If you’re a beginner skateboarder, it can be easy to overlook how important a good pair of skateboard shoes are. The sport places a lot of impact on your ankles and feet, so it’s important to get a pair of shoes that’s going to be able to support them, while also helping you get the most out of each skateboarding session!
The best skating footwear will offer good grip and protection, while also giving you enough freedom to pull off different tricks and moves. If you have wider feet, it can be hard to figure out which shoes are right for you. Fortunately, you’re not the only one that has this problem! There are many great shoes out there, you just need to know where to look.
Today, we’re going to be reviewing the top 5 best skate shoes suitable for wide feet, as well as providing you with a helpful buying guide to help you make the best choice. We’re also going to be answering any further questions you might have in our F.A.Q section. So, without further ado, prepare to delve into the world of skating shoes and find the pair your skating wardrobe is missing.
In a hurry? Skate in style with our top pick:
Etnies are a brand with a history rich in skateboarding, so it seems only natural that their Kingpins, a longstanding bestseller, should be our top pick! Ideal for skaters with wide feet, their sturdy upper is perforated for breathability and features a wider than average insole, while the adjustable lacing will allow you to customize how tight you want them to be.
Here’s why they’re our top pick:
- The herringbone-treaded outsole offers superior grip, whether you need it for your skateboard or everyday use.
- Thick, heavy-duty padding along the collar and tongue adds the stability you need to land your most difficult tricks.
- Made of a synthetic nubuck exterior that makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Their versatile design is suitable for skateboarding and everyday use
Many wide foot skateboarders recommend the Etnies Men’s Kingpin Skateboarding Shoe because they’re easy to break in, available in a wide variety of sizes (which allows people to size up one size), and feature a wide collar and sole that ensures a comfortable fit while they skate.
Best Wide Feet Skate Shoes
OUR TOP PICK
For skateboarding shoes that will look every bit as good as they’ll feel, the Etnies Men’s Kingpin Skateboarding Shoe is a must for any serious skateboarding star in the making.
The extra strong, durable upper section of this shoe is perforated and wide, which makes them ideal for those with wide feet because it will allow them to breathe, especially during those moments of extra exertion (or those moments you want to impress your skating buddies with a trick you’ve been working on!).
The lacing is adjustable so you can customize how tight you want them to be, while the wide tongue and collar will help to keep your feet secure and stable throughout your skating session. Not only that, but the low-cut design ensures extra room around your ankle area, which will ensure that your foot will fit, all the while giving you the freedom to maneuver and carry out all kinds of tricks on the board.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor skating, these wide-fit friendly sneakers are made of a synthetic nubuck exterior that is available in a variety of different colorways, while the Etnies logo across the tongue and sides ensure that you’ll make a stylish statement.
The soles of the Kingpins offer exceptional grip and will ensure that your feet won’t slip or slide while on the skateboard. Due to this, the Kingpin Skateboarding Shoes also double up as ideal, everyday shoes for running errands or hitting the mall with your friends.
Pros
- Available in multiple colorways
- Excellent grip
- Made of long-lasting reliable synthetic nubuck
Cons
- Not suitable for women skateboarders
EDITORS CHOICE
When it comes to good skate shoes, Vans is a no-brainer! We love the Vans Slip-on Skate Shoes as they’re affordable, convenient, and suitable for wide-feet, all thanks to the loose, slip-on design.
The canvas uppers ensure both a comfortable and breathable fit that won’t be too narrow for those with wide feet, while the rubber sides add an extra layer of durability. Armed with a pair of these slip-on favorites, you can take to the streets or skate park with confidence that, even if you fall or lose balance while trying out new techniques, these Vans bestsellers will be able to withstand a few bumps and knocks.
Plus, ensuring that you feel fresh throughout the entirety of your skateboarding journey, Vans have made these slip-on shoes with a cotton drill lining that will deliver optimum breathability. The lateral rubber bands will help to keep your foot feeling secure and to prevent the chance of overpronation occurring, which essentially means that it will stop your foot from rolling inwards and causing any strain.
