These Are the Best Sneakers for Wide Feet, According to a Podiatrist

It’s an age-old tale: You see a pair of shoes you absolutely love and insist on buying them, even though the fit isn’t perfect, reasoning to yourself that you’ll be able to wear them in. Unfortunately, according to podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a Vionic Innovation Lab member, this shoe-shopping philosophy is an absolute no-no, especially when you’ve got a wider foot.

“From the moment you try them on in the store, the shoes should fit comfortably and feel just right,” Sutera explains. “If they’re tight, try the next width up or a different style. Breaking shoes in damages feet in the process.” Luckily, finding sneakers that comfortably fit a wide foot isn’t that hard. According to Sutera, styles with adjustable straps and a more rounded or square-shaped toe box tend to better suit a wide foot. Many brands also allow shoppers to pick their preferred width (e.g., M for medium and W for wide).

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(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Another top tip for spotting the best sneakers for wide feet? Make sure the shoe width matches the width of your foot. “Put the shoe next to your foot to quickly see if it’s the correct shape,” Sutera says. “Shoes that don’t match your natural shape will be too tight and cause short-term—and possibly long-term—pain and potential problems.”

Sutera notes that ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, calluses, corns, pinched nerves, and bone spurs are some long-term effects of wearing footwear that doesn’t fit properly. She also listed Vionic, New Balance, and Saucony as three of the most trusted offerings. Speaking of which, see and shop our favorite trainers from each brand—plus a few others—below.

1. Vionic Tokyo Sneaker

2. Vionic Walker Classic

3. Nothing New Low Top Sneakers

4. New Balance 2002R Sneakers

5. Vionic Kimmie Perf Sneaker

6. Saucony Triumph 18 Running Shoe

7. Munro Dash Sneakers

8. Vans Old Skool Sneaker

9. Vionic Walker Sneakers

10. Veja Campo Leather and Suede Sneakers

11. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav

12. Vionic Codie Slip-On Sneakers

13. New Balance 574 Core

14. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers

15. Casablanca Tennis Court Sneakers

16. Saucony Jazz Lowpro Sneaker

17. Vince Suede Warren Sneaker

18. Vionic Shayla Sneakers

19. Vans Classic Slip-On Sneakers

20. Vionic Essence Galia Lace Up Sneakers

21. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Running Shoe

22. Adidas Gazelle Sneakers

23. Hoka Bondi 8

24. Nike Cortez TXT Sneaker

25. Adidas Superstar Sneakers

26. Brooks Launch 9 Neutral Running Shoe

27. Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker

28. Merrell Siren Edge 3 Sneaker

29. Brooks Addiction 2 Walking Shoe

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Eva Thomas
Contributor