4 Best Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

March 2, 2021

I have very wide feet. In fact, when trying to fit my feet into the same size Adidas Adipower shoes, I can’t even get my foot in past my mid-foot. It’s safe to classify myself as having wide feet.

Before diving into the four best Weightlifting shoes for wide feet, there is one caveat to this article. That is if you can find Nike Romaleo 2s in your size, you can ignore this article entirely.

Nike Romaleo 2’s are the GOAT Weightlifting shoes for wide feet. I’ve had mine for close to ten years and love them.

However, they are no longer in production so I won’t be recommending them below. Instead, I will be recommending Weightlifting shoes that are well known to accommodate wide feet and are readily available and still in production.

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Shoe

Best

Price

Inov8 Fastlift 400 BOA

Best Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

Reebok Legacy Lifter II

Runner Up Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

Best Budget Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

Asics TOW 727

Special Mention Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

Best Weightlifting Shoe For Wide Feet

Inov8 Fastlift 400 BOA

These are my number one choice based purely on the fact that my wife Mona, co-founder of RAWR Strength, has been lifting in Inov8s for years and they are still going strong. That kind of quality is why this is the number one shoe for wide feet.

Toe Box

These shoes were designed intentionally with a wide toe box to let the toes spread naturally while lifting. This is perfect for those of us with wide feet who need that extra space.

The material that makes up the toe box is a solid hybrid material of synthetic leather and mesh making it supportive while being breathable.

Heel Construction

The construction of the heel is unique in the fact it is made of hollow columns which is part of the reason for the Inov8 Fastlift 400 BOA’s being some of the lightest shoes in the Weightlifting market.

It is made from TPU plastic which most modern Weightlifting shoes use as it’s a very durable plastic.

Heel Height

These have some of the lowest heel heights among modern Weightlifting shoes at 0.65”. Most Weightlifting shoes have a standard heel height of 0.75”.

The advantages of a lower heel height are less stress placed on the quads and knees compared to a higher heel so if you have achy joints, these may also be a good option.

Further, if you have good mobility already then there is no need for a high heel.

Foot Strap

The foot strap on Inov8 Fastlift 400 BOAs is controlled by a BOA. Meaning there is no Velcro strap. Just a BOA which is like a knob that you turn to tighten the strap. The nice thing about this strap is that it is placed higher up the foot so it’s not going to restrict the wide part of your foot while keeping your feet secure.

Durability

These are a great quality shoe that can take a beating. Mona's Inov8s have handled double-day trainings, International travel in hand luggage, and competitions without any signs of breaking.

The only thing to be wary about is the BOA is the only piece that may be more prone to breaking. Other lifters have reported this but Mona's with double BOAs have had no issues whatsoever.

Comfort

Because of the hybrid synthetic leather and mesh material and a wide toe box, these are very comfortable to wear. They don’t smush your toes or feet like other shoes might.

Further, they are very flexible allowing easy movement when performing split jerks and explosive pulls.

Best Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

inov8 Fastlift 400 boa

Runner Up Best Weightlifting Shoe For Wide Feet

Reebok Legacy Lifter II

These Reeboks are also made for wide feet. But these are runner up to the Inov8s because of how much heavier it is coming in at 660 g (23.3 oz) a shoe. While comfortable, these can be like bricks on your feet. However, construction is solid because of it.

Toe Box

These shoes have a wide toe box to accommodate wide feet. It is made of thick synthetic leather to ensure the toe box doesn’t get worn down with use so it stays stiff.

Heel Construction

The heel is made from TPU plastic like most modern Weightlifting shoes. It is 82 mm wide making it the perfect stability shoe along with its heavier weight.

Heel Height

Reebok Legacy Lifters II have a slightly higher heel height than standard Weightlifting shoes at 0.86”. If you struggle with ankle mobility or to get into good upright postures during the lifts, this is a good shoe option for you.

Foot Strap

For extra security, there are two-foot straps. This promotes foot stability and prevents the leather material from stretching too much especially for those with wide feet.

Durability

This is where Reebok Legacy Lifters II shines. Due to their solid, heavy construction, they last a very long time. The double foot strap helps prevent overstretching while the synthetic leather material keeps the toe box sturdy.

Comfort

Due to being constructed intentionally with a wide toe box, these are very comfortable for those with wide feet. The textile upper part of the shoe allows for your feet to breathe.

