More than 60% of Americans are wearing shoes that are too narrow. Tight footwear is the leading cause of bunions, hammertoes, corns, neuromas, and ingrown toenails. If you have wide feet, bunions, swelling from diabetes or pregnancy, or any foot deformity — a proper wide-width shoe isn’t optional. It’s medical necessity.

As a podiatrist, I see the damage narrow shoes cause every day. Here are my 2025 top picks for wide-width footwear that deliver both comfort and foot health.

How Wide Is “Wide”? Understanding Width Sizing

American shoe widths run: 2A (extra narrow) → B (narrow) → D (standard men’s / medium women’s) → 2E (wide men’s) → 4E (extra wide men’s) → 2W/D (wide women’s) → 2E/4E (extra wide women’s). Most standard shoes are D (men’s) or B (women’s). If your foot bulges over the sole edge, you need at minimum a 2E.

Best Wide Width Running Shoes

New Balance 990v6 (2E, 4E available)

The gold standard for wide running shoes. Made in the USA, the 990v6 features a roomy toe box, ENCAP midsole technology for exceptional cushioning, and a breathable mesh upper. Available in 2E and 4E widths for men, D and 2E for women. Check price on Amazon →

Brooks Ghost 16 (2E available)

One of the smoothest rides in running. The Ghost 16 in 2E offers a generous forefoot without sacrificing the responsive cushioning runners love. Excellent for plantar fasciitis patients who need a wider fit alongside arch support. Shop Brooks Ghost Wide →

Best Wide Width Walking and Casual Shoes

New Balance 928v3 (4E available)

Specifically designed for diabetic and orthopedic patients, the 928v3 is Medicare-eligible as a therapeutic shoe. Removable insole accommodates custom orthotics, internal rollbar reduces overpronation, and the extra-depth design accommodates hammer toes and bunions. Available in 4E and 6E for men. Shop NB 928v3 →

Propét LifeWalker Strap (Women’s wide)

Ideal for women with bunions, hammertoes, or swollen feet from diabetes. Adjustable strap allows custom width adjustment throughout the day as swelling changes. Approved for Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program. Shop Propét →

Best Wide Width Work Shoes

Dansko Professional Clog (Wide available)

A favorite among nurses, teachers, and restaurant workers. The Dansko Pro’s rocker bottom reduces forefoot pressure by 60% and the wide version provides the toe-box room essential for bunion sufferers. Available in wide widths for women. Shop Dansko Wide →

Podiatrist Tips for Wide-Foot Shoppers

• Always measure both feet — feet are rarely the same size; buy for the larger foot
• Shop in the afternoon — feet swell throughout the day; buying in the morning means shoes that feel tight by evening
• Lace-up beats slip-on — adjustable lacing allows width customization as your foot changes
• Check for a removable insole — if you have custom orthotics, you need the extra depth
• Don’t rely on “stretching” — shoes that need breaking in are already too narrow; fit should be immediate

When Off-the-Shelf Wide Shoes Aren’t Enough

If you’ve tried multiple wide-width shoes and still experience pain, pressure sores, or difficulty fitting — you may benefit from a professional fitting with custom orthotics or even prescription footwear. Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle can assess your foot structure and recommend the exact footwear solution for your anatomy.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.