Best Wide Width Shoes for Women

You know how I know how impossible it is to find the best wide width shoes for women? Because I have double wide feet.

Do you have wide or double wide width feet like I do? Are you looking for double wide shoes for ladies?

Maybe you even call your feet fat because they are so extra wide. Either way, you know that finding the best wide womens shoes can be nearly impossible.

Best wide width women's shoes new pins (6)

What this post on wide width shoes for women covers

This post focuses on the best shoes for wide feet women. In fact, it focuses specifically on places to shop for wide width shoes.

In addition, I’ve included brands that I think do a good job of making wide width shoes for women. I’m also including links to shopping sites that stock these brands. That way, if you like what you read and want to shop for these wide shoes, you can do that with just one link or tap.

Also, if you click or tap any of those links, I may earn a commission from the retailer. There is no cost to you for using my links. But I need to be upfront about all of that.

Anyway, here is a list of what topics I cover in the post as you scroll down:

👠Where to buy extra wide width shoes for women

👠How to shop for wide shoes on Zappos

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👠Best brands of wide width shoes for women

👠How to save money on women’s wide width shoes

👠Shopping at Nordstrom for wide width shoes

And much, much more.

If you wear an extra wide width aka WW, XW, EE, 3E or wider, it makes sense to invest in good quality shoes. Sometimes you get what you pay for, and you pay for quality. Plus, good-quality shoes tend to last longer than the cheap flea market variety.

What does different widths mean in women’s shoes

Maybe you’re new to having wide feet. For example, in my younger years, I always wore a single wide shoe. We’re talking a C or D width.

However, after having two children, suddenly my feet expanded. Now I need to buy wider shoes. We’re talking shoes in a double wide (WW) or extra wide (XW) width. Otherwise, the shoes weren’t wide enough.

Add to that it seems like my feet got widest in the front of my foot. Therefore, I needed shoes with roomy toe boxes. If a toe box on a shoe wasn’t wide enough, I couldn’t wear the shoe, regardless of width. Anyway, enough about my feet, here is a brief explanation of the different shoe widths for women.

What is 2E width

A 2E width shoe might be labeled as 2E. On the other hand, it could be labeled as EE. In truth, when it comes to women’s shoes, 2E is the same as extra wide or XW or wide-wide (WW).

However, if you’re buying men’s shoes, then you might discover that 2E is just regular wide for men. In fact, for men with really wide feet, they often need a 4E shoe. However, I’ve been able to buy shoes like LL Bean duck boots in a men’s 2E and they’re roomy enough. On the other hand if you don’t have a 4E woman’s foot, you’ll be swimming in a men’s 4E shoe.

I bought LL Bean insulated duck boots in a men’s wide to fit my double-wide feet. Photo credit: Leah Ingram.

Are there 4E shoes for women

There are two ways that women can buy 4E shoes. One, they can shop in the men’s department for 4E sneakers. However, as I explained above, 4E would be extra-extra-extra wide for women.

Or, two, they can shop in stores or on websites that carry 4E shoes and cater to hard-to-fit feet. Honestly, your best bet is to reach out to a local podiatrist. Many have shoe stores on the premises.

Also, you may find a regional shoe store, not affiliated with a podiatrist, that carries 4E shoes for women. Recently, I came across one such store in Massachusetts. It even had ballet flats in widths up to 6E.

Online search results for 4E shoes not always accurate

When searching online, don’t just go by the Google results, either. Many stores will say that they stock 4E width shoes for women. However, when you click through, you find out that this isn’t true.

Unfortunately, well-known online shoe sites like Zappos and Nordstrom only stock women’s shoes in widths up to 3E. I could not find any kind of shoe in an EEEE width on either site.

Nordstrom women wide shoes

For me it’s a no-brainer to buy shoes at Nordstrom. Nordstrom has excellently trained shoe sales staff. It’s one of the best stores for wide width shoes. Plus, you get free shipping to and from the store.