These classic favorites also feature a waffle-textured grip across the sole that will help to stop you from slipping. Both the grip and laid-back design make them a great choice for those wanting a pair of wide-fit friendly shoes that they can wear for both skateboarding and everyday errands.
Pros
- Unisex
- Available in multiple different colors and designs
- Relaxed, slip-on design is suitable for those with wide feet
Cons
- Not waterproof
BEST VALUE
If you’re a beginner skateboarder and looking for a pair of skating shoes suitable for wide-fit, we recommend considering the DC Men’s Court Graffik Skate Shoe!
DC's most popular skate shoe, the court Graffik features a plush layer of cushioned panels across the upper that will equip you with maximum protection both on the board and the street. Suitable for those who wide-feet, the cupsole construction and wide-set mesh tongue and insole ensure that your feet won’t feel restricted or tight.
DC has made these Graffik shoes to specifically provide the wearer with plenty of support, which ensures that you always feel confident and sure-footed while wearing these. The DC Graffik Skate Shoe’s feature DC’s trademarked pill pattern tread, which is well-known in the skating community for offering one of the best grips across decks, as well as offering excellent traction across slippery streets.
The ventilation holes offer excellent breathability and ensure that you’ll stay nice and cool, while the leather upper means that you can take to the streets on your skateboard in all kinds of weather - including the rain!
Pros
- Foam padded tongue and collar provides an additional level of comfort and support
- Offers a good level of breathability
- Rubber sole and leather upper is ideal for outdoor use
Cons
- Expensive
RUNNER UP
On the search for a pair of wide-fit skate shoes that will provide plenty of arch support and exceptional grip? The Etnies Men's Marana Skate Shoe is just what you need. They consist of a built-to-last design that will help wide-footed skateboarders feel confident and fully supported.
Made to withstand even the most grueling skateboard session, the Etnies Marana is a durable cupsole featuring Etnies Evolution Foam midsole that will absorb any shock from impacts and keep you from experiencing any strain or fatigue. For durability, the upper includes a fused on, injected rubber toe cap that not only makes the Marana’s able to take knocks and bumps but also ensures that your toes stay safe, too!
For comfort and performance, it also includes a padded tongue and collar, while the Pro Foam 1 Polyurethane insole and full-length flex grooves in the 400 NBS rubber outsole ultimate flexibility. The Marana’s also have hidden lace loops which prevent laces from getting damaged or dirty, while the outsole features an exposed and a tough tread designed to last by including both a traditional herringbone and car tire-like tread pattern.
Pros
- Ideal for skaters with wide-feet who want maximum comfort
- The 400 NBS rubber outsole ensures ultimate flexibility and durability
- Features an injected rubber toe cap which will help to keep toes protected from injury
Cons
- Fabric upper is not ideal for skateboarding in the rain
RUNNER UP
Last but not least, the New Balance All Coasts 210 V1 Sneakers are another great choice for those with wide-feet.
If looking stylish is of importance to you, the New Balance All Coasts 210 V1 Sneaker won’t let you down! The design details are inspired by NB Pro Court models for a fashionable edge and come in a range of color options and patterns to suit your vibe and wardrobe. Whether you’re perfecting your skateboarding technique or spending the day with friends, the clean lines and heritage-inspired design will offer a classic streetwear look that you can pair with anything.
Suitable for wide-feet, the relaxed and loose collar will allow you to adjust how secure you want these sneakers to be around your ankle, while the wide, cushioned insole will allow for a comfortable fit (which you also have the option of removing if you wanted to free-up space inside).
The traditional herringbone vulcanized sole offers exceptional traction and durability, so you’ll be able to hit the skate park without fear of them getting damaged, all the while ensuring that you’re confident riding the deck thanks to the rubber soles that provide excellent grip. These fashion sneakers also have a canvas upper that will keep your feet feeling cool and sweat-free.
Pros
- Relaxed and comfortable fit suitable for those with wide-feet
- An ideal choice for skateboarders looking for a stylish addition to their skating collection
- Available in multiple different colorways
Cons
- The canvas upper is not overly durable
RUNNER UP
Adidas might not be the first name you think of when you think of skate shoes, but their Seeley Sneakers are actually phenomenal.
