No matter how much you love your hot girl’s walks, one thing’s for sure: Your quick lap around the block could turn into an unpleasant slog if it feels like your shoes are fighting against your feet with every step. If your walking shoes if it’s too tight, you can bet it will be your fate; So buying the best walking shoes for wide feet now can save you a lot of inconvenience (and frustration) later. “Don’t really expect to push the (width) of a sneaker; “If it’s uncomfortable and too tight in the store, it won’t feel good to exercise.” April Borchardt, DPMMD, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Prevea Ashwaubenon Health Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, tells SELF.

Fortunately, many podiatrists and SELF editor-approved shoe brands (including Hoka, Brooks, and New Balance) are creating wider styles that feel comfortable right out of the box. Here, we found the best pairs to try and spoke to experts about the top features to look for when browsing the web.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Brooks Adrenalin GTS 23
2. Second: Altra Paradigm 7
3. Best Budget: Ryka Devotion
4. Width Options: New Balance 990v6
5. Best Maximum Cushioning: Hoka Gaviota 5
6. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Saucony Echelon 9
7. Best for Over Pronation: Asics GT-2000 12
8. Best for Standing All Day: Nike InfinityRN 4
9. Best Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona Soft-Sole Sandals
10. Best Hiking Boots: La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX
11. Best Clogs: Rothy’s Daily Clogs

Take me straight to the shoes!

How do you know if you have wide feet?

If standard-width shoes are uncomfortable—that is, if they rub, pinch, or rub against the sides of your foot—this is a sign that you need wider shoes. Brianna Albers, DPMMatthews, a podiatric surgeon based in North Carolina, tells SELF. He adds that bulging and stretching on the sides of your shoe may also be an indication that the shoe is too tight for you.

Dr. The best way to determine your foot width is to have a professional measure it for you, such as a podiatrist or employee at a specialty shoe store, Borchardt says. They will be able to tell you whether you should look for wide, extra wide or xx wide shoes. Albers says you can also check the width of your foot at home by standing barefoot on a ruler or tape measure and measuring your foot at its widest point. She recommends referencing this measurement when browsing through brands’ size guides to make sure you choose the correct width.

How to choose the best walking shoes for wide feet

Knowing your foot measurements is a good first step towards finding a pair of truly comfortable walking shoes (heh), but you should also consider the following features when shopping.

Shop the best walking shoes for wide feet

Dr. Borchardt says there’s no one-size-fits-all shoe for wide feet; So don’t worry if you have to try on a few different pairs before you find the right one. Our picks below are a great place to start; It comes highly recommended by experts we spoke with, SELF staffers, and online reviewers.

Best Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Pros

• Available in four width options
• Designed to prevent over-pronation
• comfortable for you wear all day
• APMA accepted

Cons

• Some Brooks reviewers noted wear and tear early on

Albers loves Brooks sneakers for wide feet, and the Adrenaline GTS is our favorite model. It has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance; This means podiatrists consider it a good choice for overall foot health.

We have previously recommended Adrenaline GTS. people with flat feetand many of the features that make it well-suited for low arches also make it an outstanding choice for wide feet. Brooks’ internal GuideRails system includes two pieces of rigid foam on each side of the shoe designed to keep your foot aligned. “I’m exaggerating and end up with annoying lower leg injuries if I’m not careful with my shoe choice,” says SELF’s fitness and food director, adding that Adrenaline is the rare shoe that helps prevent that from happening. “They’re also great for when you’re going to be moving around a lot. “They give your feet the support and ‘guidance’ you need.”