The 9 Best Women's Walking Shoes With a Wide Toe Box

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A wider toe box may be the key to your most comfortable walks yet.
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Walking shoes come in all shapes and sizes, which can make it tough to determine which one is best for you. If you're looking to maximize comfort, it might be worth looking into shoes with a wide toe box.

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"Walking shoes with wide toe boxes are basically wide-fitting shoes with space around and above the toes in the shoe," Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist and the founder of Step Up Footcare in New York City, says. The widest part of the shoe matches the widest part of the foot (the forefoot), and the tip of the shoe is rounded instead of pointed, she notes.

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Some people benefit from wearing walking shoes with a roomy toe box, including people with wider feet or deformities in the forefoot, including bunions (a bony bump at the base of your big toe), hammertoes (a joint on your toe points up instead of lying flat) and neuroma (a tissue growth between the toes). For these folks, wearing a walking shoe with a wide toe box can prevent crowding and pain in the toes, Dr. Lobkova says.

Round or square toe boxes will provide you with more room. That said, beyond the size of the toe box, also consider the materials the shoe is made with.

"Softer materials like mesh and soft leather are more accommodating to deformities like bunions," says Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. "You should never have to 'break in' shoes, they should feel comfortable right in the shoe store."

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When you try on a shoe, you should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably. If your toes need extra space, check out these women's walking shoes with a wide toe box.

How We Chose

To find the best wide-toe shoes on the market, we spoke with certified personal trainers and podiatrists about what to look for and their favorite picks. Our selections are based on the following criteria. You can learn more about how we cover products here.

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  • Toe box size
  • Flexibility
  • Cushion level
  • Comfort
  • Price

A Quick Language Note

We make deliberate choices about the language we use when it comes to gender. But because manufacturers typically market shoes according to gender, we've listed both women's and men's picks below.

However, the main difference between most men's and women's shoes lies in the shoe width and size. In some cases, men's shoes are built to support greater weights. So people with bigger bodies may want to opt for men's versions, whereas people with smaller bodies may prefer women's versions.

1. Best Overall: Altra Women's Lone Peak 7

Altra Women's Lone Peak 7

It's lightweight, durable and versatile enough to be used on a variety of terrains like roads, trails and light hikes.

This shoe is available in three sizes, including the Altra Original FootShape™ Fit that's the roomiest of them all.

"The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a great all-around walking shoe with a wide toe box," says Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, a certified personal trainer for Garage Gym Reviews. "It's lightweight, durable and has a comfortable cushioned midsole. It's also versatile enough for a variety of terrains, including roads, trails and light hikes."

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Designed to give your feet more space to sit naturally, this shoe is known for its comfort and durability.

"I'm from New York, where walking is an Olympic sport, and this thing has carried me through multiple 10-plus mile treks across multiple boroughs," O'Reilly says.

2. Best for Hikes: Altra Women’s Lone Peak Hiker 2

Altra Women’s Lone Peak Hiker 2

These shoes have a wide toe box and a supportive high ankle, perfect for hikes on rugged terrain.

Created for rugged terrain but updated for a lighter feel, this shoe gives your toes plenty of space while delivering grip for your favorite hikes. Like the Lone Peak 7, it's available in the Original Footshape™ Fit size for extra room.

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"These shoes have a wide toe box with a high ankle, which is supportive," Dr. Parthasarathy says.

Altra is a clear favorite among our experts for its wide toe box options.

"I love recommending these shoes for patients with neuromas and bunions because they are wide, but the heel is not too wide," Dr. Parthasarathy says. "Their shoe shape is excellent for wide feet. Depending on your foot type, there are several options to choose from."

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3. Best Everyday Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9

Hoka Clifton 9

These light, plus shoes provide a ton of support for everyday activities like going for a walk or running errands.

No matter if you're going for a walk or just running errands, these shoes (available in wide sizing) are created with a slight rocker to keep you moving forward gracefully.

"They have great cushioning that makes them extremely comfortable, light and plush, while providing support and balance. I like that these are lightweight and cloud-like so that your feet aren't weighed down," says Melissa Kendter, CPT, a Philadelphia-based United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA) running coach.

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Plus, these kicks come in a variety of energizing colors, like Citrus Glow and Cyclamen.

4. Best Budget: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

This shoe is light, breathable, comfortable and comes in a wide and extra wide. The best part? It's under $100.

Not only does this shoe have a wide toe box, but it also has features like a breathable mesh upper (the top part of the shoe that covers your foot) — while still providing comfort and support with a cushioned midsole (between the upper and the outsole) and rubber outsole (the part of the shoe in contact with the ground).

"The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 in a wide is a great option for shoppers on a budget," O'Reilly says. "This shoe is light, breathable and comfortable enough to wear all day. It also comes in an extra-wide version for those who may need a little more room."

5. Best for Water Protection: Keen Targhee III Waterproof

Women's Targhee III Waterproof

Great for rainy days or wet hikes, you can step in puddles and know your socks won't get soaked through.

This is a water-resistant hiking shoe with a wide toe box. Expect generous space for comfort, waterproof protection and a higher-traction tread for slippery areas.

