Finding comfortable strappy shoes for summer when your feet are broader than average can be a challenge. We can help with our picks of the best flip flops for wide feet (womens).
Whether you’re looking for a casual style for the beach, or something a little more dressy, we have it covered. Then there is the support factor; these shoes don’t have to be flimsy and leave your feet vulnerable to injury.
Here our top picks of the best flip flops for wide feet women
1. Crocs Capri V Sequin Flip Sandals
Crocs are a go-to sandal for many, and these Capri V flip flops are no exception. They have pretty sequined straps, a deep heel cup, and patented Croslite foam footbeds. You can pair them with your prettiest dress, or casual shorts and skirts.
2. OLUKAI Ohana W
Stylish and comfortable, these flip flops are a great choice of wide width flip flops for women. The uppers are water-resistant and quick-drying, with a jersey and neoprene lining for added comfort. You’re also spoilt for choice with over 40 different colorways.
3. Vionic Rest BellaII Toepost Sandal
If it’s wide width womens sandals with arch support you’re looking for, your search could be over. Vionic brings us a flip flop with a podiatrist-designed footbed that has a deep heel cup and support for the whole foot. The uppers come in 26 different color choices with a pretty bow embellishment.
4. Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
Our second choice from Vionic is a casual everyday style with leather uppers available in 15 colors. An EVA midsole and orthotic footbed mold to the shape of your feet, providing support and comfort. A study has shown the heel support in these sandals to be superior to that of flat flip flops.
5. FitFlop Cha Cha Sandal
FitFlop brings us a wedge soled sandal with a decorated leather strap. They feature a patent-pending Microwobbleboard midsole, which can absorb shock and diffuse pressure. The leather thong strap is embellished with a beaded fringe.
6. Spenco Fusion 2 Sandal
This supportive flip flop from Spenco accommodates wider feet. It boasts a deep heel cup, arch support, and cushioning. There is also an anti-microbial treatment to help control foot odor.
7. Aerothotic Original Comfort Flip Flops
This is another wide width women’s sandal with arch support designed to reduce back and heel pain. Lightweight and water-resistant, the outsole provides traction to keep you steady on your feet. The straps have cushioning from a soft material for comfort.
Reviews of Women’s Flip Flops for Wide Feet
Finding women’s wide width sandals can be a trial, especially when our feet tend to swell in the heat of the summer months. Here are our in-depth reviews of some of the best on the market.
1. Crocs Capri V Sequin Flip Sandals
Iconic Crocs clog style shoes have been around for over a decade, but they also manufacture supportive and comfortable flip flops.
Sizes available range from 4 through to 11 in four color choices. You can select black, silver, rose gold, or navy and grey. The relaxed fit makes them roomy enough for wide feet not to spill over the sides.
The straps are constructed from canvas with a microfiber lining. Along the top are adornments of sparkling sequins, making them suitable for any wardrobe.
Lightweight and practical, the soles comprise Crocs patented Dual Comfort, a footbed that is deep and cushioning combined with a Croslite outer sole. The deep heel cup cradles the rear of your foot, offering support and coziness.
Small nubs are placed right along the upper part of the soles providing a soothing massage for your feet as you walk.
On the downside, it seems the sizing is inconsistent in these flip flops, especially between color ranges. It might be an idea to order two sizes and see which fits best, returning the other.
Pros
- Deep heel cup.
- Wide in the forefoot.
- Sequined straps.
- Cushioned and supportive footbed.
Cons
- Inconsistent sizing
| Crocs are a trusted name for comfortable casual sandals. These wide flip flops for women come in a choice of colors with a sequin embellished strap. The soles include Crocs Dual Comfort technology built into the deep heel cupped footbed. |
2. OLUKAI Ohana W
Inspired by the principle of walking on wet sand, Olukai flip flops offer comfort from heel to toe. Imagine your heel sinking into the sand and your toes splaying out; this is what these sandals aim to mimic.
Named Ohana, the Hawaiian word for family, these flip flops are water-resistant with a smooth footbed. There are styles available for everyone in your circle, from kids to men and ladies.
Available in sizes 5 to 15, there are a whopping 40 plus colors on offer. Choose from shades of blues, reds, pinks, greens, metallics, and patterns.
The Olukai logo is laser embroidered onto the top of the nylon toe post in the quick-drying synthetic straps. These are also lined with a jersey knit for comfort.
