We Asked Podiatrists About the Best Shoes for Wide Feet—Here’s What They Said

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 22, 2026

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Credit: Brooks. New Balance. EatingWell design.

Podiatrist-Loved Shoes for Wide Feet

$30 Off: Brooks Ghost 17, $120 (was $150) at amazon.com and brooksrunning.com
Super Chic: New Balance 990v6, $197 at amazon.com
Best for Wide Forefeet: Altra Experience Flow 3, $145 at amazon.com and altrarunning.com
Extra Cushion: Brooks Ghost Max 3, $160 at amazon.com and brooksrunning.com
Editor-Loved: Hoka Clifton 10, $155 at hoka.com

We’re living in the golden age of sneakers. There are so many options for every type of runner and walker, including podiatrist-approved recommendations for people with joint pain, high arches and lower back spasms. We even found doctor-loved picks that will help those suffering from sciatica.

Since there’s a shoe for everybody and every bodywe wanted to know what sneaker brands and styles podiatrists suggest for wide feet. Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM RCPS at New York College of Podiatric Medicine, delivered, writing that it’s important to “match the shoe to the shape of the foot, rather than just selecting a ‘wide’ label.” When dealing with wide forefeet, she suggested Altra’s Experience Flow 3but when there’s even width along the entire foot, she chose New Balance’s 990v6.

Meanwhile, Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University, Mark Razzante, DPMopted for Brooks because the brand does such a good job of designing shoes “for different foot types and activity levels.” While he picked the Adrenaline GTS for people with weak ankles, he called out the Ghost 17 for those with wide feet.

There are plenty more expert recommendations where these came from. Keep reading to learn which shoe is right for you.

Brooks Ghost 17

~~$150~~ $120 at Amazon

~~$150~~ $120 at Brooksrunning.com

Dr. Razzante described the Ghost 17 as “a dependable everyday shoe with good cushioning and a comfortable ride.” When you also factor in its diverse width options, including narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide, it’s easy to see why this style is one of his top choices for people with wide feet. One Brooks shopper couldn’t agree more, writing: “I have osteoarthritis and also wear a 2E wide shoe. So, bad knees and wide feet make finding the right shoes imperative! I love Brooks shoes for that reason—I can be up and active all day and always feel comfortable.”

New Balance 990v6

$197 at Amazon

$200 at Newbalance.com

“For patients with a wide-width foot, the New Balance 990 remains one of the best options available,” said Dr. Landau. “Unlike shoes that are simply ‘roomy’ in the forefoot, the 990v6 is manufactured in multiple width options, allowing for a more accurate fit throughout the heel, midfoot and forefoot.” She also appreciates the midsole cushioning, which adds stabilizing features to this ultra-sleek shoe. Whether you’re walking or running, this roomy, padded sneaker will keep you comfortable.

Altra Experience Flow 3

$145 at Amazon

$145 at Altrarunning.com

Dr. Landau also recommended Altra’s Experience Flow 3 for patients with wide forefeet. Thanks to a wide, foot-shaped toe box, the forefoot can spread comfortably and move “without compression.” In this same vein, it’s also a great option for bunions, splayfoot or hammertoes.

Brooks Ghost Max 3

$160 at Amazon

$160 at Brooksrunning.com

Dr. Chandana Halaharvidouble board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and practice owner at Thrive Foot and Ankle in Houston, TX, swears by the Brooks Ghost Max sneaker. She appreciates this shoe because it’s “made for a wider foot through and through, not just at the toe box.” She also likes that it has a rocker-bottom to propel walkers forward and that the heel is firm to combat the “common issue of overpronation with wide feet.”

Clifton 10 disappointment

$155 at Hoka.com

Mikel Daniels, DPM, FACFASPresident and Chief Medical Officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry in Baltimore, MD, recommended Hoka’s Clifton 10 sneaker, which is also beloved by our editors. He wrote that it’s “designed for a truly wide forefoot,” without sacrificing stability or function. Choose from multiple colors and regular, wide and extra-wide styles.