10 Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet, According to Podiatrists & Glamour Reviewers
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If you have broad tootsies, getting fitted with the best walking shoes for wide feet can make a big difference in your comfort and overall foot health, boosting your chances of strolling without pain. Plus, the perfect pair will look cute to boot. We tapped podiatrists and Glamour reviewers with wide feet for their picks. Below are the walking shoes you’ll love, whether you’re planning to log miles traveling, jogging, or heading into the office. And if you’re looking for more comfy options, check out our list of best walking sandals.
The best walking shoes for wide feet, at a glance
- Best Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880, $140
- Best for Long Distance: Hoka Bondi 8, $132
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Orthofeet Coral, $110
- Best for Travel: Whitin Wide Canvas Walking Sneaker, $37
- Best for Standing All Day: Propet Ultra Athletic Sneaker, $46
- Best Clogs: Alegria Orygin Summer Thyme Shoe, $120
What to look for when shopping the best walking shoes for wide feet
If you’re browsing wide-sized walking shoes, first confirm through measurement that you actually need spacious footwear. “A shoe that is wide has more space in the heel and middle foot (midfoot),” says Milica McDowell, DPT, physical therapist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens. “This is different than a regular-width shoe with a wide toe box, or a more natural-foot-shaped shoe.”
Ideally, if you do indeed have wide feet, you’ll want a shoe that is wide-sized and has a wide toe box, Dr. McDowell says. Keep in mind the nomenclature: Shoe widths are typically designated with a B (regular), N (narrow), or, for most brands, D (wide), according to Dr. McDowell.
Another key word is straight-lasted, which basically means a shoe was crafted with a wider foundation to accommodate a wide foot, says Derek Roach, orthopedic expert and owner of Flow Feet Orthopedic Shoes. Some manufacturers may specify that their shoes were built on a straight last, but if not, you can tell by simply peeping the bottom of the shoe: It will look boxy and symmetrical instead of curving in at the toe box.
Beyond that, prioritize wide shoes made with flexible material for the uppers—like knit mesh or soft leather, for example. This allows the shoe to conform to the shape of your foot, which minimizes the risk of calluses and blisters, Roach explains. Porscha J. Bailey, DPM, board-certified podiatrist in Georgia, shares a similar sentiment, recommending shoes made with leather, breathable fabrics, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and elastic components. “These materials not only accommodate wider feet, but also ensure a spacious fit and exceptional all-day comfort,” she says.
Best Running Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Jeff Le testing New Balance Fresh Foam X 880
Jeff Le, an ultramarathon runner in the Washington, DC, area with super-wide and flat feet, swears by these shoes. “I’ve found that having wide and flat feet has meant sometimes a lack of support for width throughout the shoe and the toe box,” he says. But the New Balance 880s, he explains, “allow for more coverage and give me space for my custom orthotics.” Plus, they’re lightweight, which comes in clutch for long-distance running. “Other shoes have tended to be bulky, and these feel like they are less weighted to my stride,” Le says.
- Material: Synthetic-mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Maximum
- Why they stand out: Lightweight design ideal for long runs; American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA) seal of acceptance
- What we didn’t love: Style isn’t suited for nonathletic use
Best for Long Distance: Hoka Bondi 8
Nam Tran, DPM, podiatrist at Dallas Direct Podiatry, previously recommended these walking shoes because of their rocker-shaped sole and extra cushioning. Despite the inches of foam (which can make shoes a bit less stable), they make excellent gym shoes. Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle wears them to the gym for treadmill runs and strength training: “I even wore these on a 5K run, so I would recommend them for short runs or long strolls.” They’re also a favorite of Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal’s, who has wide feet and walks around in the city a lot. “As someone whose wide feet led to many struggles in a childhood Stride Rite, the big toe box of the Hoka is a true revelation,” says McNeal. “I was wearing them to run before they suddenly became cool, so now that they are considered trendy, it’s just the icing on the cake.”
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Cushioning: Maximum
- Why they stand out: Over a dozen color options; comfortable support and no rubbing
- What we didn’t love: The soles aren’t as soft as they look so might feel heavier for some
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Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Orthofeet Coral
These shoes have a wide toe box and soft, stretchy knit upper, which makes them ideal for broad feet. They’re also an overall solid pick for folks with plantar fasciitis: “They have a deep heel cup and raised arch area to support the arch and properly align the foot to put less stress on the plantar fascia,” Roach explains. “Also, the insole is removable, so if the individual uses custom orthotics, this style can accommodate them, and they can also benefit from the cushioned midsole and mild rocker outsole to reduce strain on the affected area.” Pick between eight color schemes—from minimalist white sneakers to more vibrant ones like turquoise, lavender, and leopard.
- Material: Synthetic upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Maximum
- Why they stand out: Minimalist design pairs well with variety of looks
- What we didn’t love: Not water-resistant
Best for Travel: Whitin Wide Canvas Walking Sneaker
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Jenny McCoy testing Whitin Wide Canvas Walking Sneaker
Dr. McDowell loves this shoe for anyone who needs the benefits of a wide-fit shoe with a wide toe box but wants a trendier aesthetic than the typical athletic-looking shoe. “This shoe can go from office to a fitness walk pretty seamlessly,” she says. “The canvas upper is durable and gives a bit of a ’90s Keds vibe.” Plus, these kicks are budget-friendly and come in eight different color schemes, including all white, gray, and black-and-white, so you can find the pair that vibes best with your style. They’re slim enough that you can pack them as travel shoes, and they go with everything from straight-leg jeans to a flowy spring dress.
