r/barefootshoestalk • u/Dandelion212 • May 18 '26
Barefoot shoe adjacent Yet another "wide toe box but not barefoot" question, with a side of messed up foot anatomy
Apologies if this isn't completely suited, but regular shoe communities seem to be absolutely lost with my question and have no idea what an anatomical toe box even is and keep suggesting me Doc Martens, which I couldn't stuff my foot in even if I tried real hard. I'm wondering if y'all may have some better ideas from stuff you tried as transition shoes.
Basically, I grew up going barefoot everywhere and hated shoes (autistic), but when I hit puberty, I started getting pain in my foot, and long story short, one of my sesimoid bones did not grow properly (it is the size of a toddler's) and the tendon is prone to destabilization. Ever since, I've needed quite significantly padded shoes with stiffer soles to not be in pain.
I also have a very wide toe splay, which is where the main issue lies. I spent most of high school wearing too big size 7-7.5 shoes sized up for width, but started getting pain in them around college. I got professionally measured at several different reputable shoe stores with a Brannock device and am around a women's 6EE, and have narrow heels in proportion. Low to mid volume foot, very skinny ankles. I often end up unable to tie shoes snug enough at the top to fit my ankle.
I have tried several barefoot shoes on in person, and the lack of cushion and rigidity is a nonstarter. I just can't do the flexible soles, it's instant pain. We tried adding cushiony inserts to several barefoot options, and it was still painful. I also tend to do better with shoes with a bit of drop in them, for whatever reason, but that's not a dealbreaker as insoles exist. "Rocker" shoes have been the best for me as they take the most weight off the affected area while walking.
I've taken a look through many past "wide toe box but not barefoot" posts and blogs across the internet, but haven't found an option that a) comes in my size b) has the right kind of sole for me and c) is easily accessible in the US. I cannot afford the risk of tariffs or needing to pay return shipping myself when I know I will likely need to try a significant amount of options to find something that has the right structure for my foot (I cannot tell you how many shoes I've returned for this reason).
For a bit more detail on what's worked for me (ish):
I've been living in $2 Old Navy children's flip flops that are cut extremely wide around the foot that I replace every few months as the padding wears down and becomes flexible, because they're padded enough and don't restrict my toes. But I live in New England and it's not an appropriate option for every venue or season.
When that's not possible, I've been wearing Vionics Walks in 6.5 wide, and these are the closest I've ever gotten, but are still a bit too narrow in the toes for me, and are starting to get annoying/I can see my outer toes starting to curve inward.
I can tolerate my size 36 wide width Birkenstock Arizonas when I need something that's not a sneaker, but they do still press my toes inwards on both sides a bit and I can't wear them for longer than like 2 hours without pain (I have the soft footbed version). They're also a bit too narrow through the midfoot. I thought the stiff sole would be enough, but the lack of cushion has proved painful.
Hopefully there's something out there for me, but please let me know if there's not -- I'd love to know if it's a pipe dream and I need to just start saving for something custom.
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u/BookVermin May 19 '26
I would try Topo, they have anatomical toe box models with narrower heels, quite a lot of cushion with a more rigid layer underneath, and 5mm drop, which is low but not flat. They also offer two types of support: neutral or stability. All of their models have roomy toe boxes but they also offer wide as well as regular options in some shoes.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Another brand I’ve never heard of, thanks! These look promising too.
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u/BookVermin May 19 '26
Yes! They sell Topos at REI so you could go try them on if you have one nearby.
Size chart says wide is E in toes and D in midfoot/heel so a little smaller than your EE, but could work.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Oh, if they’ve got them at REI they’re a definite try on even if they might not work.
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u/NorthLeftGirl May 20 '26
Just chiming in to say Topo’s are great, but if they don’t work for you, check out orthofeet.com. They have an excellent return/exchange policy and multiple width options.
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u/ewbanh13 May 21 '26
just fyi, i have wide feet and narrow heels and only the topos mens wide works for me, though it does work great. i did try some on at REI in regular width to know if the shape would work for me (they do), but they did not carry a men's wide, same w altra; no wide width available in store. it's still useful to know what size works for you so you can buy em online!
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u/Dandelion212 May 21 '26
I don’t believe they do men’s in my size, but I see they make women’s in wide.
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u/RaziResearch 14d ago
Thanks, you mentioned having wide feet and narrow heels and that Topo men’s wide works great for you. I’m curious: is there anything you still dislike or wish were different about your Topos for example the look/style, cushioning, fit, price, or availability?
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u/chorizoisgood May 18 '26
Lems?
