The Best Walking Shoes for Wide Feet, According to Podiatrists

With its mesh uppers, cushy step, and multiple width options, the Adrenaline GTS is a structured (yet comfy) option for wide feet. Another tester, whose podiatrist recommended she try Adrenalines for her wide feet, says her pair feels “solid and supportive,” but with enough bounce to keep her feet happy all day. Plus, it has a decent heel-to-toe drop, which, as SELF has previously reported, helps better distribute the pressure on your foot.

Runner-Up: Altra Paradigm 7

Pros

• Wide toe box
• Highly cushioned
• APMA accepted

Cons

• Zero-drop design might not feel comfortable for everyone

Dr. Borchardt recommends Altras, with the caveat that the brand specializes in low- or zero-drop shoes (meaning they have little to no difference in height between their forefoot and heel), which can take some getting used to.

The Paradigm 7 is particularly suitable for wide feet because its spacious toe box allows your toes to spread comfortably while you walk. “I LOVE the roomy feel around the toes,” one Altra reviewer wrote on the brand’s site. “I wear wide [shoes] and rarely get to experience this nice roomy feel. Most models are simply too tight, unless I size up, and then they are too long. But these shoes are great.” The pair is also designed to feel plush yet stable, with a well-padded platform and extra structure along the sides of the shoe.

Best Budget: Ryka Devotion X Max

Pros

• Under $100
• Lots of lightweight cushioning
• APMA accepted

Cons

• Large logo

“Trying the Devotion X Max on for the first time was a near religious experience,” SELF’s senior commerce editor, who has wide feet, wrote in her review. “I’ve never, ever slipped my feet into a more comfortable sneaker. “My jaw literally dropped when I first stood up in them!” She immediately fell in love with this sneaker’s marshmallowy cushioning, shock absorption, and impressively roomy fit. The fact that it also kept her feet cool in the summer heat was a big bonus. Despite all those comfy features, the walking shoe never felt too clunky or heavy, even after putting some serious miles on it around New York City.

Most Width Options: New Balance 990v6

Pros

• Available in six width options
• Durable
• Dad shoe vibes

Cons

• Pricey

One SELF editor tried the New Balance 990s in a wide size after getting measured in person at a store, and that’s all it took to make them her new go-tos. “They are the comfiest shoe I own (I started reaching for them over my Hokas, honestly),” she says. “They’re super cushy and have a really roomy toe box, and I can see a difference in quality compared to my other New Balances—they’ve all held up well, but my 990s are going on two years and looking really good even though I wear them out and about in NYC all the time.”

The style comes in an impressive number of widths, but if you don’t see the one you want featured at a certain retailer, head over to New Balance’s site, where they’re all reliably available.

Best Max Cushioning: Hoka Gaviota 5

Pros

• Cloudlike cushioning
• Lightweight for a ultra-cushioned shoe
• Designed with overpronation in mind
• APMA accepted

Cons

• May feel chunky if you’re not used to maximalist styles

Both Dr. Albers and Dr. Borchardt recommend Hokas, and the APMA-accepted Gaviota is a standout for its highly supportive, padded design. “[The Gaviotas] are amazing! I like the stability I feel in my feet and ankles. Then, [because of] the cushion of the shoe, I don’t have pain in my heels and knees,” wrote one Hoka shopper. “I have a wide foot and wear a 10 in non-wide shoes. I bought these in a 9.5 regular width and they fit great. Roomy in the toe area, don’t feel squished.” (One thing to note: Some Zappos reviewers found that the wide model of the Gaviota 5 felt too wide, so consider trying it on in person before you buy.)

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Saucony Echelon 9

Pros

• Well-padded
• APMA certified
• Non-chafing upper

Cons

• Some reviewers noticed a little heel slippage