Best Skate Shoes for Wide Feet

You’re looking for the best skate shoes for wide feet because your feet are wide, slightly wide, or extremely wide. You’re asking questions like: What does it mean to have wide feet? Do I have wide feet? What’s the best skateboard shoe for wide feet?

I crafted this post to answer these questions and a bunch of others you might ask when shopping for wide-fitting skate shoes.

In a hurry? Below is a list of some of the best wide-toebox skateboarding shoes on the market today. I’ve also created a top 3 wide skate shoe comparison table just in case you want to get the most critical details neatly and quickly.

Also Read: Best roller skates for wide feet

*Affiliate Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

6 Best Skate Shoes for Wide Feet

Below are the best options for skateboarders with wide feet. But before we dive into these best skateboarding shoes for wide feet reviews, let’s learn how to choose the right shoe. And if you can’t wait to know what the best options are, here’s a comparison table that pinpoints the most important things about each choice.

*Click any of the links in the table of contents to jump right into any of the brief reviews.

Different Shapes and Sizes of Feet

Skateboarders’ feet come in all shapes and sizes. Two skateboarders may wear the exact same skate shoe size, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be comfortable in all shoes of a particular size. For example, a wide-footed skateboarder won’t be comfortable in the same shoe that fits others perfectly.

If you have wide feet, the trick is to identify wider models from your fave brand. Here I’ll show you at least 5 great skateboarding shoes for wide feet so you can have great sessions each time.

Also Read: Best Beginner Skate Shoes

Why Do I Have Wide Feet?

Some people were born with wide feet. For others, their feet grew wider and wider as they age. But are wide feet something to worry about? No. But according to Healthline, wider-than-normal feet may result from certain health issues. And whether you’re in perfect health or not, you need to wear properly fitting shoes.

Here are 4 reasons some people have wide feet:

• Genetics is the number one cause of wider feet. Most people with flat feet tend to have wider-than-normal feet.
• Aging is another cause of wider feet. In general, adults have longer and wider feet than young people and children.
• Edema, a condition where feet swell, can also necessitate wearing wider shoes.
• Pregnancy and foot deformities are other common culprits.

Regardless of whether you have a condition or not, you want to always wear properly fitting skate shoes.

Why Wearing Fitting Shoes Matters

As mentioned above, feet with deformities tend to be wider. And while foot deformities are often a natural phenomenon, they can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit right. Research associates wearing incorrectly fitted shoes with foot disorders, toe deformity, calluses, and corns. 

Choosing the Perfect Fit for Wider Feet

It’s important to buy the right skate shoe size from the get-go rather than order a pair and hope the shoes will comfortably accommodate your feet over time. That’s a common mistake, one you don’t want to make. So, how do you ensure you do your skate shoe sizing accurately?

I’ll be honest; I’m not a sizing expert. However, I’ve researched around and found information that should make your shopping journey easier.

First off, how do you know if you have wider-than-average feet? Two skaters may wear the exact same shoe size from the same brand, but they may not get the same fit. If one of the skaters has wide feet, their shoe might pinch or something. So, how do you select the perfect fit if you have wider feet?

Manufacturers express shoe sizes in two ways. They show a numeric number to indicate the shoe’s size in terms of length. And they use a letter to indicate the shoe’s width. I’m sure you know your shoe size (the numeric one), but you likely aren’t very sure what the letters mean.

Now, if a pair of shoes is extra-narrow, they’ll mark it 2A or AA. If narrow, it’s a size B. And if it’s a medium fit, the letter is D. Similarly, 2E or EE stands for wide feet while 4E or EEEE indicates extra-wide feet.

If your feet are extra, extra wide, you’re going to need to buy a size 6E or EEEEEE. This sizing information applies to regular shoes.

When it comes to skate shoes, many people find they need to size up, especially if they have wider feet. But that doesn’t apply across brands. With some brands, I buy my regular size and I have no problems at all.

How do I accurately size skate shoes from my fave brand? Walk into a local store that carries your preferred brand’s products and try on a few options to see what fits right. Even better, have their people help you with the process.

You should easily find the right size. And if you can’t, the people at the shop would easily recommend wide skate shoe brands for you.