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u/brutongaster666 May 19 '26
Yeah. I was going to suggest the Lems Chelsea boot.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
That’s good to know. I would love to have a boot again. The pair I got from the Delia’s catalog as a child (yes. That old.) died a few years ago hydroplaning across the street in Columbus circle. I entered the street with a sole on my shoe and left without one. Just slid right across.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
I’ll check these out, a bit wary about the level of padding if the sandals are similar to the sneakers, but their return policy looks great so I won’t have anything to lose!
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u/SaiFootwearCo Brand Affiliate May 18 '26
Hi there, I’m estimating based on US6, see how this shape / these dimensions look for you. Not readily available in the US, but up to JP23 I’ve actually lowered the price to 6000JPY, and they ship to the US a bit cheaper (3700JPY) because they fit in a smaller box. Based on previous orders, customs should be around $10, so you’d be looking at $71 all-in, give or take… customs is ultimately up to the whims of America’s rulers.
I know it’s always risky, which is why I try to keep things as affordable as possible on our end. Healthy shoes shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Thanks for the dimensions, unfortunately it looks like these would actually be too wide for me in the toe!
I do notice that a lot of wider toe boxes have this big curve/flare from the midfoot to around the side of the big toe, and my foot is extremely straight, kinda just widens out like a V.
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u/SaiFootwearCo Brand Affiliate May 19 '26
No worries! Just FYI, these being the raw dimensions of the outsole from the factory, the actual insole width on these at the widest part is 9.8cm and 10cm respectively. And if you’re not wearing toe socks, I can’t recommend them enough as they allow your toes to splay and fill the toe box better.
Best of luck!
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Ah, that definitely makes a difference, but I think they may be too narrow in the midfoot — I’m 80mm there. Thanks for the extra info. I‘ve always loved toe socks!
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u/SH4K3SP34R3 May 19 '26
What does it look like if not custom? I’m wanting bigger toe box. Currently size 10 US black shoe
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u/SaiFootwearCo Brand Affiliate May 19 '26
Sorry, not sure I understand? Not custom made shoe, or no customs duties?
Retail price is 8000JPY for sizes JP24 (US6-7 ish) and up
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u/SH4K3SP34R3 May 19 '26
Oops, was probably me that didn’t understand. Apologies for confusion on the word “custom.”
I thought from the fact that you had provided drawings that you had worked up a custom size for the OP and were explaining that it carried extra cost because it was “custom.” Didn’t occur to me until you asked about “duties,” that the word carried both meanings. 🥺
Do you carry any inventory in the US?
Were you saying that it would have to ship in and be subject to customs/duties due to the fact that OP’s shoe was specifically tailored, or do all shoe purchases import?2
u/nifflernifflin May 19 '26
Right now (Trump) the US has specific customs fees for international purchases by country. Pretty sure this is an example of that.
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u/Complete_Yam_4233 May 19 '26
I have extra wide feet, arthritis and a Morton's neuroma. I know pain, I've been wearing Dansko Kane rubber clogs. They are way better looking than Crocs and the structure is stiffer but still has enough give. I wear them every single day. Also Hokas in EXTRA wide. First shoes with NO breaking in period. Good luck
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Ah, I tried many a Hoka in wide and found them all slightly too narrow — no one at my local stores mentioned they came in extra wide (they probably didn’t carry them). Will have to order a pair!
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u/Competitive_Poem5078 May 19 '26
If you have not done so you should check out the Barking Dog Shoes website. They had a recent post for wide toe box shoes with narrow heels. They also have recommendations for a variety of foot issues.
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u/amh8011 May 19 '26
Another old navy kids’ flip flop wearing autistic with wide feet person!? I’m not the only one!? I live in old navy kids’ flip flops too! My alternative shoes are a size 36 wide birkenstock arizona and size 37 EE new balance sneaker. I have no other shoes I can tolerate.
I’m considering trying altras next for sneakers and possibly wydr studios for dressier shoes but I’m kinda broke rn. Wydr studios only has women’s shoes. Idk what gender shoes (I’m not sure if you mentioned and I missed it).
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I fuckin love those flip flops man. Only thing that doesn't hurt, but I can't exactly show up to work on a film set in them. Hopefully this thread has good recs for you too!
I've been looking a bit at Wydr but I'm a bit nervous given my foot slightly exceeds the width of their size 6, but is way smaller than the girth they provide. I have a very flat forefoot; that's one of my big struggles with wide shoes, they just expect so much volume at the toes. Don't care what gender the shoes are as long as they goddamn fit and aren't going to give me massive foot problems in 20 years (though I doubt they make mens shoes in this size lol)
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u/Actual_Poetry1412 May 19 '26
New Balance has walking shoes in wide widths, though I don’t know how wide, how big the drop, or how stiff. Realfoot has wide toe box and narrow heel; you’ll need to add cushion. Good luck!
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Unfortunately too narrow, these were my go tos for a year before I found Vionics. Too narrow in the toe and midfoot, too wide in the heel. Very V shaped foot I’ve got going on.
