Feet, players and shoes come in all shapes and sizes. Today we look at the greatest basketball sneakers for wider footers. So, you can get on the court in the best kicks!
Having wide feet isn’t a problem. With a growing population, this foot size is becoming more and more common. What can be a problem is finding the right shoe for your foot size and shape.
Add in that you want to play basketball and suitable shoes can be tricky to come by. Shoving your foot into a narrow or ordinary fit shoe when your feet are naturally wider won’t help your chances of getting drafter for the LA Lakers or the social community team. Instead, you’re more likely to injure yourself and potentially have a lengthy wait at the podiatrist. Sound familiar?
You deserve more than that crippling pain in the side of your feet, so make sure to get the right shoe for your foot. If you don’t know where to start, then you’re in luck. We’ve found some of the best basketball shoes which have wider foot sizes and/or roomy fits for your feet. Make sure to check these kicks out ahead of your next ball practice, so you can be your best self on the court and avoid that pricy medical bill!What to Look for When Buying Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet
What features should you consider the most for your wide feet? Let’s go through a quick rundown of the most important aspects to look out for:
1- Comfort
This goes for all feet, but especially for the wider footed. You’re going to wear these for quite some time during physical exercise, good cushioning and support are needed to ensure your feet don’t come off worse after time out on the court.
2- Fits
The ‘fits true to size’ rating or general ‘fit feeling’ is a must for the wide-footed patrons. If a particular model runs roomier then it is worth trying on to see what size is best for you.
3- Durability and value
If your feet are wider and you absolutely need an additional width size, you’ll want to consider the life expectancy of the shoe. The wider sizes aren’t produced on mass, so the costs generally are higher. It might not be the best idea to get the cheapest shoe if it’ll need replacing soon and you must fork out for another expensive fit.
Top 8 Best Basketball Shoes For Wide Feet
Comfort, bounce and an unrivalled color scheme. The fly knit and Foamposite composition creates a sturdy shoe perfect for those going hard in the paint during those high-energy drives.
The Nike LeBron 17 sits at the higher-end of the pricing spectrum, but can justify itself with a design-led on user comfort and protection; a must when considering wide feet. The shoe is also championed for its remarkable fit to size.
The only down points are that the premium materials and sturdy design make for a heavier shoe that can drag during the latter parts of a tiresome game.
Pros:
Cons:
Designed with two-time NBA Finals winner, Kawhi Leonard, this shoe has science behind it to bring the user ultimate court control. Giving you the edge dictates the tempo of play just like the contemporary LA Clippers small forward.
The New Balance Kawhi 1 is the first real venture for Kawhi Leonard in the world of signature kicks. Wider feet will certainly benefit from the durability and longer-term service these will provide as well as the foamy midsole for comfort.
The rigid fit, in theory, could become too much over time which might deter some considering the high-mid price tag.
Pros:
Cons:
Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics has long championed Puma as his shoe brand of choice and with distinctive shoes, it’s easy to see why. The Clyde All-Pro comes off the back of Court and Hardwood designs in the Clyde series.
The Puma Clyde All-Pro stands out from the crowd for multiple reasons. Firstly, the unique design lacks the ‘bulky spaceship’ attribute accompanying most contemporary basketball shoes, instead favouring a sleek trainer fashion. Puma also hasn’t priced itself out of the market with a relatively affordable shoe.
A lightweight shoe offering total court control with great comfort and true-to-size fits. As the shoe is narrower by design, be sure to try it before you buy. Otherwise, adequate use will ensure to speed up the ‘breaking-in’ process as the shoe can be a little blocky from purchase.
Pros:
Cons:
Cameroonian seven-footer and power forward, Joel Embiid has collaborated with Under Armour to match his playful personality. The four-time NBA All-Star hits big out the block with his first signature shoe.
Under Armour Embiid One has clearly been made with comfort at the heart of its design. The plush cushion allows for wider feet to slip in easily, while the wings hold everything in place with no restriction. Ventilation is also key as this shoe allows the foot to breathe.
The major drawback is that reviewers noted the shoe is subject to noticeable wear and tear; indicating a shorter lifespan when compared to alternatives. This is a direct correlation that some report materials used are ‘not premium’. That said, for the lower tier pricing the shoe still offers some value.
Pros:
Cons:
The latest incarnation in the Air Jordan series hits the top end and with good reason. Another top-performing basketball shoe makes another highly sought-after and recommended by. It’s this premium form that has carried the Jordan name with great pride years after the superstar retired from the NBA.
