What does it mean if your feet are wide?

Having wide feet means that the width of your feet exceeds the average standard used in most shoe designs. This can result in difficulty finding comfortable footwear that fits properly. Wide feet may be caused by genetics, lifestyle factors, or conditions such as flat arches, swelling, or bunions. While wide feet are not typically a medical concern, wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort or foot problems.

Is there a way to fix wide feet?

Wide feet cannot typically be "fixed," as they are often determined by genetics or natural changes over time. However, you can manage any discomfort or related issues by wearing properly fitted wide shoes with generous toe boxes and good arch support. Orthotic inserts and exercises to strengthen the foot muscles can also improve overall foot health and comfort.

Do feet get wider with age?

Yes, feet often become wider with age due to natural changes in ligaments and tendons, which can loosen and flatten over time. Additionally, weight gain or swelling can contribute to wider feet. These changes are normal, but wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes can help maintain foot comfort and prevent unnecessary strain.

How do you shape wide feet?

While the structure of wide feet cannot be altered, you can ensure their health and comfort with proper care. Choose shoes designed for wide feet, perform foot stretches and strengthening exercises, and avoid tight or restrictive footwear. Custom orthotics may also help distribute weight more evenly and support your foot’s natural shape.

What are the best shoes for wide feet?

The best shoes for wide feet offer a generous toe box (you should be able to wiggle your toes), good arch support, and a wide, supportive sole. When shopping for the best dress shoes for wide feet, go for styles that have laces or other closures that keep the shoe in place on your foot. This will help keep your toes from getting jammed up in the front of the shoe.

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Shoes for Wide Feet

Discover effective footwear solutions and tips to ensure comfort and support for wide feet.

Updated on November 22, 2024

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Guide

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Learn About Wide Feet
Choosing Shoes for Wide Feet
The KURU Difference

What are Wide Feet?

Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and the term “wide feet” is simply a way to describe feet that are broader across the ball of the foot—the area between the big toe joint and the small toe joint. It’s important to remember that there’s no “right” or “wrong” foot shape; wide feet are just one variation of the natural diversity in foot structure.

The need to label feet as “wide” often arises because standard shoe sizing follows general measurements, which may not accommodate everyone’s unique needs. Shoes that are too narrow can lead to discomfort and common foot issues, such as bunions, calluses, or general foot pain.

Wide-fitting shoes are typically designed to provide about half to three-quarters of an inch of additional room in the toe box compared to standard sizes. This small adjustment can make a significant difference, ensuring feet have enough space to move naturally and comfortably. Selecting the right fit helps maintain foot health and reduces the risk of problems caused by tight shoes.

Most Common Causes & Risk Factors for Developing Wide Feet

Some people are born with a genetic blueprint for wide feet, but other factors like obesity or injury may also contribute. Wide feet are usually not a cause for concern in and of themselves, but when they bump up against fashion trends that favor narrow footwear: the painful problems begin!

Several factors can cause wide feet, and studies of the general population show that average foot size has been increasing over the past 30 years. Here are some of the causes of wide feet:

Genetics

Feet come in all shapes and sizes, and there will always be a certain percentage of people on the wide side. While wide feet can present a challenge for finding footwear, they also have benefits. Some say they help with balance and give athletes an advantage in sprinting and swimming.

Genetics
Age

As you get older, gravity and time cause the ligaments and tendons in your body to loosen. This affects your foot as well, causing it to get longer and wider.

Age
Pregnancy

Many women move up half a shoe size or even a full shoe size during pregnancy due to relaxin, a pregnancy hormone that causes ligaments to loosen in preparation for childbirth.

Pregnancy
Foot Deformities

Foot deformities such as calluses, bunions, crossover toe, and hammer toe cause your feet to take up more space inside a shoe, even if they don’t make your foot wider. Choosing footwear with a wide toe box can help relieve pain and pressure, and give your feet some space to heal.

Foot Deformities
Going barefoot

People who go barefoot tend to have wider feet than those who wear shoes most of the time.

Going barefoot
Swelling

If you experience swelling and don’t know the cause—such as injury or medication—it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious health conditions.

Swelling

Facts and Stats

People with flat arches are more likely to have wide feet.
Your feet tend to get a little wider and longer as you age.
Researchers estimate that between 63% and 72% of people wear shoes that aren’t wide enough or long enough for their feet.
The pregnancy hormone relaxin often causes pregnant women’s feet to get wider and longer.
Wide fitting shoes provide ½ to ¾ of an inch more room in the toe box than narrow fitting shoes

FAQs

What does it mean if your feet are wide?

