The Best Golf Shoes For Wide Feet Are Roomy, Breathable And Supportive

Posted by Admin August 25, 2024 Golf

Spread the love

Golf requires you to spend hours on your feet, especially if you’re walking from hole to hole; reports suggest a player can cover anywhere from six to eight miles in a single day. Considering this and the fact that balance and stability are key to your swing, it’s easy to see why the right golf shoes are so important. And if you have wide feet that don’t fit in traditional shoes, you’ll need something with a bit more room. That’s why I’ve rounded up the best golf shoes for wide feet that are both spacious and comfortable. Drawing from my knowledge of footwear design and personal experience with wide feet, I found the FootJoy HyperFlex BOA to be the best choice for players with wide feet. Another great option is the New Balance 574 Greens v2 that’s comfortable, stylish and only $100. These and three other shoes made the final cut.

Walk the course in a pair of the best golf shoes for wide feet.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

Best Golf Shoes For Wide Feet Overall: FootJoy HyperFlex BOA
Best Budget Golf Shoes For Wide Feet: New Balance 574 Greens v2
Best Lightweight Golf Shoes For Wide Feet: FootJoy ProLite
Best For Women: True All Day Ripstop V2
Best Spiked Golf Shoes For Wide Feet: Adidas ZG23 Wide

FootJoy

FootJoy HyperFlex BOA

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Lacing: BOA | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 4

The FootJoy HyperFlex is the same shoe that earned a top spot in our broader coverage of the best golf shoes, but the difference between that shoe (the HyperFlex Carbon) and this one is in the name—BOA.

Built with a twisting BOA dial positioned on the heel, the HyperFlex BOA uses a network of thin, strong cables to tighten the shoe around your foot as opposed to cinching it tight from the top. The simple twist-dial innovation makes it easier to discover a proper fit that wide foot-ed golfers struggle to find, and as someone with wide feet who makes use of BOA dials on bike shoes and ski boots, I can say with confidence that the technology isn’t a gimmick.

Beyond the BOA dial, FootJoy offers the HyperFlex in both wide and extra-wide sizes, so the likelihood that you’ll find a shoe in your size and width is incredibly high. Complete with a soft, breathable upper and a supportive footbed, the HyperFlex wins over golfers of all ages and abilities. And if the BOA dial setup just isn’t your cup of tea, check out the HyperFlex Carbon—it’s also available in wide and extra-wide sizes.

New Balance

New Balance 574 Greens v2

Sizes: 8 to 14 | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 3

Classic New Balance styles like the 574 are back in a big way, and the best part is, many of them are actually affordable in spite of the trends. That includes the 574 Greens v2, a spikeless golf shoe that looks a lot like the original 574 from 1988 and costs just $100. Like FootJoy, New Balance offers this shoe in wide and extra-wide styles, and because New Balance knows a thing or two about walking shoes (the brand makes our favorite walking shoe for men with wide feet), you can expect this one to treat your feet right, round after round.

Complete with light cushioning and a two-year waterproof warranty, every step feels like you’re walking on a cloud without the unwanted moisture. If the rubberized outsole doesn’t offer the grip you’ve come to expect from a golf shoe, the 997 Golf is a great cleated option for $120 that also embraces New Balance’s rich footwear heritage.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 5

FootJoy makes the cut again with the ProLite, a featherweight golf shoe that’s so light you’ll barely know it’s on your foot. Complete with a soft footbed for comfort and a DuraMax rubber outsole for grip, what the ProLite lacks in weight, it makes up for in capability. And while it’s technically an easygoing summer shoe, the construction comes backed by a one-year waterproof warranty, so morning dew doesn’t stand a chance.

Now, it’s worth noting the ProLite comes in wide and extra-wide sizes, but only one color (black) is available in the extra-wide size, so if you’re looking for a very wide golf shoe with a big, colorful presence, you might have to look elsewhere. And in the name of saving weight (and a little money), the ProLite is spikeless and therefore won’t offer as much grip as some of its siblings. But like the aforementioned HyperFlex BOA, you can pick up the ProLite BOA for $130 if you’d prefer the comprehensive lacing system that doesn’t impact the weight in any meaningful way.

True

True All Day Ripstop V2

Sizes: 5.5 to 11 | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 6

Sadly—and yet, unsurprisingly—the vast majority of women’s golf shoes don’t cater to wide feet. FootJoy was one of the only brands I could find that offered multiple women’s shoe styles in wide versions, and online forums simply suggest that you “buy a men’s shoe instead.” Realistically, I’m not too keen on recommending a men’s shoe for a woman’s foot, so if you’re looking for a truly wide golf shoe, shop FootJoy.

