This Is the One Type of Sandal To Avoid if You Have Wide Feet—Plus 18 Recommendations From Podiatrists
Repeat after us: no more pinched toes, no more pinched toes, no more pinched toes. If your feet are on the wider side, you know the cramped pinkie toe feeling well. Or, even worse—your footbed is so narrow, your toes fall off the whole sole itself! This summer, when searching for sandals for wide feet, how about you vow to never squish your tootsies into too-narrow shoes again?
Best sandals for wide feet at a glance
- Best slides: Adidas, Unisex Adissage Sandals ($23)
- Best block heel: Dolce Vita, Paily Slide Sandal($80)
- Best shock-absorbing: Birkenstock, Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals ($140)
- Best leather: Everlane, The Day Crossover Sandal ($85)
- Best cushioned: Madewell, The Charley Double-Strap Slide Sandal ($98)
- Best for water sports: Reef, Water Vista Sandal ($54)
- Best slingback: Bernardo, Gala Sandal ($168)
- Best lightweight: Crocs, Brooklyn Low Wedges Sandal ($71)
- Best sport sandal: Teva, Hurricane XLT 2 Sandal ($75)
- Best wedges: Lulus, Donnie Camel Suede Espadrille Wedges ($38)
- Best flexible footbed: Cushionaire, Lela Cork Footbed Sandal ($30)
- Best platform: Madewell, The Emmalee Sandal ($128)
- Best flat: Amazon Essentials, Women's H Band Flat Sandal ($15)
- Best convertible: New Balance, 202v2 Slides ($40)
- Best demi-wedge: Cole Haan, Francine Wedge Sandal ($45)
- Best T-strap: Dolce Vita, Ilene Sandal ($30)
- Best arch support: Vionic, Brandie Platform Slide Sandal ($120)
- Best minimalist: Sam Edelman, Gigi Sandal ($120)
What to look for in sandals for wide feet
When shopping for sandals, Bruce Pinker, DPM, podiatrist and owner of Progressive Foot Care, says the first thing to assess is whether they have adequate room for your toes so you can avoid foot pain. “If the sandals have a closed toe box, it is important that the toes are not cramped, especially if one has hammertoes.” He also recommends, whenever possible, to purchase sandals with an ankle strap. “Ankle straps add stability to help prevent injuries, such as ankle sprains,” he says.
Now, time for the fun part: shopping. Dr. Pinker recommends sandals from brands like New Balance, Orthofeet, Teva, and Mephisto, since they can often comfortably accommodate wide feet. And if those don't tickle your fancy, we have a slew of additional recommendations below. Just note—the one sandal to stay away from? Flip flops. “They usually offer a lack of stability and can irritate feet,” says Dr. Pinker.
Ahead, let your feet enjoy the warm weather with these podiatrist-approved sandals. Ready, set, shop!
Best sandals for wide feet
Like it or not, the 90s are back, including these Adidas slides that may or may not give you flashbacks to middle school. They run wide—hooray!—with an adjustable upper that lets you get just the right fit. The open-toed situation is a good fit for wide feet too, since it allows your toes plenty of room to breathe. And that massaging footbed…ahh.
What reviews say: “I use these shoes as my home slippers. They are comfortable and made very well. The small nubs which line the soles, are a great foot massage, increasing circulation and hitting those pressure points. This is my 3rd pair!” — Amazon customer
Material: Fabric, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole
Sizes: 5–19
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Adjustable strap
- Lighweight
- Massage nubs on footbed
Cons:
- Harder to keep on your feet
A sandal that is both sexy and comfortable = our dream shoe. These block heels include chunky braided straps, with a little give and lots of wiggle room for your toes, especially if you go with a wide width. The selection of 18 colors includes an array of neutrals, but we’re especially loving the soft pastel versions, like the lilac and rose. Scroll through the reviews to read how other buyers rave about how comfortable they are. (Like dance-all-night-in-them comfortable.)
