7 Women’s Shoes With a Wide Toe Box and Narrow Heel (2024)

Shoes that don’t fit properly can be very uncomfortable and might hurt or cause foot problems. Having a slender heel and broader forefoot can be a challenge—but it’s not insurmountable. What you need is women’s shoes with a wide toe box and narrow heel.

Here are our top 7 choices of shoes that will let your toes wiggle while locking your heels down.

Our top 7 picks of women’s shoes with a wide toe box and narrow heel

1. Dansko Loralie Wedge

Dansko brings us a ladies’ shoe with a hidden wedge heel. The leather uppers have a soft textile lining, and there’s a removable contoured footbed. They possess arch support, memory foam cushioning, and a deceptively roomy toe box.

2. Cobb Hill Gabby

The Gabby from the Rockport CobbHill range includes a leather upper and a rubber sole. The gladiator style allows you to adjust the lacing to accommodate narrow heels and a broader forefoot. Lightweight, comfortable, and flexible; they have a stacked heel and small platform sole.

3. KEEN Presidio Shoe

If you’re looking for a comfortable walking shoe, then the Presidio from Keen could fit the bill. The lace-up leather uppers feature a cushioned collar while the sole is cushioned and supportive. They also have odor control built-in.

4. Taos Footwear Ta Dah Mary Jane

Mary Janes are a good style for narrow heels and wide toes—the strap across the foot helps lock your heel down. These from Taos comprise leather uppers and a flexible rubber sole. The padded collar and microfiber lining help keep feet comfortable.

5. Camper Right Nina Ballet Flat

Supersoft leather uppers and a wide elasticated strap make these ballet flats very comfortable. They offer flexible rubber soles and a removable footbed. These shoes are stylish enough for workwear, but casual enough to wear with jeans.

6. Naot Footwear Dorith Sandal

For balmy summer days, sandals are a must, and this option from Naot should accommodate wider toes and narrow heels. The leather uppers detail backstrap panels for support. An anatomic cork and latex footbed with suede covering contours to your feet with wear.

7. Ryka Sky Walk Walking Shoe

Ryka specializes in shoes made for women. The Sky Walk combines breathable mesh uppers with leather overlay accents. A memory foam and latex base provide cushioning, while a lightweight EVA midsole offers support. The rubber outsole enables traction on different surfaces.

Reviews of Women’s shoes for narrow heels and wide toes

There are so many shoes on the market, narrowing down a choice for your wide forefoot and narrow heels can be a nightmare. We’ve done the research for you and come up with our top 7 picks.

1. Dansko Loralie Wedge

Based in Pennsylvania, Dansko is an employee-owned company created in 1990.

They’re known for producing many shoes that have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval. The Loralie Mary Jane has this award, representing exceptional quality married with the promotion of good foot health.

You can choose from a range of sizes between 4.5 to 13 and five colors, including black, moss, red, and navy. The shoes are European sized, so each US equivalent covers a half size range.

The leather uppers have a soft textile lining. This allows your feet to breathe and provides all-day comfort. A removable contoured footbed offers support and has memory foam to cushion.

Your arches are bolstered by TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and a shank in the midfoot with latex and foam. The molded 2-inch wedge heel offers stability and elevation. A durable rubber outsole gives traction.

There is an adjustable strap at the instep to secure the shoes and a padded peak heel counter for added comfort.

Some find the buckle on the closure a little on the small side and a bit fiddly to undo.

Pros

• Leather uppers.
• Adjustable strap.
• Arch support.
• Removable footbed.
• Plenty of cushioning and support.

Cons

• Fastening the buckle might be a challenge for some.

These shoes are stylish enough for dresses, but casual enough for jeans. The leather uppers have a soft lining, and there is plenty of support and cushioning throughout. The heel can be locked down with a strap at the instep, and the toe box is roomy.

2. Cobb Hill Gabby

With almost 50 years of experience in manufacturing shoes, Rockport is a firm favorite brand of choice for many. Their belief that style should be matched with comfort is reflected in these gladiator-style sandals.

Sizes range from 6 through to 12 with half sizes on offer. You can also choose from regular or wide widths. There are seven different colors, including black, pewter, brown, tan, grey, and red.