Although these sneakers aren’t labeled as wide fit, the sole shape lends itself to wider feet. The ball area of the foot is wonderfully wide. It tapers slowly to the toe without squeezing your digits!
The majority of customers find that these shoes are true to fit. Therefore, if you want a wide fit, it’s recommended that you order half a size up from your usual. That will give you plenty of room!
One of our favorite things about these shoes is the fact that you have a huge range of color combinations. You can match these shoes to your personal style which is awesome. It’s great to see shoes that aren’t either white or black!
These shoes are stylish enough to wear outside the skate park. You can pair them with pretty much any outfit and not look out of place. This is ideal for those of you who don’t want to spring for multiple pairs of shoes.
The sole is made of vulcanized rubber and has a number of different grip designs to keep you stuck fast to your board.
We like the fact that the sole has targeted grip areas around the toes, heel, and outer edge of the foot. They offer extra grip for those crucial areas.
The upper is made from abrasion-resistant fabric which should take a lot of use and abuse before it begins to crack. We do wish there was some form of toe cap or general reinforcement on the toe area.
Overall, these sneakers are a great choice for every kind of skateboarder. They have the crucial support and grip features necessary for a hard day in the bowl but they’re also casual and stylish enough to wear around town.
Pros
- Unisex.
- Large range of colors available.
- Padded ankle support.
Cons
- Not waterproof.
RUNNER UP
Another offering from DC, the Pure Skate Shoes are a classic choice that offers comfort, control, and credibility.
First and foremost, these shoes are unbelievably comfortable. Like other DC shoes, these have padded panels around the ankle, tongue, and collar.
The padding helps support the vulnerable areas or your foot without being overly restrictive.
We find the padding is a great way to support wider feet without being rigid and restrictive. It makes these shoes a top pick for any wide footed skater.
When it comes to grip, you have the standard pill pattern tread. This tread gives you incredible control and stability when on the board. They’ve also included some targeted toe and ball grip areas to prevent slipping.
You have a choice of a few different designs with these shoes. The designs are mostly black, white, and gray in color. You can get a few with a hint of red if you’re more of a vibrant personality.
Overall, these are a solid pair of skate shoes. They provide excellent comfort without sacrificing the practical aspects of skate shoes.
Pros
- Padded collar and tongue.
- Wide shape.
- Excellent grip provided by tread pattern.
Cons
- Vent holes make this shoe prone to waterlogging.
RUNNER UP
Emerica might not be as well known as Etnies and DCs but their shoes are unequivocally designed for skateboarding.
The soles are made from vulcanized rubber making them durable, grippy, and flexible. It’s that combination of sturdiness and flexibility that makes these Emerica shoes perfect for technical skateboarding.
Emerica’s famous triangle tread can be found on the sole of the shoe. This design gives you lots of control and grip on your board.
You’ll also notice the rubber heel drag pod on the sole of the shoe. This helps reduce wear on the heel of your shoes.
The heel often takes a beating when slowing your board or performing tricks. The heel pod on these shoes makes sure you get plenty of grip for a long time.
The quarter length laces allow you to tighten the shoe snuggly around the top without squishing the toes.
This is ideal for wider feet although some customers do recommend getting a size up because these shoes are not specifically designed for wide feet.
These shoes come in a variety of color combinations. There should be something to suit every person’s style.
They are casual enough to wear outside of the skatepark and could be dressed up nicely with some jeans and a shirt.
Pros
- Vulcanized rubber sole provides stability and comfort.
- Great range of colors available.
- Heel drag pod included.
Cons
- Limited padding around the ankle.
RUNNER UP
Globe is an Australian based skate brand that has been operating since the 1980s. It’s a brand that is made by skaters, for skaters.
These shoes are part of the Motley range and they have a number of interesting features that will give you a sweet skating experience.
First and foremost, they are a mid-cut shoe meaning that they come up to the top of the ankle. They’re not high enough for high tops and not low enough for low profile shoes. Instead, they sit nicely in the middle.
