Finding comfy and stylish trainers can be tricky when you have wider feet, which is why we've rounded up the best trainers for wide feet you can buy in the UK. Luckily, many retailers now offer a vast range of wide-fit trainers, so you've got many options to choose from.
Trainers that are too narrow will feel uncomfortable, but did you know they can cause long-lasting damage to your feet too? They can disrupt your walking pattern plus put a strain on areas of the body, such as your knees and back. Sores, blisters and bunions are all common signs of ill-fitting shoes, too. And, if these are left untreated, they can lead to more serious health conditions. With this in mind, it's really important to check you're wearing the correct width and size.
Best trainers for wide feet at a glance:
• Best overall wide fit trainers: New Balance M411LB3 Walking and Running Trainers - view on Wide Fit Shoes
• Best wide fit trainers for walking: New Balance Women's 624v5 - view on New Balance
• Best wide fit trainers for arch support: Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal Trainers Wide Fit - view on Sketchers
Having wide feet is more common than you might think. 53 per cent of women asked in Sargasso & Grey's Great British Shoe Survey said they have wide feet. There can be a whole host of reasons for having wide feet, too. If you're constantly wearing shoes that are too tight and too small, they can cause your feet to swell and appear wider. You could have health issues that affect the width of your feet. Conditions such as diabetes and oedema cause ankles and feet to swell. Wide feet can also be a genetic thing.
Whether you're looking for fashionable trainers to elevate your everyday style or trainers for walking that will support you with every step, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up some of the best trainers for wide feet that you can buy in the UK.
Best trainers for wide feet UK
Best overall wide fit trainers
New Balance/Wide Fit Shoeswww.widefitshoes.co.uk
Whether you wear these New Balance M411LB3 Walking and Running Trainers casually or for a workout, one thing's for sure - your feet will be cushioned and supported. They have a stylish monochrome design with a black fabric outer and a white rubber outsole that is built for durability so you can keep moving comfortably in style.
Customer review: "These trainers fit my wide feet, they are very comfy and I wear them to go jogging. True to size I’d say. Will definitely be buying more New Balance wide fit trainers."
Pros
- Built for comfort and style
- EVA outsole provides lightweight cushioning
Cons
- It is recommended that you buy one size bigger than your usual size due to the fit
Best wide fit trainers for walking
New Balancewww.newbalance.co.uk
Another great option from New Balance are the New Balance Women's 624v5. They come in a variety of width sizes including Wide, X-Wide and XX-Wide and half sizes, too. The foam midsoles offer firm yet flexible cushioning and shock absorption, so they're ideal for keeping your feet comfy on long walks over uneven ground.
Customer review: "Wow after having stitches under my foot I was looking for a supportive and comfortable trainer. Well I found them!!! Just wonderful straight out the box job done possibly the most comfy trainers I've ever had."
Pros
- EVA footbed
- ABSZORB midsole
Cons
- As they're not made from mesh, your feet may get hotter inside on longer walks
Best wide fit trainers for arch support
Sketcherswww.skechers.co.uk
Skechers has really done its research as 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans have gone into creating these Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal Trainers Wide Fit trainers. They have Skechers' patented Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support and removable insoles that mould to your feet, reducing shock impact and increasing weight dispersion.
Customer review: "I have wide feet and it's hard to find shoes that are both wide enough and comfortable. I am a true Skechers fan now."
Pros
- Air-cooled memory foam
- Machine washable
Cons
- They have a more chunky look
Best wide fit trainers for plantar fasciitis
FitVillethefitville.uk
Dealing with the pain caused by plantar fasciitis can be challenging but wearing the right footwear can make all the difference. The FitVille Women's Cloud Wanderer V8 trainers are designed for heel pain relief, featuring cushioned innersoles and 5cm high EVA soles for shock absorption. As they're crafted in an EE width fitting with a spacious toe box, they're ideal for keeping wider feet comfortable.
