If you have wide feet, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of sneakers pinching or feeling too tight around the side of your feet. But having wide feet shouldn’t stop you from having your Cinderella moment. You may just need to focus on sneakers that have a wide width to find the perfect running or walking shoe .
“The right shoe will feel comfortable, provide adequate space for your toes to move freely, and support your foot’s natural shape and alignment,” says Dr. Isaac Tabari, a board-certified foot and ankle doctor and owner of the NYC Podiatry Center of Excellence . Thankfully, there are plenty of sneaker brands — like New Balance, Hoka and Brooks — that make shoes specifically for people with wide feet.
I interviewed podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for the best women’s wide sneakers for running and walking. I included their picks along with highly-rated options and NBC Select staff recommendations that come in wide widths. SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best sneakers for women with wide feet | The best women’s sneakers for wide feet | What happens when shoes aren’t wide enough for your feet? | How to tell if your shoes are too narrow “A wide width shoe offers more room throughout the entire shoe — including the toe box, midsole and heel,” says Tabari.
But with so many wide width sneakers on the market, it can be tough to know what to focus on when shopping. Here are the things podiatrists suggest paying close attention to: To.