The mid-cut design is wonderful for providing more ankle support. This is enhanced by the two additional lace eyelets that are attached to the shoe collar.
Speaking of, the collar is padded all the way around which also helps to protect and support the ankle.
The sole is made from vulcanized rubber, giving the shoe flexibility and stability. You can ride with confidence knowing that you’re not going to lose your footing in these shoes!
Pros
- Padded collar for support.
- Additional lacing options.
- Vulcanized rubber sole.
Cons
- Listing is for a range of different styles.
Best Wide Feet Skate Shoes Buying Guide
Now that you’ve got the insight scoop on the leading skate shoes for wide feet, we’re hoping that you’ve found the perfect pair for you! If you do need a little more convincing, or simply want to gain a better insight into watch sets the best wide fit-certified shoes apart from the rest, keep reading:
Stability and pronation
One of the most important aspects of a good pair of skating shoes is how much stability they offer. Just think about it: if your feet are slipping all over the place, how can you expect to nail those tricks? The best shoes for skating (wide fit or not) are a pair of shoes that are going to keep your feet secured.
This brings us onto pronation. Pronation is the natural movement of your foot that occurs when your foot lands on the ground when running or walking. Proper pronation will help to keep your foot fully supported, allowing your foot to be able to freely move without causing your foot to roll inwards, which can cause tightness and stress to the muscles. Therefore, you want to make sure that your trainers fit correctly, as this will prevent overpronation from happening.`
Breathability
Skateboarding can be quite a workout! So, like with any high-energy activity, you’re likely to start sweating, and that includes your feet. However, besides keeping a good odor-vanishing spray close at hand, another way to minimize sweat is to choose a pair of skate shoes that offer breathability. A good pair of skate shoes should feature small holes across the upper of the shoe to allow for optimum ventilation. Some skate shoes even feature a mesh tongue that helps to keep the top of your foot cool.
Arch support
If you have wide feet, it’s likely that you’re going to need some arch support. Many skaters with wide feet like to purchase an additional insole specifically designed to cater to this issue, however, some skating shoes do offer designs that can help to provide those with a higher instep adequate support. We recommend the Marana skateboarding shoe, as they’re suitable for wide feet and also feature a cushioned insole designed to provide optimum arch support, which will prevent any strain or achy pains after wearing them. .
Grip
Whether you have wide feet or not, your skate shoes should have a good grip! The last thing you want to happen is to take to your skateboard, only to find yourself slipping, losing your balance, and potentially injuring yourself! Go for a pair of skating shoes that offer great traction across multiple surfaces, including your skateboard deck.
Durability
This one’s a no-brainer, but you should like to purchase a pair of skate shoes that offer maximum durability. Your trainers aren’t going to need to hold up against the weather and general, day-to-day use, they’re also going to need to be able to survive high impact skateboarding without getting torn up. During your search for a pair of wide-fit friendly skate shoes, if you’re planning on buying a regular pair of skating shoes and simply sizing up, go for a design that features a cupsole design or rubberized edges, as this will help to prevent you from burning them up after just a few months.
Can I make narrow shoes wider?
When it comes to skating, there aren’t too many styles out there that are labeled as being ‘wide’. However, there are plenty of skating shoes that cater to a wider foot. Many skaters like to size up or buy their regular size and then use a shoe stretcher to help widen them.
Are all skate shoes wide?
No, not all skate shoes are made to cater to those with wide feet. If the shoes you like don’t provide any width measurements, we recommend purchasing a size up, as this more often than not gives your foot enough room to fit correctly and comfortably.
What is the best wide-fit skate shoe?
There’s plenty of good skating shoes suitable for wide feet available on the market, however, each pair of shoes that we’re recommended today are suitable for those with wide feet, and will also help to enhance your skating performance, too. When trying to figure out which skating shoes are the best, besides being wide-fit, you’ll also want to make sure that they’re going to be able to offer excellent traction across multiple surfaces, feature a durable upper, offer good ventilation, and feature reinforced rubber sides (or similar tough material) that will be able to withstand the rigors of skateboarding.