Best Shoes for Wide Feet

Unfortunately, if you have wide feet, there aren’t as many options up here in Canada as our southern neighbours.  Fitting orthotics in narrow footwear can also be problematic for fit and comfort.  Thankfully, there are still some excellent options that will give you the stability, structure and comfort out there.

WHAT MAKES WIDER SHOES DIFFERENT THAN OTHER SHOES?
Perhaps the biggest difference between a “wider" size shoe is that it has a larger toe box. Your toes aren’t cramped, while the rest of the shoe provides a good, snug fit in which your feet don’t move around too loosely inside.  ​ 
 
Things to Consider before Choosing a Wide Shoe:
Whether you’re shopping for running or casual walking shoes, a few basic rules and considerations apply.

SIZING IS IMPORTANT. The difference between a good fit and a not-so-good fit cannot be understated.  When it comes to overall comfort of your running/walking shoes first check the fit of your running shoe in regular size. Finding a running shoe to accommodate your extra foot width doesn’t necessarily mean going up a size with your new orthotics.  Many shoes have removable insoles loosely taped or glued onto the bottom of the shoe.  Gently remove it from the shoe from toe to heel. 

MAKE SURE THE SHOE PROVIDES GOOD STABILITY
Finding a shoe with proper stability is important, no matter what type of feet you have. With wide feet, however, you also may have flat feet, and flat feet can lead to overpronation (when your feet bend inward with each stride).
Also, make sure the stability of your running shoe matches the type of terrain upon which you regularly run. A shoe that’s stable enough for running on paved paths and roads may not be stable enough for running on more rugged terrain, such as unpaved trails.

MAKE SURE THERE’S ENOUGH ROOM IN THE TOE BOX
I have already mentioned the importance of finding a shoe with a roomy toe box if you have wide feet. That doesn’t mean buying a shoe that has a toe box the size of the clown's boot, but there should be about a thumb’s width of room between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.

LOOK FOR SHOES WITH REMOVABLE INSOLES AND LININGS
​Being able to take insoles and linings out of the shoe is helpful for any runner with wide feet, and doing so can make extra room for orthotics that help alleviate foot problems related to foot width.