- The 10 best styles of basketball shoes for wide feet
- How to choose the right shoes for the most comfort and safety
- The innovative design features and new materials that make these shoes so comfortable for wide feet.. and much more!
If you’re in a hurry, here’s our summary list of the overall best choices in the price range between $100 to $350
IMAGE
PRODUCT
OUR TOP PICK
#1 – Nike Air Jordan XXXIV
- Top-quality materials, appearance, and performance
- Upper is exceptionally comfortable for wide feet
- Zoom Air technology gives extra support during hard landings
BEST BUDGET
#2 - New Balance OMN1S
- Fuel Cell is super comfortable for hard landings
- Tread gives superior traction on wooden courts
- Interesting colour choices
BEST HIGH END
#3 – Under Armour HOVR Havoc 3
- Perforated upper is great for big feet
- Half-bootie fits perfectly
- Good support for widest feet
#4 - Nike Men's Lebron Witness III Basketball Shoe
- Knitted fabric upper for wider, roomier fit on big feet
- Super comfortable midsole foam to support broad feet
- Heel tab for easy on-and-off
#5 – Adidas D Rose 773
- Wide outsole
- Exceptionally comfortable midsole cushioning
- Feels roomier than most shoe styles
#6 – Under Armour Embiid 1
- Traction remains excellent regardless of place
- Provides top-notch comfort similar to the brand’s Micro G shoe
- Stability makes it feel like the feet are always on the ground
#7 – Nike LeBron 18 Los Angeles by Night
- Traction is good for indoor and outdoor use
- Cushioning system also promotes top-notch support
- Fit is true to its size
#8 – Adidas Pro Boost
- Herringbone outsole design delivers first-rate traction
- Premium materials enhances overall comfort
- Boost system improves responsiveness, which makes it ideal for quick maneuvers
#9 – Under Armour Curry 3Zero
- The interior of the shoe is still roomy for wide feet
- Excellent traction that delivers like its predecessor
- Ankle strap enhances support
#10 - Nike LeBron 17
- Usage of premium materials
- Will last a long time because of the revamped forefoot
- Plushy cushioning system without reducing support and protection
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Nike Air Jordan XXXIV
Nike’s Air Jordan 34 “Blue Void” style is made with fabric combined together with a special translucent material that creates a super-strong-yet-lightweight upper.
We’ve tested many different types of shoes on courts ranging from wood and concrete to asphalt and dirt, and our team really loves the Nike Air Jordan 34 for its comfort and performance. This is one of the lightest Nike styles ever made, and it’s super comfortable even for large feet.
Nike Air Jordan XXXIV basketball shoes feature a well-designed breathable tongue. It’s especially effective for releasing heat and moisture during highly competitive games.
Another reason why we like this shoe is the patented Zoom Air cushioning unit on its footbed. This style also has a roomy, comfortable toe box that you’ll appreciate hard impacts.
Top 10 Best Basketball Shoes For Wide Feet
If you’re truly looking for the best basketball shoes for your large feet, you’re in the right place!
Below is a list of our top 10 shoes that will allow you to wiggle your toes once again!
How do I find comfortable shoes for wide feet?
Let’s say that a favorite player has released his new signature line of basketball sneakers, and you’ve seen a colour that you truly love…. but that particular style isn’t available in wide sizes yet.
Can you make an ordinary shoe fit your wide feet comfortably? It may be possible with some styles, depending on the material used in the uppers.
You already know that athletic footwear is made with various kinds of materials. If an elastic, stretchable material is used in the shoe’s upper, then even an ordinary shoe might be flexible enough to fit wider feet.
For the best flexibility to let your big feet squeeze (comfortably) into ordinary-size sneakers, look for uppers made of leather, textile, or mesh.
Wearing a top-quality shoe with a flexible upper, you can achieve a sock-like fit that gives the foot excellent control and “feedback” on any surface.
Shoe technology has advanced to the point where each component is engineered for comfort and performance. Leaders such as Nike have pioneered the system of using a lightweight, minimalist upper bonded with high-traction, non-slip sole components.
Read More >> What Are The Best Basketball shoes for Point Guards
Do I need wide outsoles?
When you’re considering shoe size, the width is even more important than length. The toes should have some wiggle room.
Whether the upper materials are soft or hard, a well-fitted shoe shouldn’t squeeze your toes. Still, you’ll need enough space in the toe box area of the shoe to handle the stress of sudden starts and stops.