I’ve done that myself. But the store’s prices were out of my range so I didn’t buy there. I just went to Amazon and ordered the size they’d helped me find.

Another practical idea would be to have the store measure your feet and tell you what size would be best for you. You can also take the measurements at home, and I explain how in the next section.

How to Measure Your Feet and Accurately Size Skateboard Shoes

Find a piece of paper and tape it to the floor to stabilize it. Then, step on it and trace the outline of the foot using a pencil. Then, turn the paper upside down and repeat the process with the other foot.

Next, grab a ruler and measure the distance between the heel and the longest toe. A ruler will do unless you’re Jeison Orlando Rodriguez Hernández. This dude has held the world’s record for the largest feet since 2014. Believe it or not, he can’t find a shoe that fits because his feet measure over 1 foot! Yes, you heard me right! His right foot is 1.31 feet long while the left one is 1.30 ft. long. Guess what? He wears size 26 shoes (U.S.  sizing).

Jeison Orlando Rodríguez Hernández wears size 26 shoes (U.S.  sizing). He wears custom shoes.

Then, get the reading of the widest part and that’s your width. Remember to subtract a quarter inch from both measurements to account for the outline.

Grab an appropriate size guide and calculate your size. Note: different brands may size their shoes slightly differently. A similar style and shoe size from brand X may not fit you well while the same size from brand Y may do.

Brands such as Asics, Nike, New Balance, and Fila are known for wide skate shoes. But they’re not the only ones, you know.

It’s best to take the measurements at the end of the day rather than during the day. During the day, all solids (that includes your feet) naturally expand. So, you’d end up with inaccurate measurements if you measured during the day, especially a warm one.

Note: skate shoe sizes vary from country to country, both in terms of width and length. For instance, my boyfriend’s feet are 11^1/4” in length, and he wears a size 12 (U.S.). A man in the U.K. with the same measurement would need to buy a size 11.5 while someone shopping in Japan would have to order a size 32. See, same shoe size expressed differently across regions.

As for width, hubby measures  4 7/16″, and that’s rather wide. The normal shoe width for size 12 is roughly 4 1/4″. Anyone whose width is less than that has narrow feet, and anyone with a greater measurement has wider feet, just like my SO. Here’s a sizing chart that should help you determine the correct size.

Admittedly, buying wide skate shoes can be a real hassle. Things get worse if you get the wrong size. But what if the shoe runs too wide or too narrow and you’d like to exchange it? It helps to order from brands whose return policy isn’t too complicated or expensive. Some brands allow free exchanges, but with others, you’ll have to pay for shipping when returning.

Other Factors to Consider

Let’s jump right in.

1. How You Lace Up the Skate Shoe

Certain ways of lacing up your skate shoes can help you create a bit more room to accommodate your wide feet. You may have to watch a video or two for inspiration. Or you can try out the style shown below.

I recommend this lacing-up style for people with wide feet. My feet are rather narrow, but my SO’s feet are pretty wide. He uses this style for lacing up his skate shoes, and it helps.

2. Board Feel vs Cushioning

I wrote an article here about the best skate shoe brands that provides detailed info on the differences between vulcanized skate shoes vs cupsoles.

Anyone who’s been skating for some time knows that vulcanized skate shoes offer notably higher flexibility, grip, and board feel. In addition, these shoes are easier to break in than cupsoles.

However, vulcanized skate shoes generally don’t last as long as their cupsole counterparts. Some of the ablest skaters on the planet worship at the altar of vulcanized shoes.

Cupsoles, in comparison, offer less flexibility, last longer, and are somewhat more challenging to break in. They also feature a more textured look, particularly when it comes to the soles.

If your feet are flat, you’re better off with cupsole shoes. Not that being a cupsole shoe makes any difference in terms of shoe width. Also, if you want a shoe that takes impact from jumps and other skating tricks well, grab a cupsole since they offer loads of cushioning.

But if board feel and grip are the most critical considerations for you, go with vulcanized shoes. These shoes have somewhat thinner soles and are more flexible, and this translates to greater board feel and grip. In these best shoe for wide feet reviews, I recommend both cupsoles and vulcs.

3. Pronation

Pronation matters a lot when it comes to shopping for all types of shoes, not just skate shoes. Pronation, according to Medical News Today, describes how your feet move from side to side when you’re walking, running, or even skateboarding. It’s how your feet strike the ground when you’re in action.

