The best shoes for wide feet are either sold in true wide widths (2E and 4E for men, D and 2E for women) or built on a foot-shaped last with a broad toe box. New Balance leads on width options, with the Fresh Foam X 1080 the standout trainer. The Brooks Ghost 18 and Hoka Bondi 9 also come in wide and extra-wide, Altra shoes give the toes the most room, and Keen is the easiest boot brand for broad feet.
In this guide
Picks are based on published specifications and independent reviews, not our own testing. Width availability varies by colour and retailer, so check the width letter before you order.
Quick picks
| Shoe | Best for | Widths or shape |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 | Best overall trainer | Standard, wide, extra-wide |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | Everyday running and walking | Narrow to extra-wide |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | Maximum cushioning | Wide and extra-wide |
| Altra Torin 8 | Widest toe box | Foot-shaped, wide option |
| Keen Targhee IV | Hiking | Broad toe box, wide option |
| New Balance 608v5 | Budget leather trainer | Up to 4E |
| Orthofeet Coral | Bunions and sensitive feet | Up to extra-wide, stretch upper |
Related: What Are Wrestling Shoes? Types, Fit and Why They Matter
The 7 best shoes for wide feet
1. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080
Best for: most wide-footed walkers and runners
New Balance offers more genuine width options than any other major brand. The 1080 is its premium cushioned trainer, with a soft, stretchy knit upper that does not press on the sides of the forefoot.
- Good: true wide and extra-wide sizes, soft upper, plush cushioning
- Less good: pricey; soft upper gives less side support
2. Brooks Ghost 18
Best for: a dependable daily shoe
A balanced, comfortable trainer available in four widths for men and women. The wide versions add room across the whole shoe, not just the forefoot.
- Good: four widths, durable, comfortable for most feet
- Less good: traditional shape still tapers slightly at the toes
3. Hoka Bondi 9
Best for: long days on hard floors
Hoka’s most cushioned shoe comes in wide and extra-wide fits and sits on a very broad platform, so the foot is not hanging over the midsole.
- Good: very cushioned, wide base, extra-wide available
- Less good: bulky; standard width runs narrow, so order the wide
4. Altra Torin 8
Best for: toes that need room to spread
Altra’s foot-shaped toe box is wide where feet are widest. The Torin is its cushioned road shoe, with a level zero-drop platform. A dedicated wide version is offered as well.
- Good: roomiest toe box, comfortable cushioning
- Less good: zero drop needs gradual adjustment; midfoot is snug
5. Keen Targhee IV
Best for: hikers with broad feet
Keen’s generous, rounded toe box has made the Targhee a default recommendation for wide-footed hikers. It is waterproof, protective and available in a wide fitting.
- Good: naturally roomy, protective toe cap, durable
- Less good: heavier than light hikers; warm
6. New Balance 608v5
Best for: work, gym and everyday use on a budget
A simple leather cross-trainer that goes up to 4E. It is supportive, easy to wipe clean and inexpensive.
- Good: wide and extra-wide sizes, low price, leather upper
- Less good: dated looks; firmer and heavier than running shoes
7. Orthofeet Coral
Best for: bunions, hammertoes and swelling
A comfort shoe with a stretch-knit upper, extra depth and a removable orthotic insole, offered up to extra-wide. Spacers are included to fine-tune the fit.
- Good: stretchy seamless upper, extra depth, multiple widths
- Less good: orthopaedic styling; less suited to sport
How to shop for wide feet
- Learn the width letters. For men, D is standard, 2E wide and 4E extra-wide. For women, B is standard, D wide and 2E extra-wide. See what D means in shoe size.
- Measure width as well as length using our measuring guide.
- Do not size up for width. A longer shoe moves the flex point and arch to the wrong place.
- Check the toe box shape. Remove the insole and stand on it; your foot should not spill over the edges.
- Shop late in the day, when feet are at their widest.
- Soft, stretchy uppers forgive bunions better than stiff overlays.
If a favourite pair is just slightly tight, see how to stretch shoes. Related guides: bunions: signs, causes and relief, the best shoes for flat feet and the best walking shoes.
Bunion as well? See the best shoes for bunions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have wide feet?
Signs include bulging over the sides of the sole, pressure on the little toe, and shoes wearing through at the widest point. Measuring your foot width against a size chart confirms it.
Which brands are best for wide feet?
New Balance and Brooks offer the most width options; Altra, Topo and Keen have naturally roomy toe boxes.
Is a wide toe box the same as a wide shoe?
No. A wide shoe adds room throughout. A wide toe box adds room only at the front, with a normal heel and midfoot.
Should I go up a size if I have wide feet?
No. Choose your correct length in a wider fitting instead.
