I know the struggle. Finding squat shoes that fit your wide feet can be tiring. And you canโt just wear any pair. It wonโt only be uncomfortable but also affect your squat kinematics.ย ย
If you need the widest shoes in the market, go for the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes (click for availability and today's price on Rogue Fitness). They have a sturdy leather construction, and they feature double support straps.ย
Curious about my other recommendations? keep reading! In this article, weโll discuss the 4 best squat shoes for wide feet in the market. Letโs get going!
Table of Contents
The Four Best Squat Shoes For Wide Feet
After we covered the basics, here are the shoes that I recommend for people with wide feet. For every product, youโll see the technical features that can improve your squat mechanics.
Iโll also mention the shortcomings I found from the online reviews to give you the most detailed and thorough picture.
1. Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes – Best Overall
Do-win Weightlifting Shoes are widely known for their wide toe box. In fact, weightlifters with normal feet purchase a pair thatโs 1/2 size smaller than their regular size. They are also named the Pendlay shoes after the iconic weightlifting coach Glenn Pendlay.
People with wide feet have a crucial problem that happens with nearly every pair. The toe box usually gets torn up in a couple of months. But you can forget about this if you go with the Pendlays.
Why? They lined the toe box and the heel with strong synthetic leather thatโs highly resistant to stretching and tear. Moreover, the shoes maintain a breathable environment around your feet thanks to the nylon mesh construction around the laces.
For extra support, these shoes have two outer straps, one at the midfoot area and another near the ball of the feet.
Considering the sole, these shoes feature the standard .75โ heel height with rigid TPU construction.
And above all, these shoes are notably cheaper than the other models. Frankly, having these features at this price is quite a bargain.
Pros
- Wide toe box
- Leather and mesh construction
- Double support straps
- 0.75โ heel height
Cons
- People with normal feet might find it oversized
3. Adidas Powerlift 5 – Best for Value
These shoes have been amazingly successful in their initial generations, and the fifth one is no different.
They offer a wide toe box, but not as wide as the previous shoes I mentioned. The heel comes with a 0.6โ height. This, alongside the 15 ounces it weighs, makes them suitable for people who are trying heeled shoes for the first time.
The lightweight construction comes from the high-density EVA sole. And this is something that I donโt really appreciate in these shoes.
Why? Well, EVA is great in terms of durability. But itโs not as stiff as TPU. Therefore, it will allow for slight movement under heavy loads, which is bad for squats.
Aside from this, the shoes function properly. Leather constitutes the biggest part of the upper, leaving the padded mesh around the heel only. This allows for a balanced experience between the leather support and the mesh breathability.
Though they have a single support strap, Adidas made up for this by making it notably wider. It also lies just above the midfoot region.
Considering the color, Iโm in love with the white/gold edition. It adds a lot to your look and makes you feel luxurious around the gym.
Pros
- 0.6โ heel height
- Lightweight
- Leather/mesh construction
- Wide support strap
- Luxurious white/gold design
Cons
- EVA resilient sole
4. Converse Chuck Taylors – Best Flat Shoes
Old is gold, right? Chuck Taylors were the go-to shoes for nearly all the powerlifters back in time.
The upper is constructed from canvas, a material thatโs breathable, yet strong enough to support your feet. The sole is made from non-slip rubber. However, it doesnโt provide the best traction to the ground.
The firm sole slightly compensates for this issue. It provides the necessary anchorage and stability for your feet. The flat heel fits people who squat in a wide stance with a low bar. This means that you should have superior ankle and hip mobility.
Most importantly, theyโre the cheapest option out there. But this doesnโt mean a bad quality that wonโt last.
Converse supplies these shoes with durable double stitching that runs throughout the shoes. Moreover, they feature a firm rubber toe cover to protect this area from wear and tear.
This edition comes as an all-black with a high top. I find the high top to slightly improve the fit around your heel and ankle. However, this doesnโt make much of a difference in squat mechanics.
Personally, I donโt like how they stuck with one design over all these years. Yeah, it looks good and authentic. But I still wish for a redesign, even a tiny one.
Pros
- Firm sole
- Superior fit
- Toe box rubber cap
- Canvas construction
Cons
- Slightly low traction
- Classic design
What To Look For In Squat Shoes For Wide Feet?