The uppers are 100 percent leather, and they have a shaft measuring 4 inches that encloses the ankle. They fasten with a zip in the heel counter but can be adjusted to fit with the lace-up front. This means you can have a wider width at the toes and cinch them in at the heels.

A small heel measures 1.5 inches and the platform sole about 0.5 inches. The footbed is made from EVA and supports your arches and cushions your feet.

The rubber outsole is durable and offers grip as you walk. The lightweight construction helps ensure your feet don’t get too tired.

Some find the zipper on the back of the shoe makes a noise when walking.

Pros

• Leather uppers.
• Adjustable laces.
• EVA footbed.
• Arch support.

Cons

• Zipper might make a noise as you walk.

These stylish sandals have leather uppers and a rubber sole. They secure with a back-zipper and can be adjusted along the length of the laces up the front. An EVA footbed offers both support and cushioning.

3. KEEN Presidio Shoe

Keen is a relative newbie, having been founded in 2003. They’ve become well-known for producing quality work and casual shoes.

The Presidio model comes in sizes 5 to 12, and 15 color choices. These include blacks, greys, blues, and reds.

The uppers are made from leather, sourced from tanneries that reduce their use of chemicals in processing the hides. They secure with laces so you can lock down your narrow heels, and include a breathable mesh lining.

The removable PU footbed is cushioned, and the collar at the ankle is padded. These features add to the comfort of the shoes. The footbed also has patented Cleansport NXT odor control—an eco-friendly probiotic that doesn’t use heavy metals or chemicals.

There is an EVA midsole that’s been compression molded. The whole shoe is designed to offer arch support and cradle your foot.

Some find the sizing of these shoes run about a half size small.

Pros

• Leather uppers.
• Wide toe box.
• Natural odor control.
• Adjustable laces to secure.

Cons

• Might need to size up.

Keen is a well-known utility brand of shoes. These oxford style ladies’ shoes have a wide toe box and can be secured to accommodate a narrower heel. The leather uppers encase a supportive, cushioned footbed.

4. Taos Footwear Ta Dah Mary Jane

Taos was established in Southern California in 2005, with an aim to create comfortable, stylish footwear. They use patented technologies in their shoes, which are manufactured globally in various counties, including Spain and Portugal.

The Ta-Dah is a Mary Jane style shoe with leather uppers. Sizes range from a 6 to an 11, with half sizes, regular and wide fittings. Colors include black, red, pewter, blue, and tan.

The shoes are secured with a hook and loop adjustable fastening, which has a decorative buckle attached. A padded heel counter makes the shoes comfortable around the ankle area.

The footbeds are Taos patented Curves and Pods, an orthotic-friendly removable footbed that hugs the contours of the feet and offers shock absorption. It’s covered in a premium microfiber and has a Silvadur antimicrobial treatment.

Should you wish, the footbeds can be removed and replaced with other orthotics. The shoes are cushioned at the forefoot and give support to your toes and the ball of your foot. A durable rubber outsole provides flexibility and traction.

Some find the quality of the hook and loop fastening questionable; it could easily come undone.

Pros

• Regular and wide fittings.
• Choice of colors.
• Comfort contoured footbed.
• Leather uppers with a hook and loop fastening.
• Wide toe box.

Cons

• Straps may come undone easily.

These leather shoes offer a padded heel counter with a hook and loop fastening. This means you can lock down your narrow heels while your toes still have lots of wiggle room. The patented footbed hugs the contours of your feet for support and comfort.

5. Camper Right Nina Ballet Flat

Camper was launched on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1975 and produces a range of casual shoes. They manufacture a diverse selection of footwear in many colors and styles.

This ballet flat is a versatile shoe that will pair well with slacks, skirts, dresses or jeans. It comes in sizes 5 to 12, in 10 different colors including, grey, yellow, blue, black, and red.

The uppers are either full-grain leather or suede, depending on the color. The slip-on design secures at the instep with an elasticated strap. This helps keep narrow heels inside your shoes.

Breathable leather lines the inners of these shoes, and there is a cushioned leather insole. These provide comfort and help keep your feet fresh and cool.

The rubber outsole is flexible, and Camper likens these shoes to wearing slippers outdoors. The toe box is roomy and should fit a wider forefoot.

Be prepared to order a full size larger in these shoes; they seem to come up small.

