Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Throughout my career as a writer, I’ve had the opportunity to put plenty of shoes to the test to judge whether they live up to their price tag. Trying before buying is always helpful because let’s be honest, shoes can get pricey, and they can make a huge difference in how you feel.
In my 30s, I’ve been blessed to avoid any significant foot issues, so testing shoes has always been a breeze. However, I’ve watched my mom struggle to find shoes that fit her wide feet over the years. Now, at 67, my mom has added a few other challenges into the mix, including knee pain and hip pain. In other words, finding shoes that fit all her needs has become increasingly difficult.
I know my mom isn’t the only one who’s had a hard time finding wide shoes that are actually wide enough, so I asked if she’d be willing to put a few to the test and offer her honest opinions on how well they fit and how they made her feet feel. I also asked her to consider how the shoes helped her manage her other preexisting conditions to give a well-rounded view of how each shoe can address a wide range of issues.
Which shoes made the final cut? Find out the seven best shoes for wide feet for women over 60—and two to skip.
Related: I’m 5’3″ and Tried on 12 Dresses for Short Women—Here Are the 8 I’m Obsessed With and 4 To Skip
Why Mature Feet Need More Than Just ‘Wide’ Sizes: Our Testing Criteria
As a society, we give a lot of attention to the changes our bodies go through during menopause, but you don’t hear much about the way our feet change over time.
“As we age, the ligaments and tendons that support the foot naturally lose some elasticity,” Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a partner at US Foot & Ankle Specialists, says. “For many people, that means the arch lowers slightly and the foot becomes a bit longer and wider. It doesn’t mean everyone’s arches ‘collapse,’ but it’s very common for shoe size to change over time.”
The natural cushioning on the bottom of your foot also thins over time, making hard surfaces feel less forgiving.
“Skin becomes thinner and drier, muscle strength declines and arthritis can change the shape of the foot,” she explains. “Conditions like bunions and hammertoes may become more pronounced, which can make once-comfortable shoes feel tight.”
Going into this experiment, my mom had some specific criteria to determine whether the shoes she tested were right for her. First and foremost, they had to have a wide toe box to accommodate her wide feet.
Second, they had to have a solid sole and ample cushioning to help her manage her knee and hip pain. Preferably, the shoes would be easy to slip into, but she cared more about fit than the convenience of a slip-on shoe.
Related: ‘I Tried on 12 Baggy Jeans To Find the Best Styles—Here Are 9 I Loved and 3 To Skip’
Top Wide Shoes for Women Over 60
Best Overall: Brooks Ghost Max 4 Best for Arch Support: Kuru ATOM 2 Best Sole: Saucony Echelon Best Mix of Fashion and Function: Vionic Uptown Sneaker Best Wide Toe Box: New Balance Ellipse Best Budget-Friendly Option: Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe Best Slip-On: Orthofeet Kita Hands-FreeThe 7 Best Shoe Brands for Wide Feet Over 60 That My Mom Loved
Here are her favorites that she tested:
Best Overall: Brooks Ghost Max 4 in a Size 10 Wide, $165
Courtesy Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at BrooksWhat the brand says: “For a comfortable, protective ride, the women’s Ghost Max 4 delivers high‑stack cushioning that helps lessen impact, while its rocker shape supports smooth heel‑to‑toe transitions and its broad base adds stability on the run,” the product description reads.
Brooks describes the Ghost Max 4 as best for daily runs, long runs, walking and orthotics. It offers max support with “assisted transition from landing to toe-off and added cushion underfoot.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 13 in medium, wide and extra wideAvailable Colors: 9
My mom’s experience: Finding a pair of shoes that requires no break-in period is rare, so my mom appreciated how comfortable these shoes felt instantly. The Ghost Max 4 offers plenty of toe room and a sole my mom described as “supportive, yet flexible.”
When you’re navigating hip and knee pain, shoe cushioning becomes extra important. Luckily, this shoe provided just the right amount of cushioning to keep my mom’s feet comfortable and help her feel balanced while walking.
My mom is quite picky when it comes to the aesthetics of her shoes, and she doesn’t like anything flashy. While wearing these shoes, she told me she loved how they offer extra width without appearing to be wide or oversized.
Lastly, my mom appreciated that the shoes were easy to put on, even if they weren’t hands-free.
