How to Tell If You Have Wide Feet and What That Means for Your Shoes

If you’ve ever slipped into a pair of shoes only to feel pinching at the sides, constant rubbing near your toes, or a strange tightness even when the length feels right, there’s a good chance your feet are wider than average. And you’re far from alone. Many people struggle with foot discomfort without realizing that the issue isn’t with the shoes—it’s with the shoe width.

I have a real hard time with this as my feet are flat, low arched and wide. And in the summer they swell a little which makes it all worse. I assumed I had wide feet, but it wasn’t until I started looking for wide shoes that I realized how much of an issue it was.

So knowing whether you have wide-ish feet, and understanding what to do about it, can make a world of difference in your daily comfort, long-term foot health, and how confidently you move through life.

How to Know If You Have Wide Feet

You don’t need a podiatrist to tell you if your feet are on the wider side, but knowing the signs can help you make better decisions when it comes to buying shoes. One of the most common indicators is discomfort on the outer edges of your feet. If you regularly feel pressure or tightness in this area, even when the shoe’s length feels appropriate, width might be the issue. For me it’s an achiness on the outside of my foot.

Another common sign is blistering or irritation on your pinky toes or along the ball of your foot. This often happens when your toes don’t have enough room to splay naturally, causing them to rub against the inside of the shoe. Similarly, if you wear open-toed shoes or sandals and notice your feet spilling over the sides of the footbed, it’s likely they’re wider than average.

People with wide feet often try to compensate by buying shoes a size or two larger. While this might temporarily relieve pressure, it usually leads to other problems like heel slippage, arch misalignment, or general instability while walking. Rather than going longer, the right approach is to go wider.

How to Measure Your Foot Width

To determine your correct shoe width:

1. Place a sheet of paper on a flat surface and stand on it with your full weight.
2. Trace the outline of your foot.
3. Measure the widest part of your foot (usually across the ball) using a ruler. It’s best to measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest due to natural swelling.
4. Repeat for the other foot, as sizes may differ.​
5. Check against charts below.

Women’s Shoe Width Chart (U.S. Sizes)

Source: Size.ly

Men’s Shoe Width Chart (U.S. Sizes)

Understanding Shoe Width Sizes and Labels

Once you’ve confirmed you have wide feet, the next step is understanding how shoe widths are labeled. Unfortunately, this can be confusing, especially since sizing varies slightly between brands and countries. Here’s a general guide to help you decode the system:

For women, a standard width is labeled as “B.” A narrow shoe is “AA,” while a wide shoe is typically labeled “D.” Extra wide shoes might be marked as “EE” or “EEE.”

For men, the scale is a bit different. A standard width is “D.” Narrow is “B,” wide is “2E” or “EE,” and extra wide can go up to “4E” or “EEEE.”

This means if you’re a man buying shoes and your foot width is consistently uncomfortable in a standard “D” width, you may want to try the same shoe in a “2E” width to see if that improves the fit.

Be aware that some brands use “W” or “WW” to indicate wide or extra-wide, and others may not clearly list width at all. Always check the product page or size chart before buying, especially when ordering online.

Why Wearing Proper-Width Shoes Matters

Wearing shoes that are too narrow isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to long-term foot problems. Over time, the pressure on your foot can cause bunions, hammertoes, corns, or calluses. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or persistent blisters because of reduced blood flow or nerve compression.

Ill-fitting shoes can even affect how you walk. When your feet can’t spread properly with each step, it can change your gait, eventually causing pain in your knees, hips, or lower back. A proper fit—one that accommodates both the length and the width of your foot—is key to not only comfort but long-term musculoskeletal health.

What to Look for When Shopping for Wide-Fit Shoes

Once you’ve accepted that your feet need wider shoes, it’s time to start shopping with intention. Start by looking for brands or specific models that offer dedicated wide or extra-wide versions. It’s not enough to go up a size; you want a shoe that’s built with extra room in the forefoot and toe box area, not just a longer footbed.

Shoes with a naturally roomy toe box are a good choice, especially for casual wear or athletic use. Avoid pointed-toe styles or shoes made from stiff, inflexible materials. Instead, go for uppers made from stretch-knit, soft leather, or mesh—these materials adapt better to your foot’s shape and won’t cut into your skin or cause friction.

If you wear orthotics or need a bit of extra comfort, choose shoes with removable insoles. This gives you flexibility in terms of adding your own arch supports or extra cushioning without creating too much bulk.

Lastly, prioritize arch support. Wide-footed people are just as likely to have high arches, flat feet, or neutral arches as anyone else. Don’t settle for shoes that compromise on support just because they’re wide. Look for styles that offer cushioning and structure where you need it.

The Best Types of Shoes for Wide Feet

Certain types of shoes tend to be better for wide feet than others. Running and walking shoes are a great place to start, especially from brands that offer multiple width options. Look for trail or training shoes that emphasize stability, as these tend to have broader platforms.

Sandals with adjustable straps are another excellent choice. They allow you to customize the fit over the midfoot and forefoot, ensuring nothing is pinched. Loafers, oxfords, and ankle boots are also available in wide fits from many comfort-oriented brands. For casual wear, slip-on sneakers with stretchy uppers are an easy win.

Wide-calf boots that also accommodate wide feet are now easier to find than ever. If you love boots but have struggled to zip them up or feel comfortable in them, seek out retailers that offer both foot and calf sizing options.

Shoe Brands That Cater to Wide Feet

While not every brand offers a robust selection of wide-width shoes, some have developed a reputation for doing it well. New Balance is a favorite among runners and walkers for its wide and extra-wide sizes, and they even offer width filters when shopping online. For me I prefer Asics on that front. (I wear Asics GT 2000 to run in.)

I would say that Brooks is another great brand if you’re looking for athletic shoes with excellent cushioning and support. For stylish yet supportive footwear, Vionic and Clarks both offer wide options in casual and dress styles.

Skechers is also worth considering—they offer many of their popular models in “Relaxed Fit” and wide sizing, with memory foam insoles for added comfort. And for people needing therapeutic shoes, Orthofeet and Propet have a strong reputation for combining medical-grade support with roomier builds.

Tips for Wide Feet

Having wide feet isn’t a problem—it just means your footwear needs to match your anatomy. By taking a few simple steps to determine your correct width, and learning what features to look for in shoes, you can drastically improve your daily comfort and foot health. Say goodbye to cramped toes and rubbing seams, and step into shoes that truly fit the way they should.

Finally, let’s look at some recommend running shoes for men and women.

Wide Fit Running Shoes for Men

Wide Fit Running Shoes for Women

See more Wide Running Shoes for Men and Women in our reviews.
And our look at Comfortable Heels for Wide Feet