If, however, you simply need a shoe with a little more wiggle room, the True All Day Ripstop V2 is a great option. While it’s technically billed as a shoe for all-day wear, the anti-slip outsole pairs with a durable waterproof upper that’s designed for a day of golf.

With that said, this shoe features a “natural toe box” which is to say it’s not especially wide. Still, True is known for its roomy toe box, and for many of us with wide feet, all we really need is a bigger toe box than you’d find on the average shoe. The interior isn’t palatial, but it’s certainly roomy enough to accommodate most feet, and at the time of writing, you can find this style on sale in time for those late summer rounds.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Lacing: Pull-tight laces | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 1

Finding a pair of golf shoes that are spiked, comfortable and wide is like finding a diamond in the rough, but somehow, Adidas built that diamond knowing we couldn’t unearth it. The ZG23 wide is the roomier version of the original ZG23, a golf shoe that’s revered for its comfort and cushioning. Some golfers even pick up a second pair of harder spikes and the shoe’s plush midsole still keeps discomfort at bay. On top, the Sprintskin and microfiber-leather upper is waterproof while the soft, sock-like liner eliminates potential blisters. Adidas also notes that the upper contains at least 50% recycled material, so you’re doing right by the planet as you enjoy a round in the sun.

It’s worth noting that the ZG23 Wide is only available in white, which I find to be a bit disappointing given Adidas’ vast inventory and extensive palette of eye-catching colors and designs. The least they could do is add another color or two to make an otherwise remarkable shoe just a bit more attractive. But if you don’t mind the all-white style (or if you like it), this is a great spiked shoe that’s big on grip, comfort and space.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted gear team has covered golf- and footwear-related topics for years, testing shoes from brands big and small across running, walking, CrossFit and yes, even golf. So too have we evaluated golf equipment, from putters and drivers to gloves and sunglasses.

Author and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta evaluated golf shoes from the industry’s top brands, paying close attention to styles with wide versions, roomy toe boxes and breathable uppers. Sadly, many best-selling golf shoes don’t come in wide or extra-wide versions, but brands like FootJoy, Adidas and New Balance cater to wide feet with dozens of oversized styles. He sought out reputable options from these brands and others to create a well-rounded list of shoes for golfers of different needs and abilities.
As someone with flat, wide feet, Vigliotta also relied on his personal experience to identify shoes that broadly meet the needs of golfers with wide feet. Many of his favorite shoes, from the Altra Lone Peak 8 to the Hoka Clifton 9, feature varying degrees of drop and cushioning that cater to flat, wide feet. He also took into account the fact that all feet are different regardless of the characteristics they share, like size.
This guide and its iterations are regularly revised to ensure the information presented is accurate and the products recommended available. It was last updated August of 2024.

How We Chose The Best Golf Shoes For Wide Feet

To find the best golf shoes for wide feet, we considered the roster of shoes available from well-known golf brands like FootJoy, Adidas, Ecco, New Balance, Nike and many more. We heavily considered the sizes they came in and whether best-selling models were offered in wide or extra-wide widths.

Once we had our list of available shoes, we evaluated each pair in the categories of width and sizing options, comfort, cushioning, durability, traction, weight and price.
Then, we factored in our own experience with each brand, their available shoes and other wide shoes based on our own testing.
Lastly, we explored the needs of different golfers, from men’s shoes versus women’s shoes to spiked versus spikeless shoes.

Combining all that together and taking into consideration decades of experience, we put together this list of the best golf shoes for wide feet.

What To Look For In The Best Golf Shoes For Wide Feet

Before you decide to invest in a pair of golf shoes for wide feet, keep in mind that every foot is unique—even your own two feet aren’t quite the same. What works for one golfer might not work for another, which is why we recommend trying different shoes to find the pair that meets your needs. With that said, here are three of the top variables you should consider:

Width And Sizing

Ensure the shoe brand offers wide or extra-wide sizes. A shoe designed specifically for wider feet will provide a better fit, preventing discomfort and blisters. It’s also important to try different brands, as sizing can vary from one to the next.

Comfort And Cushioning

Look for shoes with ample cushioning and support, especially in the midsole and arch areas. Features like padded insoles and breathable materials can enhance comfort during long rounds of golf, especially in warm weather.

Stability And Traction

Stability is crucial for maintaining balance during swings. Choose shoes with a wider base, solid arch support and reliable traction. Spikeless shoes or those with wider cleats can provide better grip without sacrificing comfort.