Always Read Reviews on Extra Wide Footwear

Whenever shopping online, I always read the reviews. I realize that not everyone has the same feet that I do. However, when I hear complaints about toe boxes that are too narrow or heels that slip, then I know the shoes are not right for me. This saves me from spending money–and wasting my time–on extra wide footwear that’s likely not to fit my feet.

I’ll also leave reviews when I find shoes that work well for my extra wide feet. I’ll do the same with shoes that don’t quite work. It feels like it’s my karmic duty to give back to other women with wide feet like me. Also, it feels good to share information on comfortable women’s shoes as well as the ones that I didn’t like.

Make Sure You Get Free Shipping

Here’s where the money part comes in. I will only order shoes from sites that offer free shipping both ways. Not free returns, though. Because the phrase “free returns” doesn’t always mean free return shipping.

Always read the fine print before placing your order. Some shoe sites will give you a label to send things back. That is seemingly free. But the fine print says they’ll deduct some amount from your refund to cover shipping. That’s not free.

Same thing with free exchanges. That may not mean free shipping when you exchange your shoes. Some stores charge a “restocking” fee. It’s like big box stores sometimes do when you return electronics.

Brands of women’s shoes wide width

So, what are some of the brands of women’s shoes that come in wide width that I own? Here are a few I’ve purchased personally

Soft Style: A Hush Puppies Company

Why I like Soft Style shoes

With a wide foot, it is sometimes impossible to find a pump that you can wear without squishing your toes.

The Deanna style pump I bought at Zappos from Soft Style, a Hush Puppies Company, is not one of those shoes.

The toe box is roomy, and even though there is a heel, it doesn’t feel like my foot is sliding downhill into pain (if you know what I mean). Plus, it’s got these beautiful metallic accents that I think really elevate the shoe from a boring old pump to something spectacular.

I’ll admit that not all of the colors Zappos stocks come in a double wide or EE/2E.

However, the pair I bought did.

Rockport Cobb Hill

Why I like Rockport Cobb Hill Shoes

I didn’t think I would like Rockport Cobb Hill Shoes at first. Why? Because they don’t come in a true double-wide width, which I need.

However, I learned that if you order their D width or single wide width, they will likely fit your double-wide feet. Another pro for Rockport Cobb Hill shoes? Excellent arch support.

I have extremely high arches. Without good arch support, I end up plagued by plantar fasciitis. Ouch.

Unfortunately, Footwear News reported that Rockport filed for bankruptcy protection in early 2023. So, I don’t know what the future of this brand will be.

My favorite Rockport Cobb Hill shoes, by far, is this Crosbie bootie shown above. It is my everyday shoe for casual and business situations when closed toe shoes are appropriate. These are best worn with no-show socks.

You can find this Crosbie bootie on Zappos. Side note: if you have a favorite pair of shoes and the brand stops making it, try these tips for finding replacements for discontinued clothing and footwear.

Looking for arch support? The folks at Easy Feet can help.

Josef Seibel

Why I like Josef Seibel sandals

I live in these Josef Seibel sandals all summer long. Like Rockport Cobb Hill, Josef Seibel stocks regular wide shoes only.

josef seibel tonga sandal nordstrom

However, at least with the sandals, they are wide enough for my double wide feet. I think the fact that my favorite sandal, the Tonga sandal, has Velcro across the foot, helps. This lets you customize the fit if you need a wide toe box like I do. In addition, they provide the arch support I need.

Finally, these sandals come in a variety of colors. Currently, in my closet I have them in brown, metallic and black.

Born

Why I like Born shoes

I’m starting to sound like a broken record. Because Born is yet another brand that offers shoes that fit double wide feet. However, Born shoes only come in a single wide width.

Nonetheless, they are generously roomy without being too wide or too big. Whenever I need to wear flats with trousers, my go-to shoe is this Born Julianne ballet flat. The D width fits my double-wide foot.

