A Podiatrist Weighs in on the Best Flats for Wide Feet
What you need to know, straight from an expert.
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If you’re someone who’s shopping for wide feet, then you’re already aware of how tedious it can be to search out styles that are comfy and cute (or at least not totally ugly). After all, your favorite sneakers for wide feet may bring you relief, but you can’t necessarily wear them with your upcoming holiday party outfits. And since flats are high on the list of trendy fall shoes this year, we’ve done the legwork to put together a proper list of the best flats for wide feet.
Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified foot surgeon at Central Park SOLE and co-star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me, helped guide us on what to look for when it comes to shopping for wide feet. “Wide feet are very common, and I can say that I have a wide foot! This can make buying shoes (especially dress shoes) very challenging,” he remarks. You’ll want to avoid most pointed-toe styles, which Dr. Schaeffer notes are “the worst for people with wide feet.” Alternatively, he suggests looking for shoes with a wider toe box but confesses it’s not the easiest feature to find in every style.
For more of Dr. Schaeffer’s solutions to your podiatric problems, keep reading and shop the 15 best flats for wide feet below.
Described as “French-girl chic,” Margaux’s Demi is the universal answer to the classic ballet flat. The flexible sole and adjustable bow add a little extra give, and the 5mm of foam padding gives elevated comfort to a timeless style.
Sizes: 3-14
Colors: 11 options
Material: Nappa leather
Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide
Customer review: “Love my Demi ballet flats! They’re the most comfortable ballets I’ve had, and I love that Margaux offers a wide option.”
’Tis the season...for texturizing your wardrobe with these bespoke Mary Jane flats. One reviewer even dubbed them “wide feet-approved.”
Sizes: 5-14
Colors: Nature Mist
Material: Leather, velvet, synthetic
Widths: Medium, Wide
Customer review: “I am a size 11 with a slightly wide foot. These fit like heaven, are buttery soft, and are beautiful quality.”
Could these almond toe loafers “bee” any cuter? With a cushioned footbed and embellished velvet upper, you can slip these on for a day at the office or make them preppy-chic with a miniskirt and an oversized bomber after hours.
Sizes: 6-13
Colors: Black
Material: Faux suede or embroidered velvet, faux leather
Widths: Standard, Wide
Customer review: “These Bellini flats are the most comfortable shoes for an eight-hour day. Got several compliments. Love 💕 love ❤️ the bees 🐝 too.”
Miu Miu Satin Bow Ballerina Flats
If you’re only going to add one flat to your wardrobe, make it this flat. These Miu Miu slippers danced down the 2022 runways and have been selling out ever since. A satin upper and elastic logo band grant more room to wider sizes, and the neutral colorways will sweeten up any outfit.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Orchidea, Nero, Bianco
Material: Satin, leather
Widths: Standard/Medium
Customer review: “So pretty and comfortable, true to size...highly recommended.”
Versatile and convenient, the Aniee slip-on mule mimics your favorite sweater with a cozy knit upper, and hosts a padded footbed and an almond-shaped toe to prevent crowding. Side note: This style tends to run small, so you probably want to go up a half size.
Sizes: 5.5-13
Colors: 8 options
Material: Fabric, synthetic
Widths: Medium, Wide
Customer review: “I am now the proud owner of two pairs of these amazing mules...these have been worn to death, thrown in the back of my suitcase, and yes, even put into the wash on the cold cycle. They came out and were left to air dry, to my astonishment as good as new. They ARE true to size and so comfortable.”
Pay homage to the signature menswear loafer with this easy and effortless spinoff. Casual style and horsebit detailing mean you can wear this shoe with almost everything, and contour-comfort technology means you have good reason to.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: Satin Pearl, English Tea, Black
Material: Synthetic
Widths: Medium, Wide
Customer review: “Just purchased, and with my very wide feet they feel great...normally I just wear loafers for comfort—but I can’t wait to wear these as well!”
Vivaia flats check every box: Stylish, supportive, sustainable, and affordable—not to mention machine-washable. Dr. Schaeffer notes that patients with flat feet tend to have a wider foot as well, so the arch support on these flats may offer double the bang for your buck.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 45 options
Material: Knit made from plastic bottles, rubber
Widths: Normal, Wide
Customer review: “With wide feet and a bunion, it’s difficult to find flat shoes that fit well. These are a perfect combination of comfort and style. I‘ve already handwashed them twice (dog and kids are frequently stepping on my toes), so I can confirm that they are easy to clean.”
