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'I now own five pairs!': These are the best shoes for wide feet

Young man tying shoelaces in shoe store
Image via Getty.

When it comes to footwear, finding the right fit at any age is important for everyday comfort. We’re all familiar with choosing the correct shoe size, but width also factors into the way that shoes support your feet and maintain correct positioning for optimal foot health.

In terms of fit, shoes are categorized from narrowest to widest with a sizing chart that starts at 2A and ends at 4E for the widest size. Between sizes, the width across the upper part of the foot increases by about 10mm - a small amount that adds up to greater comfort when you’re looking to accommodate wider feet.

Image via Road Runner Sports.
Image via Road Runner Sports.

If you’re experiencing frequent blisters on the sides of your feet, stretching and bulging of the shoe’s material, or find that your foot hangs over the edges of a sandal’s sole, chances are a wider cut will help provide a better fitting shoe.

Standard men’s shoes have a D width (approximately 4 inches) while standard women’s shoes are a B (around 3.5 inches), though they’re both sometimes listed simply as M for medium. For narrow feet, men can look to certain styles of women’s standard shoes for the perfect fit, and women can opt for a standard men’s shoe for wider options.

Shop assistant measuring customer's foot. Focus on hands and feet.
Shop assistant measuring customer's foot using a Brannock Device. Image via Getty.

It’s not always easy to know if you’re choosing the right shoes on your own, so it’s recommended to see an experienced fitter who can take the length and width of your feet using a Brannock Device for a precise measurement.

According to HealthyFeetStore.com, you’ll know that your shoes are fitting correctly in both the length and the width when the edges and bottoms of your feet align perfectly with the footbed, your toes have 1/4" of space in the toe box, and the heel rests squarely in the heel cup.

Now that you know what to look out for when searching for the perfect pair of sneakers or sandals, scroll through for some of the top shoes for wide feet below.

Torrid Taupe Faux Suede Strappy Bootie

Image via Torrid.
Image via Torrid.

Customer Review: “I love the tan and brown detail of this boot, perfect heel height. This will definitely be a staple in my fall wardrobe!”

SHOP IT: Torrid, $60 ($45 USD)

Cole Haan Men’s GrandPro Low Top Sneaker

Image via Nordstrom.
Image via Nordstrom.

Customer Review: “We initially purchased the same shoe in the Woodbury Hand Stain in 9.5 WIDE, perfect fit, true to size in both length and width. Kept them and love them. Great shoe so we decided to purchase the same shoe several months later.”

SHOP IT: Nordstrom, $150

Naturalizer Banks Heels

Image via Naturalizer.
Image via Naturalizer.

Customer Review: “Very comfortable. I consider my feet wide and the wide fit me fine. Love the colour and heel height. I have had many compliments on these shoes.”

SHOP IT: Naturalizer, $139

New Balance Men's MT620 V2 4E Extra Wide Width Trail Running Shoes

Image via Sport Chek.
Image via Sport Chek.

Customer Review: “Use the shoes for everyday walking and in the gym. Extremely comfortable, lots of support and very lightweight. Will purchase the shoes again and highly recommend them.”

SHOP IT: Sport Chek, $82

Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flat

Image via Sam Edelman.
Image via Sam Edelman.

Customer Review: “AWESOME! Had foot surgery a year ago....this is the FIRST pair of shoes that has given me any comfort—including support and they are cute and reasonably priced. I now own five pairs!”

SHOP IT: Sam Edelman, $139

Sperry Leeward 2-Eye Boat Shoe

Image via Sperry.
Image via Sperry.

Customer Review: “Bought these for my son, great fit for a wide foot. Very comfortable. Loved the colour very sharp looking. Great deal!!”

SHOP IT: Sperry, $125

Teva Original Universal Urban Sandal

Image via Urban Outfitters.
Image via Urban Outfitters.

Customer Review: “These shoes are great for when I'm outside for most of the day! They don't cause blisters and they match basically every outfit I've put them with. I've worn them while hiking, kayaking and on several beach trips.”

SHOP IT: Urban Outfitters, $66

Denver Hayes Men's Barrie Sandals - Wide

Image via Marks.
Image via Marks.

Customer Review: “Very happy with these sandals. Excellent value compared to other makes of sandals that are much more expensive.”

SHOP IT: Marks, $63 (originally $90)

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