EVA is compression molded to form the footbed, which has an anatomical fit. Over time they will shape to the contours of your feet offering support where it’s needed.
The outsole is made from non-marking rubber, and the edges have thin slits cut with a razor (siping) for added traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
Some find the black rubber on the footbed marks their feet, although it does wash off in the shower.
Pros
- Extensive range of colors.
- Anatomical footbed.
- Rubber outsole with grip
- Water-resistant, quick-drying straps.
Cons
- Some find the rubber sole marks the underneath of their feet.
| Matching an outfit will be a breeze with over 40 color choices in these supportive ladies flip flops. The wide footbed is anatomically designed, and the outsole offers traction on wet surfaces. |
3. Vionic Rest BellaII Toepost Sandal
Vionic shoes are known for the seal of acceptance from the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) in many of their styles of shoes.
A podiatrist founded the company over 40 years ago; their products have become a firm favorite for both work and casual wear.
These flip flops are offered in sizes 5 through to 12, with half sizes and three width choices, narrow, medium, and wide. There are 26 colors and patterns you can select, making it easy to match them to your outfits.
The uppers are manmade with a pretty bow embellished with the Vionic “V” logo. A soft microfiber covers the whole of the footbed.
These wide width women’s sandals with arch support benefit from a flexible, lightweight EVA midsole. Their technological features are designed to biomechanically support your feet comfortably while hugging your arches. They can also help reduce stress on your ankles, knees and feet by absorbing impact.
Durable rubber is used to form the outer sole, which has a tread pattern that offers grip on many different surfaces.
It seems the straps on these flip flops tend to run long, so you might need to downsize in width for them to fit.
Pros
- Wider width is available.
- Choice of colors and patterns.
- APMA Seal of Acceptance awardee.
- Biomechanically designed to support feet and lower limbs.
Cons
- Straps might be too long for very narrow feet.
| Vionic brings us a flip flop in three widths with a choice of colors and patterns. They have great arch support and the biomechanical podiatrist design helps relieve stress on your lower limbs. |
4. Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
This is another flip flop for women with wide feet from Vionic. Its casual design pledges to alleviate heel pain effectively. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, these could be the sandals for you.
The sizes available are from 5 to 12, and although there is only a regular width fitting, many find these shoes suitable for broader feet. There are 15 varieties of color to pick from.
Leather and synthetic uppers accompany a soft woven toe post, and the strap is foam-lined for comfort.
Vionics Vio-Motion places support in the arch, stability in the heel, and cushioning in the forefoot of the soles of the sandals. It takes the form of a built-in orthotic. The medium density, lightweight EVA midsole absorbs impact, helping reduce stress on your knees, feet, and ankles.
A thermoplastic rubber (TPR) outer sole incorporates a tread that is designed to improve grip. If you’re looking for a sandal to wear pool-side, this could appeal. These flip flops have also been awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
The arch support offered by these flip flops seems to be too much for some people. That being said, everyone’s feet are different, so it could be worth giving them a try to see if they work for you.
Pros
- Might alleviate heel pain.
- Foam-lined strap with soft woven toe post.
- Built-in orthotic for support, stability, and comfort.
- 15 color choices.
Cons
- The arch support is too strong for some.
| A built-in orthotic offers stability, support and cushioning in these casual flip flops. They detail a padded strap and soft toe post, and although they’re a regular fitting, they do come up wide. |
5. FitFlop Cha Cha Sandal
FitFlops rose to fame on the back of Oprah Winfrey, announcing they were her summer shoe of choice. They’ve also adorned the feet of celebrities like Heidi Klum, Hilary Swank, and Jessica Biel. Whether they’re a fashion statement or a fitness fad, these flip flops are undoubtedly popular.
The Cha Cha is just one of many styles in the FitFlop range. It comes in sizes 5 to 11, and 10 different colors. The toe post is adorned with a waterfall of beads, making them a great option for occasional summer wear, skinny jeans, or swimsuits.
The midsole of the shoe contains FitFlops patent-pending Microwobbleboard technology. Designed in the UK by two biomechanics, it promises to diffuse pressure under your feet and while absorbing shock. It does this by creating an imbalance and increasing the contact area of your foot towards the midsole.