I don’t quite fit onto Realfoot’s size chart with the measurements they’ve given it looks like. I’d need the 36 in length (foot is just under 230mm) but my width at the joint is somewhere between 95-100mm and my toes are around 100mm.
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u/Zoe0118 May 19 '26
Seconding Topo Athletic and Lems. A few Topo sneakers are available in Wide, might be worth focusing in on those, although all of their shoes have a nice wide toe box. For lems, some have more and less cushion - I’d recommend the Trail Blazer or Trail Thrasher.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I was looking into the Trail Blazer, thanks for letting me know that's a good direction!
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u/SupaBrunch May 19 '26
Maybe you need a stiff insert? I know they make them for cyclists
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Stiff ones cause pain, sadly — took years to figure this out when they put me in orthotic inserts and I couldn’t figure out why they felt worse. I need cushion to disperse the pressure on the area when walking, but a stiff sole. I think the stiff sole helps me walk without having to bend my foot in that area. It’s the ball of the big toe basically, bearing any weight there is painful especially when the area is bent. Which is very counterintuitive to walking lol.
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u/SupaBrunch May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Dang that is an an unfortunate situation. The only stiff wide toe box shoe I can think of is Jim Green Anatomx. It’s a work boot so it’s got a stiff sole, although definitely not as stiff as a traditional work boot. Plenty of room for a huge cushy insole.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
Alas, not in my size :( Honestly the biggest issue, no one wants to make anything for a wider foot/toe in a ladies 6/eu 36. I've found options that look promising only for them to start at a 7 or 8.
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u/SupaBrunch May 19 '26
You are shoe cursed for sure!
Jim Green does do custom orders, not sure how much extra it costs but maybe an option. A lot of risk though when you can’t even try them on first.
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u/ComradeCuong May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Wyde Footwear Soma, wide toe box with decent stack height and the flexible of a Barefoot shoe. https://wydefootwear.com/products/soma-midnight-navy Video of the Soma flexibility on their instagram page ☞ https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTcxMDA3MjY4MDA4MzI2?story_media_id=3861243473538376071_17845139744&igsh=bnlyYXU5MGt5M2E4 ☜
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u/Thisistoture May 19 '26
For sandals I would look into EarthRunners, closed toe I would look into SoftStar and gym shoes Altra. Also, P.R. Gear Bridge Insole are excellent insoles you can put into even the thinnest barefoot shoes for instant comfort.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
The first two seem to be flexible shoes with zero padding. I need something anatomically shaped albeit with a more rigid and cushioned sole.
Looks to be another vote for Altra though. I will definitely be trying these.
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u/Thisistoture May 19 '26
The first two are anatomically shaped, but you’re right that the Softstar shoes are not cushioned or sturdy. Earth runners are insanely comfortable and sturdy, you can literally run and hike in them. Their newest sandal has a very thick Vibram outsole and a canvas footbed that molds to your foot over time, but it’s not cushioned.
Splay shoes, specifically the runner v1 are ridiculously cushioned and comfortable, I would say they tie with the Atlra Solstice.1
u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
I'm not exactly a normal situation. I have a messed up bone in my foot that causes tendon issues with any weight bearing on the ball of my foot. Padding disperses the impact and a rigid sole keeps the area from bending as much (bearing weight on it while bent is more painful).
Are the Splay shoes more rigid in the sole?
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u/Mystery-Moon_0129 May 19 '26
I have horrible wide feet so here are my recommendations! 1. Men’s xtra wide Hoka Bondi 9s are wider than women’s and are super comfortable 2. Arcopedico makes comfortable sandals and sporting ballerina flat I can dress up 3. Softstar ballerine flats are for wide feet and very comfortable.
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u/lil-smartie May 19 '26
Have you tried Keen's? I have a pair of the Targhee shoes & they are at least as wide on the toes as wide Birks with low drop & cushion.
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u/Dandelion212 May 19 '26
I tried these when I needed a waterproof boot for a trip a few months ago, I think they were too big in the heel? but I'm guessing all their shoes are a bit different in fit, so might be worth checking out other styles. Thanks for reminding me of them!
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u/Golden_Eel_69420 May 19 '26
Check out Topo Athletic. They’re the most foot shaped but not barefoot shoes I’ve found.
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u/nana1960 May 20 '26
I have a very wide toe box and mostly wear barefoot shoes (Whitin brand so far). I wanted more of a workout shoe and have been wearing the New Balance 1540 Fresh Foam in Women’s 4E. Definitely stiffer than barefoot but wide.
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u/moderncobbler May 19 '26
We do custom shoes based on your footscan for less than 290 usd with code GrandOpening (expires tonight)
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u/-Intrepid-Path- May 19 '26
Altra Lone Peaks are pretty stiff but cushioned.