Dress shoes are supposed to be timeless, elegant, and professional enough for work without becoming uncomfortable as the day goes by. Dress shoe shopping can be challenging when you’re struggling to find a perfectly fitting pair for wide feet. Now, what are the best dress shoes for wide feet?
Whether you’re a man or a woman, sometimes regular dress shoes are not enough to provide you with ample comfort, support, and protection. When you come home from work at the end of the day, you’re suffering from sore and swollen feet, as well as blisters, bruises, and bunions.
Wearing sneakers at the office might be a trend at the moment, but your workplace might not be accepting of soft, stretchy footwear that accommodates your feet. What are you supposed to do, anyway? Ditch the stilettos and pointed-toe pumps? Give a pass to Oxfords and loafers?
With a few key tips and tricks, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to rock your favorite footwear to the office, events, and even weddings. We’d argue that the best shoes for wide feet feature soles that cushion and cradle your feet, absorb the pressure of your steps, and come with a wide toe box. Let’s go!
What to look for when buying dress shoes for wide feet?
When shopping for dress shoes for wide feet, you need to pay attention to a few things to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’re aware that dress shoes are the epitome of discomfort. Stiff and sturdy, dress shoes aren’t made to be worn on the regular.
Sure, we could go on and on about the different types of dress shoes that can be comfortable, wearable, and versatile. Considering you’re a wide-footed person, though, you probably don’t care about the fact that you get to choose between Oxfords and loafers – you want comfort.
Start by researching brands that offer wide and extra-wide options for people with wide feet. By doing that, you’re going to be ahead of the game and you aren’t going to waste your time trying on a bunch of styles. Before you commit, make sure you get the right measurements for your feet.
With that out of the way, though, you might want to opt for dress shoes equipped with features and functions that promise to get you through the day pain and pressure-free. A wide toe box, plenty of padding for comfort, and soft, stretchy fabrics that allow airflow are a must.
Women might want to steer clear of stilettos and high heels when they’re going to the office, attending meetings that require them to spend most of the time standing, or going to events without proper seating arrangements. Oxfords, loafers, and ballet flats are a better fit for your feet.
Men might want to opt for Oxfords and Derby shoes with plain toes, cap toes, and wingtips, as well as loafers. Men’s shoes are often equipped with padding around the strategic areas, soft and stretchy lining, and systems that allow you to alter the width of your shoes.
Our top picks for the best dress shoes for wide feet
We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best dress shoes for wide feet that are stylish, roomy, and won’t cramp up your tootsies.
1. Clarks Sharon Gracie Penny Loafer
Starting with a great affordable alternative for women, Clarks Sharon Gracie Penny Loafers are everything you need and more. Whether you wear them to work, when you’re running errands, or grabbing brunch with friends, you’re guaranteed to be comfortable and supported all day long.
Clarks Sharon Gracie Penny Loafers are a great option to consider. Crafted with premium suede, a substantial wedge bottom to absorb shock, and Ortholite footbeds to provide you with comfort, these loafers are what dreams are made of. Lightweight and breathable, they’re worth your while.
2. Ecco Citytray Cap Toe
Ecco Citytray Cap Toe dress shoes are one of the best dress shoes for wide feet for men.
Even though they’re on the expensive end of the spectrum, they’re worth your money because they’re designed to last you a long time. Ecco dress shoes are engineered with removable orthopedic insoles covered with a layer of leather to prevent them from looking a little too casual.
Ecco’s Citrytray midsole and outsole systems are responsible for keeping your feet happy and healthy and preventing you from slipping and falling. Simple and sleek, these dress shoes are the type you go for when you need a reliable shoe for every event.
3. Ally Shoes Caramel Leather Flat
Leather ballet flats are on-trend these days and we’ve seen them on everyone who’s trying to go for the effortlessly chic French girl look.
Ballet flats might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that they’re perfect for the office. Whether you combine them with a structured suit set or a flowy, floral dress, you’re going to look like a million dollars.
We suggest opting for Ally Shoes Caramel Leather Flats because they’re high-quality, hard-wearing, and attractive. With an ergonomically designed insole and built-in arch support for a superior fit, these ballet flats are the right way to go.
4. Johnston & Murphy Upton Plain Toe Dark Brown Nubuck
When you opt for a dress shoe made with buttery soft nubuck leather, you know your feet are going to have the time of their life. Leather can be a tricky fabric to work with, especially when you’re dealing with a set of wide feet. Nubuck leather, however, makes your feet feel like they’re enveloped in an embrace.
Designed with removable memory foam insoles, composite foam outsoles, and a mesh lining, Johnston & Murphy Upton Plain Toe Dark Brown Nubuck dress shoes are a wardrobe must-have. Combine them with a brown suit set or a pair of tailored trousers and a white button-down and you’re good to go.
5. Franco Sarto Racer Pump
We can’t expect you to complete your workwear wardrobe without a pair of pumps. Pointed-toe pumps are the most popular, prominent style among working women around the world. However, we can agree that they’re the most uncomfortable shoes to wear to work.
Franco Sarto Racer Pumps, on the other hand, is the opposite of that.
Made with a slingback, a roomy pointed toe, and a block heel, these pumps are chic and classic rather than modern. Women on the go are going to adore them because they’re comfortable, wearable, and versatile – you can wear them to work or when you’re getting drinks after work!
6. Tod’s Penny Loafers
Tod’s Penny Loafers are made for walking. We do need to underline that you’re going to break the bank to get your hands on these loafers, but they’re worth the money.
Tod’s Penny Loafers are crafted with elegant smooth leather with a penny bar, stamped Tod’s monogram, and rubber outsoles with embossed rubber pebbles. When you put them on, you’re going to understand the price tag better – they’re soft and snug, and they’re made to last you a long time.
What’s great about Tod’s Penny Loafers happens to be the fact that they’re extremely versatile. Wear them to work, when going out with friends, or even on a date and you’re going to attract attention and turn heads, for sure.
7. Sam Edelman Women’s Loraine Loafers
We’ve got another pair of loafers for women, and these might be the best dress shoes for wide feet for women we’ve stumbled upon. Sam Edelman’s Loraine Loafers are what dreams are made of. Comfy and stylish, they’re made with a horsebit clasp on the front which gives them that trendy, “old money” vibe.
Sam Edelman’s Loraine Loafers are one of those loafers you can wear all year long. Whether you combine them with a crisp, white shirt dress for the summer or tailored trousers, a cashmere sweater, and a trench coat for the fall, you’re going to look and feel polished and put-together.
8. Banana Republic Oxford Leather Dress Shoes
Banana Republic knows how to design elegant, effortless footwear, and these Oxfords for men are no exception. Leather Oxfords with a flexible rubber outsole are always a good way to go about your day, but Banana Republic Oxford Leather Dress Shoes give you much more than meets the eye.
Paired with a suit, they’re perfect for meetings, formal events, and weddings.
Combined with khakis and button-downs, they’re exactly what you need to elevate your ‘fit. Whatever you wear them with, don’t forget to snap a picture and share a post on Instagram because they’re worth the hype you’re going to get.
9. Cole Haan The Go-To Block Heel
Cole Haan’s dress shoes are a great way to go when you’re on the hunt for a soft, snug fit. Women with wide feet struggle with pumps because they’re one of the most uncomfortable styles, but Cole Haan’s The Go-To Block Heels come with features and functions that promise to do the opposite.
Crafted with a short, wide block heel, these pumps are made for standing on your feet all day long, walking, and even running from one meeting room to the other. Reinforced with added padding, foam footbeds, and a croc toe tip, these pumps are worth checking out. Good luck!