Best for Arch Support: Kuru ATOM 2 in a Size 10 Wide, $169
Courtesy Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at KuruWhat the brand says: “Let your muscles feel the burn—not your feet. Flat, flimsy footwear simply doesn’t cut it when your goals are on the line. From your first rep to your final cool down—or from the mall to the kitchen—ATOM 2 helps ensure foot pain is never the reason you slow down,” the product description reads.
Kuru describes the ATOM 2 as best for workouts, walking and everyday life. Compared to the brand’s first version of the shoe, ATOM, this style has an “upgraded fit, springier cushion, and improved heel support.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 12 in medium, wide and extra wideAvailable Colors: 2
My mom’s experience: From the wide toe box to the solid sole, my mom was thoroughly impressed with the Kuru ATOM 2. The shoe offered plenty of cushioning and helped ease her knee and hip pain as she was walking.
My mom was impressed with the heel and arch support and said her feet felt cradled in comfort rather than feeling cramped, like she’s felt with some shoes she’s worn. Additionally, mom liked that she could instantly wear the shoes without adding extra insoles since they already provided enough support.
Similar to the Brooks shoes, these were easy to step into, even if they’re not hands-free, and they’re sleek without sacrificing width. The shoe is also available in extra wide, but my mom was comfortable enough in the wide size.
Best Sole: Saucony Echelon in a Size 10 Wide, $155
Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at SauconyWhat the brand says: “With its broad, stable base and straight shape, it delivers a perfect balance of cushioning and an accommodating fit, making it the ideal choice for everyday comfort during both long runs and casual walks,” the product description reads.
Saucony describes the Echelon as best for runners and walkers. The brand says the shoe features a “broad base of PWRRUN cushioning, paired with a soft and bouncy PU sockliner” to provide comfort. Meanwhile, the full XT-900 carbon rubber coverage “offers durability and reliable protection, keeping you steady on any terrain.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 12 in regular, wide and extra wideAvailable Colors: 2
My mom’s experience: When my mom stepped into the Echelon, she was pleased with the wide toe box, which offered plenty of space for her toes. But it was the shoe’s sole that won her over the most.
As she walked around in the shoes, my mom said they have a “rocking effect” that helps reduce foot strain. She found the shoes easy to walk in, and didn’t notice any knee or hip pain while wearing them.
Structurally, the shoes are expertly crafted. From an aesthetic point of view, my mom found the toe box to be a bit bulky-looking for her taste at first. But once she started putting them to the test, it didn’t bother her.
Related: I Traveled for a Year in One Suitcase—Thanks to These Ultra-Comfy Sneakers
Best Mix of Fashion and Function: Vionic Uptown Sneaker in a Size 10 Wide, $150
Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at VionicWhat the brand says: “The Uptown Sneaker delivers soft heel cushioning, ideal flexibility and arch support for comfort that lasts all day. Built-in VIO MOTION Technology footbed featuring contoured arch support, with shock-absorbing cushioning, deep heel cup to provide stability and forefoot flexibility,” the product description reads.
The brand says the shoe is best for “everyday exploring” and “combines casual style with all-day support.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 13 in medium and wide Available Colors: 10
My mom’s experience: Finding wide shoes that don’t look like clown shoes isn’t always easy, so my mom was particularly impressed with this stylish pair that combines fashion and function. I also found myself coveting them since they’re the perfect pair of travel shoes when you don’t want to look like a tourist.
Functionally speaking, my mom loved the stable sole, arch support and heel stability. Per the brand, the shoe’s midsole encourages a “smooth, natural stride” plus “balanced support” thanks to the heel-to-toe drop. My mom appreciated both of these features and didn’t notice any knee or hip pain while walking in the shoes.
Best Wide Toe Box: New Balance Ellipse in a Size 10 Wide, $144.99
Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at New BalanceWhat the brand says: “Whether you’re setting a 5 AM alarm, putting in lunchtime road work, or heading out after dark, everyday miles are a labor of love. The all-new Ellipse matches this enthusiasm. The Ellipse combines the unparalleled comfort of Fresh Foam X cushioning with a bouncy underfoot feeling, designed to make your daily run the most enjoyable part of your day, every day,” the product description reads.