Pros

• Soft leather uppers.
• Flexible rubber soles.
• Elastic strap at the instep.
• Roomy toe box.

Cons

• Sizing might be out.

Camper brings us comfortable, versatile shoes in colors to match most outfits. The soft leather uppers hug your feet, and the rubber soles are flexible. An elastic strap at the instep locks your heels down in them.

6. Naot Footwear Dorith Sandal

Israeli company Naot has been handcrafting shoes on a farm in the northern area of this country since 1942.

This video shows how their shoes are produced.

This range of sandals is perfect for balmy summer days and comes in 17 different colors. The sizes range from 4 to 12 in a regular width fitting.

They’re gladiator-inspired in style with strappy leather uppers. The hook and loop closure secures them on your feet while a backstrap helps give support.

The footbed is made from cork and latex wrapped in soft suede. Anatomically designed, it molds to the contours of your feet with wear, offering support and comfort. Flexible, durable thermoplastic rubber forms the outer soles, which are 0.75 inches thick.

There are conflicting reports on the sizing of these flats; some find them narrow, some wide, some smaller than expected, and some larger. It might be trial and error to find the perfect fit.

Pros

• Handmade leather sandals.
• Backstrap for support.
• Cork and latex footbed.
• Hook and loop adjustable closures.

Cons

• Sizing does not seem to be uniform.

Handmade in Israel, these feminine sandals are available in a range of summery colors. The leather uppers secure at the ankle with a hook and loop closure, and the footbed contours with wear.

7. Ryka Sky Walk Walking Shoe

Ryka only makes shoes for women, taking the unique contours of the feminine foot into account. They incorporate narrower heels, a wide, roomy toe box, and soft cushioning.

This walking shoe is available in sizes 5 to 12, with regular and wide fittings. The color range includes 12 different colorways of primary and muted shades.

Leather and mesh uppers allow your feet to breathe, keeping them cool and dry. The lacing system allows you to lock your feet down in the shoes, preventing heel slip.

The insoles are made from memory foam with latex. This allows them to bounce back and not become compressed with wear. They offer to cushion your feet for all-day comfort.

A lightweight midsole is formed from molded EVA, and there is a TPU shank for support. The long-lasting rubber outsole allows you to keep your footing on many different surfaces.

Some find the arch support in these shoes lacking, so if that’s what you need, you can change out the insoles. If you want to find out more about the best walking shoes for wide feet we’ve written an article dedicated to this topic.

Pros

• Designed for women’s feet.
• Breathable mesh and leather uppers.
• Memory foam insoles.
• Support from EVA in the midfoot.
• Wide toe box.

Cons

• More arch support could be required for some.

Designed for women’s feet, Ryka’s shoes are known for their wide toe box and narrow heels. These walking shoes have breathable mesh and leather uppers, support and cushioning in the midfoot, and a rubber sole for traction.

All About Narrow Heels

Narrow heels aren’t a foot condition; they’re a physical characteristic of the shape of your feet. It could be that your whole foot is narrow, or just the heel area compared to the rest of your foot. The challenge this raises is finding shoes that fit you well.

If your whole foot is narrow, then a shoe with a narrow fit will likely suffice. However, when it’s just your heel, then the toe box might not be wide enough in what a manufacturer considers a standard fit.

Women are more likely to have a wide forefoot and narrow heels than men. The female foot is not just a scaled-down version of a male foot—the anatomy is different. It is common for women’s feet to taper more from the forefoot to the heel than men’s do.

The result of this when finding shoes is that a smaller version of a man’s shoe just won’t cut it. Luckily, shoe manufacturers recognize this, and now, on the whole, design shoes specifically for the different genders.

How to Make Your Narrow Heels Fit

The type and shape of your feet often come down to genetics, which means there is no specific cause for narrow heels. It’s how you are born and you can’t change it. If you struggle to find shoes to fit your triangular-shape feet—there are some things you can do to stop your heels sliding out of shoes.

• Check the type of last the shoes are made on: Manufacturers might sometimes inform you of the type of last (the mold the shoes are made on) for certain shoes. Ideally, a combination last will be better suited to female feet than a standard one. The heel section in this type of last could be about two sizes smaller than the forefoot, accommodating a wide toe box and narrow heels.