Wide toe box basketball shoes have more room, and that means more comfort and better games with higher scores.
Size matters when it comes to wide feet
As outlined above, the best wide basketball shoes all feature specially-designed upper, midsole, insole, outsole, and tread components. Our team has tested the materials, engineering, and designs from across a wide variety of sneakers.
We’ll describe all the review details below, but first, it’s important to think about whether you should “size up” or not….
Using the appropriate shoe size will give you more than just comfort – There’s also less risk of ankle injuries from twisting and pivoting without lateral support.
The factors listed above are important for on-court performance too. But keep in mind there is always a trade-off between looser fit and less lateral control when you’re moving fast and stopping hard.
Precise sizing varies between shoe styles, and some uppers are more flexible than others. So, the best strategy when buying new sneakers is to wear 2 pairs of socks if the footwear seems a bit loose around your feet.
Removable insoles can also help, but you’ll need to be careful that they don’t allow the foot to slip and slide forward during hard stops and impacts.
Here’s a pro tip: In order to avoid friction “burns” in the heel and toe areas caused between multiple pairs, wear softer cotton socks on the inside.
After lots of research, we’ve concluded that sizing up is the second-best solution. It’s usually better to focus on finding those few standout shoes that give wide feet the best comfort and game performance, instead of trying to squeeze into the wrong shoe.
Now let’s review the pros and cons of each of the best wide basketball shoes.
Read More >> Best Basketball Shoes to Support your Ankles
Why choose a wider pair of shoes for basketball?
No more blisters between the toes
Too-tight footwear causes many issues, including blisters and pressure sores, excessive sweating, and other foot problems such as bone spurs and hammer toes.
By choosing sneakers specifically made for wide-footers, you’ll be able to focus on the game instead of being distracted by painful feet.
In this review of the 10 best wide basketball shoes in 2021, we’ll highlight the standout picks worth considering for your next pair. We’ll show you their design features, and cover the pros and cons of each style.
You’ll also learn a few pro tips about how to find the right basketball sneakers that fit comfortably even if you have super-wide feet. It’s time to lace up!
Comfort is the key to success…
When you’re playing an intense game, comfortable feet are important. Proper fit is the only way to avoid pain.
You need enough space along the sides of the shoe to avoid pinching. If your shoes are too tight, you’ll be distracted from the game.
… but safety is most important
On the other hand, too-loose shoes are more dangerous than overly-tight footwear. Sneakers should be tight enough to let you pivot cleanly instead of sliding or rolling.
That’s why you should always wear wide basketball shoes if ordinary footwear feels too tight.
Read More >> Are Basketball shoes good for running?
Pick #1 – Nike Air Jordan XXXIV
Nike’s Air Jordan 34 “Blue Void” style is made with fabric combined together with a special translucent material that creates a super-strong-yet-lightweight upper.
We’ve tested many different types of shoes on courts ranging from wood and concrete to asphalt and dirt, and our team really loves the Nike Air Jordan 34 for its comfort and performance. This is one of the lightest Nike styles ever made, and it’s super comfortable even for large feet.
Nike Air Jordan XXXIV basketball shoes feature a well-designed breathable tongue. It’s especially effective for releasing heat and moisture during highly competitive games.
Another reason why we like this shoe is the patented Zoom Air cushioning unit on its footbed. This style also has a roomy, comfortable toe box that you’ll appreciate hard impacts.
- Pros
- Top-quality materials, appearance, and performance
- Upper made of fabric and translucent material is exceptionally comfortable for wide feet
- Zoom Air technology gives extra support during hard landings
- Cons
- The Jordan branding often means paying a higher price
Pick #2 – New Balance OMN1S
The OMN1S style is the first true basketball sneaker produced by New Balance in a long time, and they’ve scored a win. This shoe is exceptionally comfortable because of the patented Fuel Cell cushioning foam.
It’s the reason why the New Balance OMN1S basketball shoe is so popular among players with wide feet. If you’ve tried other wide basketball shoes, you’ll be especially impressed with this style because of the perfect cushioning for big, heavy players.
- Pros
- Fuel Cell is very comfortable
- Tread gives superior traction on wooden courts
- Interesting colour choices
- Cons
- Translucent rubber becomes dirty quickly
Pick #3 – Under Armour HOVR Havoc 3
This shoe is made with a perforated material in the upper, which gives wide feet more flexibility. With extensive testing, we’ve learned that this material is very comfortable for wide or unusual feet.
