings us shoes with a choice of widths and depth adjustments. They have a seamless interior and a roomy toe box. The orthotic insole cushions and supports your feet.

7. New Balance Men’s Trail Walking Shoes

Sometimes you might like going “off-road.” When you’re ready to hit the trail, these shoes from New Balance might be your go-to choice for walking shoes.

They come in sizes starting at a 7 and going up to 15. The widths on offer are regular, wide, and extra-wide. Like most New Balance shoes, the toe box in these shoes is roomy.

The uppers are made from leather and mesh. They have a gusseted tongue and a waterproof membrane. These features add comfort and keep your feet dry.

Patented Rollbar technology helps hold your heels in place for stability and support. This also keeps your feet aligned, preventing foot problems like overpronation. The outer sole is ridged to give you traction.

On the downside, these shoes tend to run small, so you might need to size up in length and width.

Pros

• Rugged shoe for trail walking.
• Leather uppers.
• Waterproof membrane.
• Choice of widths.

Cons

• Tend to run small.

These are rugged shoes with a choice of width fittings. The uppers are leather, and they have a waterproof membrane. Rollbar technology supports your feet and helps keep them aligned.

Why Are Some People’s Feet Wider Than Others?

Wide feet are often down to genetics; it’s something you’re born with. Just like you might have straight black hair and brown eyes, as opposed to curly blonde hair and blue eyes. There’s nothing you can do about it apart from finding footwear that’s a good fit and keeps you comfortable.

Flat feet or fallen arches are another reason your feet might be on the wide side. There are a few reasons for this; it could be good old genetics again, the result of a foot injury or merely getting old. Flatter, wider feet can also be caused by some illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or obesity.

How Do I Know If My Feet Are Wider Than Average?

It’s possible to have wide feet and not know it. A good indication though is that you cram your feet into shoes that don’t fit or have problems finding comfortable footwear.

Measuring your feet is one way to find out for sure. To do this:

What You Need

• A pencil or pen.
• A ruler or a tape measure.
• Some paper or cardboard.

What You Do

1. Place the cardboard or paper on a flat, even surface.
2. Place your foot on the paper by standing on it.
3. Using the pen or pencil, carefully trace the outline of your foot.
4. To ascertain the width of your feet, take your measuring tape or ruler and measure the distance between the two widest points you can see. This is usually across the ball of your foot, below the base of your toes.
5. To check the length, measure from your heel to the end of your longest toe.
6. Take note of the measurements.
7. Find the manufacturer’s size chart for your shoes and compare them to your measurements. This will give you the size and width you require to accommodate your feet.

Pro Tips

• Measure your feet at the end of the day. This is when they’ll be at their largest, as feet are prone to swelling through the day.
• Wider feet as a result of fallen arches will splay out more when you stand. If this is the case, sit down when tracing your foot.

A width measurement of greater than four inches generally indicates your foot might be wider than average. However, sizes can vary between manufacturers.

Every time you intend to buy a new pair of shoes, remeasure your feet and check the chart for the manufacturer you choose — your feet can change size over time.

This video from The Healthy Feet Store shows you how to measure your feet.

What to Look for in the Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet

Finding walking shoes that are comfortable for wide feet can be challenging. Many manufacturers don’t see it financially viable to offer these options.

When choosing walking shoes for wide feet, look for:

• A choice of width fittings: Not all wide feet are created equal, some will need a wide fit and others a double extra-wide fit. Look at the range offered for the shoes and check out customer reviews — they will often give you an indication of how well they cater for broadness at the midfoot and toes.
• Roomy toe box: A square or rounded toe box will generally offer more wiggle room for your toes, with added depth and width in this area.
• Uppers: Look for materials like mesh, full-grain leather, or suede. These will have some give that can accommodate the extra width of your feet.
• Support: This is a feature that should come into the equation if you have flat feet or fallen arches. Check for orthopedic insoles or ones that have arch support. Deep heel counters will also hold your feet stable and keep them aligned.
• Cushioning: Keeping your feet padded is essential for comfort. Look for things like memory foam, EVA, air pockets, and gel throughout the sole.
• Breathability: Feet can get hot and sweaty when you’re walking. Check for materials on the insoles that will reduce friction, absorb moisture, and have odor control. Materials like mesh and leather allow your feet to breathe.
• Traction: Good grip on the soles of your shoes will help keep you from slipping and falling. Rubber soles with grooves or ridges give good traction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find the Right Shoes for Wide Feet?

A good place to start is to measure your feet. Once you’ve done this, you can check out the charts provided by manufacturers for their shoes. These might vary quite a lot between brands so you should shop around.

It always pays to try shoes on and see how they feel. Some manufacturers will have shoes that aren’t advertised as wide but might be roomy enough for your feet.

What Is Classified as a Wide Shoe?

Shoe widths are designated by letters with A being narrow and E the widest. These numbers are often indicated in multiples, so AA is very narrow, and 4E extra-wide. The standard width for shoes is B for women and D for men.

The difference in the widths denotes that either the uppers, soles or both have been increased to accommodate wider feet.

For wide shoes, the uppers are about 10 mm larger than standard, but the sole remains the same. In extra-wide shoes, the soles also change to about 20 mm larger than a wide or standard fitting.

Can Your Walking Shoes Be Too Wide?

Even though you have wide feet, buying shoes that are too wide isn’t advisable. They won’t give your feet the support you need, and they won’t be properly aligned. This can lead to foot issues like metatarsalgia or heel spurs.

Signs that your shoes are too wide include:

• • Curling your toes to hold shoes on your feet.
  • Shoes that only stay on when the laces are fully cinched.
  • Heels slipping at the back of your shoes.

• Gaps at the sides of the shoes.
• Panels that overlap when the laces are tied.

Are Wide Shoes Only Larger in the Toe Box?

No, wide shoes will have been adjusted for a broader foot throughout the width of the shoe. Some shoes might have a wider, roomy toe box as standard.

Are New Balance Shoes Good for Wide Feet?

New Balance offers a range of widths in their shoes, from narrow right through to extra-wide, making them a good choice for broader feet. They’re also known for having a roomy toe box giving you more wiggle room.

As well as the roominess, their shoes are loaded with features and technology to support and cushion your feet. They offer styles for men and women in a variety of colors.

Walking Away

Don’t let having wider feet get in the way of finding some comfortable shoes for exercise. Yes, it can be a challenge finding footwear that will accommodate your broader feet, but it’s not unsurpassable.

Any of the best walking shoes for wide feet we’ve highlighted are great options. The ones you choose will depend on your personal style preference.

We hope you enjoyed our guide and found it useful. Let us know how you get on walking in your new wide shoes; we would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment and don’t forget to share.