A woman in an easter bunny costume, wearing the best wide width shoes, sits next to two dogs.
I’m wearing my Born ballet flats with jeans in this picture from PetSmart with the Easter Bunny and my dogs. Photo credit: Leah Ingram.

Normally, I can’t wear ballet flats because they slip off my narrow heels. However, these Julianne shoes fit fine.

Finally, as with my other favorite shoe brands, the Born Julianne flat offers great arch support–something you might not expect to find in a ballet flat.

This article can help you locate wide shoes for kids.

Where To Buy Women’s Extra Wide Width Shoes

Here are my favorite places to go online to get fashionable wide width shoes for women that are also comfortable and stylish. This includes Cobb Hill shoe retailers.

Personally, I’ve purchased my Cobb Hill shoes from Zappos.com and Nordstrom.

Some of these best stores for wide shoes even offer online options for wide width designer shoes:

I believe that these online stores offer some of the best wide shoes for women. Right now, for me, these are two best places to buy wide shoes. They are Nordstrom and Zappos. And clearly I need to investigate more brands that sell truly double-wide shoes. Sounds like a reason to do some shoe shopping

How to find extra wide women’s shoes on Zappos

One of the reasons I love shopping for my extra wide shoes on Zappos is the site’s filtering system. It’s easy to identify my width, then look at shoes.

Let me explain how it works so you’ll have an easier time navigating these wide width women’s shoe options on Zappos. I’ll give you examples of shopping on Zappos on a desktop as well as the mobile app.

Finding extra wide women’s shoes at Zappos website

One, go to Zappos.com. Two, across the top, bring your cursor to the word “Women.” Click the down arrow. Three, scroll all the way down to the word “Wide.” Click on wide.

From the page that comes up, then click your preferred wide width to search. Don’t forget to choose your size. From there you can choose which category of shoes you want.

Finding extra wide women’s shoes at Zappos mobile app

Here is how to search by width for women’s shoes on the Zappos mobile app.

One, open the app. Two, tap shoes.

Three, tap women.

Four, tap all women.

Across the top you’ll see the option to filter. Tap filter. Then, tap women’s width.

Make sure the bar at the top is toggled to “I Want.”

After that, tap the width you want and then save.

Click the back arrow and then Done. Finally, see your results with this filter enabled.

What brands are good for wide feet

As far as brands go, here are the ones that I’ve felt work best for my feet. They offer a truly double-wide width. That is important if you have double wide width feet like I do, since it isn’t always represented in a shoe that says WW or EE or XW.

Also, I believe they offer what I would call fashionable wide width shoes and wide shoes for women that also happen to be comfortable:

Shoes for Wide Feet That May Not Be Extra Wide Width

As I mentioned earlier, I have found a few brands that don’t officially offer double wide width shoes for women. However, some of their styles still fit my double-wide feet.

So they offer some of the best wide shoes for women, in a regular wide, even if you have extra-extra wide feet. For example, I have a pair of Rockport Cobb Hill booties in regular wide and you know what? They fit my double-wide feet perfectly.

They also offered amazing arch support and hugged my heels in all the right places. Now Rockport Cobb Hill is one of my favorite go-to brands.

Wide feet and skinny heels

Why am I mentioning heels? Because I believe that a lot of women like me, with wide feet, also have narrow heels. Many of us need a shoe with a wide-enough toe box–I test the toe box by crossing my toes inside the shoe. If I can’t do that, they go back.

Despite this wide toe box, our heels are narrow or skinny or whatever you want to call them. What that means is we get a lot of heel slippage. This is often why women with wide feet cannot wear ballet flats.

Before I learned this important distinction, there were many times when I’d run up a flight of stairs, only to leave my flats on the first step! So it’s important to find brands that offer a wide front and skinny back, if you will.