- Material: Canvas upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Why they stand out: Stylish, nonathletic aesthetic; budget-friendly
- What we didn’t love: Zero-drop design, which mimics barefoot-walking, may not be comfortable for everyone
Best for Standing All Day: Propet Ultra Athletic Sneaker
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Derek Roach testing Propet Ultra Athletic Sneaker
Available in wide, extra wide, and extra-extra wide, this pair of walking shoes has ample cushioning through the midsole, which provides good shock absorption when walking and makes it an overall comfy choice, says Roach. Plus, it’s lightweight, which reduces foot fatigue when you’re standing all day, he adds. Another highlight: There’s a removable footbed, allowing you to insert a custom orthotic or specialized insole.
- Material: Mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Maximum
- Why they stand out: Comes in three different wide-width shoe sizes; customers rave about them being really comfortable shoes
- What we didn’t love: Not the most stylish design
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Best Multipurpose: Brooks Glycerin 21
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Jeanel Alvarado testing Brooks Glycerin 21
These supersoft running shoes are fashion blogger Jeanel Alvarado’s trusted obsession. They’re her go-to in the gym, helping her crush a 5K treadmill run at least three times a week, and they also supported her during a recent trip to Europe, where she spent tons of time strolling around without “one pain in my foot,” she tells Glamour. As a blogger, Alvarado has tried lots of different shoes, but says these are the only ones she’s been able to both run and walk in for hours on end. As a bonus, these athletic shoes look great too. “A lot of the time wide sneakers look bulky—I love how Brooks runners are not,” Alvarado says. “I’m 5'3", so the last thing I’m looking for are shoes that look too big for my stature.” Pro tip: If you dig these shoes but need more support, consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21.
- Material: Mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Maximum
- Why they stand out: They have the AMPA seal of acceptance, which is given to shoes that promote foot health; available in 21 colorways
- What we didn’t love: Expensive; some customers find the sizing to be off
Best for Wide Feet With Bunions: Drew Shoes Balance
You may not have heard of Drew Shoes—they’re a brand that mainly provides shoes for people with different foot conditions, like bunions and hammertoes—but shoes for broader feet are included in their offerings. “They may not be the most stylish, but they definitely are accommodating of wide feet,” Roach says, thanks to the flexible mesh upper and roomy design. Select between wide, extra-wide, and extra-extra-wide sizing, and don these puppies for a variety of activities, from casual strolling to brisk walking to full-on running.
- Material: Mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Why they stand out: Available in up to XX-wide sizing; customers find them to be very comfortable
- What we didn’t love: Design isn’t the most fashion-forward
Best for Hiking: Topo Shoes MTN Racer
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Megan Young testing Topo Shoes MTN Racer
These lightweight trail-running shoes, which boast a spacious toe box, are ideal if you’re looking to take your walks to more technical terrain. Megan Young is currently on her third pair of these high-cushion hiking shoes and describes them as “so comfortable.” She first tried them out on an all-day trek up one of Colorado’s tallest peaks and has since been a convert. “I had never broken them in, and I did like 16 miles in them on the first shot,” she tells Glamour.
- Material: Mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Why they stand out: Grippy bottoms ideal for scaling uneven terrain; customers love the generous toe box and ample cushioning
- What we didn’t love: Limited, unstylish colorways; as Young puts it: “They need to fire whoever picks their colors each year”
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Most Comfortable: Altra Lone Peak 9
As a “very wide-footed” person who used to hate sneakers (and even hiked in flip-flops because of it), Françoise Bentley tells Glamour these Altras have been a “game changer.”
“I love these shoes because my feet don’t feel crammed, my toes can wiggle, my foot doesn’t feel scrunched on the sides, they make my back and hips feel supported, and I want to walk,” Bentley says. She loves their lightweight feel, sturdy arch support, ample space in the toe box, and the bounce she feels every time she takes a step. “I had no idea that was possible in a sneaker,” she says. “I’ve worn them for years since, and now so do my kids.”
- Material: Mesh upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Why they stand out: Supremely comfortable; stellar traction
- What we didn’t love: Some customers find the sizing runs small
Best Clogs: Alegria Orygin Summer Thyme Shoe
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Porscha J. Bailey testing Alegria Orygin Summer Thyme Shoe
We love a stylish clog (along with a stellar loafer), and these slip-ons from Alegria fit the bill for both aesthetics and functionality. “These clogs offer a flexible, ergonomic fit that adapts to the contours of your feet over time,” says Dr. Bailey. Made with a wide toe box, suede memory foam footbed, and slip-resistant outsole, they’re a great pick for all-day wear, she says. If you’re looking for something for a special occasion, check out our list of best heels for wide feet.
- Material: Leather upper and polyurethane outsole
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Why they stand out: Fashion-forward alternative to athletic walking shoes
- What we didn’t love: Not available on Amazon
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