I’ve been wearing Hokas for the last year, and I love them, and they are super comfortable, but I’m not sure how durable the uppers are turning out to be, and I’m wondering if maybe I want some variety in terms of styling and what not. And if they were more durable, I would not complain. EDIT: I should have specified they are the Hoka Kaha boots, and I want another pair of boots, because I want the ankle support. FURTHER EDIT: preferably under $300 unless they are god-tier or something!
I have wide feet due to bunions and struggled for a long time to find comfortable shoes, until I found the brand Lems.
Lems are a zero drop, wide toe box brand and it was amazing to finally find shoes that didn’t make my feet hurt in any way. They have 3 different lasts, and the product page for each model will say which last it uses. I specifically buy their “widest last” for comfort.
If you’re looking for a boot style, I love my Lems Boulder Boots and they’re my daily wearers during the colder months. They make a few different versions with different types of outsoles.
I need 13EEEE and I found New Balance to be the easiest to find in that size, since I prefer fabric uppers.
Edit: looked at the shoe when I got home and it’s a 481v3.
New Balance is famous among people with wide feet and other orthopedic issues.
I second New Balance. 10.5 EEEEEE here.
Which reminds me… I should order a new pair.
I like to wear hiking shoes as my everyday shoes. My feet are EE width.
For the past several years I’ve liked Merrell Moab 2, although they have been discontinued for the Moab 3. They come in a GTX model as well.
To be perfectly honest, I have had some issues that had to be fixed with the shoe glue that comes in a red tube. After fixing the issue, which has been the sole separating from the upper, the shoe would last for some time. I get out and hike at least 4 times a week, for about 2 miles. Fortunately, I have a nice county park near my house. With that amount of wear the Moabs last me for about 3 years and then it’s just the tread that is worn smooth. My original pair, one’s I had to fix, I still use for yard work.
As far as sports shoes go, I like New Balance. I usually keep a pair of cross trainers around for those yearly times I try to take up running but utterly fail.
Lows are durable, provide great support and come in wide for under $300. I currently have their Renegade EVO GTX Mid model in wide. I use almost daily for field work. I am also very pleased with my Merrill Moab 3 low cut. Those also come in MID boot with wide size and are under $200. Everyone’s feet are different but I recommend both of these.
I’ve found sketchers to be great. I wear wide and double wide, and they always fit to size.
Yup, Sketchers.
Make sure to grab a wide fit
I like Saucony. The have wide versions, are comfortable, and hold up well. I get shoes from their Cohesion series which is one of their less expensive lines. $60-$80 on Amazon.
What’s your budget?
Quality shoes start at USD 200 new, though most are 400+.
I got these and love them: # Sketchers Summits High Range Hands Free Slip-Ins
Sketchers is pretty good about casting wide sizes.
I’m wearing the same thing right now.
Jim Green shoes/boots come very wide, decent quality. Gel insoles (replace as recommended by the manufacturer) help a lot with comfort for those kinds of traditionally built footwear. Size up a bit so you have plenty of room to put a nicely cushioned insole.
I got sas shoes I. 2018 that lasted until 2023. I bought them again and they were not as comfortable and didn’t last past this year. I’m giving them one more chance because the first does were so good. So far not as comfortable as the first pair. I wonder if my feet changed
Check out Altra. I have been buying them for about 5 years now. Very comfortable for wider feet and are built well. I own their running shoes, hiking boots, and trail running shoes. They are sold at REI, but you can also buy them online. Highly recommended!
I like several of these boots. They don’t have EE sizing, so it’s hard to be sure, but if you are saying they are roomy for wider feet, than I might give them a shot.
If you like the style of running shoes, but for just walking, and you want something wide, I’d go for altra LP alpine. I mainly like altra cause they don’t squeeze my feet like hokas (and practically every other brand) do.
Lone peak is altra’s top selling trail running/hiking shoe, but they made a hemp/suede casual version that should be pretty durable.
Altra also has the a version of the Torin (a road running shoe) for casual wear that’s all leather, so it’s probably pretty durable, but it’s a little narrower, and i don’t like the styling as much.
Ive never been a “running shoe for casual wear”-person, though, so i haven’t worn either of those.
For slightly nicer looking (or cold weather) casual wear, I have Jim Green boots. They are very comfortable and basically the only boot company that actually makes something that doesn’t squeeze your toes. If you don’t like what they have, look for other boots/shoes made with stitchdown construction. Most nicer boots/shoes use a Goodyear (or similar) welt, which wraps the upper under your foot, making it more narrow. Stitchdown has the upper flip outwards at the midsole, making it wider.
For more casual wear, I have Bedrock clogs. Also super durable/resolable and nice and wide. It doesn’t have any foam underfoot, which i like, but isnt for everyone.