Customer review: "These trainers are wide enough to fit my L ankle which sticks out with extra bone due to arthritis. They are very comfortable, when out on a walk. I am very pleased as I find shoes very difficult to find as I do have very thin feet with a valgus on my calcaneum and plantar fasciitis. On my R foot with no deformity, I have to pull the laces up very tight. I also need a roomy shoe as I have to wear orthotics. I love the style. Will buy again !"
Pros
- Wide and spacious toe box
- EVA sole for optimal shock absorption
Cons
- One reviewer felt the trainers rubbed on their feet when they first arrived
Best fun wide fit trainer
Paverswww.pavers.co.uk
We love that these Pavers Wide Fit Trainers are available in a choice of colours and prints. As well as being a stylish addition to your shoe rack, they're super comfortable too - thanks to the full leather lining, cushioned insoles, and added arch supports. Plus, the slip-on style makes it easy to put them on in no time.
Customer review: "A very comfortable, wide-fit summery style shoe. Easy slip-on style."
Pros
- Colourful pattern
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Not as much support as a lace-up trainer
Best wide fit trainers for size variety
Hotterwww.hotter.com
Part of Hotter's Cushion+ range, the Chase II Shoes are made with everyday comfort in mind. The ultra-light sole makes even the hardest terrain feel soft as they're packed with clever cushioning. The white colour is perfect for casual styling and the decorative zip adds fashionable detailing.
Customer review: "Excellent for fit and comfort. I recently had foot surgery and these shoes were perfect for my somewhat sensitive feet."
Pros
- Available in half and extra wide fit sizes too
- Wide choice of colours
Cons
- Some may not like the zip detailing on the side
Best leather wide fit trainers
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Available in navy and white, the John Lewis Florette Wide Fit Leather Trainers are designed with fun and function in mind. They're made with a high-quality Indian leather and are finished with a foam-padded footbed to ensure your feet stay cushioned underfoot all day long.
Customer review: "Really pleased with these trainers. A lovely fit. They were a bit stiff for the first couple of days but fine after that."
Pros
- Made with quality materials
- Underfoot cushioning
Cons
- The leather is quite stiff to begin with, which can make them feel narrower, however, this should loosen after a while
Best wide fit slip-on fashion trainers
Yours Clothingwww.yoursclothing.co.uk
Looking for a pair of trainers that offer effortless style and can be put on in a hurry? These Pink Quilted Slip-On Trainers from Yours Clothing have no laces, zips or Velcro to contend with, you just pop your feet in and away you go. They have a padded insole and elasticated panels on the side for your comfort.
Customer review: "When I received my item I put them straight on and thought these will hurt my feet. As soon as I wore them around the house, they didn't hurt my feet, they were so comfortable and forgot that I had them on. So I will be ordering another pair in different colours."
Pros
- Can be worn with dresses, jeans and more
- Easy to put on
Cons
- As these are extra wide fit trainers, they may be too wide for those that need just a little bit of extra room in their shoes
Best trainers for wide feet UK FAQs
What are the shoe width sizes for wide feet?
The standard fitting for shoes in the UK is a D width. The next width on the wideness scale is an E fit, classed as a wide fit in many stores. If you find that an E fit isn't quite wide enough, you can also get an EEE width fitting to give you the additional room your feet need. Retailers commonly list these shoes as extra wide fit.
How to get the best fit for your trainers
After a busy day of being on your feet, you will find that your feet will get hot and swell. According to UK brand Pavers, this is the best time for measuring your feet and trying on shoes. Your feet will be at their widest at the end of the day, making it ideal for getting an accurate measure.
No two feet are the same, so of course, the fit of trainers will vary from foot to foot. The purpose of your trainers can also affect the fit. For example, in gym trainers, many brands recommend you size up to give your feet room to breathe while working out. If you are someone who struggles with swollen feet or you're finding the fit of your trainers isn't quite right, Pavers has some advice. They suggest adding additional insoles and inlays inside. This way, you'll be able to tailor the fit of your new trainers, ensuring they're comfortable and secure.
Rosie Floyd is a Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as pets. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.