If your arches roll inward excessively when you’re moving about, you have overpronation. Or that you have flat feet. So, how do you know you overpronate? Check your skate shoes. If they wear toward the inner side, you have the condition. And you most likely have wide feet.

Overpronation can result in injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, bunions, heel pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more.

So, choose skate shoes that allow for just enough pronation (natural foot movement) — not too much or too little. If you overpronate, be extra careful when shopping for skate shoes. Pick wide enough shoes that offer lots of support and stability.

4. Arch support

If you have flat feet (wider feet, that is), you’re going to need a little arch support. You can easily find insoles designed to provide maximum arch support. Or you can pick one of these options as they offer tons of arch support. 

5. Breathability

Ok, skate shoes will always smell no matter what. As long as you’re practicing and having fun out there, your feet will perspire. And sweat smells ….bad. That’s why you need well-ventilated wide skate shoes.

A good skate shoe/the right skate shoe, whether you have wide or narrow feet, often features small holes on the upper. They also usually have a mesh tongue. And the tongue is typically made of padded foam. It’s not hard to tell a shoe that breathes with ease apart from the rest. Shoes like that are almost always comfortable.

It’s time to take a close look at a few skate shoes that work well for folks with wider-than-average feet.

1. Emerica Reynolds 3 G6 Men’s Vulcs Review

I’ve not skated the Emerica Reynolds 3 G6 Men’s Vulcs, but hubby has. He has wide feet, and before he bumped into this shoe, he’d tried quite a few other options that just didn’t work for him. Most shoes ran a little narrower than he’d hoped.

The upper is made of beautiful and nicely finished suede. Only one thought comes to mind as you look at it: durability. A quick look at the ankle area might have you thinking it’s one of those comfortable Nike sneakers you might have worn.

The double-wrapped construction coupled with hard gum soles adds longevity. These low-top skate shoes provide cupsole-like protection while not compromising on board feel. And the Heel Anchor System ensures you get as much heel support as your skate session needs.

The drop-in G6 PU) insole increases cushioning so you can jump around all you want. Apart from that, the shoes are light, and the intricately done tread on the outsole makes for great grip.

Also, the shoe has a couple of holes on the sides and below the area where the laces start, which improves ventilation.  In addition, the front of the shoe features no stitching. Less stitching might mean reduced odds that it’ll fall apart the first day you wear it.

Overall, this is a great shoe, or Andrew Reynolds wouldn’t have agreed to be associated with it. So, check the shoe out and order the color you want. Roll your way out and shred until you can’t shred any more.

Jason says walking in these Reynolds for a day makes his feet sore. But he skates in these shoes without issues. If you’re looking for walking shoes instead, consider picking something else.

2. Etnies Men’s Marana Cupsole Skate Shoe Review

If you’re wide-footed, consider trying out the Etnies Marana Skate Shoes. It’s possibly the best wide-feet cupsole skate shoe on the market today.

The Etnies Marana is made of long-lasting Scotchguard-treated upper so you can skate it for months not weeks. The lining is engineered from quick-dry Thinsulate so your feet can stay relatively dry as you skate around.

Since it’s a cupsole, expect it to be a little stiff. I also felt that the shoe’s injected rubber toe cup somewhat made it stiffer. Breaking it in might be somewhat harder than would be the case with a vulcanized shoe such as the Reynolds. But everyone just has to break in their shoes.

The tongue is a mesh-like material that allows for breathability and comfort. And so does the padding that covers the inside of the shoe’s around the heel and ankle area. Like the Reynolds 3 G6, this shoe has small holes that make it more breathable. The only difference is that the holes for this one are more, which means more breathability.

The outsole is made of high-performance rubber so you can wear the shoes forever. The sole is manufactured using Michelin’s tire-making technology, and so is the tread design. That’s why they last —much longer than most comparable shoes.

But the soles are also clunky and the area around the middle feels like really hard rubber, almost plastic. Small wonder they’re not super grippy.

Also, nice and durable stitches run all around the sole, embellishing the shoes. The stitching also ensures that the upper and the sole stay together the whole time you’re skating, but double-stitched cupsoles tend to outlast single-stitched ones. I comment about the shoe’s questionable durability after the pros and cons section below.