Having wide feet means that the width of your feet exceeds the average standard used in most shoe designs. This can result in difficulty finding comfortable footwear that fits properly. Wide feet may be caused by genetics, lifestyle factors, or conditions such as flat arches, swelling, or bunions. While wide feet are not typically a medical concern, wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort or foot problems.
Is there a way to fix wide feet?

Wide feet cannot typically be "fixed," as they are often determined by genetics or natural changes over time. However, you can manage any discomfort or related issues by wearing properly fitted wide shoes with generous toe boxes and good arch support. Orthotic inserts and exercises to strengthen the foot muscles can also improve overall foot health and comfort.
Do feet get wider with age?

Yes, feet often become wider with age due to natural changes in ligaments and tendons, which can loosen and flatten over time. Additionally, weight gain or swelling can contribute to wider feet. These changes are normal, but wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes can help maintain foot comfort and prevent unnecessary strain.
How do you shape wide feet?

While the structure of wide feet cannot be altered, you can ensure their health and comfort with proper care. Choose shoes designed for wide feet, perform foot stretches and strengthening exercises, and avoid tight or restrictive footwear. Custom orthotics may also help distribute weight more evenly and support your foot’s natural shape.
What are the best shoes for wide feet?

The best shoes for wide feet offer a generous toe box (you should be able to wiggle your toes), good arch support, and a wide, supportive sole. When shopping for the best dress shoes for wide feet, go for styles that have laces or other closures that keep the shoe in place on your foot. This will help keep your toes from getting jammed up in the front of the shoe.

Resources

Here’s How To Tell if You Need Wide Shoes
9 Things You Are Doing To Destroy Your Feet
Proper Shoe Fit: KURU Has You Covered

Key Considerations Before Making Your Purchase

Caring for wide feet can be challenging, but it's much easier when you know the right steps to take. In most cases, the best solution is the simplest: always wear shoes made for wide feet.

Selecting foot shaped shoes with the proper support and style will pay off right out of the gate! When your feet are comfortable, you’re able to focus on the things you want to do rather than the pain that’s slowing you down.

The best shoes for wide feet provide more than just extra space in the toe box. Whether you’re shopping for sandals, flip flops, dress shoes, or boots—look for these features to give your wide feet the room, comfort, and support they need:

Generous Toe Box

Plenty of space in the toe box shields your big and little toes from pressure and rubbing. This allows your feet to move freely without friction. If you’ve developed bunions or other deformities, you need to give those areas the space they need to heal. For women’s shoes, C widths and beyond are considered wide. For men, wide widths begin at E and go from there.

Generous Toe Box
Good Arch Support

People with wide feet are more likely to develop flatfoot, a condition in which your feet lose their arch. This can cause leg cramps, foot pain, and muscle pain in your feet or legs. Look for good arch support to help promote proper foot stability and distribute pressure evenly across your foot.

Good Arch Support
Well-designed Sole

The best shoes for wide feet have a firm, supportive heel and a broad sole. While you may have to pass on some styles with creative sole designs, it’s best to choose shoes with soles that don’t cut away in the center. Instead, go for the shoes with soles that provide support all the way from the heel through the toe box.

Well-designed Sole
Avoid Pointy Shoes and Slip-ons

While they can be stylish and convenient, these types of shoes can exacerbate problems for people with wide feet. Unless made specifically for wide feet, pointy shoes don’t provide enough room for your toes. And slip-on shoes cause your feet to slide forward, causing crowding and pressure in the toe box. Opt for shoes with closures, such as laces or velcro, or sandals with straps.

Avoid Pointy Shoes and Slip-ons

Three Layers of Support

At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.

Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.

1

KURUSOLE

Every shoe we make comes with the patented power of KURUSOLE, so you can shop our full selection of wide offerings knowing you’ll get Pain Relief Beyond Belief! Unlike anything else, KURUSOLE dynamically flexes to hug your heels with each step and protect you from impact to keep you moving.

...Show Less

Every shoe we make comes with the patented power of KURUSOLE, so you can shop our full selection of wide offerings knowing you’ll get Pain Relief Beyond Belief! Unlike anything else, KURUSOLE dynamically flexes to hug your heels with each step and protect you from impact to keep you moving.
2

KURUCLOUD

Enjoy the energy that comes from having comfortable feet! KURUCLOUD is the foundation of our footwear. This midsole features precision geometry and a uniquely engineered blend of lightweight, performance EVA foam. It absorbs impact so you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable stride—all day long.

