Footwear for WIDE feet??

[sgt easy]

So, my "old" Vasque Clarion GTXs are rotted out; makes me leery of Vasque ('specially since they didn't respond to my email asking about this...); BUT, I'd sure like to hear from other fat-footed thru-hikers about what to wear. Planning early start, so want something substantial (both for warmth and load-carrying ability). The reality seems to be, well, Vasque (like the bitterroot gtx) - I can't seem to find wide sizes (U.S.wide, not Euro wide) elsewhere. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (and for the lightweight crowd, any fatfeet wearing the Salewa Alp trainers?) Thanks, hoping to start in mid Feb.

[levidoug]

Merrell makes wide sizes as does New balance.
Depends if you want boots or a trail shoe.

[Tuckahoe]

My Merrells are 13 wide. Pretty happy with them.

[Wise Old Owl]

This is a tough call - because it sounds like you are trying to buy boots on-line... I used to size men for leather shoes and generally speaking if it pinch somewhere you go up a size, like women (the real expert's in shoes, we get a number in our head and think it never changes. You need to get the right socks (like new) old socks are compressed, and get to an outfitter. You go up to the guy who is running the dept and ask for your size and get one larger and one smaller and before you buy, your toes cannot jamb into the front on a downslope. Ask lots of questions while you are there. Here is why, my boots are one size - my trail runners are a different size, from my low riding hiking sneakers! If it's not right - expect bunions and real issues down the trail!
boot_shoe_size_conversion_chart.jpg

[Hosaphone]

My Merrells are 13 wide. Pretty happy with them.

I've worn Merrells for around 8 years now. I always used to have trouble finding shoes that fit me, but no more. I'm also a 13 wide. Currently rocking the Moab Ventilators. Pretty good, I could use even more "ventilator", but eh.

[Del Q]

LOVE my Solomon's, lacing system to me was an issue in Vermont, they just sent a free replacement pair

GREAT lateral support, significant difference over Vasque's and others..............took a bit more time to break in but totally worth it.

Going out this weekend to start with new pair, March Section hike...............

[Del Q]

Side Comment from Q..............hikers with narrow feet have a really good day going!

Like 1000 options..................

Wide.........10

[Danl]

I too have a big problem with large wide. I really liked the wolverine fulcrum . I had a 12 ew and then after my surgery (plantar facia bone spurs) they did not fit. I ordered the 13ew and they stillpinched my toes. No 14ew in the fulcrum. I found and read that after this type surgery and aging your foot elongates so i am wearing the proverbial boats. Merrell has two or three hiking boots in 14ew and so far so good for me. Us with extra wide feet also have to deal with ordering on line because most outlets do not carry anything close. Good luck. Also i might add wolverine / merrell have a 30 day comfort guarentee return policy.

[cliffordbarnabus]

Brooks are money

[fredmugs]

I've worn Merrells for around 8 years now. I always used to have trouble finding shoes that fit me, but no more. I'm also a 13 wide. Currently rocking the Moab Ventilators. Pretty good, I could use even more "ventilator", but eh.

Same here. Wide width shoes = bye bye blisters.

[prain4u]

I have used various New Balance trail runners. I love them. My current size tends to be 101/2 4E.

Are y'all sure that Merrell carries EXTRA wide hiking boots or trail runners. (Not just wide--but EXTRA wide--like 4E). I have had various shoe places tell me that Merrell's don't come in extra wide and a casual online search only revealed Merrell's in wide widths not EXTRA wide. If you can locate extra wide Merrell's--where are you doing it. I would like to try a pair.

[Dogwood]

If you are referring to fat-footed as wide across the forefoot or toebox area or in a high volume instep and want protection and decent support look at the Keens in the mid-cuts such as the WP Targhee II or non-WP Voyager. Go with after market orthotics to dial in the shoe such as volume, arch support, heel cup, sole bed comfort, etc. Obviously, WP is warmer but also has additional pros AND possible cons. Aim for warmth with your sock choices considering construction materiials, wt, etc and how those choices effect interior volume, comfort, etc inside the shoe. Don't make the mistake of looking at warmth of your feet solely from the perspective of your shoe choices. Your shoes ARE NOT the only thing that affects how warm or cold your feet will be! For a mid Feb start, I assume AT NOBO, don't count out dropping a few Toasty Toes Foot Warners or equivalent in your pack for when you need them.

[jimmyjam]

I've found that Keens are more roomy especially in the toebox. They work for my wide feet.

[rusty bumper]

I'm on my 4th pair of Merrell Moabs...size 11 wide....couldn't be happier.

[Danl]

A, B, C, D, E, EE, EEE, EEEE, F, G (typical North American system)
4A, 3A, 2A, A, B, C, D, E, 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E, 6E (variant North American)

No real ew in measuring shoe width. Shoe companies coined it so the masses would understand that it was wider than normal. My shoe box has MERRELL 14EW on it. Whther they be 14E or EW they are wider than most shoes i have tried on. You be the judge.

[colorado_rob]

Yep, wide feet here, I use Merrell's (various low-top models) for long distance hiking, New Balance 4E's for shorter hikes and running.

[DeerPath]

So, my "old" Vasque Clarion GTXs are rotted out; makes me leery of Vasque ('specially since they didn't respond to my email asking about this...); BUT, I'd sure like to hear from other fat-footed thru-hikers about what to wear. Planning early start, so want something substantial (both for warmth and load-carrying ability). The reality seems to be, well, Vasque (like the bitterroot gtx) - I can't seem to find wide sizes (U.S.wide, not Euro wide) elsewhere. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (and for the lightweight crowd, any fatfeet wearing the Salewa Alp trainers?) Thanks, hoping to start in mid Feb.

I have WIDE feet, 4E, and have a very hard time finding proper fitting shoes and boots. I have purchased Merrell and found them to be too tight because their W and EW are really E & 1E. I did get a great fitting pair of boots from Wolverine "Fulcrum" but they are a little heavy. I just got a new pair of Dunham "Cloud" I'm breaking-in and they fit good and I believe they will hold-up. (Newbalance has taken over Dunham).
Happy Trails

[FarmerChef]

I too have wide feet (3e) and have enjoyed both NB and Merrells (prior and current shoes). Both have been very comfortable.

10.5 3e

[maybe clem]

NB are the only things wide enough to accommodate my giant feet + all the stuff I need to do to them when hiking to keep them happy. They make up to sizes 6E in walking shoes.

[Dogwood]

Bunch of porno star hiking squatches round these parts.