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Sandals for Wide Feet (updated; scroll down for reviews)

LaPed

Veteran

So, my feet are now officially D-width according to the Brannock device. I still cheat into a lot of medium-width shoes, if they have laces I can loosen or are made of a supple, stretchy material. But with sandals it's hard to cheat; my forefeet and toes spill over the sides. I can wear regular-width Birkenstocks and wide-width (or men's) Chacos. But I'm honestly pretty tired of both -- I don't need the prominent arch support; if anything it causes me to over-supinate (wearing down the outer edge of the shoe).

Is it just me, or is there a real lack of sandals for wider feet? And moreover: is it just me, or do the ones that are available give off a very conservative "comfort shoe" vibe? I'm well-versed in all the barefoot sandal offerings (Xero, Unshoes, Luna, Shamma, etc) but stylewise none of them have much going on -- definitely gear-only for me.

Seriously, I'm ready to give up on casual sandals and reserve sandals for gear use only. Summer's short here anyway. :-/

Does anyone have cute, modern-looking flat sandals that run a bit wide? If so, please point me to them!

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from jacquez

Anonymous

Yes, D width is scarce. That's why I have to order my shoes online. Regular width Danskos work well for me. Otherwise, I have to not only search for a wide width, but also make sure it's D width and not C.

Anonymous

Have you tried flat a sandal that doesn't have a lot of leather on the side like a t-strap?

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Naot run wide.

And "'comfort' vibe" is generous.

L'Abeille

Veteran

No idea about brands. But if your feet spill over the side of regular width sandals... then regular closed shoes don't fit you, either. When you "cheat", you can get your foot into the shoe because the bones at the ball of your foot, instead of lying flat in a row, fold up like an accordion. And the ones that get pushed down will eventually wear out the padding and give you trouble after midlife, which is where I find myself now. Just a heads up!

Stylewise, I find a fisherman or Teva type sandal the most likely to accommodate my foot width without looking out-and-out orthopedic.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I can't wear a true W width but I do like a slightly wider style than many regular width shoes. Teva and Ecco seem to fit for me without being too wide in the heel portion. The most recent Clarks I bought are fine too but I would have preferred a different style.

The Teva sandals in red are a much prettier red in person. They match my burgundy handbag and I like that they are comfort sandals but don't stand out in that way.

Clarks Leisa Annual

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Ecco 'Damara' Leather Sandal (Women)

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Teva Ysidro Stitch Sandal

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LaPed

Veteran

L'Abeille -- yes, very much aware. I'm on what will probably be my last pair of Chuck Taylors because they're most definitely too narrow now, but I haven't found a great replacement for a canvas sneaker in a wide width. Most of them are too wide in the heel and give me blisters. (I have V-shaped feet.) The Chucks are low-mileage shoes though. I spend most of the time in Vivobarefoots or Soft Stars, which are wide and unstructured, Altras for hiking and running, or wide-width Blundstones for winter. And every now and then there's a standard-width shoe that's built on a just-right last. I have a pair of very old Frye Veronica boots that are the perfect shape for my foot, whereas most Fryes (the classic harness, engineer, etc) I find heinously uncomfortable. I've worn lots of Tevas in the past, and am fairly set as far as nylon-webbing sport sandals go. I've basically lived in Chacos in the summer for the past decade. I'm just looking to boost my style game, since Angie's always encouraging us not to live in our gear, but that may not actually be possible with sandals. I may just have to embrace closed-toe flats for summer, since there are a lot more decent-looking options.

GF -- lol re: "comfort shoe" -- I'm trying to keep it PC here!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you tried Eileen Fisher? They run wide. Paul Green too. Are you looking for a casual sandal? All these styles come in Wide.

SoftWalk Hansford Wedge Sandal

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David Tate Canyon Espadrille Sandal

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Naturalizer 'Whimsy' Ghillie Sandal

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Naturalizer Fae Sandal

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Rockport Cobb Hill Hollywood Sandal

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David Tate 'Nelly' Slingback Wedge Sandal

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Naturalizer Camilla Wedge Sandal

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Rockport Cobb Hill 'Gabby' Lace-Up Sandal

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Birkenstock 'Arizona' Soft Footbed Sandal

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Bella-Vita Isabelle Wedge Sandal

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David Tate Mint Wedge Slide Sandal

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Munro 'Cookie' Slingback Sandal

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Naturalizer Felicity Sandal

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Eileen Fisher Milly Strappy Wedge Sandal

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VANELi Celie T-Strap Sandal

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I hear you on the Teva nylon webbing thing. These are not, they are leather with white stiching which gives them just enough for me to feel happy about them. In the red color specifically, and maybe the black would be good (I didn't care for the tan). They are less gear than any of the other Teva's I've tried - but of course still not truly high fashion.

The Eccos are nice but not as comfortable for longer walks - which I often seem to do. I think it's a lack of support on those, but they look nice.