You can find this in brands that might not offer extra wide sizes in their footwear, but they fit extra wide feet with skinny heels. These brands, highlighted earlier, include:

These are some of the brands that offer the best women’s shoes for wide feet or best women’s wide shoes. Again, even though their shoes aren’t technically extra wide, if you need that. Some of these brands come in European sizes.

This article helps you convert Euro to US shoes sizes.

Nordstrom Rack also has wide width women’s shoes and boots

Many of the wide width women’s shoes that you can buy at Nordstrom are often also available at Nordstrom Rack. And for a lot less than in the store.

So, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in shoes at Nordstrom, I would recommend looking at Nordstrom Rack, too. You can have good luck finding wide width shoes for men at Nordstrom Rack.

Finally, this article explains the difference between Nordstrom vs. Nordstrom Rack.

Update on shopping for the wide width shoes

As far as specific kinds of women’s shoes in wide widths and extra wide widths, I’ll direct you to a separate article. It covers wide width formal or dress shoes. That includes boots and booties in wide widths. So if you’re looking for ideas on heel shoes for wide feet, that article is your best resource.

In addition, you may want to check out this article on women’s wide width casual shoes. It covers sandals, slippers and flats.

On the other hand, here is info on wide width sneakers for working out. This article even covers women’s wide width sneakers for problem feet.

Are you like me? Have wide feet and large boobs? Then you’ll want to check out my this blog post: Top Bras for Big Busts.

Need help converting women’s sizes to another kind of shoe? This calculator can help you do that.

U.S. Shoe Size Conversion Calculator

*Note: This is just an approximation based on average shoe sizes. Some brands run bigger or smaller.

Final Thoughts on Best Wide Width Shoes for Women

One more thing to add when it comes to buying shoes. You know that I’m a big believer in supporting companies that stand behind their products. It’s the same with shoes.

While Nordstrom and Zappos may not advertise their lifetime warranty for shoes or guarantee like other companies do, I know from first-hand experience that both brands will stand behind the shoes they sell to you.

They both get top marks in customer service. That, along with offering high-quality shoes, are reason enough for me to shop with them regularly. And if I’ve missed any category of women’s wide width shoes that you think I should cover, please comment below.

If I can find something to recommend, I’ll be sure to update this wide shoes review.

This article asks the question: why doesn’t size-inclusive fashion include wide-width shoes for women?

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54 Comments

  1. Do you have any advice finding 6E width women’s dress shoes? I’m desperate! 😕 I’m 47 and most are just hideous. I’ve tried hitch cock , are there any others in the US? TY!

  2. This is sooo helpful!! I’m trying to find wide width shoes for my mom and this article has come in handy. Now I know what to do to help her. Appreciate the information.

  3. Thank you for this article. Very helpful! I am obsessed with Cobb Hill, they are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had!

  4. Hi Leah! This post made its way into a barefoot shoe FB group and we empathized with your plight to find foot-friendly shoes, especially if you’re being told EE is “wide” and not a perfectly normal foot width (I myself would be at least a EEE or EEEE according to the chart I was able to find online – and my feet are fairly narrow)! I know you wrote this a while ago so hopefully by now you’ve already found the barefoot shoe world, but in case you hadn’t we wanted to share anyasreviews.com as a great starting point to get your feet into better fitting, more comfortable, and healthier shoe options. Your feet will thank you!

  5. Consider looking into barefoot shoes. My guess is you don’t actually have feet that are THAT wide, it’s just that they’re regular foot shape, as opposed to the shoes you’re promoting here, which are not going to be foot shaped. I didn’t see if you stated the length and width of your feet, but definitely look into barefoot shoes because they’ll fit a lot better and be much more foot health forward than these are. 🙂

  6. Feet get older as you age, also. I once could find and wear women’s 4D. Now my feet are too wide for those, and I end up in the kiddie section. (It’s a family problem – my father wore 5E!)
    I call them pony shoes: short and wide.

