Best Shoes for Wide Feet: The Complete Wide Fit Guide
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If you have wide feet, then you probably know all about the struggle of finding shoes that fit. Your shoes may fit perfectly in length, but if your toes feel crammed in and confined, your feet are likely on the wider side.
If trying on shoes often feels like a true Cinderella stepsister moment, then our wide fit shoe guide is for you. At Clarks, we are committed to providing comfortable, fitted shoes for every individual.
Find out all you need to know about foot-width, including how to find the right fit and the best shoes for wide feet at Clarks.
What Are Wide Feet? (And Why It Matters)
Someone with wide feet will have feet that are considered wider than the standard width for a given shoe size. Usually, it’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about; it’s just the way you were born. You can thank your mom, dad, or grandparents for inheriting them.
Uncomfortable, badly fitting shoes are the first indicator that you have wide feet. If your feet feel cased-in in every pair of shoes, spill out of flip-flops or sandals, and often ache or develop blisters, it’s time to get measured.
Measuring Your Feet for Width
You may not be able to tell from looking at them whether you have wide feet, which is why measuring your feet is key. Our fit guide will help you determine your shoe size, but to find your foot’s width, follow the steps below.
How to measure the width of your feet:
You will need a tape measure or ruler and a pen or cellphone to record your results
Stand with your feet flat on the floor
Take your tape measure or ruler and measure across the ball of your foot, from the base of your big toe to the base of your little toe. Since this is the widest part of your foot, it will give you a good indicator of how wide your shoes need to be
Repeat on the other foot (your feet aren’t always the exact same size!)
Note down your results
For width and length, find out how to measure your feet for shoes here.
Why Proper Fit Is Essential
Wearing shoes that fit properly is vital for comfort and long-term health. For wide feet, you need shoes that help to distribute weight evenly and support your natural foot movement. If your shoes don’t fit and are too narrow, you could suffer from:
Bunions
Hammer toe
Blisters
Arch pain
Aching joints
Lower-back strain
Failure to address any of these issues could lead to chronic discomfort. Similarly, if your shoes don’t fit, limited mobility may affect your ability to be active and exercise, leading to more serious health issues.
With shoes for wide feet, you can enjoy greater stability and a better quality of life without pain.
What to Look for in Wide Fit Shoes
When choosing wide-fit shoes, you need to keep comfort and functionality at the forefront of your mind. Make sure you consider:
Shoe material: Prioritize soft, flexible materials that adapt to your wide feet.
Spacious toe box: Allows toes to spread naturally and reduces friction.
Arch support: Excellent arch support and cushioned midsoles absorb impact.
Laces or straps: Adjustable based on your needs.
Of course, it goes without saying, but another essential consideration is style. Just because you have wide feet doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to the latest, slick sneakers or fashionable mules.
With Clarks, it’s possible to find shoes that combine comfort and aesthetics in equal measure.
Best Types of Shoes for Wide Feet
Searching for the best shoes for wide feet isn’t always easy. What type of sneaker do you go for? Can you wear boots? Do sandals that perfectly hold your feet even exist? Let’s take a look.
Sneakers
Sneakers are some of the best practical shoes, perfect for whatever your day throws at you. The last thing you want is uncomfortable, tight-fitting sneakers, so if you have wide feet, make sure you find a pair that is designed with your feet in mind.
They should keep your feet comfortable and supported, with extra room in the toe box and midfoot to reduce pressure and restore balance. Perfect for long walks, workouts, or running daily errands.
Dress Shoes
People with wide feet often worry about getting dressed up. But fear not, as wide-fit dress shoes are available and don’t compromise on sophistication and style. Look for smart shoes made with flexible materials, such as soft leather, structured cushioning, and adjustable features like straps.
There’s nothing worse than ill-fitting high heels, so make sure you purchase a pair that fits your wide feet and complements your elegant look.
Sandals
If you find that your feet often spill out of regular sandals, it’s time to upgrade to a wider fit. Search for wide-fit sandals that are effortlessly stylish, refreshingly comfortable, and totally breathable, offering perfect, practical style for everyday use.
With the right pair of sandals, they are suitable for school runs, dog walks, and everything in between. Choose from heeled sandals, wedges, slides, strappy sandals, and flip-flops.
Boots
Again, don’t be put off from wearing boots if you have wide feet. Look for boots that provide extra depth and width, so your feet don’t feel squeezed and rub. Other features that accommodate wider feet include flexible materials, cushioned insoles, and spacious toe boxes.
