A pain in the foot can oftentimes be, well... a big ol' pain in the neck (not literally, but you know what I mean). You might be wondering if your particular foot pain stems from simply overdoing it or stepping on too many of your child’s Legos. However, foot pain can be caused by wearing the wrong-sized shoes when it comes to width — 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 spoke with medical experts about walking shoes they recommend. We also included a few editor favorites to make the list as transparent as possible.
Best walking shoes for wide feet | More walking shoes to shop | How to know if you have wide feet | What to look for | The benefits of walking shoes for wide feet | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best walking shoes for wide feet, according to experts and editors
Best for your budget: Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK Flex — Grand Entry
- Machine washable
- Some noted lack of durability
Sizes: 5-11 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 7
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.
Cushioned and supportive: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
- "Versatile," per customer
- Have a good weight to them
- Feel roomy
- Some say they're too stiff
Sizes: 5-12 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 2
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.
The iconic dad shoe: New Balance 928v3 Walking Shoes
- Comfortable and supportive
- Roomy toe box, per shoppers
- Too heavy for some
Sizes: 7-13 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 83
"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.
Editor favorite: Hoka Arahi 7
- Feel lightweight
- Ideal for narrow feet
- Toe box not wide enough
Sizes: 5-12 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 13 regular, 9 wide
“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, an 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."
For walking or running: Altra Women's Paradigm 7
- Spacious toe box
- Some say they're too stiff
Sizes: 7-15 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 8
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.
More walking shoes for wide feet to shop
Under $25: TIOSEBON Women's Walking Athletic Shoes
- Comfortable toe box
- Great quality
- Easy to slip on
- May run small
Sizes: 5-13 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 21
Looking for a quality walking shoe for less than $25? If so, try this pair. The lightweight sneakers have a slip-on design, and they're built with a breathable knit material.
Extra-wide sizes available: Akk Wide Toe Box Shoes Women
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Easy to put on
- Mixed reviews on support
Sizes: 6-11 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 21
These sneakers, which have over 15,000 positive ratings from Amazon shoppers, are designed with lightweight material and a wide toe box. In addition to wide sizes, they're also available in extra-wide options.
Approved by the APMA: Ryka Women's Devotion X Walking Shoe Sneaker
- True to size
- Great arch support
- Help with pain relief
- May have an odor after wear
Sizes: 6-12 | Wide sizes available? Yes | Colors: 16
These walking shoes from Ryka (which are over 30% 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.
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 cut off 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
- 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.