Brands usually try to oversell their shoes by claiming that they fit any condition: wide feet, flat feet, anything! You have to be equipped with the necessary knowledge to tell for yourself.
- General Requirements: Before considering wide feet, ensure you understand squat shoe basics like heel height and sole rigidity to make an informed choice that suits your lifting style and needs.
- Raised Heel: Opt for a heel height around 0.75 inches to enhance squat depth and maintain proper form by reducing dorsiflexion and increasing knee flexion, improving overall squat mechanics.
- Rigid Sole: Look for shoes with a firm sole to direct force efficiently, aiding in stability and preventing energy loss during lifts, ensuring maximal force transmission to the barbell.
- Strap Support: Choose squat shoes with sturdy velcro straps to secure your feet and minimize movement within the shoe, especially under heavy loads, providing additional support and stability during lifts.
- Wide Toe Box: Prioritize shoes with a spacious toe box to accommodate wider feet, allowing for proper foot alignment and support during squats, enhancing overall comfort and performance.
- Heavy Outer Construction: Seek shoes with durable outer materials, like mesh and leather, to withstand lateral forces exerted by wide feet without compromising breathability or comfort, ensuring long-lasting support and performance.
Is It Better To Squat In Flats Or Heels If You Have Wide Feet?
When youโre deciding between flats and heels, you should consider how you squat. It mostly depends on your ankle mobility, your stance width, and your bar position.
- Ankle Mobility: Your choice between flats and heels depends largely on your ankle mobility. Heeled shoes change your squat kinematics and can compensate for limited dorsiflexion, enabling deeper squats, but addressing underlying mobility issues through ankle exercises is also crucial.
- Stance Width: Wider stances benefit from heeled shoes as they enhance foot support and alignment, facilitating a more natural squatting position and improved depth. Narrower stances may still benefit from heels to correct forward lean and optimize squat mechanics.
- Bar Position: Heeled shoes can aid high bar squats by supporting ankle mobility and facilitating proper alignment of the weight over the feet. For low bar squats, the choice between flats and heels depends on individual biomechanics and stance width, with both options offering benefits based on personal preference and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Finding a well-fitting pair of squat shoes for wide feet is not that easy. But once you get the right one, you'll notice a significant improvement in your performance.
In my opinion, the best squat shoes for wide feet are the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes. They are brilliantly designed with a leather/mesh combination. They also have the widest toe box out there.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Shoes are also great. I like how their double support straps run in opposite directions.
2. Reebok Legacy Lifter – Runner-Up
This is another option that will be super comfortable around your wide feet. It weighs around 20 ounces, which will provide the necessary anchorage during the squat.
What I really like about them is how their upper is designed. These shoes feature leather construction around toes and the sides of feet. This helps to keep your wide feet in place when you try to lift heavier weights.
It also features nylon mesh around the heel to give some breathability. However, Reebok makes sure this doesnโt compromise the stability by adding a plastic frame that wraps around your heel. Reebok calls this Exoframe technology.
Considering the support straps, these shoes have two of them. One in the middle and one just behind the toes.
But Reebok added a simple, yet effective tweak that I didnโt see in any other pair. They made the support straps run in two opposite directions. This makes it incredibly easier to achieve a tight fit.
The heels are made from non-compressible TPU with 0.86โ height. The slight increase over the average 0.75โ allows for deeper and more upright squats.
On a side note, I really like how Reebook designs its shoes. This pair has a simple white upper with red/blue heel. The Reebok logo is printed largely on the side, which adds a lot to the overall shape.
The Legacy Lifter also has a women's powerlifiting shoe option.
Pros
- Leather/mesh construction
- Slightly heavy
- Exoframe technology
- Double support straps that run in two directions.
- 0.86โ heel height
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- The velcro straps wear off quickly
3. Adidas Powerlift 5 – Best for Value
These shoes have been amazingly successful in their initial generations, and the fifth one is no different.
They offer a wide toe box, but not as wide as the previous shoes I mentioned. The heel comes with a 0.6โ height. This, alongside the 15 ounces it weighs, makes them suitable for people who are trying heeled shoes for the first time.
The lightweight construction comes from the high-density EVA sole. And this is something that I donโt really appreciate in these shoes.
Why? Well, EVA is great in terms of durability. But itโs not as stiff as TPU. Therefore, it will allow for slight movement under heavy loads, which is bad for squats.