During the cold winter months, boots are the best shoes for wide feet, delivering warmth and comfort while also looking in vogue.
Work Shoes
Wide-fit work shoes are all about stability, support, and all-day comfort for tackling those long shifts. Getting the right fit is vital for active jobs where you are on your feet much of the time.
The epitome of smart casual, mules are the ideal versatile shoe for work. When you have wide feet, the fit of slip-on shoes is extra important. Available in half sizes and both medium and wide widths, it’s easy to find the perfect fit.
Clarks Wide Fit Collection: What Sets Us Apart
If you're looking for wide-fit casual or smart shoes, our unrivalled selection of men's and women's sneakers and boots for wide feet is best-in-class.
Since 1825, Clarks has been redefining shoemaking. Made with wide-fit, cutting-edge comfort technologies and industry-leading design, you can feel comfortable in your shoes no matter your size – we have the perfect pair for you.
Trust the experts in effortless style and discover our full range of wide-fit shoes. Whether you’re shopping for men’s, women’s, or kids, we’ve got you covered.
Top Clarks Shoes for Wide Feet (2025/2026 Picks)
We are confident you will find the best shoes for wide feet at Clarks. However, don’t just take our word for it; explore our entire collection today.
To save you time, we’ve picked out some of our (and our customers') favorite wide feet shoes for 2025.
Men’s:
Women’s:
Kids:
Style & Care Tips for Wide Fit Shoes
These days, wide fit shoes come in various styles and designs, so you’ll never struggle to find a fashionable pair that suits your needs.
For example, for an athleisure look, check out wide-fit sneakers that are breathable and flexible. If you need shoes for work, prioritize comfortable, smart, wide-fit boots or mules. Choosing the color and material depends entirely on your style.
Here are a few extra tips for choosing the best shoes for wide feet:
Try your shoes on both feet: You may have one foot slightly wider than the other, so it’s important to check that both shoes fit nicely and comfortably.
Go shoe shopping in the afternoon: Did you know that your feet swell throughout the day? Therefore, it’s best to try on your new shoes while your feet are at their widest.
Do a walking test: We’re not saying you have to run a marathon in your new shoes, but a brisk walk up and down the store should be enough to get a feel for the fit.
Make sure to wear socks: If you’re trying on a pair of shoes that you’d normally wear with socks, make sure you have a pair to hand so you can see how your shoes fit with the additional layer.
Still unsure? Read this guide about how to tell if your shoes are the right size.
To maintain their shape and keep them looking brand-new for longer, you should care for your wide-fit sneakers and boots in exactly the same way you would any other shoe. This means cleaning and storing them correctly.
Check out these helpful guides for more information:
Wide Fit Shoes: FAQs
Can you stretch regular shoes?
You can stretch regular shoes, but it only adds minimal width, so we wouldn’t recommend it for people with wide feet. The best and safest option is to always buy wide-fit shoes in the first place, as they will be more comfortable than overstretched footwear can ever be.
Are wide-fit shoes less stylish?
Absolutely not. If you shop at Clarks, you’ll have a range of stylish, wide-fit shoes that are super fashionable and highly popular to choose from. With our sneakers, boots, sandals, and dress shoes for wide feet, nobody will know any different.
How do I choose comfortable walking shoes for wide feet and flat arches?
Walking shoes need to be supportive and comfortable, especially if you have wide feet. The best wide-fit sneakers will offer structured arch support, cushioned midsoles, and a spacious toe box, made from flexible, breathable materials.
What features should I look for in running shoes if I have wide feet?
Running with shoes that don’t fit is a horrendous experience that can lead to injuries. If you have wide feet, choose sneakers with excellent cushioning and good breathability. They should also have a wide toe box for high-impact activity.
Can orthopedic shoes help with foot pain for people who need wide fit options?
Yes, orthopedic shoes are a great option for people with wide feet. They are designed to address foot pain and are specifically tailored to your needs. Not only is it good for individuals who need extra width, but it is also an excellent solution for those with debilitating injuries.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, having wide feet doesn’t seem like a big problem now, does it? As you can see, you have so many different wide-fit sneakers and boots to choose from, available in a range of styles, colors, and materials. If anything, you have too many choices!
For the best shoes in town for wide feet, look no further than Clarks. From sneakers and dress shoes to boots and sandals, we offer wide-fit shoes for all tastes and preferences.