The best tennis shoes for wide feet are the ASICS Men’s Court FF. They’re an excellent choice for intermediate and experienced players looking for some speed and bounce. These shoes have a very durable midsole that doesn’t lose its shape in use.
With tennis shoes, you need them to be just the right size for those fast attacks, sprints, jumps and lateral moves. Too big, and you won’t have the support you need and will just end up getting annoyed. Too narrow, and you’ll be in pain halfway through your match.
We compiled the best tennis shoes for wide feet, so you don’t have to look any further, along with some of our expert tips on choosing tennis shoes.
If you’re in a hurry, these are the best tennis shoes for wide feet.
What To Pay Attention To in Tennis Shoes for Wide Feet
Not really sure how to make your pick yet? Here are some tips for finding the best tennis shoes for wide feet that will fit your needs.
Ankle Support
Tennis shoes usually have quite a lot of padding around the ankle. It may feel somewhat restrictive to players who are used to lightweight running shoes, but it’s necessary in tennis. You need more support, so you can keep your feet stable when moving to all sides without worry.
This is why it’s essential to find a good pair of tennis shoes when you start playing, instead of just using a pair of runners. In the worst case, you’ll risk an injury; in the best, you’ll be annoyed by not being able to fully trust the shoe when moving.
Insole
The insole is one of the most important parts of your shoe for your comfort.
The insole has a big impact on the fit. The right fit for you depends on your foot and whether you have fallen, high or neutral arches.
You’ll need to think about what feels right for you. Some people with flat feet are in pain when using shoes with high arches; others need more support. Go through your current sneaker selection to figure out what works best for your feet.
If you have some specific issues with your feet, you can also use orthotic inserts instead of the manufacturer’s insoles. Most sports shoe brands come with removable insoles so you can fit in your own.
Midsole
The midsole usually hides the cushioning, a crucial component in a fast game with sprints and jumps like tennis. However, it can often weigh the shoe down.
If you’re very athletic and experienced, you might enjoy a shoe with less cushioning, while those just getting into the game will need extra protection for their joints.
The midsole material is also important. Some top-quality midsole technology is extra springy without weighing you down, but these options tend to be pricier.
EVA foam midsoles are also common in tennis shoes, and they often tend to be very soft and squishy. However, they can lose their form much faster than other types of midsoles. This will also mean they won’t protect your joints from impact, so if you play a lot, look for top-quality, dense materials.
Breathability
When playing outside in the summer, it can be near impossible to keep your feet dry. And the hotter it gets inside your shoes, the more uncomfortable you’ll get.
But it’s not just about the nasty feeling of having your socks drenched inside the shoe. When your feet sweat, you’ll have a worse grip on the court. You might also develop some nasty blisters from increased friction.
If you generally play in high-heat environments or live in the South, look for fabric mesh uppers or lots of ventilation holes. Synthetic leather shoes tend to be the worst option for heat, as they can feel like a plastic bag over your feet.
Important: Fabric mesh has its negative side. It’s generally not as durable on hard courts as natural or synthetic leather, and on clay, it can let a lot of dust inside. When it comes to choosing the material, it’s a matter of picking what’s most important for you.
Non-Marking Soles
If you play indoors, you’ll need some non-marking soles so as not to ruin the floors. Many places won’t even let you in if you’re wearing dark soles because in general, light colors are non-marking shoes. However, some tennis shoes with dark soles are also non-marking.
The key to knowing if your shoes will be accepted on the court is checking whether they’re soft or hard. Press on the sole with your fingernail, take off your nail and see if it left a mark for a second or two.
If your finger leaves a slight dent in the shoe, it’s soft enough to be non-marking on indoor courts. If it doesn’t, it will likely stain.
Your Personal Needs
Your tennis shoe pick also depends on your playing level and style, as well as your playing surface. Here are some tips.
- Beginners: Until you’ve learned the right movements on the court, you’ll likely benefit from extra-cushioned shoes with lots of lateral support and stiff soles.
- Intermediate: When you learn your technique, you can start prioritizing comfort over support, going for a little less cushioning and less stiff soles.
- Experienced: Opt for lightweight, slim and flexible shoes that allow for fast movement, but prioritize quality cushioning.
