Shoes for wide feet - top recommendations & tips

Shoes that pinch? Maybe it's the width! Find out how to recognize wide feet, what you should look out for when buying shoes - and discover comfortable, stylish shoes that really fit.
07.08.2025

Does this sound familiar? You buy new shoes, they feel great in the shop – but after an hour of wearing them, they suddenly feel uncomfortably tight? This isn't always down to the size, but often to the wrong width. Many people have slightly to significantly wider feet without even knowing it. In this article, you will learn how to tell if you have wide feet, what features are important in shoes, and we will introduce you to comfortable styles for more space and comfort in everyday life.

A person in white trousers walks through lush green vegetation and touches young plants with both hands. The scene shows a natural garden setting with various green plants, grasses and wild herbs in different shades of green.



How can I tell if I have wide feet?

Many people have slightly wider feet without realising it – until their shoes start to pinch or their feet burn after a long day. There are a few signs that can indicate this.
 
If you regularly feel that your shoes are too narrow at the front, even though the length is right, or if you frequently step on the inside of your shoes, causing them to wear out more quickly, this could be due to the width of your feet. A feeling of tiredness in your feet – especially in the afternoon – can also indicate that your shoes do not offer enough space. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to measure your feet in the late afternoon. At this time of day, they are usually slightly wider than in the morning due to strain and heat. If you then look specifically for models that are labelled ‘comfort fit’ or ‘width H’, you can avoid that unpleasant feeling of tightness.

What is important when choosing shoes for wide feet?

The width of a shoe is only one aspect of comfort. How well the material adapts to the foot is also crucial. Materials such as merino wool or soft leather are particularly comfortable because they are flexible and mould easily to the foot without constricting it. A well-designed interior, preferably without hard edges or thick seams, can also help to prevent uncomfortable pressure points. Many people with wider feet also benefit from shoes that can be individually adjusted with laces or Velcro. This keeps the heel stable while giving the forefoot the space it needs. Ultimately, it is important to find the right balance: if nothing pinches at the front and the shoe still provides good support, then you have probably found the right model. Especially in everyday life, where we spend many hours on our feet, the right shoe can make a big difference.

 

Suitable for everyday wear & comfortable: Merino moccasins from GIESSWEIN

The Merino Moccasin is a shoe that meets all these requirements and also looks modern. This model is made from natural merino wool, a material that is particularly breathable and flexible. The wool adapts to the individual shape of the foot, which ensures a comfortable fit, especially for slightly wider feet. The combination of soft upper material and an anatomically shaped insole provides balanced support without pinching or constricting. Its light weight makes the Merino Moccasin ideal for everyday wear: in the office, when travelling or on leisurely walks.
 
Many wearers particularly appreciate the feeling of barely noticing the shoe and describe the walking experience as almost barefoot – but with the protection and cushioning of a well-designed sneaker. The shoe is also visually versatile and goes well with both sporty and casual-elegant outfits.

Close-up of legs in grey moccasins on the deck of a sailing yacht. In the background, a marina with numerous white sailboats and turquoise blue water can be seen. Maritime equipment such as ropes, an orange lifebuoy and rigging are visible on the boat.

Discover the Merino Moccasins

More freedom of movement: Wool Cross X by GIESSWEIN

For anyone who likes to be active in everyday life or regularly spends time outdoors, GIESSWEIN offers a robust alternative in the form of the Wool Cross X. This merino sneaker was specially developed for movement on different surfaces and combines sporty functionality with high wearing comfort. The shoe is slightly wider in the forefoot area, making it particularly appealing to people with wider feet. At the same time, the slip-resistant sole ensures safety when walking – whether on asphalt, in the forest or in the mountains. The temperature-regulating properties of merino wool ensure that the shoe is comfortable to wear on both warm and cool days. Anyone who covers long distances or is often out and about will appreciate the combination of stability, flexibility and comfort. The Wool Cross X proves that a functional shoe does not have to be clunky or stiff, but can also be pleasantly light and comfortable for sporting use.

Person wearing dark outdoor shoes standing on a weathered tree trunk in an alpine landscape. Coniferous trees and mountain slopes can be seen in the blurred background. The shoes have a sturdy design with laces and a logo on the side.

Discover the shoe

 

Wide feet no longer mean compromising on comfort or style. Quite the contrary: with the right shoes, you can enjoy everyday life and leisure time in much greater comfort. The Merino Moccasin and Wool Cross X from GIESSWEIN impressively demonstrate that fashionable design and well thought-out functionality can go hand in hand – even for feet that need a little more space. With flexible materials, a well-designed fit and comfortable workmanship, these shoes offer exactly what many people want: more space, less pressure and a natural feel.

Related articles:

Woman in a monochrome beige outfit wearing Merino Runners in reed, next to beige dried leaves on a light background.

The monochrome look: minimalist, but never arbitrary.

Woman in sportswear leaning against a concrete wall on a roof, wearing burgundy Wool Peak sneakers, with a city skyline in the background.

Healthy exercise: Why your body depends on regularity

Two hikers with backpacks and walking sticks climb a grassy mountainside. In the background, a vast mountain landscape stretches out with several mountain ranges in shades of blue under a cloudy sky.

Ingenious anti-blister tricks for more comfort when hiking

← Previous article / Next article →