Then there’s the thick Pro Foam 1 insole for extra cushioning. And the shoe’s STI Evolution Foam midsole benefits immensely from the stiffness stemming from its reinforced shank. You get tons of arch support with this shoe, just what you need if your feet are wider than normal.

Listen, this may be a cupsole, but the grip and support you get from it are remarkable. Hubby also bikes in these shoes. And there’s nothing like the level of pedal feel he experiences.

Whether you’re hunting for good skate shoes for rotating your flat pedals with or for riding a skateboard, consider the Etnies Marana. You’ll love how the shoes look and how comfy they feel.

One thing hubby griped about is durability. Etnies have always made good shoes, but it did feel like the quality that this brand’s shoes are known for was lacking here. After about 2 months of skating them about 4 times each week, the shoes all but fell apart. 

Some people say the shoe is too stiff. And that’s hardly surprising — it’s a cupsole, after all. One person actually said their shoe was excessively stiff, and they had to return it. So, that’s something to keep in mind. But nearly every skateboarding shoe on the market needs a certain level of breaking-in, right?

Another person said their skateboarding shoe sat too low on their feet. Well, it’s a low-top style. You’ll have to be ok with that if you buy this. But only one person complained about that.

3. New Balance 574v1 Men’s All Coast Review

Not only is this skate shoe great for skaters with wide feet, but it’s also the perfect choice for folks who value durability. The upper is a long-lasting combination of suede and meshy synthetic material that builds breathability into the overall design.

The skate shoe is a staple of the New Balance skate shoe brand, a well-known brand that enjoys considerable popularity. I’m not saying it’s the most popular skate shoe brand — it’s not.

Maybe the reason not everyone sports New Balance skate shoes is that the company doesn’t pay famous skateboarders for endorsements.

Well, these aren’t the quintessential skate shoes. They’re versatile shoes that you can use for casual wear. But you can also wear them for cruising around on a skateboard. Just don’t expect to be able to perform tricks with these because the grip isn’t great. 

You’d be forgiven for confusing this skate shoe with one of those Nike skate shoes. The brand’s logo — just the letter N — stays stitched on the upper, and it’s easy to think you’re looking at a Nike shoe. That being said, I realize that everyone easily recognizes Nike’s ultra-famous Swoosh.

The Revlite midsole provides enough support for the insole so you can feel comfortable as you skate or walk all day. But some skaters think the shoe is way stiffer than anything they’ve worn. And that the rubber cup outsole makes the shoe irritatingly noisy.

It’s easy to pick a wide size on Amazon since the company clearly indicates whether the fit is wide or not.

I came across one user whose opinion I feel you should know. The person felt the outsole was excessively stiff. This isn’t the kind of shoe to be padding toward the bedroom in at 2.00 a.m. after a night out with the boys!

The shoe has you thudding hard against hard floors. And your wife might end up hating your party-loving friends even more.

I’m not sure I’d buy these. But that’s just me.

But would you be willing to look past the noisy sole issue? If yes, the New Balance 574V1 would be a good enough skate shoe for you. Or any other skater with wider-than-average feet out there.

4. Vans SK8-HiCore Classics Review: Best Hi-top Wide Skate Shoes

The Vans SK8-HiCore Classics is another great skateboarding shoe that’s comfortable and looks nice. It’s a high-top style, which means it offers sufficient protection.

It has a little more stitching than most skating shoes I’ve seen, though. But the stitching strengthens the shoes while making them look nicer. Besides, the stitching looks clean and very well done.

The stitching is the same color as the tough, grippy rubber soles and the laces. All this adds up to an eye-catching harmony that keeps you getting compliments. And nothing beats a rubber sole when it comes to traction.

The shoe features Vans’ unique lace-up, high-top style birthed by one of the brand’s classics, the Old School. Also, there are 8 eyelets, and these let you experiment with different styles when lacing up. You can do a lot with these laces to accommodate wider feet.

With this shoe, Vans brings high-quality suede and textile together into an upper that lasts long. The ankle area comes comfortably padded, too. And since the shoe top reaches past the ankle, you’ll get all the ankle support and protection you’ll ever need while walking or skateboarding.