Anonymous

Have you ever tried Bernardos? They may not be the style you are looking for - though they have many - and don't offer support.

My foot is very wide through the toes. I wear a wide in Birkenstocks to prevent my toes from hanging over the sides, though the back half of my foot is more of a medium width. Unlike you, I have a high arch. And Bernardos fit me perfectly. I do wear a half size larger than my normal size.

I wore a brand new straight out of the box pair yesterday all day. Was on my feet a lot running errands and batch cooking in the kitchen. Perfectly comfortable.

They are expensive, but are always on substantial markdown somewhere. I mostly buy on Amazon and Ebay. Right now Last call has several styles.
Can't add finds on my tablet, but I did add a few pictures, including one of a pair of mine on my foot. They come in many colors - I just happened to find photos of browns.

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ClaraT

Veteran

Like texstyle, I wear wider styles (though not necessarily wides). For me it is because I have bunions. FitFlop wider styles work for me (regular Birks are too narrow in the toe box for me). I just bought Earth Bay sandals, which are available in many colors on Zappos and Amazon. As Angie would say, "Read the rave reviews." (Really! And raves on Amazon, too). I bought them in gold size 8--I wear a 7.5 in Born (I generally have good luck with Born shoes as well) and the Earth Bays in an 8 are a little loose but I've worn them all day with no issues. Super cute and an on-trend style.

Ally (at Wardrobe Oxygen) shows some specific wide-width sandals here: http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/.....taste.html, and Barking Dog Shoes has some recent sandals posts (not wide-specific, but she often includes shoes that come in wide widths).

Lastly, you can search Zappos for specific widths. So if you search Women's sandals for, say, 8D size/width, you get lots of results: http://www.zappos.com/women-sa.....4&pf_

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LaPed

Veteran

ClaraT -- I may have to try those Earth Bay sandals. I've had them in my Nordie's cart for weeks. Good to hear they work for you.

texstyle -- I like those Tevas you've posted -- definitely a step up from sport sandals.

Angie -- Yes. Just looking for a relatively sharp, everyday-casual sandal. I have yet to attend a dressy event in the summer; everything seems to take place at beaches or barns.

Anonymous

Today I'm wearing the Cobb Hill "Gabby" sandals that Angie posted. I have them in a taupe color. They are very comfortable, and I can walk everywhere in them.

Toban

Veteran

Marmi Shoes has wide widths for many of their shoes, and usually has trendy styles. Clarks and Rockport regular sizes usually run wider than other brands.

karen13

Veteran

Following this with great interest LP, I think we have share some foot/heel width issues, although I like to wear a custom orthotic when I can. I recently posted a request for recs for wide high tops and Angie recommended a Chuck Taylor that she says runs wider. What style of Chucks are you finding doesn't work anymore? Have you tried the fit on the Chuck II?

I find Keen mid hiking boots to be the most comfy shoe in my closet, although the newer Liberty Ridge model has a narrower last than mt beloved Durands.

The Clarks sandals in a wide width have worked for me.

I also sometimes perform surgery on my shoes - I have a width stretcher and a ball and ring style torture looking contraption.

Inge

(website)

I used this link to an article with suggestions for wide-width sandals in the Link Love post last week. Perhaps there's something you like there?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.....9d29da1bcc

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't have wide feet but I do have a narrow heel compared to forefoot. Ecco tend to work for me; sometimes I need an insole to take up some of the width. I have the sandals that Texstyle has also; I got them for a trip -- but alas, I find them unsupportive so nowhere near as comfy as most of my Eccos. I do think they might work better for a higher volume foot than mine, though, so they are worth consideration.

I find Clark's too wide, so those (or those in wide widths) might work.

Sofft makes some sandals in wide. The Innis is available in wide sizes and many colours.

http://www.sofftshoe.com/Women...../Size-6.5W

Versions of this sandal have been fantastic for me over the past few years. (The earlier styles looked a bit more like Gladiators; this version is awfully like a current Jimmy Choo style!)

I wore my first and second pair of Soffts (pewter Finds) into the ground; I had the regular width version and wore them as walking sandals for hour long walks each day (and more). I never got a blister!! (Miraculous for me). My feet never got sore. I loved them. The patent version isn't as comfy, of course; I got it simply because I needed a black sandal for some purpose.

Ecco 'Damara' Leather Sandal (Women)

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Söfft Innis Leather Criss Cross Sandals

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Jimmy Choo 'Chiara' Strap Wedge Sandal

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Söfft 'Innis' Low Wedge Sandal (Women)

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Söfft 'Breeze' Sandal (Women)

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Söfft 'Bernia' Sandal

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Greyscale

Veteran

Dr Martens? I don't know if they're too heavy for your style but these fit my wide feet quite well. And there are other styles too.
http://www.zappos.com/p/dr-mar.....24/color/3

Really stylish men's sandals are hard to find but if your feet happen to be a women's 9 or bigger there might be a few refined leather options that wouldn't read as very masculine but would have more space at the toe. A few that I came across:
https://www.eastdane.com/jobim.....220&c
http://www.zappos.com/jerusale.....GAECCg.zso

Edit: I wasn't familiar with that brand Iinked for men's sandals (Jerusalem Sandals) but they also seem to have gorgeous women's sandals that look just as wide. I would love to try them.

kerry

Veteran

Thanks for this post. I am in the same boat size 6 C/D. I wear some closed shoes/boots in 6.5 which often works but in sandals I don't like the look of too much length at the toe. I wear Birks a lot in the summer. My feet love them - just basic arizonas in black and taupe suede.