On the court, we’ve seen that the HOVR technology gives wide feet lots of support for running, jumping, and stopping. The secret lies in this shoe’s midsole made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which provides great stability.
- Pros
- Fuel Cell is very comfortable
- Tread gives superior traction on wooden courts
- Interesting colour choices
- Cons
- Translucent rubber becomes dirty quickly
Pick #4 – Nike LeBron Witness III
These shoes have a knitted fabric upper that is very comfortable for wide or weird feet. You’ll immediately notice that the strategic areas of the upper have a wider knitted pattern. That’s the reason why they’re so comfortable for wide-footers.
Also, like several of the other top-rated sneakers mentioned in this review, the Nike LeBron Witness III is built atop a midsole with special foam cushioning. It has air-sole units the full length of the shoe. This system offers maximum comfort for big players who jump and land hard.
- Pros
- Knitted fabric upper for wider, roomier fit on big feet
- Super comfortable midsole foam to support broad feet
- Heel tab for easy on-and-off
- Cons
- Knitted fabric upper can gather dirt quickly, and be difficult to clean
Pick #5 – Adidas D Rose 773
A signature style of the NBA’s youngest MVP, Adidas’ Derrick Rose 773 basketball shoes are made with a combined fabric and synthetic upper. The material is very soft and stretchy, which means it can comfortably accommodate wider feet.
It’s also breathable, and it allows excellent airflow. You’ll find this style especially comfortable during long, hot games on concrete surfaces.
The midsole has plenty of lightweight cushioning that molds itself to each foot’s individual contours. Big players can make sudden moves toward the basket without rolling over the edge of this shoe.
- Pros
- Wide outsole
- Exceptionally comfortable midsole cushioning
- Research shows that more people complain about D Rose 773 basketball shoes being too loose than too tight – That's great news for ballers with wide feet
- Cons
- It takes a bit longer to break these shoes in than some other styles
Pick #6 – Under Armour Embiid 1
When we heard about Joel Embiid, the Camoorenian NBA player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, has a shoe made for him, we had to check it out. Plus, the team heard that this particular shoe is great for wide feet. Our overall thoughts about the Embiid 1 is filled with glee, to say the least.
First, let’s talk about the shoe’s traction. Also, I would like to point out my personal experience with this shoe while other team members watched and recorded my reactions.
When I was at home, I never had any issues with the rubber. It was just that I never had to deal with any issues with the traction while using the shoe outdoors. The outsole held against pavements and outdoor basketball courts suitably well.
While wearing the Embiid 1, I can’t help but compare it to the old Micro G. For those who are relatively new to the basketball shoe scene, the Micro G 1 is promoted great comfort and stability. It also features a cushioned heel and a supportive midfoot for a well-balanced ride. I couldn’t help but compare the Under Armour Embiid 1 to that particular shoe because of the similar experience in those categories.
Still, make no mistake as the Embiid 1 is still a joy to wear. It is quite comfortable. Plus, wearing it makes me feel held to the ground, for the lack of a better word. However, it also means that it doesn’t promote a lot of bounce, which might be an issue for more offensive positions.
- Pros
- Rubber outsole promotes excellent traction indoors or outdoors
- Delivers excellent comfort
- Stability feels like the feet is always connected to the ground
- Cons
- Might not be ideal for offensive positions
Pick #7 – Nike LeBron 18 Los Angeles by Night
This list is filled with Nike shoes (to no surprise of many). Adding to the list of excellent Nike shoes for wide feet is the LeBron 18. This particular shoe even has a place in professional basketball history, since the iconic basketball player (of whom this shoe was named from) used this piece of footwear in the 2020 NBA Bubble. It’s because of that reason that the team had to get this shoe and test it out.
First, we tested out the traction on this shoe. The LeBron 18 Los Angeles by Night (which is quite a mouthful to say every time) was consistent for the most part. These are great for both indoor and outdoor use. The shoes keep the rubber in contact with the floor all the time. But we felt that the outsole will wear out over time and at a faster rate than others.
As for the cushioning, this particular shoe for wide feet folks has three layers of comfortable cushion to support the feet. These shoes have a great cushion design inside, but they also have an impact protection feature that’s second to none.
Finally, the fit is true to its size. We ordered this shoe online and feared that it might not fit our team members with the size we inputted on the transaction. Thankfully, the fit is solid without constricting the foot.