  7. Thank you for posting this, I’ve had wide feet issues since birth and that’s 50+ years ago and I hate shoe shopping. If you could somehow cover those of us that have the dreaded high instep to go along with this issue, I’d be forever greatful!

    Amy

  8. Hi! I found your article while searching for extremely wide sandals that weren’t outrageously expensive. (I wear a size 8.5, 6-8E width) The store you found in Massachusetts is Hitchcock. I’ve bought shoes from their online store several times. They used to carry up to 6E, but now have 8E! The shoes are well made and reasonably priced if you get a sale.

  9. That’s great! But can we get the stores to also include size 13 for women. There are tall ladies that size 12 is just not long enough which I am one of so can we get a little a care and attention too. Lots of Love to all who need it❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  10. I hope you are still actively blogging, so many stop after a few years…
    I have had wide feet since first grade that I remember and only saddle shoes fit. My mother took less than a week’s worth of thalidomide–but from that I have feet with very short toes, extremely high arches & insteps & now, bunions and bone spurs on my insteps. So happy I found this blog and you are the only person who even mentions heel width. So I have 6.5 D width feet, narrow heels and huge calves and can only where 1.5 inch heels. I hope I find some new resources here. Love your recomendations!

  11. I was surprised that you didn’t mention Comfortview which is sold through Jessica London. I’ve gotten a few pairs of boots from that brand, and was very happy with the level of comfort they gave my “sturdy” feet.

    (I’m trying to see my wide feet in a more positive way) 🙂

  12. I’ve found White Mountain to make good wide dress shoes for women. Thanks for all your information!

  13. Leah, I felt like you were expounding on me and my feet. Possibly we are twins isolated during childbirth. I am in tennis shoes all the time and have discovered that Asics and New Balance additionally have great toe boxes for my width. Furthermore, presently, fortunately, the men’s tennis shoe adaptations are in vogue.

  14. I wear a size 41/2 but I need an extra wide width. I’m finding dress shoes impossible to find. Any suggestions?

    1. Hi, and thanks for posting your question. I looked on Zappos and found a few options for dress shoes in 4.5 wide or E width: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5512466/type/dlg/https://www.zappos.com/filters/stuart-weitzman-women-shoes/CK_XAToCmw1aAqoDehTUBNkE2QTZBNkE2QTZBNkE2QTZBIIBF5oYjBiNGI4YjxiQGIoY3OEDlYAFloAFwAEB4gIGAQsYBw8P.zso

      I also saw that Nordstrom had shoes in 4.5 but not double wide, only single wide: https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=5al2mo/JjpM&mid=1237&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.nordstrom.com%2Fc%2Fwomens-shoes%3Forigin%3Dtopnav%26breadcrumb%3DHome%252FWomen%252FShoes%26offset%3D10%26sort%3DBoosted%26size%3D%25278%253A4.5%7E%7E2%2527%26width%3D%25278%253Ac%7E%7E5%2527

      If you read in this blog post, I’ve found some brands that only offer single wide but fit like a double wide so do order some and try them out. Of course, you can always look in the kids’ sections.

      Hope these suggestions help!

      Leah

  15. I’ve been looking for some shoes for my wife for a while now. As you said here, there are many places where I can find some wider ones as those are the ones she needs. It would also be a good idea to look at the reviews for the specific shoes as not all of them are the same.

  16. This is great except every time I’ve purchased shoes online I return them because they don’t fit. I need to walk my big feet into a store and try them on. Suggestions?

  17. I have size 7-71/2 EEE-EEEE feet and a 13.5 inch calf size. I am desperately looking for a pair of tall casual or dressy boots that fit a very wide foot but normal calves. I have considered looking into buying a narrower boot with a regular calf circumference and having the feet stretched. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    1. I recently bought a pair of Rockport Cobb Hill boots that are wide but have a regular calf. I share your frustration in looking for a wide boot that fits a regular size calf. I mean, we women with wide feet don’t always have wide calves. I’ll give another shoutout to Zappos since you can try the boots on at home and send back what doesn’t work for free and for a refund. https://www.leahingram.com/zapposwidewidthshoes

  18. I live in the Grater Cleveland, OH ar3ea, and shop for extra wide shoes at two stores: Mar-lou (in Lyndhurst, OH) and at Foot Solutions. They have told me that shoes should last six months OR 500 miles depending on your employment.

