The right shoe width is important in order to avoid certain foot pain and long-lasting foot problems. If you've been experiencing foot pain, the solution might be in changing your shoe width. Wearing ill-fitting shoes when it comes to width can be detrimental for your feet — especially if you’re someone who does a lot of walking.
Wearing shoes designed specifically for walking is beneficial for overall foot health, and it can help alleviate pain (since shoes that don’t fit properly can cause an array of issues). According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the ideal walking shoes are lightweight, roomy and stable.
Sure, this criteria sounds simple to follow — but things get a bit trickier when you add shoe width into the equation. Those with wide feet have a few more steps to take (no pun intended) while shopping for walking shoes.
To help you find the best walking shoes for wide feet, we consulted with medical experts to determine the walking shoes they recommend. We also included a few editor favorites to make the list as transparent as possible.
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Best walking shoes for wide feet, according to experts and editors
Writer Jannely Espinal has owned this pair for almost two years, and she says these are her go-to for running errands and walking around the neighborhood. "I like how easy these are to slip on, especially when you're in a rush and need to head out. The upper is made from a knit fabric that feels breathable and stretches out even when wearing thicker socks. I also have worn them for longer walks, and they keep my arches comfy at all times," says Espinal.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender owns this pair and says they are the best for long-distance walking. "It’s rare for me to find a sneaker that I don’t have to break in, but these kicks delivered supportive strides almost immediately. While I can rave about their arch support for ages, the wider toe box and deep heel cup minimize any discomfort I might feel after hours on my feet. While they're seen better days after a year plus of wearing them, they remain nearly as comfortable as they were the first time I put them on," adds Bender.
Dr. David Myer, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at OrthoIndy, says Skechers and Altras are two brands you may want to add to your radar.
These lightweight slip-on Skechers, which were seemingly designed for ultimate comfort while walking, are designed with memory-foam insoles with a built-in heel (aka the brand’s Heel Pillow). These shoes are also made with stretchy, yet snug laces that hug your feet with every step.
Dr. Jeffrey T. Biever, a podiatrist at South Bend Orthopaedics in South Bend, Indiana, says that Brooks (along with Hoka sneakers), “are two other types of walking shoe[s] which can accommodate most types of feet.”
The sentiment is true: These Brooks are not only available in wide sizes, but also extra-wide sizes to accommodate a variety of foot shapes. In addition to their roomy, supportive design, these have comfortable cushioned insoles.
“New Balance is a very good walking shoe because they have sizes to accommodate wide feet,” says Biever. These New Balance sneakers in particular are available in wide, extra-wide and extra-extra wide sizes, making them an extremely customizable pick. These are also offered with hook-and-loop closures (instead of laces), making them a bit more accommodating than most pairs on the list.
“Hoka shoes are great shoes for walking or running,” says Myer. “They have softer upper materials and tend to be well cushioned, in addition to being supportive, stiff and with a mild rocker bottom which can help,” he adds.
Amanda Fama, a former editor at Shop TODAY, has a pair of wide Hoka sneakers — and she does a lot of walking in them. “I live in New York City and find myself walking pretty much everywhere. Whether I’m walking to the store in my Hokas or taking a stroll through the park, I know my feet are going to be comfortable. I’ve always had wide feet, and these sneakers provide enough room without feeling too loose.”
As previously stated, Myer recommends adding Altra shoes to your radar. These sneakers, which the brand says are “best for” road running and — of course — walking, are available in various wide sizes. The roomy design is enhanced with a wide toe box that doesn’t feel restrictive while you move.
Espinal owns a similar iteration of The Atom shoes, and loves how comfortable they are. "I wear my white kicks almost every day, especially for casual work days. They're great for commuting and walking for hours. Plus, I have never experienced foot pain or blisters when wearing them," she adds.
More walking shoes for wide feet
For stylish moments that will keep you comfortable, choose a pair from Naturalizer. This one in particular is offered in medium and wide sizes with a zipper detail for added comfort. The shoe features arch and heel support, a breathable lining, ultra-soft cushioning and a sculpted insole so that you get the perfect fit.