What reviews say: “I have a slightly wide foot so often wear a size 7 shoe. However a size 7 was waaaay too long so I reordered in a 6.5. These have enough give to accommodate a wider foot. Would definitely order your regular size.” — Amazon customer
Material: Synthetic upper, rubber sole
Sizes: 4–15, standard and wide
Colors: 27
Pros:
- Wide bands
- Chunky heel for comfort
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run small
Thank goodness Birkenstocks are back in style—they are every wide foot’s best friend. What’s not to love? Birkenstocks are the best everyday summer shoe, whether you’re walking the dog or attending a backyard shindig, and they’re sandals with arch support, too. They’re super comfy, with a cushy footbed, plenty of width, and (once again) are considered cool. Personally, we think Birkenstocks never went out of style…
What reviews say: “These are adorable and fit perfect. They took a day or two to break in, do not be alarmed if they feel a little stiff or uncomfortable at first. I flexed the foot bed a few times, which really help to soften them up.” — Nordstrom customer
Material: Leather, synthetic sole
Sizes: 5–11.5
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Arch support
- Adjustable straps
- Contoured footbed
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the straps are stiff
All-day comfort: that’s the goal of these leather Everlane sandals. They have soft, criss-cross straps that have some give to accommodate wider feet, and a flexible footbed that cushions each step. Plus they have a slightly raised sole, wider fit all around, and are sustainable as they’re made with cleaner leather.
What reviews say: “I have these in three colors because yeah they are that comfortable and look that good! I have a wider foot so I size up. Very nice to wear into the office before swapping for heels. Also wearing them on casual days still gives a more polished look that more casual sandals.” — Everlane customer
Material: 100% Italian leather
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Soft, wide straps
- Flexible footbed
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they can slide off when walking
Trust us: add Madewell’s Charley sandals to your cart and you’ll love them this summer and for many more summers to come. The leather straps will naturally stretch over time, making this pair of sandals a good fit for wide feet. The flexible molded footbed with padding makes them all-the-more comfortable, too.
What reviews say: “Easy slip on with style and just a little height. I have wider feet so these are perfect” — Madewell customer
Material: Leather, man-made sole
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: 3
Pros:
- Soft straps
- Cushioned footbed
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they scuff easily
If you’re planning on a season worth of water activities, the last thing you want is to lose a sandal a few minutes into the day. These casual slingback sandals have wide straps and a a velcro back strap, which helps make sure they stay on your feet whether you’re running on the sand or ocean. They have a molded footbed to support your feet, too.
What reviews say: “These are so comfy!! I have wide feet and these fit well. They are very durable, good summer and beach shoes.” — Amazon customer
Material: Ethylene vinyl acetate sole
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 17
Pros:
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Adjustable back strap
- Molded footbed
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the straps are stiff
We love everything about these slingback sandals: the adjustable ankle strap, the cushioned footbed, the slight block heel, and the cool leather upper. But most of all, we love the openness of it that’s extra friendly to wide feet. Now, to get black, white, pink, or cognac…It’s a tough choice!
What reviews say: “These are similar style to another brand I had in the past. However, these blow theirs away. So much more quality. Expensive, but thinking worth it.” — DSW customer
Material: Leather
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Open design for wide feet
- Adjustable slingback strap
- Cushioned
Cons:
- Expensive
For an easy footwear choice, grab these Crocs sandals, which as just as lightweight and comfortable as your everyday Crocs, but give your toes more breathing room. In addition to having foam footbeds, these comfortable sandals have heel cups and raised insole for stability, and platform heels to give you a little boost in your step. And they’re super easy to rinse off, so you never have to worry about grimy sandals.
What reviews say: “I have a wide foot. These shoes don’t care because they’ll give your feet all the room they need! I was walking for hours in them and forgot what foot issues I had!!! If they ever come out in other colors, I need them all!!” — Amazon customer
Material: Rubber
Sizes: 4–11
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Foam footbed
- Wide fit
Cons:
- Straps are not adjustable
Teva sandals are notoriously wide-foot friendly, and this pair is no different. The quick-drying straps, which are available in four colors and patterns, allow you to adjust them to just the right fit for you. The anatomic footbed and padded heel ensure you’re extra comfy as you go on all sorts of outdoor adventures – camping, hiking, you name it – too. They’re fun and functional.
What reviews say: “This is my second pair. I wear them hiking, walking, working in a bakery, and traveling. I have back issues because of an injury. They give great stability and are very comfortable.” — DSW customer
Material: Nylon, rubber sole
Sizes: 5–14
Colors: 9
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Anatomical footbed
- Traction sole
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the straps require breaking in
Backyard parties of all kinds, from grill outs to weddings, beg for you to wear a pair of wedges. (Ever walk in grass in heels?) These suede espadrille wedges feature a cute criss-cross peep-toe upper and matching heel cup, with lots of open space on the sides for wide feet to relax. Plus, the ankle strap provides much-needed support.