- Grass courts: Grass is bouncy, but it can get slippery. Go for lots of lateral support and small cleats on the soles, if possible.
- Clay courts: Clay is slippery and dusty. Pick a herringbone pattern for traction and synthetic materials so the dirt doesn’t fill your shoes.
- Hard courts: Concrete courts are harder on fabrics as well as joints, so beware of mesh uppers and always pick a well-cushioned shoe.
Trying Them On
In the end, it’s impossible to know for sure if a pair of tennis shoes is the right pick until you’ve tried them on. No two people’s feet are the same, and it’s possible you have two feet with different needs. A shoe that looks great or fits someone else like a glove may feel like torture to you.
Try on the shoes well before your first game and pay attention to any strange sensations. Is there any pinching or discomfort? Trust that sensation because it will only get worse when you’re on the court.
How To Measure Your Feet for Shoes
Never count on your old shoe size to be perfect! Your shoe size tends to get bigger as your foot muscles weaken as you grow older. This especially happens with the width of your feet because our arches fall over the years.
This is why measuring your feet when buying shoes is key to finding the correct size.
Here are some tips for getting the right size in shoes every time.
- Do it late: Always measure your feet in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen—like they’ll likely be during a game.
- Get your supplies: You’ll need a pencil, a sheet of paper bigger than your foot and a ruler.
- Find the spot: The right place to measure your feet is an even surface without carpet, preferably against a wall.
- Step on the paper: Place your foot on the paper, keeping your heel against the wall if possible.
- Draw your foot: Trace the outline of your foot on the paper, keeping the pencil fully upright to get a close measurement.
- Measure it: Grab the ruler and the paper, and measure your foot from your longest toe to the back of the heel. Also, measure the width of your foot in the widest spot.
- Repeat and compare: Repeat on the other foot and compare to the shoe sizing chart of the brand you’re looking to buy.
Pro tip: If your feet are different sizes, always go with the larger foot. It’s much less painful to have a shoe slightly too big than one that’s too small.
What Do Shoe Widths Mean?
Shoe widths are expressed in letters, generally from A to E, where A is the smallest and means extra-narrow.
The standard in women’s shoes is B width, while for men, the standard is a D. This means that a women’s wide shoe would be a C, while for men, an E is wider than standard. Sports shoes are often made in size E or EE, for extra-wide.
There is much more to this, so look to our guide on shoe widths for all you need to know, including a size chart to help you make your pick.
Reviews of the Best Tennis Shoes for Wide Feet
Our Overview
ASICS is a brand that’s consistently included in reviews of the best tennis shoes for wide feet, and we have included many models in our review for this reason. The brand caters to all different types of feet, from broad widths to pronation and supination.
The FlyteFoam midsole is bouncy, which keeps your joints safe when playing. The toe area is reinforced, which is key, especially for players with an aggressive, active style and for hard court use. However, this shoe may feel a little chunky for those players who want to maximize speed.
The traditional, moving tongue of the shoe is replaced with a sock-like fit that hugs your foot all around and keeps dirt out. It may feel snug to get on at first, especially if you have high arches, but the shoe has a lot of space, especially in the forefoot area.
Overall, it’s a great multi-court shoe with versatility. The outsoles are non-marking so that you can wear them for indoor games, too.
This model has a breathable PU upper, but it does have a lot of plastic, which not everybody will love. Also, they run a little big, so if you’re between sizes, we recommend you go up half a size.
Pros:
- Wide forefoot area with a sock-like fit.
- Bouncy cushioning.
- Stable and comfortable.
- Reinforced toe area.
- Breathable upper.
Cons:
- Can feel too padded and big for fast players.
- The upper is very plastic.
Our Overview
This K-Swiss model is our top pick for a wide tennis shoe for women. It’s a classic-style tennis shoe with a herringbone pattern on the bottom and soft padding all around. The cushioning is comfortable and keeps you stable on your feet, but it’s not too much for those who look for responsiveness and some speed.
Note that this shoe has a lot of support for your arches, but it can get uncomfortable if you have very flat feet. That makes it a better fit for neutral pronation and high arches.
The leather upper is durable but soft and has room for your feet, but it also comes with the potential downside of stretching out too much. Some users reported this shoe losing support over time on the upper.
