Podiatrist-approved sneakers for people with wide feet

If you have wide feet, you’re probably no stranger to the feeling of tightness and pinching after stepping into a new pair of shoes. But the shape of your feet shouldn’t stop you from having your Cinderella moment. You may just need to focus on sneakers with 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 Brooks, Saucony and Hoka — that make shoes specifically for people with wide feet. I interviewed podiatrists and included their picks, along with highly-rated options and NBC Selected staff recommendations.

Selected.Our top picks

• 

  Best overall sneaker

  $99.83

  $155.00

  Learn more

• 

  Best overall walking sneaker

  $70.30

  $70.30

  Learn more

• 

  Most stylish sneaker

  $98.00

  $120.00

  Learn more

The list below includes favorites of podiatrists and NBC Selected staff that come in wide width, along with a few highly rated options.

I have wide feet and these are my go-to sneakers — I’ve run multiple half marathons in them and they have never felt tight or constrictive. Hoka is known for its shock-absorbing soles and supportive upper — both of which are great for running, but also for people who are on their feet for long stretches. The toe box is nearly as wide as the rest of the shoe, so your toes have plenty of room to fully splay. The sole has a rocker shape for smooth transitions and the upper is made from breathable mesh.

These lace-up sneakers are specifically designed around the shape of women’s feet, so the brand gave them a narrower heel, a super roomy toe box and soft cushioning in the midsole. They also have a grippy rubber outsole, arch support built into the insole and extra cushioning in the forefoot and heel. NBC Selected associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris is a big fan of these and says the soft sole really helps with her shin splints.

NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin says Brooks sneakers are her go-to for running because she finds them supportive and comfortable no matter how many miles she is logging. The shoe comes in narrow, medium, wide and extra wide widths, making it a good option for just about anyone. The upper is nylon, which is soft and flexes a bit, so it’s less likely to pinch along the sides of a wider foot than a stiff upper would. And the sole is made from a thick foam that supports the foot as it hits the pavement.

BETA

We can help you find

Skechers’ slip-on walking sneakers are one of the more affordable options on this list. They have a mesh upper, lightweight cushioning and come in narrow, medium and wide widths. The sneakers also have flexible, grippy outsoles and memory foam insoles.

Though these sneakers don’t technically come in a wide width, NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown vouches for the fact that they work on wider feet. “My feet are very flat and wide and these shoes leave lots of room for my toes,” she says. “I love how sturdy they feel for workouts and casual walks and the fact that they’re also stylish is a major plus.” The molded heel offers support and the breathable upper is lightweight, according to Nike.

These sneakers are highly cushioned and have a nylon plate at the midsole to provide flexible support. The tongue is also connected to the upper, which helps stabilize the foot and ankle, according to the brand. NBC Selected editorial director Lauren Swanson is a big fan of these shoes and says that they are roomy and lightweight.

These shoes are a supportive stability shoe that help people who overpronate. The sneaker has a light, springy feel, according to the brand, a cushioned insole and a rubber outsole. Not only does this shoe come in wide widths, but it is also available in an extra wide width. The shoe also has a leather upper that looks crisp and is highly durable, according to Saucony.

These shoes don’t technically come in a wide width, but they are designed with a wide toe box, says Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a board-certified podiatrist in Boston. Similar to the sneakers from Hoka, these have a rocker-shaped sole that helps to propel you forward as you run and the soles are made with compression foam for comfort. The upper is made with a flexible and breathable mesh material.

“A wide-width shoe offers more room throughout the entire shoe — including the toe box, midsole and heel,” says Tabari. Here are a few more things podiatrists suggest paying close attention to:

• Support: The whole point of getting shoes wide enough for your feet is to make sure they’re comfortable. So along with width, look for shoes with arch support and a cushioned sole, says Tabari. You can also keep an eye out on whether or not the shoes are wide enough to accommodate orthotic inserts or insoles should you need them. “These features can help prevent injuries such as plantar fasciitis or stress fractures,” says Tabari.
• Materials: Since the material of the shoes can impact your comfort, look for options with a flexible upper like knit or mesh. This will provide more room for wide feet to move and will prevent you from feeling restricted in your sneakers.
• Toe box: Some sneakers have more of a pointed toe. Podiatrists recommend avoiding these if you have wide feet, as they may pinch around your toes. Instead, look for shoes with a round, square or wide toe box. This will allow you the space you need for your toes to splay and spread without rubbing against the side of your sneakers and potentially causing blisters, says Dr. Alissa Kuizinas, a board-certified podiatrist in Boston.

Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

Frequently asked questions

First, you’ll likely get blisters where the shoe rubs against your feet. Shoes that are too narrow can also put unnecessary pressure on your feet. “Wide shoes provide more room for the toes to spread out naturally, reducing pressure and friction on the toes and forefoot,” says Tabari. “Tight shoes can restrict blood flow to the toes, leading to discomfort and even potential circulation issues.” Other issues caused by shoes that aren’t wide enough include ingrown toenails, bunions and cramping.

When walking or running in shoes that are too narrow for your feet, you may also start overcompensating to avoid discomfort, says Kuizinas. This can lead to back pain, rolling your ankle or a number of other injuries.

Not sure if your sneakers are wide enough for your feet? “If you experience any rubbing on the big toe or pinky, your shoes are too narrow,” says Kuizinas. “You should be able to wiggle your toes properly in your shoe.” Another area where people commonly notice discomfort in narrow shoes is across the middle of the foot. If your foot feels cramped or the upper feels too tight there, you need a wider width.

• Dr. Alissa Kuizinas is a board-certified podiatrist in Boston
• Dr. Isaac Tabari is a board-certified foot and ankle doctor and owner of the NYC Podiatry Center of Excellence

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I have recently reported on vibration plates and shopping for insoles. For this story, I interviewed podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for sneakers for wide feet.

Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok to stay up to date.