"It's my go-to shoe for waterfall hikes," O'Reilly says. "I can comfortably step in puddles without fear of my socks getting wet and it has good rock protection. It also has a durable upper and a supportive midsole and outsole."

The shoe's Original Fit-Iconic KEEN fit provides plenty of space across the forefoot for your toes to spread out. As a bonus, it comes with Eco Anti-Odor to keep your feet smelling fresh.

6. Best for Cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam x More v4

New Balance Fresh Foam x More v4

The American Podiatric Medical Association has given this shoe the APMA Seal of Approval, meaning it's a product that promotes good foot health.

With the most Fresh Foam used in any New Balance shoe to date, this pick gives you plenty of cushioning without squishing your toes. The engineered mesh upper allows for breathable comfort and support.

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"It has excellent cushioning and is available in extra wide," Dr. Parthasarathy says. "These shoes have also earned the APMA Seal of Approval."

The American Podiatric Medical Association gives the APMA Seal of Approval to products that promote good foot health.

7. Best Laceless: Skechers Go Walk Joy

Skechers Go Walk Joy

These laceless shoes are easy to slip on and off. Plus, they're machine washable.

Machine washable and quick to dry, these laceless shoes come in a wide size and have a Stretch-Fit® breathable knit upper for space and comfort.

"These shoes have a foam insole with responsive cushioning that makes them super supportive for all-day wear," O'Reilly says. "They are great for keeping your feet cool and comfortable, while also being budget friendly."

8. Best for Standing All Day: Hoka Women’s Bondi SR

Hoka Bondi SR

Made for people who spend all day on their feet, these Hokas have a wide toe box and excellent cushioning.

"The HOKA [women's Bondi SR] offers a wide toe box and great cushioning for concrete streets, especially distance-walking," Dr. Lobkova says.

This shoe was designed specifically for people who spend most of their day on their feet, such as service industry and medical field workers. It's essentially the most cushioned shoe in the brand's road-shoe lineup, but with an updated silhouette. It features water-resistant leather, a slip-resistant tread and a cushioned midsole to ensure maximum comfort and support.

As one reviewer writes: "I have a lot of foot pain from a past ankle sprain and plantar fasciitis, but these shoes are the most comfortable for standing at work or walking long distances."

The Bondi SR is available in sizes 5 to 11. The only downside: Your color choices are limited to white and black.

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9. Best for Support: Klaw Footwear Women’s Klaw 528

Klaw 528

These buttery-soft leather walking shoes were created with input from podiatrists to make them to most supportive walking shoe out there.

Dr. Lobkova helped design these shoes with the goal of creating a walking shoe that checks the following boxes: a wide toe box, support for the entire length of the foot arch, a light midsole for shock absorption and a deep heel cup for stability. Plus, they have a forefoot rocker to help propel the start of every step.

According to one reviewer: "I have very wide feet and have quite a bit of trouble finding shoes that fit (even other brands that are marked 'wide').... These shoes are saving my feet."

In addition, the Klaw 528 walking shoe is made of soft, rainproof leather and features anti-slip tread to carry you through different environments and weather conditions. Choose between white, yellow, grey and black, in sizes 6 to 11.

What to Consider When Buying Women's Walking Shoes With a Wide Toe Box

1. Fit

Even if a shoe is marketed as having a wide toe box, you won't be able to gauge width unless you try it to check how it fits your foot.

When trying on a walking shoe with a wide toe box, pinch the shoe at the tip to ensure you have room above the toes. "You should be able to create a dent in the shoe above the toes," Dr. Lobkova says.

Also, try to flex your toes inside the shoe, as if you're picking up a pen with your toes. All 10 toes should be able to flex without resistance or pressure from the shoe upper.

There are certain descriptors you should look for while shopping for wide toe box shoes that will fit right.

"Look for terms like 'foot shape' and 'balanced cushioning,' because then you know the shoe was designed to help your toes aligned in their natural position for better balance, stability and comfort, while still having the proper cushioning and a secure feeling," Kendter says.

2. Soft and Flexible Upper Material

Check that your walking shoes have a soft, flexible upper material, such as soft leather, mesh or neoprene.

"This will accommodate any forefoot deformity without causing friction or irritation around the skin," Dr. Lobkova says.

Tougher, less-flexible materials won't conform to your feet well and may be more likely to rub against your toes and the tops of your feet.

3. Heel-to-Toe Drop

There is a dearth of research on heel-to-toe drop (the height difference between the heel and toe) and how it might affect walking. Dr. Lobkova usually recommends walking shoes that have a heel-to-toe drop between 4 millimeters (mm) and 8mm.

"This places less stress on the Achilles tendon and allows for more efficient transfer of energy during the walking cycle," Dr. Lobkova says.

Meanwhile, flat shoes (also called zero-drop shoes) provide less support to the Achilles tendon, but experts point out that lower heel drop shoes create a more fluid walking gait. Unless you have a specific restriction at your ankle or Achilles, you may want to try lower-drop shoes (0mm to 3mm).

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