TEN OF THE BEST SNEAKERS FOR WIDE FEET
Having wide feet should not rule out a love for sneakers. Here are ten pairs from Lanvin, New Balance, and more that cater to wider widths.

Wearing shoes that are too narrow for your feet can cause a host of undesirable conditions, as well as just being straight-up uncomfortable. For most people, this isn’t a major concern, but finding a pair of sneakers for wide feet is imperative for others. Of course, sizing up is a quick fix, but the only true solution is finding the sneakers made for wide feet—and yes, they do exist.
In general, the best sneakers for wide feet feature squared or round toe boxes and a forgiving upper material, with either a velcro or laced closure for adjustable fits. Beyond these tenets, a range of modern solutions make room for a wider foot, too. Take examples like the Merrell Hydro Moc or Salomon Rx Snug Sneakers, which feature slip-on builds and flexible uppers. On the other end of the spectrum, luxury designs like the Lanvin Curb or Balenciaga 3XL Sneakers show that, nowadays, having wide feet doesn’t rule out designer options.

Featured In This Image: Balenciaga sneakers
Balenciaga sneakers are getting bigger season to season. For SS24, the label offers the 3XL Sneakers, which feature a dramatically blown-up silhouette that makes them really comfortable sneakers for wide feet. For a long time, the sleek, narrow builds of luxury sneakers were a no-go area for wider feet, but the trend for chunky proportions has changed that.

Featured In This Image: New Balance sneakers
It’s well-known that New Balance makes some of the best sneakers for wide feet. Designed for optimum support, the brand’s 990v4 is a particularly strong choice thanks to a rounded toe box and cushioned ENCAP® sole unit. In this white colorway, the chunky silhouette is given the space to shine.

Featured In This Image: Our Legacy sneakers
While abiding by the principles earlier outlined—velcro or laces combined with a flexible upper means a good fit for wide feet—is safe, there are exceptions. In general, leather uppers make for a tight fit with little give; Our Legacy’s Skimmer Sneakers, though, are built on a sole unit with a spacious round toe, making them comfortable leather sneakers for wide feet.

Featured In This Image: Norda sneakers
Finding running shoes for wide feet can be a major obstacle. The extra impact of running means that choosing the right fit becomes even more important. Luckily, there’s a growing selection of brands offering wide running sneakers, and norda is one of the best. The brand’s norda 003 silhouette features a chunky Vibram sole unit with a lot of room around the toe box and a stretch ripstop upper for added space. We recommend sizing up half a size on this pair to ensure a comfortable fit.

Featured In This Image: Lanvin sneakers
Inspired by ’00s skate shoes, the Lanvin Curb sneaker possesses one of the chunkiest silhouettes in modern designer sneakers. Despite the puffed-up padding, the silhouette boasts a nicely rounded toe and ample room through the foot for a comfortable wide fit.

Featured In This Image: Acne Studios sneakers
Buying luxury sneakers for wide feet has grown increasingly difficult in recent years. The rising popularity of sleek ’70s-style sneakers meant that the luxury space has been filled with narrow soles and lightweight uppers. Luckily, labels like Acne Studios have continued to champion variety in footwear collections, exemplified here by these round-toe velcro sneakers, which offer a wide base.

Featured In This Image: BAPE sneakers
Opting for any design that takes inspiration from skate shoes is a safe bet when shopping for shoes for wide feet. Luckily, in 2024 there’s a growing number of options. BAPE sneakers are always rooted in familiar, classic designs, and the A Bathing Ape SK8 STA is no anomaly. The treaded rubber sole promises ample space for wide feet.

Featured In This Image: New Balance sneakers.
The 725V1 may not be as high-profile as some of the brand’s fan-favorite silhouettes, but make no mistake, it’s one of the best New Balance sneakers for wide feet. Retro styling extends from the colorway to the busy sole unit and, of course, the chunky build that makes it a formidable wide-fit sneaker.

Featured In This Image: Salomon sneakers
Salomon’s XT-4 and XT-6 silhouettes continue to dominate gorp wardrobes, but the label’s output doesn’t end with the XTs. The often-overlooked Rx Sneaker is a low-maintenance option for wider feet even without laces or velcro. A mesh and suede upper affords some stretch but shouldn’t be wholly necessary thanks to sufficient width across the sole unit.

Featured In This Image: Merrell 1TRL sandals
Merrell’s 1TRL offshoot is a zone for the revered outdoors label to experiment and push the envelope. The Hydro Moc features an EVA rubber cage structure as the protective upper and a reinforced treaded sole unit. The combination of the two offers a breathable shield against the elements as well as a spacious home for wide feet.
- Date: February 19, 2024