Initially, they were purported to improve muscle tone in the calves, thighs and tush. While some may find this the case, a study has shown there is no difference between wearing these, walking barefoot, or wearing standard flip flops.
The wide leather uppers and thick soles make the shoes comfortable—and at the end of the day, if these factors mean you walk more, that has to be good for you.
Some find the toe posts on these FitFlops are not as comfortable as others they have worn.
Pros
- Suitable for casual wear or dressing up.
- Microwobbleboard technology.
- Leather uppers.
- Wider than average for a regular fitting shoe.
Cons
- Toe post might be uncomfortable.
| These celebrity-endorsed flip flops have developed a massive following from women worldwide. Their Microwobbleboard technology promises to cushion and support your feet as you walk. The fit is wider than average, so it should accommodate a broader foot. |
6. Spenco Fusion 2 Sandal
Spenco started in 1967 as a footwear company producing supportive insoles for shoes. They’ve now applied that technology to their range of sandals, named Total Support, “The Shape that feels Great!” The aim is to reduce foot issues generally associated with wearing flat soles sandals.
The Fusion 2 for women ranges in sizes 5 to 11 in three colors, black, castle rock (grey) and hot coral. The width fitting is regular but comes up wide enough for broader feet.
The heel cup is deep, offering stability and helps prevent overpronation. This condition causes the feet to roll inwards and alters the way you walk—and can have a knock-on effect on the rest of your body.
Your feet are supported from heel to toe with Spenco’s patented The Shape That Feels Great technology. Additional pads are placed in the heels and forefeet to cushion and reduce pressure. There is also a heel lift built-in, which can help ease Achilles Tendonitis.
A dome is placed under the metatarsals to give more comfort under the ball of your feet.
Toe posts in flip flops are often a bone of contention for discomfort. The ones on these shoes promise to be very soft with a natural feel that shouldn’t irritate. An antimicrobial treatment helps prevent odor from sweaty feet.
On the downside, it seems you might not be creeping up on anyone in these flip flops—they can have a tendency to squeak.
Pros
- Patented supportive technology built-in for your feet.
- Wide footbed.
- Might help prevent overpronation and Achilles tendonitis.
- Cushioned throughout with added heel and forefoot pads.
Cons
- May squeak as you walk.
| Cushioned from heel to toe, these supportive wide flip flops for women could help alleviate some foot problems. Spenco applies its technology used in its popular insoles to these sandals. |
7. Aerothotic Original Comfort Flip Flops
Aerothotic brings us women’s flip flops for wide feet with a little heel elevation and plenty of support. Some ladies find these help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Sizes are available from 6 to 11 in one width, which is very roomy. There are over 20 variations of colors and patterns on offer in the synthetic leather uppers. These are also padded, providing extra comfort for your feet.
Polyurethane foam technology is applied to the midsoles, which delivers support for your arches and heels. A deep heel cup also aids in keeping your feet aligned for a natural gait.
The outer sole has a hollow U-shape and a speckled tread for grip on different surfaces. Raised patterns on the toes of the sandals provide your feet with some reflexology therapy as you walk.
The toe post on these flip flops has a plastic tube covering it, which some people find uncomfortable. You could remedy this by snipping it off with scissors.
Pros
- Support for heels and arches.
- Deep heel cup for stability.
- Shaped outer sole for added traction.
- Reflexology pads in the toes.
Cons
- Plastic coating on the toe post might be uncomfortable for some.
| A firm favorite with many, these flip flops for wide feet for women have lots of cushioning and support. The deep, firm heel cup may well help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain. Reflexology pads are placed in the toes of the sandals. |
Why Do I Have Wide Feet?
Wider feet are generally something that you’re born with. Just like some people are short and some tall, others have narrow or wide feet. Apart from genetics, there are a few more reasons your feet might be broader, which include:
- Flat feet: Some illnesses like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or obesity can cause flatter, wider feet. Weak arches can also cause feet to flatten and widen.
- Pregnancy: Your arches might fall, and your feet could become flat when you’re pregnant. This could be temporary but is often permanent.
- Injuries and foot conditions: You may have suffered a foot or ankle injury which has caused your arches to drop—or you might have bunions or hammertoes.
How Can I Tell If My Feet Are Wide?
Apart from having difficulty finding comfortable footwear that your toes don’t spill out of or have to be crammed into—you can measure your feet. To do this, you need:
- Pencil or pen.