What reviews say: “I did read the reviews on these running a bit large, I wear size 7 and I went ahead and purchased 6 1/2 based on the reviews and good thing I did they fit perfect and they are very comfortable most importantly they look amazing way prettier in person!” — Lulu’s customer
Material: Vegan suede, rubber
Sizes: 5.5–10
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Peep toe
- Adjustable ankle strap
- Wedge heel provides comfort
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it runs large
Bless the brands who create shoes specifically in wide sizes, like Cushionaire did with these easygoing 3-strap sandals. After a few wears, the suede insoles perfectly contour to your feet, and the cork footbed is especially flexible so there’s no painful breaking in, period.
What reviews say: “My feet are wide and it’s hard for me to find sandals that fit well and are in my price range. The soles are cushioned and comfy. Highly recommend buying these!” — Amazon customer
Material: Faux leather, suede, cork
Sizes: 5–12, standard and wide
Colors: 16
Pros:
- Soft, adjustable straps
- Flexible cork footbed
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they require breaking in
Everyone deserves comfortable sandals, and this platform design, with wide leather straps and a slingback strap, is the wear-all-day sandal of our dreams. The adjustable straps accommodate wide feet and the “cloudlift lite” padding feels like walking on a (you guessed it) cloud.
No reviews yet
Material: Leather, man-made sole
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Padded footbed
Cons:
- Expensive
We did it. We’ve found your easy, casual, everyday sandal for this summer. And good news: they’re super inexpensive and come in a slew of colors. Oh, and they fit wide feet spectacularly. Sometimes simple really is better.
What reviews say: “Wider foot? No problem. These sandals are great! They fit well on wider feet, like mine.” — Amazon customer
Material: 100% Polyurethane, synthetic sole
Sizes: 5–15, standard and wide
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Soft strap
- Cushioned sole
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they can slide off when walking
Fun fact: these 2-strap sandals can transform into 3-strap sandals in a blink of an eye. That’s thanks to the super stretchy uppers that can either be layered on top to cover the toes, or pulled back to give you additional heel support. Since they’re stretchy, you’ll never worry about squished toes while you stride.
No reviews yet
Material: Not listed
Sizes: 5–13
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Soft, stretchy straps
- Can be converted into three straps
- Soft footbed
Cons:
- Elastic straps may stretch out over time
All hail adjustable buckles! These Cole Haan sandals have two buckles, both on the leather upper and the ankle strap, which are especially accommodating for wide feet so you can ensure a customized fit. Plus, they’re oh-so pretty and have just a touch of a wedge heel. What more could you want?
What reviews say: “These sandals go with virtually everything. They fit exactly to size, look great and are so comfy. I have received many compliments.” — Amazon customer
Material: Leather upper, rubber sole
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 7
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Arch support
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they wear down quickly
T-strap sandals—just like this Dolce Vita design—are often a great fit for wide feet, since much of the foot is comfortably exposed and not trapped in too-tight straps. This elegant (and relatively inexpensive) sandal, with the squared-off toe and decorative buckle, will keep your feet comfortable and fashionable. Win/win.
What reviews say: “Love this sandal ,I got them in black. It is a little wide and the buckle doesn’t adjust, so I downsized a half size to get a better fit. They are very comfortable, I wore them on vacation walking all day on Caribbean islands…no blisters or red marks! Oh, and the metal buckles did not get hot to burn me.” — DSW customer
Material: Synthetic upper and sole
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: 3
Pros:
- T-strap accommodates wide feet
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Minimal padding
With adjustable straps and built-in arch support, these Vionic sandals will keep your feet comfy for hours and hours. They have a platform heel with a slight wedge so you can wear them with casual outfits or dress them up, too.
What reviews say: “Purchased these in my normal size in the black and LOVE them. They have excellent arch support and the style is luxe – understated and classic at the same time. I love the adjustable width” — Nordstrom customer
Material: Leather upper, synthetic sole
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Arch support
- Contoured footbed
- Adjustable straps
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they’re heavy
If you love walking around barefoot, these minimalist thong sandals are the next best thing. They have a thong design that won’t constrain wide feet, an adjustable ankle strap to keep them on, and an easy-to-wear flat sole that matches a variety of outfits.
What reviews say: “I have one in almost every color. They look great dressed up or down. They look nice on my wide feet” — Nordstrom customer
Material: Synthetic or leather upper, synthetic sole
Sizes: 5–12
Colors: 10
Pros:
- Thong style accommodates wide feet
- Adjustable ankle strap
Cons:
- Some reviewers say they run small
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