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).

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 don’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

This lightweight sneaker is perfect for summer.

2. Vionic Walker Classic

These would be such a vibe with chunky tube socks.

3. Nothing New Low Top Sneakers

Nothing New’s sneakers are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. Pretty cool, right?

4. New Balance 2002R Sneakers

The rounded front ensures a comfortable fit on a wider foot.

5. Vionic Demetra Slip-On Sneaker

The contrasting patterns are so unique.

6. Saucony Kinvara 8 Running Shoe

7. Munro Dash Sneakers

Sock sneakers boast insane comfort.

8. Vans Old Skool Sneaker

There’s a reason these sneakers have been around for years.

9. Vionic Walker Sneakers

Test-drive the chunky-sneaker trend with this podiatrist-approved style.

10. Veja Campo leather and suede sneakers

11. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav

12. Vionic Codie Slip-On Sneakers

These are available in two different widths.

13. New Balance 574 Core

Every girl on Instagram owns a pair like these. 

14. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers

You can’t go wrong with a pair of Chuck Taylors.

15. New Balance 327 Sneaker

Here’s another classic pair but with a few modern updates.

16. Saucony Jazz Lowpro Sneaker

17. Vince Suede Warren Sneaker

18. Vionic Shayla Sneakers

We love Vionic for countless reasons.

19. Vans Classic Slip-On Sneakers

20. Vionic Essence Galia Lace Up Sneakers

Sleek, chic sneakers perfect for everyday wear.

21. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Running Shoe

It doesn't get more sporty chic than this.

22. Adidas Gazelle Sneakers

23. Hoka Bondi 8

Seasoned runners love this brand.

24. Nike Revolution 6

A pair for all of your athleisure lewks.

25. Adidas Superstar Sneakers

26. Brooks Launch 9 Neutral Running Shoe

27. Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker

From the trail to weekend errands, you can wear these almost anywhere.

28. Merrell Siren Edge 3 Sneaker

These reach "weird, cool atheltic sneaker" terriotry.

29. Brooks Addiction 2 Walking Shoe

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

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