  19. Thank you for this post!!! I am quite over weight and have wide/fat feet as a result. The only shoes that I have found that have been comfortable and allow me to be on my feet all day (work) are Danskos Pro clogs. They are pretty much all I get and refrain from wearing certain types of clothes b/c i don’t/can’t find anything cute for the feet that either fits or is comfortable. I will have to try again at Nordstroms and Zappos.

  20. Where is a good reputable place to go to get your feet measured….by knowledgeable staff? I have wide feet with deformities from surgeries as well as bunions. Living in AS, I’m either barefoot or wear Teva walking sandals….with Velcro tabbed that adjust across the wide part of my feet.

    1. Hi, Lynn:

      I would start at Nordstrom. If not, can you find a local podiatrist’s office with a shoe store attached or something? Near where I live there is such a thing, and I trust them to measure my feet. Also, a reputable running store should know what they’re doing with measurements. Finally, you can always look in the Yellow Pages for old-fashioned shoe stores. They still exist. Hope that helps.

      Leah

  21. This is an amazing post! Right? I have never seen a blog post anywhere written specifically to the problems encountered when purchasing shoes for wide feet! For 52 years, I have been at the mercy of my wide flat feet. My mother and 3 sisters ALL wear a 6.5 B. I am the smallest of the bunch at 5’3″ and 106 lbs. with whopping 8.5 feet! I have always been ashamed of my feet and my footwear. In college, I started wearing neutral colored, extremely simple styled clothing so as not to draw attention to my ugly shoes and big feet. I continue with those same wardrobe choices today. With online shopping, I’ve discovered that some stores DO carry attractive wide-width footwear. But, I’ve been for the most part, “SOL”, in terms of finding shoes that are comfortable and truly FIT! Armed with your tips, I’m moving forward, with hopes of finding a fashionable, comfortable shoe.

  22. Hey Leah Ingram, it’s really awesome blog. I love this blog very much. I have a footwear blog (footwearboss.com) If you agree I want to feature your post on my blog.

    Thanks again.

  23. Oh my gosh. So glad I found you on a Pinterest. I felt like you were writing about me and my feet. Maybe we are we are twins separated at birth. 🙂 Thank you for the great article and helpful information!

  24. Suffered with wide feet my entire life and have also found it is often about trial and error. Of course I now also have bunions from all the years of wearing too narrow heels on hard floors in too tight. As a Walk Instructor, I am in sneakers very often and have found that Asics and New Balance also have really good toe boxes for my width. And now luckily the men’s sneaker versions are stylish. My first expensive Addidas back in the day were guys. Avon also has some of the most comfortable shoes, sandals and boots I have had on in a long time and they are inexpensive and stylish! Good luck to all my sisters with EE or EEE’s – I feel your pain!

    1. Thanks for the comment. And your mention of the toe box is so important–it is the key to a comfortable shoe when you have a wide foot!

      Leah

    1. Thanks for the heads up! Gonna go edit the piece. It HAS been awhile since I shopped with them so somehow missed this!

    1. Agreed! Which is why towards the end of the piece, I wrote the following: “Fun fact: you can often buy men’s shoes, two sizes smaller than what you normally wear, and get away with that for your sneakers. Why? Because men’s shoes are cut wider overall than women’s shoes.”

    1. I have shopped with 6pm.com, too, but I don’t think they fit my free shipping both ways criteria. Let me go take a look…yup, according to their Returns Policy, “You are responsible for return shipping fees.”