Aside from this, the shoes function properly. Leather constitutes the biggest part of the upper, leaving the padded mesh around the heel only. This allows for a balanced experience between the leather support and the mesh breathability.
Though they have a single support strap, Adidas made up for this by making it notably wider. It also lies just above the midfoot region.
Considering the color, Iโm in love with the white/gold edition. It adds a lot to your look and makes you feel luxurious around the gym.
Pros
- 0.6โ heel height
- Lightweight
- Leather/mesh construction
- Wide support strap
- Luxurious white/gold design
Cons
- EVA resilient sole
4. Converse Chuck Taylors – Best Flat Shoes
Old is gold, right? Chuck Taylors were the go-to shoes for nearly all the powerlifters back in time.
The upper is constructed from canvas, a material thatโs breathable, yet strong enough to support your feet. The sole is made from non-slip rubber. However, it doesnโt provide the best traction to the ground.
The firm sole slightly compensates for this issue. It provides the necessary anchorage and stability for your feet. The flat heel fits people who squat in a wide stance with a low bar. This means that you should have superior ankle and hip mobility.
Most importantly, theyโre the cheapest option out there. But this doesnโt mean a bad quality that wonโt last.
Converse supplies these shoes with durable double stitching that runs throughout the shoes. Moreover, they feature a firm rubber toe cover to protect this area from wear and tear.
This edition comes as an all-black with a high top. I find the high top to slightly improve the fit around your heel and ankle. However, this doesnโt make much of a difference in squat mechanics.
Personally, I donโt like how they stuck with one design over all these years. Yeah, it looks good and authentic. But I still wish for a redesign, even a tiny one.
Pros
- Firm sole
- Superior fit
- Toe box rubber cap
- Canvas construction
Cons
- Slightly low traction
- Classic design
What To Look For In Squat Shoes For Wide Feet?
Brands usually try to oversell their shoes by claiming that they fit any condition: wide feet, flat feet, anything! You have to be equipped with the necessary knowledge to tell for yourself.
- General Requirements: Before considering wide feet, ensure you understand squat shoe basics like heel height and sole rigidity to make an informed choice that suits your lifting style and needs.
- Raised Heel: Opt for a heel height around 0.75 inches to enhance squat depth and maintain proper form by reducing dorsiflexion and increasing knee flexion, improving overall squat mechanics.
- Rigid Sole: Look for shoes with a firm sole to direct force efficiently, aiding in stability and preventing energy loss during lifts, ensuring maximal force transmission to the barbell.
- Strap Support: Choose squat shoes with sturdy velcro straps to secure your feet and minimize movement within the shoe, especially under heavy loads, providing additional support and stability during lifts.
- Wide Toe Box: Prioritize shoes with a spacious toe box to accommodate wider feet, allowing for proper foot alignment and support during squats, enhancing overall comfort and performance.
- Heavy Outer Construction: Seek shoes with durable outer materials, like mesh and leather, to withstand lateral forces exerted by wide feet without compromising breathability or comfort, ensuring long-lasting support and performance.
Is It Better To Squat In Flats Or Heels If You Have Wide Feet?
When youโre deciding between flats and heels, you should consider how you squat. It mostly depends on your ankle mobility, your stance width, and your bar position.
- Ankle Mobility: Your choice between flats and heels depends largely on your ankle mobility. Heeled shoes change your squat kinematics and can compensate for limited dorsiflexion, enabling deeper squats, but addressing underlying mobility issues through ankle exercises is also crucial.
- Stance Width: Wider stances benefit from heeled shoes as they enhance foot support and alignment, facilitating a more natural squatting position and improved depth. Narrower stances may still benefit from heels to correct forward lean and optimize squat mechanics.
- Bar Position: Heeled shoes can aid high bar squats by supporting ankle mobility and facilitating proper alignment of the weight over the feet. For low bar squats, the choice between flats and heels depends on individual biomechanics and stance width, with both options offering benefits based on personal preference and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Finding a well-fitting pair of squat shoes for wide feet is not that easy. But once you get the right one, you'll notice a significant improvement in your performance.
In my opinion, the best squat shoes for wide feet are the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes. They are brilliantly designed with a leather/mesh combination. They also have the widest toe box out there.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Shoes are also great. I like how their double support straps run in opposite directions.