Those of you with Wide Feet!

This is a store a few miles from me, I’ve driven past it for years now; I have never gone in.

The brands they list may give you an idea of what to try.

With running shoes, I’ve often been fitted in men’s shoes to get a wider toe box.

I’ve switched over to barefoot shoes to strengthen my feet and love my Xero sneakers (after years of super arch supporting shoes!). They’ve been great!

The benefits of barefoot shoes: A beginner's guide | Popular Science.

Yes! My walking partner told me how to do this and it definately helps. Just be aware it takes a few seconds longer to tie and untie your shoes because you have to figure out which string to pull!

I’m looking for ones I can walk miles in for exercise.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I’m going to research reviews of these!

2 Likes

I need wide shoes overall, not just toebox. I routinely wear Hoka Bondi (used to be Bindi8, now 9) and a pair of Brooks (right now Glycerin, used to be something else). I’ve also got a pair of orthofeet that are my commuting to work shoes because they are a little nicer looking.

The Hoka’s have a huge sole, which is a turnoff for some, but I’ve found them to be so comfortable that I don’t let it bother me. The Brooks are definitely lighter weight. I also recently tried some On’s, I think the style was Cloudsurfer. They fit comfortably and the only reason I didn’t keep them is because I liked the color of a pair of Hokas more and didn’t need two new pairs of shoes. But the Ons were super light.

I love my Brooks Glycerin shoes. Go try some on.

1 Like

These are my current favorites:

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/gender-inclusive-vibrant-bloom-bondi-l-bp-sneaker/7514437

They are very roomy because of the “gender inclusive” label whatever the heck that means. :laughing:

Another member of the Square Footprints Club here!

Most comfortable walking sneakers I’ve had: the Kizik London All-Terrain. Cushiony without being mushy - still very stable and supportive. (And the step-in feature is great too.) I own one pair in Women’s D width, and one in the equivalent size Men’s EE. The men’s is slightly roomier, as you’d expect, but the women’s wide is fine for me too, even though my feet are at least an entire toe wider than most women’s shoes. :sweat_smile: (Note: I tried on the regular, non-“All-Terrain” version of the London, and the wide sizes weren’t as wide and comfortable as the AT.)

I can’t wear Hokas and most Sketchers…that heel is just too high…and the sole just a little too thick. I’ve tried both…does anyone else have this issue?

I like the Brooks because they have good support, and aren’t so thick soled. But I only get Glycerin. None of the other “models” work for me.

The reality is with sneakers - you have to try them on. Everyone has favorites but each person’s feet are different - one person’s success doesn’t mean it will be your success.

That’s where - if you live by an REI or Fleet Feet - you can “hope” you got the right ones but if you don’t - return them.

I have on occasion and they are both hassle free. With them not only do you find the in-store fit but you can walk in them and if after a few weeks or months, they’re no good, take em back.

Maybe this should go in the Things That Annoy You thread, but it really annoys me that the color selection for wide sneakers is so limited! Black, white, gray and maybe one other weird color is pretty much all you get to choose from with Brooks. Hoka is a little better but not much.

2 Likes

After a few months return? Many people are ready for a new pair of shoes in a few months!!!

New Balance usually has a good selection of colors for wide widths.

Fleet feet - you can buy and return on line and if no store nearby - ok just reading - they changed their policy in March - 30 days - so check b4 buying.

I didn’t realize they changed it. They were known for the generous return so it’s a big shift.

REI - one year - even worn. 90 days if not a member. I just read on line.

The intent isn’t you wear them out - that’d be wrong but I’ve seen people return clearly after months. And they have a section in store where they sell new shoes.

I was JUST going to reply that I think I’ll add to the Things that Annoy You thread, that of the 19 colors the Brooks Glycerin comes in, only ONE is available in in EE.

I have tried so many running shoes, it’s ridiculous. I have bunions and blisters, but a narrow heel. The only shoes that work are Topos Magnifly. I wear them for running, walking, hiking, everywhere. They are zero drop, which can be quite a change, but it works for me. I used to wear Altras, but they have been poor quality. The problem with getting wide sizes in other shoes, is that they’re wide around the heel, also.

1 Like

I had the same and even lost a toe nail from running. I always had pain. When I was at the podiatrist for my nail, he says you have flat feet. For 3 or 4 years now, my comfort level has been so much better with a medically done orthotic insert.

I wish I did 20 years earlier.

2 Likes

I have medical orthotics, however, they didn’t help until I also got the right shoe.

2 Likes

I think 30 days is pretty generous. The store is doing their part to be flexible with you, as a consumer buying one should take the time in that 30 days to use the shoe a few times.

But agree that a return policy for shoes that absolutely have been worn out the door is a really nice courtesy of a shoe store

@conmama I really recommended taking an hour to go to a running store like Fleet Feet and just let them do their magic to help you figure out a good shoe for you. You don’t have to buy on the spot from them but I bet you’ll learn a lot

4 Likes

I also have wide feet, with regular heels and no arch. I’m a size 13 women/11 men, usually. So for sneakers, slides, and sandals (which is just about all I wear), I shop men’s sizes. I like my Orthofeet (returnable for a year, the last time I looked). Limited colors for sure. I also like New Balance and Sketchers.

I was sad when Payless went under. They had a pretty good selection of women’s size 13 and even 14. And if they wore out fast, so what? Replacement cost was minimal.

1 Like