While the Air Jordan 36 is undoubtedly an amazing basketball shoe, the decision to narrow and slim down from prior editions in the series does raise a concern for wider feet. Sizing up and seeking out the wider sizes is most certainly necessary while trialing out these kicks – especially considering this is at the higher end of the market price.
Should the right size present itself, this shoe offers a combination of bounce and traction with remarkable comfort. Add in the fact it's available in a multitude of color variations and this lightweight shoe is on to a winner.
Pros:
Cons:
Derrick Rose’s signature series from Adidas had previously come under fire for disappointing editions in the brand. Yet both the player and shoe have made a remarkable comeback, can the D Rose 11 be as impressive as his New York Knicks return?
Versatility comes to mind when considering the Adidas D Rose 11, as the shoe performs well on both indoor and outdoor courts. The Lightstrike midsole gives great cushioning to enhance lift-off and bolting agility when required. The urban design has been touted as highly fashionable and even worn for casual use.
The fit seems to run slightly roomier than anticipated, which happens to be a plus point for wider footed players – but still offers great stability with firm cushioning.
Concerns over the materials have been brought up in reviews but most consider it to befit the more casual price tag. The ankle support has also been questioned as it can be a little slack compared to other shoes available.
Pros:
Cons:
The Nike LeBron 18 is a high-top by design and price point, retailing at around $200. The ultra-high-end materials and cushioning however do make it a premium product modelled on the desires of the four-time NBA champion and MVP.
When LeBron James puts his name to a project or franchise, big things are expected. This shoe fulfils such expectations with an emphasis on the bigger players, wide feet included. After the initial break-in, the traction comes to life from the quality materials used. Jumping for rebounds or shots is covered by the imperious impact protection absorbed by the AIR MAX technology.
For a shoe this price, flaws tend to be put under the microscope and magnified. As such the tongue, weight and support can be scrutinized, yet such issues would be minimized with a bigger or wider foot in the shoe.
Pros:
Cons:
This is the ‘one-size fits all’ (not literally) basketball shoe for 2022. Its pacey rubber combines elements of all great shoes to give speed and power enhancement for any player finding his or her game. A great start for any newcomer to the sport, especially considering the affordability.
Adidas Exhibit A offers an exemplary introduction into the world of basketball shoes. The model is the exact specification for any newcomer or frugal basketballer who still wants a lightweight kick with traction.
The sizes usually fit a bit wider, which is a plus point for your feet – giving extra room and breathing space with the mesh ventilation. In addition, this shoe comes with some great color schemes with seemingly endless variations.
The materials are undoubtedly a little bit lower quality compared to lines from the signature series, but for the price point, this is to be expected. This only becomes an issue after severe usage or misuse on outdoor courts, as this is an indoor exclusive shoe.
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
After analysis of our top eight picks, hopefully, you’re ready to pick a pair out and take to the court like Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, or even LeBron James. Whether you’re a wide-footed NBA 2022 draft candidate or a causal hoops-thrower it’s best to get the footwear that fits you.
If you’ve got the disposable income and have fashion in mind then the Nike LeBron 18 and Air Jordan 36 can seldom come more recommended as the courts will certainly be your friend with these colourful premium kicks.
If you’d rather not spend that much, then there are still plenty of options for all budgets with Under Armour Embiid One, Adidas D Rose 11, and even the Adidas Exhibit A all offering significant value at their respective price points.
That said these eight have all been pinpointed as great shoes for the wide-footed players. Whether you specifically pick a wide fit or benefit from the naturally roomy design, any one of these should help you enjoy your time on the court as opposed to being hindered with aches and pains.
Frequently asked questions:
Is there a best brand for wide-footed basketball shoes?
There’s undoubtedly a market for this and bespoke brands/stores most likely exist; yet sadly probably will cost you a lot for such services. Typically, the big brands like Adidas and Nike by their size and domination of the market have many options for wide feet.
Can I stretch out shoes to fit my wide feet?
While the internet and folklore stories tell tales of placing a potato into shoes to stretch them out, do you really want to put one into your high-end trainers? We’d recommend not doing that and just getting the best fit at purchase.
Should I just buy a size up?
No, not really. Your shoes need to fit the length and width of your foot. Wider feet deserve that, buying a size up is just passing the problem on to the other side of your foot. If you find a shoe that fits you with no issue in a size up, that’s great, but as rule, you should try to avoid ‘just sizing up’.
Hey, I’m Aleksandar and I am a Basketball freak! That is why I decided to create this blog. Teaching people How to dunk a basketball and How to Jump Higher in this sport or other related sports that require vertical jumping, is my specialty. If that’s your aim, then you have come to the right place.