Other notable features include a rubber outsole, reflective details and a midsole that “provides more cushioning without increasing overall weight.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 13 in narrow, standard, wide and extra wideAvailable Colors: 10
My mom’s experience: The fact that New Balance offers these shoes in four widths was encouraging from the get-go. My mom opted for the Ellipse in a Size 10 Wide, and she was quite impressed with the wide toe box, telling me it offered her “plenty of toe room.” At the same time, it provided enough support so that her feet didn’t feel like they were floating around loosely in the toe box.
My mom gave the sleek shoe design her seal of approval and said she enjoyed feeling no pressure on her knees as she was walking around in the sturdy shoes. The shoes are also easy to put on.
One thing to note: The shape of the sole at the back of the heel is a little awkward, since it slants up. My mom said it takes a bit of time to adjust to and noted that the shoe probably wouldn’t be great for someone with vertigo. Otherwise, it was an excellent choice.
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Easy Spirit Romy Walking Shoe in a Size 10 Wide, $69.99 (originally $85)
Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at Easy SpiritWhat the brand says: “Designed with a true athletic walking shoe silhouette, it features a lace-up closure that secures your fit and a lightweight construction built to keep you moving through every errand, appointment, and daily mile. The smooth rounded toe and visible sole cushioning promise easy, energized steps from morning to evening. Ultra-light cushioning absorbs impact with every stride, while a removable sock liner lets you slip in your own orthotics when needed,” the product description reads.
Easy Spirit says the shoe provides “structured arch support” to keep your foot “aligned and comfortable.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 12 in medium and wideAvailable Colors: 34
My mom’s experience: My mom has been a fan of Easy Spirit for years and counts it among her go-to brands that offer wide widths. She loved how much support the solid sole offered and said the shoes are easy to walk in, with no noticeable knee or hip pain. As an added bonus, she enjoyed the pink and nude suede design.
Up to this point, my mom had always been sufficiently satisfied with the brand’s wide sizes. However, compared to some of the other shoes she tested, she decided she might be even more comfortable in an extra wide from Easy Spirit. The wide size did fit and had adequate toe space, but she could’ve used a sliver more room. Luckily, she can size up next time.
Best Slip-On: Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free in a Size 10 Extra Wide, $129
Chrissy Callahan
Shop it at OrthofeetWhat the brand says: “Kita is ideal for busy mornings, quick errands and active days when you want to slip on your shoes and go. The hands-free design lets you avoid bending or re-tying laces, while the stretchable fabric keeps your feet comfortable no matter where the day takes you,” the product description reads.
The brand says Kita is designed for anyone who wants “effortless, reliable support with a sporty look.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 12 in medium, wide, extra wide and extra extra wideAvailable Colors: 13
My mom’s experience: Similar to the Brooks shoes, my mom enjoyed that the Orthofeet Kita required no break-in time. She loved the stylish design of the shoe and also appreciated that it was a slip-on style, which made it easier for her to get in and out of the shoe without any effort. She described the wide toe box as “excellent” and said it had plenty of room.
As with any slip-on style, the fit isn’t as snug as with other shoes. So if you’re looking for a snug fit with no hint of looseness, a slip-on isn’t right for you. To this end, my mom would’ve preferred something a bit tighter so she would feel more supported, but she was overall impressed with the width, so the shoe made the final cut.
The shoes were quite comfortable, but my mom did have one big piece of criticism: the sole wasn’t as solid or supportive as some of the other shoes she tested, even after adding the additional insoles the shoe came with. Still, it’s a nice shoe she can wear around the house, so if you’re looking for something wide with a bit less support, it’s a solid option.
Related: I Tested 13 White Sundresses for Summer—and Was Surprised by How Many Passed the Sheerness Test
The Brands To Skip: 2 Popular Shoes That Failed the Test
1. Kizik Lima 2 in a Size 10 Extra Wide, $119.95
Kizik
What the brand says: “HandsFree Labs technology delivers an effortless step-in experience. An improved, breathable stretch knit upper keeps you cool all-day long. Added underfoot cushioning in the midsole and increased rubber coverage on the outsole enhance durability and support where it matters most,” the product description reads.
Available Sizes: Sizes 6 – 12 in standard, wide and extra wide Available Colors: 6
My mom’s experience: When it comes to toe room, the Kizik Lima 2 has plenty of space, and the shoes left my mom’s feet feeling very happy in that respect. The slip-on nature of the shoe was also a major plus, especially since she has knee and hip pain and sometimes has trouble bending.