Overall, it’s a good option for both beginning and intermediate players who are looking for a long-lasting, cushioned shoe.
Pros:
- Very soft and comfortable.
- Excellent for beginner and intermediate players.
- Durable leather upper.
- Lots of arch support.
Cons:
- The soft leather upper loses some support over time.
- The cushioning isn’t very responsive.
Our Overview
The New Balance 1006 V1 is a favorite for tennis players with wide feet because it comes in three different widths. No matter how wide your feet are, you’re likely to find the right size. And the fun, but not too showy, design of this shoe is a bonus!
This tennis shoe keeps you light on your feet. The herringbone pattern on the outer side of the mid and forefoot gives you traction in your fast attacks on slippery clay and grass courts. The REVlite midsole is made of lightweight foam, and the outsole is non-marking.
The upper is fabric mesh mixed with PU, with an exciting wing pattern. The fabric gives it some nice breathability, so it’s a good pick for outdoor games in warm climates. It has a reinforced drag tip so you won’t destroy the toe area with fast movements, but the mesh upper may not be durable on hard courts.
Generally, the shoe can feel tight on wide feet, so we do recommend that you opt for one of the wide sizes when ordering this model. It also has very little arch support, so if you need more, this may not be the right one for you.
Pros:
- Comes in three different widths.
- Nice look with a wing pattern on the side.
- Breathable upper.
- Non-marking sole.
Cons:
- Tight fit overall; go for an extra-wide size.
- Very little arch support.
Our Overview
Adidas shoes are usually on the wider side, ideal for moderately wide feet. The Courtjam Bounce is a fast but comfortable tennis shoe with responsive cushioning that feels springy and bouncy. The shoe has quite a high ankle, which keeps your foot firmly in place when running or jumping.
As for the width, this model has a spacious forefoot area that has lots of room for moderately wide feet. It does look wide, though, which can feel goofy for some users.
This shoe’s upper is mesh fabric, with a PU layer on the outside of the foot for more durability when dragging your feet. Still, it stays relatively cool when playing, so we recommend this tennis shoe for those who play outside in warm to hot weather.
The updated herringbone pattern on the outsole gives you great traction on the court, and overall, the sole is very flexible. The midsole is adaptable and easy to break in, so you won’t lose much time trying to get it to fit.
This sole does leave marks, so it’s not the right option to use for indoor games.
Pros:
- Great traction.
- Flexible outsole.
- Bouncy cushioning to save your joints.
- Durable upper with reinforcements.
Cons:
- The outsole marks indoor courts.
- Wide outsole that’s not everyone’s favorite look.
Our Overview
Nike is usually on the narrower side, but some of the company’s tennis shoes, like this Court Lite 2, are also great for moderately wide feet.
It’s very padded around the midfoot and all the way up to the ankle, so they don’t fall off when you’re trying to hit a tough shot. The heel cup feels snug and keeps your foot firmly stabilized, but the forefoot is spacious and breathable. The sole is rigid and keeps you balanced on your feet.
The overall design is best for beginner to intermediate players or those who look for more stability than speed. This is not the fastest shoe nor the top pick for explosive movements. It’s durable and can withstand tough hard court games without the upper getting ruined or passing too much impact on your joints.
The outsole is wide and has five different patterns for the best traction on all sides of the foot. This allows you to move around, jump and attack, without losing your balance.
Pros:
- Stiff and supportive all the way up to the ankle.
- Stable and padded for balance.
- Great grip on all sides of the outsole.
- Durable and cushioned, great for hard courts.
Cons:
- Can feel heavy for aggressive players.
- Not the most breathable shoe.
Our Overview
ASICS is a great brand for athletes who have feet on the wider side. This model is a supportive shoe for all levels of tennis players that’s been a favorite for its support and performance.
The Gel Resolution is a tennis shoe with excellent performance potential for intermediate and fast players. It includes ASICS’s Gel technology cushioning in the midsole, which is amazing for keeping your joints safe in an explosive game like tennis.
The heel cup maintains your foot fully locked in when you’re moving around the court, offering fantastic stability. The padding on the heel gives you torque control but doesn’t restrict your movements.
The best part of the cushioning of this shoe is that it doesn’t feel too big and heavy. The gel layer is responsive, but it’s not too overwhelming, giving you an almost invisible feel on the court. It also feels more durable than some foam midsoles.