- Piece of paper.
- Ruler or a tape measure.
What You Do
- Pop the paper on a flat, even surface.
- Place your foot on the paper and trace around it.
- Take your ruler or tape measure and note the distance between the widest points. This is usually where the ball of your feet meets the base of your toes.
- If you want to check the length of your foot at the same time, measure from your heel to the end of your longest toe.
- Compare the measurements to a shoe size chart from the manufacturer of your chosen footwear.
Pro Tips
- Take your measurements at the end of the day—this is when they will be their largest.
- Standing causes your feet to splay out more, so it might be better to measure them when you are seated.
- Measure your feet on an even surface, like a tiled floor, not carpet.
As a rule of thumb, anything over 4 inches is considered a wider than average foot. Remember, shoes can differ in size from brand to brand, and even in different styles from the same manufacturer. Your feet can change in size slightly, so measure them each time you buy new shoes.
Here is a video showing how to measure your feet.
What Can Happen if Flip Flops Don’t Fit Properly?
Sometimes the prettiest flip flops might not be the wisest choice if they don’t fit well. Comfort and support should come before aesthetics. Some of the common issues people come across include:
- Blisters: These could be caused by friction from flip flops that are too big or irritated skin from those that are too tight. The toe post can also rub the delicate skin situated between the toes.
- Calluses: If your flip flops are too big, then the skin can harden on the base of your feet as it rubs against the sole of the shoe. These appear yellowish or pale and feel lumpy when you touch them. They can be quite painful.
- Hammertoes: Constantly using your toes to grip onto ill-fitting flip flops as you walk can cause deformities over time.
- Metatarsalgia: This painful condition affects the bones between the feet and the toes and manifests in the ball of the foot. Wearing flip flops that don’t fit well and provide the right amount of cushioning could be a cause.
Some Tips for Fitting Flip Flops
Here are some things to help determine whether your flip flops are a good fit.
- Make sure there is a bit of space: the sole of your flip flops should support all of your foot—your toes and heels should not be hanging over the sides. Ideally, you want a small space all-around your foot, so it’s encompassed within the footbed. This can help prevent you from stubbing your toes or blisters forming where the edges of the feet rub.
- Check for movement: Flip flops, by nature of their design, will move about a little on your feet. However, they shouldn’t move so much that you have to grip with your toes to keep them on as you walk.
- Comfortable straps: The Y shaped strap that goes across the top of your foot should feel snug, but not too tight.
You can find out more about inserts that help make flip flops more comfortable in our article, the best insoles for sandals and flip flops.
Features of Flip Flops for Wide Feet
While it’s tempting to overlook comfort for aesthetics, this might not bode well for your foot health. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing flip flops for broader female feet.
- Support: Bolstering your arches and heels will help prevent foot problems and keep you more stable on your feet. Look for deep heel cups, arch support, and a contoured footbed.
- Cushioning: Flimsy soles will mean you feel every crack in the sidewalk or pebble in the sand. Make sure there is plenty of cushioning to help absorb impact.
- Traction: A grippy rubber outsole will help prevent falls.
- Width fitting: Some brands might offer wider widths, but if the flip flops you want don’t, check out customer reviews. Often flip flops that are regular in width come up wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are FitFlops Good for Wide Feet?
It seems from our research that FitFlops are an appealing option for wider feet. The straps are set far enough apart, and the footbed is roomy. They also offer plenty of support and cushioning, as well as many trendy styles and colors.
Do Flip Flops Run Big or Small?
This can vary from brand to brand. Some might run on the smaller side, and some larger. Check out what others find to be the case for each manufacturer, then size up or down accordingly. You can always order two different sizes and see which fits better.
How Should Sandals Fit in the Front?
We covered this off in our tips for fitting flip flops; you should have some space between the edge of your foot, including your toes and the edge of the footbed. This would generally be about a half-inch to ensure that your toes or heels don’t overhang.
Flipping Out
Now we’ve taken the challenge out of finding the best flip flops for wide feet (womens), it’s time for you to decide which ones appeal to you. Do you opt for some with pretty bows or beads, some which are more casual, or those that might help with foot pain?
The styles we’ve chosen are all excellent examples of wide feet sandals for women, and we hope you enjoyed our insights. Please leave us a comment and let us know how you get on and don’t forget to share.