The Kizik Lima 2 is a great shoe with a nice sole, but it wasn’t quite sturdy enough to provide my mom the support she needs. Due to the slip-on nature, the shoe felt a bit loose and more like a slipper. It’d be a great shoe for my mom to wear around the house so she’s not walking around with bare feet, but when it came to walking far distances, it wasn’t ideal.
However, if you simply have wide feet without other preexisting conditions, it’s a great shoe. It just wasn’t right for my mom.
2. Reebok Princess Wide Shoes in a Size 10, $49.99 (originally $60)
Chrissy Callahan
What the brand says: “Classic women’s shoe with a soft, smooth upper. Heritage cushion. A sleek upper,” the product description reads.
The brand says the shoe is designed for “athleisure” and “casual wear.” It features a die-cut EVA midsole that “cushions and absorbs shock” and a “high abrasion rubber outsole” that “adds durable responsiveness.”
Available Sizes: Sizes 5 – 12 Available Colors: 2
My mom’s experience: Reebok is a well-established brand my family has worn on multiple occasions over the years. However, this pair of shoes didn’t meet the bar for its “wide” classification.
My mom had trouble fitting into the shoes, and her toes felt cramped in the toe box.
When it came to support, my mom also said the sole was too flat and rigid. Overall, she found the shoes to be awkward to walk in with little arch support, and her knee pain was more noticeable while wearing them. On a positive note, she did find them to be sleek.
The Winners vs. The Skips
Mom’s Verdict
Superlative
Winner
Best Overall
Winner
Best for Arch Support
Winner
Best Sole
Winner
Best Mix of Fashion and Function
Winner
Best Wide Toe Box
Winner
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Winner
Best Slip-On
Skip
X
Skip
X
What Podiatrists Say About Finding the Right Fit
Dr. Kayna Patel, a podiatrist with Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, says you don’t have to go it alone while searching for the right fit.
“It’s best to have your feet measured when shopping for a shoe and comparing widths across different brands. Some brands tend to run narrower than others,” she states.
Dr. Parthasarathy recommends looking for round or square toe boxes for more room.
“Widths vary across different brands. It is important to try the shoe on even if you measure a certain width,” she shares. “You should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably, especially in an athletic shoe.”
She adds that you should have one thumb’s width from your longest toe to the end of your shoe if the fit is right.
“Just like they tell you with clothing, don’t get hung up on the number. Focus on the fit,” she notes.
While chatting with the pros, we asked them about the best shoes for wide feet for older women, and they said the following brands are some of the podiatrist-recommended options: Altra, Topo, New Balance, Brooks, Vionic and Hoka.
How To Tell if You Actually Need a Wide-Width Shoe
Not sure whether or not you should size up to a wide-width shoe? There are a few telltale signs.
“If your toes feel cramped, the sides of your feet spill over the shoe, you have recurring blisters or calluses, or you feel immediate relief when you take your shoes off—those are all signs your shoes may be too narrow,” Dr. Parthasarathy says.
Dr. Patel says skin irritation and/or “pain to the big toe or the pinky toe after wearing shoes for a prolonged period of time” are also signs.
Dr. Parthasarathy also notes that many people mistakenly “size up in length” when what they really need is “more width.”
Up Next:
Related: I Tried 9 Lightweight Cardigans From Popular Brands and They’re Perfect for Summer Layering
Sources:
Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, is a podiatrist and partner at US Foot & Ankle Specialists, as well as the President of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association and the chair of the APMA Development Committee. Dr. Kayna Patel, DPM, is a podiatrist with Weil Foot & Ankle Institute.Hence then, the article about my mom 67 tested 9 shoes for wide feet here are 7 brands she loved and 2 to skip was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( My Mom, 67, Tested 9 Shoes for Wide Feet—Here Are 7 Brands She Loved (and 2 To Skip) )
Also on site :
- Clarks’ ‘Comfortable’ Loafers Have Shoppers Walking ‘All Day With No Fatigue,’ and They’re on Sale for $60
- Ted Lasso's Jason Sudeikis And Brett Goldstein Team With Sesame Street's Elmo And Oscar For Daily Affirmations — Watch Or Scram!
- ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ Trailer Leaks Online, Prompting Co-Writer Chris Miller to Speak Out: ‘Not a Fan of Leaks of Unfinished Footage’