This model comes in extra-wide sizes, but the availability depends on the color. Overall, the design is quite wide and comfortable at the front, but we recommend going with the extra-wide size.
The upper is a synthetic knit design and comes with a reinforced toe that makes it durable enough for a hard court. It’s not the most breathable design for the summer heat, especially in the darker colors.
Pros:
- Invisible feel on the court for fast players.
- Durable outsole.
- Feels light but cushioned.
- Good torque control at the heel for fast movements.
Cons:
- Not breathable, especially in dark colors.
Our Overview
The second K-Swiss model made it to our list because of its supportive design and wide toe box. It’s a good option for female tennis players with wide feet, from those who have been playing for a while to newbies just learning the game. It’s not an aggressive shoe for top-level players, though, and can feel heavy if your style is very fast.
K-Swiss tends to make tennis shoes that are very supportive, which is key to keeping your feet and joints safe in the long run. The outsole is non-marking rubber, and the midsole is a highly padded, supportive foam. The pattern is a classic herringbone for good traction on your feet.
This shoe has a synthetic leather upper with plenty of ventilation holes for keeping your feet cool on the court. The tongue is very padded, which adds to the overall supported feel. The sole feels wide and rigid, offering you some excellent lateral support and enough room in the toebox to stay comfortable.
Another bonus of this shoe is that it’s great for flat feet. The insole cradles your foot and keeps it in place without having too high of an arch that could tire you out. It’s also fast to break in, thanks to the very moldable insole. As a negative, it can wear out quickly if you’re a very active player.
Pros:
- Very moldable insole, fast to break in.
- Great for flat feet.
- Rigid outsole and lots or lateral support.
- Works for a variety of playing levels.
Cons:
- Not the fastest of lightest shoe.
- Can wear out fast.
Our Overview
ASICS also makes some top-notch tennis shoe models for women, and this one is our top choice for speed. It’s not an overtly wide shoe all around and tends to hug your midfoot quite tightly. However, the toebox is very roomy, which is why we included it in our review.
The Solution Speed FF comes with the high-density FlyteFoam midsole, probably the brands’ bounciest sole option. It’s lightweight and durable, because it doesn’t pack and lose shape in use like many foam midsoles do. This means it will keep you comfortable on the court for longer, without straining your joints.
This shoe model also includes ASICS’s Gel technology both at the forefoot and the back. The tongue is attached to the shoe all the way up, so it won’t let in dirt and dust from a clay court.
Plus, it comes in many super attractive colors that are bound to catch everybody’s eye on the court. However, there are subtler versions for those who don’t want the extra attention.
Pros:
- Eye-catching color selection.
- Durable all around.
- Very bouncy lightweight.
- Strong, durable upper with dust protection.
Cons:
- Not the most breathable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Widest Tennis Shoes?
In our review, the ASICS Court FF came out on top as the widest tennis shoe for men and the K-Swiss Defier RS for women. These are generally good brands for finding wide shoes for tennis. However, all of the models included in our review are good options for wide feet, so have a look for yourself.
What Brand of Sneakers Run Wide?
Quite a few sneaker brands run wide. Adidas, in general, makes wider models, while ASICS tends to run between wide to true to size. K-Swiss makes wide and comfortable shoes, especially for women. Nike is often pretty narrow, but it depends on the model.
Should I Buy Extra Wide Shoes?
If your feet run wide and you’re in pain with regular widths, you should absolutely buy extra-wide shoes. Especially when playing such a challenging sport like tennis, you’ll need to have your feet well-aligned to be able to play well. Why would you want to lose strength, speed or focus?
The Winner
We’ve made our pick, and the ASICS Men’s Court FF came up as the best tennis shoes for wide feet. It’s a pretty versatile shoe for intermediate players, all the way up to the pros.
The FlyteFoam midsole is springy and gives you that extra bit of strength when jumping. Overall, the fit is very sock-like and invisible and helps you not notice you’re wearing a tennis shoe.
While this is our favorite, your needs may be very different. You might need more speed, more cushioning or merely a different kind of arch design. Everybody’s feet are different, and there’s no way to know the right model until you try. So try out one of these options and get on the court!