Looking for a quality walking shoe for less than $40? If so, try this pair. The lightweight sneakers have a slip-on design, and they’re built with a breathable knit material that provides comfort for all-day wear. They also feel like wearing a sock thanks to the lightweight construction on the upper.
These sneakers, which have over 15,000 positive ratings from Amazon shoppers, are designed with lightweight materials and a wide toe box. It's a great shoe for everyday wear and commuting, thanks to the breathable materials and how lightweight they feel. In addition to wide sizes, they’re also available in extra-wide options.
Slip-ons are always a no-brainer when you need a quick footwear solution with added comfort. Dr. Scholl's is known for their wide variety of walking-friendly shoes. This one offers a round toe for extra wiggle room, a cushioned insole with their anatomical gel cushioning and a slip-resistant outsole for stride control in slippery terrains.
These walking shoes from Ryka (which are 25% off right now) feature a roomy toe box ideal for wider feet, and they’ve even been given the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, according to the brand. This shoe, made by a woman for women, is designed to offer comfort and a roomier feel during long walks.
Kizik is a brand beloved by our editors for its easy slip-on construction. While the shoes feature laces, it's not required to tie or bend down. The heel cup collapses when you step into it. "I recently got a pair of Kizik boots and I am obsessed with the design and comfort," adds Espinal. Aside from their easy on-and-off design, the pair features a lightweight fabric and support throughout the shoe. While they fit a wider foot, it's recommended to size up.
How do I know if I have wide feet?
After having walked several miles in your own shoes for your entire life, you would think your answer to the question of, “Is my foot wide?” would be a no brainer. But according to the experts, it’s more of a thinker question than you may realize.
“I feel most people are not aware of having wider feet until they encounter some form of issue with their feet,” says Biever.
“When individuals try to wear a narrow type of shoe and they find them very uncomfortable, this is usually a telltale sign that one has a wider type of foot,” adds Biever.
According to Myer, another good way to solve this mystery is to give your foot the “old-school” treatment (aka a shoe fitting at the store). “Generally, the only way someone can tell if their feet are wide is during shoe wear/fitting,” says Myer.
“There is no hard cutoff as to what constitutes a wide foot and what is not. The old-school shoe measuring device that we all remember from being fit for shoes in childhood is a good first step in determining both shoe size, and if a special ‘width’ size may be needed,” he adds.
What to look for in walking shoes for wide feet
“People with wide feet should consider a stiffer, supportive midsole type of shoe gear,” recommends Biever. “Also, a wider toe box is important to prevent friction and skin breakdown,” adds Biever.
In addition to support, it’s important to be on the lookout for comfort, recommends Myer.
“The most important thing in considering a walking shoe, or any shoe, is comfort,” suggests Dr. Myer. “Trying the shoe on and trying to simulate the normal activities you would be doing is helpful,” adds Myer.
Myer also advises to “ensure you are purchasing shoes that fit the shape of your foot.” He continues, “There are multiple different kinds of foot shapes, so you need to be sure the shoes you purchase meet the needs of your foot. A ‘wide’ shoe may be good for the front of the foot, but be too wide in the heel, so it becomes loose in the back,” he continues.
“It is, unfortunately, a bit of a ‘goldilocks’ method of finding the right shoe: too wide, too narrow, just right,” adds Myer.
“A good resource for patients is www.footcaremd.org, which is the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), which can help with education and finding a provider for all things foot and ankle,” adds Myer.
The benefits of walking shoes for wide feet
“Walking shoes designed for wide feet are different from standard walking shoes because they usually have a certain amount of room for the foot and also have a type of softer fabric to prevent skin breakdown, such as blistering,” says Biever.
“Individuals with wider feet are more prone to have bony prominences — especially to the forefoot area, which is why walking shoes with a wider toe box is so important,” he adds.
How we chose
Shop TODAY gathered insight from experts in the field on best practices and personal recommendations when it comes to walking shoes for wide feet. We also took into consideration information provided by verified purchasers of products recommended.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Jeffrey T. Biever DPM of South Bend Orthopaedics in South Bend, Indiana, is a board-certified physician specializing in numerous foot and ankle conditions.
- David Myer, MD of OrthoIndy in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellow trained in foot and ankle surgery.
