By That Girl Whitney Team
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, That Girl Whitney may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you have wide feet, you know the sandal struggle. Straps dig into the top of your foot, your toes hang over the edge of the sole, and by the end of the day you have red marks in places you didn’t know could hurt. Summer is supposed to be sandal season, not blister season.
The fix is a sandal made for your width. Wide width sandals give your feet room to spread naturally, which makes them more comfortable and helps the sandal look the way it’s supposed to. They come in plenty of cute styles, from simple slides to dressy block heels.
This guide explains how shoe widths work, the features that make sandals comfortable for wide feet, four styles to try, and where to shop. Your feet deserve to enjoy summer too.
How Shoe Widths Work
Shoe width is labeled with letters, and the system for women’s shoes goes like this:
- B or M is medium, the standard width most shoes come in
- C or D is wide, often labeled W
- E and up is extra wide, often labeled WW
- A or N is narrow
Many brands simply use M, W, and WW on their size charts, which makes shopping easier.
Feet can change over time, and they often swell in hot weather or after a long day of standing. If your usual shoes feel tight in summer, try a wide width before sizing up in length. Going up a size gives you more room across the foot, but it also makes the shoe too long, so your foot slides forward.
To check your width, trace your foot on paper while standing, measure the widest part, and compare it to the brand’s size chart. Measure in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest.
Features That Make Sandals Comfortable for Wide Feet
The right details matter as much as the width label.
Adjustable straps. Buckles and hook-and-loop closures let you loosen the fit across the top of your foot. They’re the single most helpful feature for wide feet.
Wide or stretchy straps. Wider straps spread pressure over more of your foot, so they’re less likely to dig in. Soft elastic or stretch straps give as you walk.
A cushioned footbed. Memory foam or a contoured footbed absorbs impact and supports your arch, which matters on long summer days.
A sole wider than your foot. Look at the sandal from above. Your foot should sit fully on the sole with no toes or sides spilling over the edge.
Skip sandals with thin, stiff straps across the widest part of your foot. They’re the most common cause of rubbing and red marks.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: wide width adjustable slide sandals or cushioned wide width sandals
Four Sandal Styles to Try
These styles look cute and work well for wide feet.
Slides with a wide band. A single wide strap across the foot is easy to slip on and comfortable for errands. Choose one with a cushioned footbed.
Wedge sandals. Wedges give you height with stable support under your entire foot, which makes them great for weddings and outdoor events. Look for an adjustable ankle strap.
Block heel sandals. A chunky heel is much easier to walk in than a stiletto. They’re perfect for date nights and dressy summer parties.
Sport sandals. Adjustable straps and supportive soles make sport sandals ideal for vacations and long walking days.
Neutral colors like cognac and nude go with the most outfits. Once you have the basics, add a fun color or a metallic pair. Our plus size summer wedding guest dresses guide shows which sandals work best on grass.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: wide width wedge sandals or wide width block heel sandals
Where to Shop for Wide Width Sandals
Many well-known shoe brands offer wide widths, including Clarks and Naturalizer. Plus size retailers like Torrid and Lane Bryant carry wide width shoes as well.
On Amazon, search for the style you want plus “wide width,” then use the width filter to show only wide options. Read reviews from shoppers with wide feet, and look for comments about how the straps fit across the top of the foot. Canadian shoppers can use the same filters on Amazon.ca.
Keep the return policy in mind when you buy shoes online. Try them on at home on a clean floor, walk around for a few minutes, and keep the box until you’re sure.
Once you find a brand and size that works, note the exact product name. Fit can vary between styles from the same brand.
Happy Feet All Summer
Wide width sandals let you enjoy summer without pinching straps or end-of-day blisters. Learn your width, look for adjustable straps and a cushioned footbed, and choose styles like slides, wedges, and block heels that support your whole foot. Try them on at home, and keep a list of the pairs that work. Your feet will thank you every single day this summer.
Shop Whitney’s favorite summer finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.