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.
What this post on wide width shoes for women covers
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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.
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.
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.
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?