...Show Less

Enjoy the energy that comes from having comfortable feet! KURUCLOUD is the foundation of our footwear. This midsole features precision geometry and a uniquely engineered blend of lightweight, performance EVA foam. It absorbs impact so you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable stride—all day long.
3

ULTIMATE INSOLE

When you have wide feet you realize how important it is to find the right fit. All of our wide shoes come with our ULTIMATE INSOLES, which deliver support where you need it and cushion where you want it. Even better, the advanced foams use your own body heat to mold to the unique shape of your feet over time for a better fit as you break them in!

...Show Less

When you have wide feet you realize how important it is to find the right fit. All of our wide shoes come with our ULTIMATE INSOLES, which deliver support where you need it and cushion where you want it. Even better, the advanced foams use your own body heat to mold to the unique shape of your feet over time for a better fit as you break them in!

KURUSOLE

Every shoe we make comes with the patented power of KURUSOLE, so you can shop our full selection of wide offerings knowing you’ll get Pain Relief Beyond Belief! Unlike anything else, KURUSOLE dynamically flexes to hug your heels with each step and protect you from impact to keep you moving.

KURUCLOUD

Enjoy the energy that comes from having comfortable feet! KURUCLOUD is the foundation of our footwear. This midsole features precision geometry and a uniquely engineered blend of lightweight, performance EVA foam. It absorbs impact so you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable stride—all day long.

ULTIMATE INSOLE

When you have wide feet you realize how important it is to find the right fit. All of our wide shoes come with our ULTIMATE INSOLES, which deliver support where you need it and cushion where you want it. Even better, the advanced foams use your own body heat to mold to the unique shape of your feet over time for a better fit as you break them in!

Our Secret

What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.

While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.

Animated GIF showing KURUSOLE tech in KURU shoes vs. typical flat interiors for plantar fasciitis pain.

Why Others Love KURU

Great for wide feet. My foot is wide across the toes. Sometimes I can get by with a medium shoe but usually need to get wide shoes for the larger toe box. Some brands wide shoes are not wide enough. There is plenty of room in the toe box of these shoes. Yet my heel is secure and the shoe does not slip. These were comfortable right out of the box.

Carole M.

Great walking shoe. These sneakers are quite comfortable. I did exactly what the instructions advised before wearing all day. Glad they come in a wide. I normally wear 7.5 medium or 7 wide. I purchased these in 7W. Nice fit and support. I am on my feet a lot as I am a paraprofessional working with active students, these do not disappoint! Had plantar fasciitis past tense, until I started wearing these."

SarahShoe

Completely awesome!! I’ve been buying all kinds of different types of plantar fasciitis support insoles and shoes ever since I was diagnosed with it while on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Also, being 6’2” and 302lbs it definitely doesn’t help my feet. I haven’t had a product that really gave me the full heel and plantar fasciitis/arch support and especially overall comfort!! Not to mention the really roomy toe box! I am so glad that I purchased these quantum 14 wide shoes and I am already setup for notifications on the chicane and kinetics in the same size. I absolutely recommend everyone to at least try it, much aloha Kuru!!!!"

LAKA

Wide toe box! These shoes have a wide toe box. Perfect! The heel to toe drop is perfect for my heel bursitis. The arch support is great for long distance walking."

Suzee B

Great for Wide Feet! The Chicane Wide is great for wide feet and standing for long hours. I am a healthcare worker who spends a great deal of time on my feet. The Kuru Sole technology have a little bit of give, which helps minimize pain and fatigue when when standing for long hours. I used to buy size wide shoes from other major shoe brands but have recently noticed that their Wide shoes are no longer truly wide, which causes pinching and does not provide enough support. So I decided to give these a try back in 2020. I love how generously roomy these Chicane Wides are! Personally, I feet that these are true to size. My most recent order is already my third pair of Chicane. These shoes will provide lasting comfort if you have wide feet and spend a lot of time on your feet. Highly recommended!"

Justin L

Fabulous sturdy shoe! I'm always looking for a well-made, all-weather, sturdy shoe that comes in wide. This is it! Looking forward to enjoying it for years."

Taxicat

Explore our collection of shoes designed to provide comfort, support, and relief for a variety of foot shapes and needs.