- Pros
- Grippy traction promotes excellent indoor and outdoor use
- 3-layered cushioning system promotes great and almost unbeatable comfort and support
- Fit is true to its size
- Cons
- We felt that the outsole needed more durability
Pick #8 – Adidas Pro Boost
Now, it’s time to break the streak of Nike shoes with this top-notch Adidas basketball shoe for wide feet. It has many suitable features that should allure many basketball enthusiasts and players.
Again, let’s start with the traction on this shoe; the outsole has a herringbone design.
Although it’s possible to see this outsole design on dozens of basketball shoes out there, it still works in providing great traction, especially for this shoe. Some of our team members tried it out by slipping and sliding in the court. We felt that this shoe can stop on a dime.
We also liked that Adidas decided to use some premium materials for this product. The toebox is covered in a soft and synthetic leather overlay. The heel has the same pleather as the heel counter, and both materials are a joy for the feet. Additionally, the lace loops are sewn into the cord system for added comfort.
Next, this shoe features a soft and cushioned upper, and it absorbs impact well. When the Lightstrike technology bottoms out, the internal Boost system comes into play. It provides a more responsive and stiffer boost, and this system was quicker than other basketball shoes from the brand.
However, we would like to point out that this particular shoe feels softer than others. We even felt that it’s a bit too soft, which lead to some edge compression. If you’re not a seasoned basketball player, and you’re wearing this shoe, you might stumble and fall a bit because of this problem.
- Pros
- Herringbone design on the outsole promotes great traction
- Use of premium materials enhances overall comfort
- The boost system delivers optimal response, ideal for quick maneuvers
- Cons
- Soft material can lead to edge compression
Pick #9 – Under Armour Curry 3Zero
Upon sliding our foot into the shoe, we noticed that it was roomier than we’d expected. Even some of our teammates with wide feet noted that their feet still had some wiggle room. However, we suggest individuals with regular-sized feet to buy this shoe at half-a-size down for a snug fit.
As for the outsole, we can’t help but compare this shoe to its spiritual predecessor, the Under Armour Curry 3. Why? It’s because both of these shoes have the same outsole, which also mean that the traction performance is the same. However, that’s not a bad thing because the Curry 3 already has excellent traction both in and off the court.
Additionally, the overall support on the Curry 3Zero is very similar to the Curry 3. However, there’s a noticeable difference in the existence of an ankle strap on the 3Zero, which does well in improving overall heel support.
- Pros
- Roomier than expected, even for wide feet folk
- Excellent traction like its predecessor
- Existence of an ankle strap promotes additional support
- Cons
- People with regular-sized feet may need to buy this shoe at half-a-size down
Pick #10 – Nike LeBron 17
Some of our team members like the Nike LeBron line because of the shoes’ first-rate performance for casual and active use. The LeBron 17 is no different, and it even adds some top-notch features that can make many basketball enthusiasts with wide feet foam at the mouth in excitement.
One of the reasons why you should be excited with the Nike LeBron 17 is the materials used in its production. Although the design is different from the brand’s BattleKnit 3.0, the materials used makes it feel like that particular shoe. Although the LeBron 17 isn’t exactly the brand’s new KnitPosite, the combination of pre-twisted and heat-molded yarns with the likeable Flyknit construction is hard to pass.
Furthermore, the LeBron 17 took a massive revamping in the forefoot, but the heel section stayed pretty much the same as the last iteration. We found Air Max units in the heel, as well as two decoupled units in the forefoot. With these features, we felt that the shoe holds itself together in place, which means that you can expect to use this piece of basketball footwear for many years.
The 17’s plushy cushioning doesn’t prevent it from being a tank top in the support section. Its king-inspired heel counter and removable midfoot cup provide added protection, ideal for preventing injuries.
We would like to mention that brand new pairs were a bit snug at first. But once they break in, they will eventually become a custom fit. I only experienced one small flaw though, which was a bit of extra volume near the toe box. But that’s a minor caveat to what is an overall excellent shoe for wide feet.
- Pros
- The premium materials used makes the LeBron 17 feel like the already excellent BattleKnit 3.0
- First-rate longevity, thanks to the revamped forefoot
- Plushy cushioning without sacrificing support and protection
- Cons
- A brand new pair needs to be broken into to achieve a custom fit
Our Top Pick – Nike Air Jordan XXXIV
Our top pick still has to be the epic Nike Air Jordan XXXIV shoes. They are perfect for those with wide feet and is one of the lightest Nike styles ever made, and it’s super comfortable even for large feet.
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