If you need a comfy wedding shoe or just want to add a little razzle-dazzle to an everyday ensemble, these Badgley Mischka flats are top-rated amongst reviewers for the wide, roomy fit (even with the pointed toe).
Sizes: 5-9.5
Colors: Black, Ivory
Material: Textile, leather, synthetic
Widths: Medium, Wide
Customer review: “Fancy shoe that fits my wide, flat, bunion feet. Can wear it with anything...will look super with jeans or cocktail dresses.”
Step into your red era with this Dorothy-esque slipper from Ferragamo. Reviewers gave this signature flat a 4.6-star rating, but some noted they had to size up to get the perfect fit.
Sizes: 4-11
Colors: Red, Nero Patent/Gold, Amaretti
Material: Leather, textile
Widths: Medium, Medium/Wide
Customer review: “These are absolutely gorgeous, I feel like Dorothy in these beautiful red shoes. They are comfortable and did not need breaking in. True to size.”
If you need an extra wide (or EE) fit, put forth boho-chic with this simple slipper. Not only is it available in four different widths, but it also features heel pillow pads and a bouncy-soft footbed for superior rebound and cushioning.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Tan, Black, Black/Rhinestones
Material: Suede or leather, synthetic
Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide
Customer review: “HP Chaste Ballets flats are my go-to shoe! They are so cute and comfortable and I love the different colors and patterns offered. I have 10 in my collection right now! The Heritage Plaid is my new favorite shoe for fall and goes with everything in my fall wardrobe. True to size, comfortable, stylish—great shoe!”
Vionic is a top-rated brand amongst podiatrists, so if your foot woes go beyond width, you may want to seek out a flat that’s heavy on orthotic features. This classic slipper has a removable orthotic insert and Vio-Motion technology designed to support alignment and cradle your arches. Plus, it’s certified with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Black, Silver, Gold, Pewter, Navy
Material: Leather, printed calf hair
Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide
Customer review: “Comfortable for my wide feet, classy looking and dresses up a pair of jeans! This is my fourth pair of the Minna flat!”
In case you haven’t heard, metallic shoes are all the rage this season. Test drive the trend with these holiday-ready Sam Edelman bowtie flats.
Sizes: 5-14
Colors: 15 options
Material: Leather, synthetic, fabric
Widths: Medium, wide
Customer review: “These are super cute and comfortable...there was no need to break them in, just put them on and went about my day. The color is fantastic and is easy to pair with any outfit. Love them!”
Not only do these bestselling Amazon flats have a memory foam insole and padded heel pillow, but they also have a 4.3-star rating from 70,000 reviewers
Sizes: 5-15
Colors: 24 options
Material: Faux leather, synthetic
Widths: Standard, Wide
Customer review: “I bought these flats after they were recommended by a coworker...it took me months to order them, and I am somewhat mad at myself that I didn’t order them sooner. The quality is great, and the comfort is top notch. I put them on the first day that I got them and wore them around the house. The next day I wore them to work as well and did not experience any discomfort.”
Help alleviate any toe pinching or cramming by opting for a flat with a rounded or squared toe, like these cushy navy loafers.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Navy, Black, Silver Metallic, Beige
Material: Leather, fabric, synthetic rubber
Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide
Customer review: “Love ’em. Beautifully crafted shoes, and very comfortable. Wear low-cut socks the first few wears to avoid any blistering.”
Another style catering to extra-wide sizes, this casual Mary Jane shoe is designed to create extra wiggle around your whole foot, while a cushioned footbed provides support from underneath.
Sizes: 6-13
Colors: Black, Silver, Bone
Material: Man-made materials, plastic
Widths: Extra Wide
Customer review: “So comfortable, chic, and actually wide enough...goes with so much and really elevates the look!”
How to Know If You Need a Wide Fit
“A foot is considered wider with bunions or tailors bunions. These are bone protrusions on the sides of our feet,” Dr. Schaeffer informs us. “It is not very common but we see a lot of bunion patients at my practice...I tell people if they feel a ton of pressure from the sides of shoes, then it’s time to shop for that wide shoe!”
Bunions may also be contributing to wide-footed woes since these bone protrusions can make the foot a lot wider and more painful. If you do suspect you have a wide foot, shop for roomier styles and consult with a podiatrist. “Wide feet can lead to knee, hip, and back pain if not supported,” Dr. Schaeffer warns. “It is always essential to get a good shoe and, more importantly, a good insole or orthotic!”
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