I also have the Eccos Texstyle and Suz have - I had to size down to 35 - I find them very comfortable. Although I also have a high instep so the ankle strap leaves a fair bit of Velcro exposed.

I have these Franco Sarto which are forgiving as the leather is soft.

These cheapie Crown Vintage sandals work because of the lacing all the way to the toe.

I also have a pair of Mimosa sandal booties which also have forgiving soft leather.
http://www.brownsshoes.com/MIM.....8;start=12

I'm thinking about a pair of Saltwaters - I'm hoping they're wide enough.

I really wish I could try on these Bed Stus - the leather seems like it would give enough.

We have so few wide width options in Canada. It takes a lot of trial and error.

LP I find chucks too narrow as well but have had luck with Vans.

Spritz of Salt Water Leather Sandal in Rose Gold

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Bed Stu Soto Sandal

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Crown Vintage Sarah Gladiator Sandal

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Franco Sarto Unveil Demi Wedge

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gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I forgot to add one company: Waldläufer. Sadly, their shoes aren't sold by the mainstream shoe retailers, but their last runs wide. My oxfords from them are well-built.
Warning: most of their models project comfort, but not all.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

LaP, there is an Australian website which makes customisable shoes. My Canadian sister-in-law who has very wide feet, has tried it and been happy I believe. They ship all over the world.
https://www.shoesofprey.com/
Not cheap. I'm afraid.

LaPed

Veteran

Oh, thanks so much for all these links! Off to browse.

Part of what I'm grappling with here is my own idiosyncratic aesthetic, which includes an aversion to the vast majority of shoes out there. I have more shoe stink-eyes than I know what to do with. Even shoes that I love on others often make me go "meh" when I see them on myself.

For example fisherman styles... I love them in theory, but when I wear them I feel like a toddler -- it's an associative thing; there are a bazillion fisherman sandals out there for little kids. It's the same way some people feel about mary janes, I suspect.

But something like this, with a lower vamp and fewer straps, might be okay... Also, Ahnu shoes fit me 99% of the time (they're made by Teva, I'm pretty sure).

And sandal fit is hard -- if even one of the straps isn't adjustable, or isn't adjustable enough, you're basically praying for the shoe gods to smile upon you. That's why I wear sport sandals -- fully customizable fit, every strap adjusts.

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LaPed

Veteran

Casual sandal try-ons have begun (actually, this is round two... I tried a bunch in March, too, and all of those were fails). Received the Earth Bay in Champagne yesterday, as well as the Ahnu Malini (above) in taupe. Both are going back.

Earth Bay -- I can see why people find this sandal comfortable. It runs true to size and has a nice squishy footbed. I'd say it is a bit on the wide side, because I could wear it pretty comfortably. However, the ankle on me was very loose -- like, I could stick two fingers between my ankle and the strap. This is one of the problems of being a small person with big feet! Also, the champagne color is definitely more of a light gold. It reads pinkish in the photo, more yellowish in real life.

Ahnu Malini -- runs very large. I sized down half a size and would have needed to go down another half for these to work lengthwise. But the last is too narrow. And the toebox is too short for me; even in a too-long size it hits somewhat short of the widest part of my foot, which IMO looks super unflattering. I've run into this before with the more "dainty" fisherman and huarache styles (not to mention d'orsays, loafers, anything with a low vamp... ugh, did I mention how frustrating shopping for shoes is?!).

So: next up two pairs of Kork-Ease and probably some (sigh) Birkenstock styles after that if neither of those works. I may also try the Cydwoq Thong, which I love the look of and which are supposedly good for wider feet. Always hesitant about a leather sole, though. It costs me $45 to have rubber soles put on and leather soles just don't hold up, plus you can't wear them on wet rocks. So it would be an expensive, low-use shoe for me. (There's a reason I've spent most of my summers in gear sandals!)

Earth 'Bay' Leather Sandal

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Kork-Ease Amboy Slide Sandal

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Kork-Ease 'Nara' Flat Sandal

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Birkenstock 'Yara' Sandal

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Birkenstock 'Mayari' Birko-Flor Sandal

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jacquez

I don't know about Cydwoq's sandals, but for me (a fellow triangular-foot person), their full coverage shoes are a bit loose on the heel end.

(That said, I LOVE my three pairs of Cydwoqs....)