Runner Up Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

reebok legacy lifters II

Best Budget Weightlifting Shoe For Wide Feet

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes

If you’re on a budget and need a shoe ASAP for your wide feet, then these Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes are the way to go. These are originally known as the Pendlay shoe from Weightlifting legend Glenn Pendlay.

If these are good enough for Pendlay, they are good enough for me.

Toe Box

Do-Wins are well known for accommodating wide feet. The toe box is made of a combination of leather and mesh giving it a sturdy but breathable feel.

Heel Construction

The heel is made of TPU plastic just like most modern Weightlifting shoes. For the price you get these shoes, it’s a great feature as most Weightlifting shoes in this range use cheap rubber heels that wear down quickly.

Heel Height

A standard heel height has been used in the Do-Win Weightlifting shoes of 0.75”. If you’re not after any particular heel height, then this works perfectly. If you want something a little lower or higher, the options presented above make good choices for those with wide feet.

Foot Strap

Double foot straps add the stability of this shoe. A wide construction with a wide toe box plus double foot straps making these great stability shoes.

Durability

These shoes are made out of the same material as most other modern Weightlifting shoes that are double the price. They have recently been updated to a single sole construction which has aided its durability and flexibility in the lifts.

Comfort

These are some of the lightest shoes for wide feet on par with the Inov8 Fastlifts coming in at 480 g (17 oz) per shoe. They are extremely comfortable because of their wide profile and are well known for it.

Best Budget Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

do-win weightlifting shoes

Special Mention

Asics TOW 727

I had to include these shoes because these have to be my favorite shoe on the market. But it is very hard to get and very expensive so I haven’t recommended it above. If you have the extra cash and want to splurge a little on some new shoes, then these can be your new gift to yourself and your wide feet.

Toe Box

Asics running shoes are known to great for people with wide feet. All of my normal training shoes were Asics. They’ve taken that same feature into these handmade Weightlifting shoes.

Heel Construction

The wood heel gives you great feedback on the platform and is nailed on leaving no room for it to become detached over time.

Heel Height

These have the lowest heel heights you will find in a Weightlifting shoe at 0.5" making them a great shoe if you are suffering from any kind of knee pain or have beat-up joints from years of lifting.

Foot Strap

There are none! These fit so nicely you’ll find you don’t even need one.

Durability

Asics TOW 727 are handmade only four times a year so are very scarce. But because they are handmade, they are very high quality with the sole stitched onto the upper suede shoe material. You won’t find many shoes with suede leather material which gives a lighter feeling to the shoe.

Comfort

The suede leather and wide construction is what give the ultimate comfortable feeling. The only thing between your foot and the platform is a thin rubber sole which provides you with the greatest platform feedback you’ll find in a shoe.

Special Mention Weightlifting Shoes For Wide Feet

asics tow 727

What To Look For In A Weightlifting Shoe For Wide Feet

Toe Box

The toe box explains itself. The part of the shoe that houses the toes is known as the toe box. This usually extends from the end of the shoelaces to the end of the shoe.

Some Weightlifting shoes have thinner toe boxes than others which can create problems for those with wide feet.

If you have wide feet and manage to force your feet into a shoe with a narrower toe box, you will likely run into foot pain and stability problems when lifting.

Shoe Construction

Because wide feet can protrude out against the edges, strong material construction is necessary so they last. Every pair of normal running shoes I’ve ever owned has holes where my pinky toe sits due to my wide feet rubbing against the side.

Most Weightlifting shoes have solid synthetic leather or hybrid-like material construction that prevents holes from forming.

How Do You Know If You Have Wide Feet?

Usually with years of experience fitting on shoes you know if you have wide feet or not. However, in the case you’re not quite sure, a simple look at the bottom of your feet will give you a pretty good indication.

The width between the pad below your big toe and the outside of your pinky toe joint is what will determine whether you have wide feet or not. This picture should provide ample reference.

Some easy-to-see signs are having splayed-out toes versus toes that taper in.

About the Author

I am a professional strength & conditioning coach that works with professional and international teams and athletes. I am a published scientific researcher and have completed my Masters in Sport & Exercise Science. I've combined my knowledge of research and experience to bring you the most practical bites to be applied to your training.

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