Vans aren’t dirt-cheap, and the Vans SK8-HI is no exception. However, the shoe’s price is sub-$70 (as of this writing; please check the current price). Honestly, the price isn’t like a small fortune. I feel it’s reasonable. I’ve bought more expensive shoes that fell apart in weeks.

The only way to avoid buying fake Vans is to know how to quickly spot fake Vans.

Tip: If this Vans arrives without a label at the back of the sole and on the tongue, know they’re not authentic Vans shoes.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Vans SK8-HI may reduce your foot’s flexibility in some way due to its design. As a result, it may be hard to do some tricks in these shoes, especially if you’re a beginner. But you won’t be a beginner forever, right? You’ll soon learn to skate in all kinds of shoes, anything from pretty good skate shoes to not-so-great skate shoes.

*Note: Be sure to drop in high-quality insoles to increase comfort.

5. Lakai Men’s Griffin Review

The Lakai Men’s Griffin is another skate shoe that looks good and offers lots of comfort. These shoes would make you look really cool whether you’re skateboarding or walking your pooch around the neighborhood.

The upper is made of good-quality suede and a bit of textured textile that makes the shoes breathable. And the Lakai Logo the company stitches on the upper makes the shoe look even nicer.

It’s a remarkably long-lasting vulcanized shoe. If you’re buying it for your teen, they most likely won’t skate them to the ground in a day.

The toe box carries no stitching. Maybe that’s why the shoe doesn’t fall apart too quickly. It’s also partly why the skate shoe is a pretty good pick for a skater with a wide foot.

The herringbone pattern on the outsoles makes for treads that deliver tons of traction, and great traction prevents slippage. And when it comes to board feel, the shoe shines, just like most well-constructed vulcs do.

The insole for the Lakai Men’s Griffin is removable. But Jason tells me his insoles felt a little smaller for his feet. But that wasn’t a bummer for him.

The tongue offers some padding for comfort and support, and so does the collar. However, it seems like they should have added more of it.

Overall, it’s a great shoe for any wide-footed person who needs spacious skate shoes. Oh, I almost forgot to say that Lakai was founded by two skateboarders, Rick Howard and Mike Carroll. They sure know the kind of shoe a skateboarder needs to win.

Here’s one more thing. The Lakai Men’s Griffin fits true to size. So, you don’t need to order a size or half size up. And did I say that Lakai offers unisex sizing for this model? Get the right size, that’s the normal shoe size, and you’re good.

Bonus!

6. DC Men’s Court Graffik SE Skateboarding Shoe

The black-and-white DC Men’s Court Graffik SE Skate Shoe is another great choice for people with wide feet. It looks really nice, and you won’t easily find a more comfy choice for riding a skateboard. More importantly, the shoes fit wider feet perfectly. DC shoes have quite a good reputation in the skating community.

I have reviewed DC shoes elsewhere on this skateboarding review site, and that includes this shoe. You can easily use the search bar to find that review.

Meanwhile, check out the DC Men’s Court Graffik Skateboarding Shoe(Black) on Amazon. It’s a great shoe for skating. Oh, and be sure to pick the right size. Speaking of size, I suggest that you size up for the perfect fit and comfort.

In terms of board feel, it’s not great, but it’s not terrible either. The shoe does last, too, because they’re cuspsoles. And you’ll love cruising on your skateboard with them because they look nice and offer tons of comfort.

The stitching on the soles keeps the upper and soles together for a long time. And DC’s Pill Pattern tread on the soles keeps you sure-footed most of the time. But as you might already expect, these shoes aren’t what to buy if great board feel is super important to you.

But if comfort, aesthetics, and longevity matter more to you, definitely get these shoes.

Best Skate Shoes for Wide Feet?

I believe the Lakai Men’s Griffin are the best skate shoes for skateboarders with wide feet. They look really nice. And they are also roomy. Made of durable suede upper, they won’t fall apart in a day. The sole is vulcanized, and they’re as grippy as anyone would like. Plus, eyelets come reinforced. One more thing; it’s a unisex shoe. At least, it is in the U.S.

Finally, the company that makes them was founded by professional skaters. The company understands skateboarders’ needs and meets them fully in this shoe. Make sure to grab a pair on Amazon now.