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
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
Best overall wide fit trainers
www.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 white rubber sole and black tips - that is built for durability so you can keep moving comfortably in style.
They are available in two width options (2E and 4E). Customers have commented on the overall feel of the shoes, with one saying "These trainers fit my wide feet, they are very comfy and I wear them to go jogging. True to size I’d say."
Pros
- Built for comfort and style, with a sleek no-sew construction
- EVA (rubber-like) outsole provides lightweight cushioning
Cons
- It is recommended that you buy one size bigger than your usual size due to the fit
Sizes available: | UK 6.5-10 |
Best walking trainers for wide feet
Best walking trainers for wide feet
Another great option from New Balance are the New Balance Women's 624v5, which are available in Wide, X-Wide and XX-Wide width options. 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.
They have been praised by customers for their comfortability, with one in particular saying, "Wow after having stitches under my foot I was looking for a supportive and comfortable trainer. Well I found them!".
Pros
- ABZORB midsole - has shock-absorbing properties
- Non-marking soles, so they shouldn't mark floors
Cons
- As they're not made from mesh, your feet may get hotter inside on longer walks
Sizes available: | UK 3-11 (including half sizes) |
Best wide fit trainers for arch support
Best wide fit trainers for arch support
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.
They're brilliant for all sorts of activities as they have a cooling memory foam interior and a removable insole, plus they can be put on a spin in the washing machine if they get muddy! Customers raved about how supportive they are (particularly those suffering with foot pain) with one writing: " I cannot believe I've worn these to pack/move house, run errands all day, and stand for hours on the hard, unforgiving floors at work without any of the knee and foot pain I'm accustomed to having."
Pros
- Air-cooled memory foam to prevent sweaty feet
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
Cons
- They have a more chunky look which might not be for all
Sizes available: | UK 2-7 |
Best wide fit trainers for plantar fasciitis
Best wide fit trainers for plantar fasciitis
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. One customer suffers from arthritis, valgus (on the calcaneum) and plantar fasciitis and has found these shoes to be comfortable to walk in, thanks to the extra width.
Pros
- Wide and spacious toe box
- Lightweight with a removable insole
Cons
- One reviewer felt the trainers rubbed on their feet when they first arrived
Sizes: | UK 3.5-8.5 |
Best fun wide fit trainer
Best fun wide fit trainer
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.
Several customers were pleased with the price and have called the trainers "A very comfortable, wide-fit summery-style shoe." They also praised them for being easy to slip onto the feet.
Pros
- Colourful pattern
- Small holes for airflow
Cons
- Not as much support as a lace-up trainer
Sizes available: | UK 3-8 |
Best wide fit slip-on trainers
Best wide fit slip-on trainers
Looking for a pair of trainers that offer effortless style and can be put on in a hurry? These Silver Slip-On Trainers from Yours Clothing come in a Wide E-fit and have no laces, zips or Velcro to contend with; you just pop your feet in and away you go!
They have a rounded and elasticated panels on the side for your comfort and will look lovely with a denim jacket and a dress, or a pair of jeans or leggings for a more casual look.
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
Sizes available: | 4EEE-9EEE |
Best leather wide foot trainers
Best leather wide foot trainers
www.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 foot-bed to ensure your feet stay cushioned underfoot all day long.
Some customers noted that "they were a bit stiff for the first couple of days but fine after that", which is to be expected with leather, but with regular wear, the material will loosen and relax.
Pros
- Made with quality, long-lasting materials
- Underfoot cushioning to protect the base of your foot
Cons
- The leather is quite stiff to begin with, which can make them feel narrower, however, this should loosen after a while
Sizes available: | UK 3-8 |
Best wide fit platform trainers
Best wide fit platform trainers
If you're quite heavy-footed, a pair of platform trainers are ideal for putting more cushioning between your foot and the floor to prevent pain from your foot "hitting" the ground. I find the Converse Run Star Hike Hi trainers to be extremely comfortable and have walked for miles in them (one day I did up to 40,000 steps) without much discomfort.
Although they don't specify that they're for wide feet, I'm a regular Converse wearer and can tell you that their shoes are very spacious - as some other customers have mentioned in the reviews (e.g.: "It’s quite comfy but runs big, you might want to size down") - so I have no trouble getting them onto my feet.
Some Converse shoes can be quite slippery on certain surfaces, but these Run Star Hike Hi trainers have a vulcanised rubber toe cap and outsole which provide more grip. Finally, I like that they are black and white, so they go with any style outfit, and that they're high-tops so they go above my ankles, meaning I can wear long socks underneath.
Pros
- Extra cushioning due to the platform soles
- Pull-tabs on the back which make it easy to put them on your feet
Cons
- Quite chunky, which can be annoying on small steps
Best wide fit trainers for size variety
Best wide fit trainers for size variety
Part of Hotter's Cushion+ range, the Chase II Shoes are made with everyday comfort in mind and come in Standard, Wide and Extra-Wide Fit options. 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. Some customers have highlighted that they are "excellent for fit and comfort", with one saying that they "recently had foot surgery and these shoes were perfect for (their) somewhat sensitive feet".
Pros
- Available in half and extra wide fit sizes
- Wide choice of colours
Cons
- Some may not like the zip detailing on the side
Sizes available: | UK 3-9 |
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.