This video explains what a shoe last is.

• Look for laces or adjustable straps: Laces which reach the length of the uppers to the ankle, or adjustable straps, help you lock your heels down in your shoes. This video gives you some tips for lacing shoes securely.

• Use pads: Heel pads or pads which you apply to the tongue of the shoes can help take up free space. This can help prevent heel slippage.
• Change out the insoles: A thicker insole might help take up the volume around the heels of your shoes. You can either try over the counter ones or visit a foot health professional for custom orthotics. You can read more about making shoes smaller in our article 7 effects of wearing shoes that are too big and how to fix it.
• Wear padded socks: Space can be filled by wearing socks with padding in the heels.

All About Needing a Wide Toe Box

It’s not just the shape of your feet that might necessitate the need for a wide toe box in your shoes. There are a number of foot conditions that can be aggravated if your forefoot is cramped in your shoes. Some of the common ones include:

• Bunions: These bony protrusions on the sides of the toes in the forefoot tend to affect women more than men. It could be because of wearing high heels and pointy fashion shoes. Check out our article on the best tennis shoes for bunions.
• Calluses and corns: The effects of friction or pressure can cause these painful areas where the skin thickens. It often happens on the toes or the balls of your feet.
• Metatarsalgia: This condition causes pain in the bones of the forefoot and toes. Wearing shoes with a wide forefoot allowing the toes to spread out can help. You can find out more in our article about the best insoles for metatarsalgia.
• Hammertoe: Again, this condition tends to be more prevalent in women. It’s a deformity in the middle toes often caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe box.
• Arthritis: This condition causes inflammation of the joints, and can be painful. Shoes that are shaped the same way your feet are with plenty of room in the toes can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Shoes Are Too Narrow?

Shoes should feel comfortable and fit straight out of the box. They don’t have to be snug through the whole length to support your feet. You should have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes around, and a small gap at the front, so they don’t become cramped.

You can check if the toe box is wide enough by taking out the insole and standing on it barefoot. Your forefoot should naturally splay out but not spill over the sides.

Can I Make More Room for My Toes in My Shoes?

While you shouldn’t force your feet into shoes that are too narrow, there are a couple of things you can do to try and widen the toe box.

For lace-up shoes, try and loosen the laces off in the toe area. This might create the extra wiggle room you need.

For any shoes, you could try stretching them. Maybe you just couldn’t pass up on that pair that weren’t quite the right size. You can find out all about shoe stretchers in our article do shoe stretchers work?

How Can I Tell If a Shoe is the Right Width?

Choosing shoes can be a bit like walking through a minefield when it comes to width fittings. Many manufacturers will denote the width by an alphabetic letter, generally between A and E. They might also use two different letters, such as C/D, indicating a different width at the heel and forefoot.

You can find out all about what these letters mean in our article what does shoe width letters mean.

There are a few things you can do when trying on shoes to make sure they are the right size for you.

• Try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet will be at their largest.
• Wear the socks you intend to use with the shoes.
• Pop in any insoles or custom orthotics you wear.
• Walk around in them to make sure they don’t pinch, and your heels don’t slip.

We have many articles you can check out on the sizing of different brands of shoes.

Does Shoe Width Matter?

Yes, the width of your shoes is important for good foot health. We’ve all been there, buying the wrong size shoes just because we really liked the color or the style.

Wearing shoes that are too narrow for your feet can cause bunions, sores, and even foot infections. Your feet won’t have the room they need to breathe and could become sweaty.

On the other hand, wearing shoes that are too wide means, you create friction as your foot slides around in them. This could cause blisters or sores. It could also lead to toenail problems or hammertoes as you try gripping with your toes to keep your feet stable.

Choose Wisely

Many ladies are faced with the problem of finding the right women’s shoes with a wide toe box and narrow heel. Luckily, many manufacturers are recognizing the needs of female feet and making shoes that will fit this foot type.

Any of the shoes we’ve featured should fit the bill. Don’t be a victim of fashion or like the ugly sisters in Cinderella—trying to cram your feet into shoes that are never going to fit.

We hope you enjoyed our reviews and buying guide and found it useful. Please leave us a comment and let us know which shoes you choose. Also, please share with your girlfriends so they can benefit as well.