Nothing can ruin your day like a blister caused by shoes that don’t fit. Those with narrow feet are all too familiar with this struggle. When shoes are too big, your foot can rub and slide where it shouldn’t, causing friction, pain, and blisters.
Most shoes have standard widths, and occasionally they will come in wide. It is more challenging, though, to find shoes that fit narrow feet.
Often those with narrow feet try to modify their shoes to fit their feet by adding arch support inserts, reinforcing shoelaces, or using insoles. Although they can help, it’s not the same as finding a shoe that actually fits!
There are particular styles and brands that are better for narrow feet, but unless you have a group of narrow-footed friends, you may not hear about these brands or know that certain popular brands are better for you.
Well, consider us your narrow-footed-friend because we’ve put together this comprehensive list of the best shoe brands for narrow feet.
1. Nike – American sportswear company
Yes, you can get great sneakers and running shoes that will fit your foot without having to do the laces super tight.
As you likely already know, it can be exceptionally challenging to find athletic shoes that fit a narrow foot as they tend to have a wider-than-average fit.
Thankfully, Nike has you covered. Although there are some styles that come in narrow sizes, you won’t find a big selection in stores. Shopping online will give you the biggest selection, so definitely check out their website.
Nike Women’s ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit Sneakers in Volt/Black/Light Dew/Bright Mango, $180 at Nike
The ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit features a lightweight and responsive foam with Flyknit upper for breathability
For narrow feet, Nike recommends choosing snug-fitting styles like the Flyknit. The Flynit hugs the foot and is made to feel like a breathable yet supportive sock.
If you go running, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is a great option or if you are looking for more of an everyday runner, check out the Cortez sneakers.
Nike Women’s Cortez Low Top Trainers, $69.94 – $182.85 at Amazon
A classic favorite, the Nike Cortez has a foam midsole for comfort and a rubber outsole with a herringbone pattern for traction
Both the Flyknit and Cortez styles come in men’s and women’s sizes. Nike suggests trying on a women’s size for men with narrow feet as the shoes are made smaller.
If they don’t end up fitting, don’t sweat it – Nike has a great return policy, so you can exchange them for a better fitting pair or get a refund.
2. Naturalizer – Contemporary footwear brand
Naturalizer designs shoes to fit your feet, not the other way around. This popular shoe brand has been around for nearly 100 years, making simple yet sophisticated women’s shoes in narrow and wide sizes.
What makes this shoe brand so popular is its cushiony insoles. Naturalizer is notorious for making comfortable shoes, and there is nothing more comfortable than a shoe that fits!
Naturalizer Michelle Pumps, $41 – $140.34 at Zappos
Naturalizer’s Michelle pumps offer a simple yet sleek silhouette for a timeless and stylish look
If you are looking for a classic pump, check out the Michelle. You can select the length as well as width as this style comes in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide.
It’s got a round toe, solid heel, and is incredibly versatile. It’s a must-have for narrow feet as you will get so many uses! Many reviews online describe it as being the “perfect shoe.”
Naturalizer Emiline Flat Loafers, $88.95 at Zappos
Add a sleek and tailored touch to your look with the Naturalizer Emiline, featuring the N5 Contour Technology that delivers support and comfort
If you prefer flats, the Emiline is also available in narrow sizing and features N5 contour technology to give you a perfect fit!
3. Stuart Weitzman – American shoe designer
Another great option for heels and luxurious flats is Stuart Weitzman. As a luxury shoe brand, they have focused on fit as well as fashion. Their stiletto heels, boots, pumps, and sandals all come in narrow sizing.
These shoes tend to be on the more expensive side; however, they are top quality, and with proper care, they will last you years!
Stuart Weitzman Nudistjune Square Leather Sandals, $441 at Farfetch
A sleek and slender sandal with a square toe and 1.6-inch block heel for style and comfort
The Nudistjune square is a gorgeous sandal that’s perfect for summer. It has a subtle block heel, ankle strap, and open toe. This shoe is available in a narrow size, and it has a leather insole that will form your foot with wear.
Stuart Weitzman Kolbie Combat Boots, $675 at Zappos
Stuart Weitzman’s Kolbie is a sleek take on the utilitarian combat boot
They also have stunning boots in narrow sizes like the Kolbie. This stylish mid-calf boot comes in narrow sizing, and also laces up so you can get a perfectly snug fit.
4. Birkenstock – German shoe manufacturer
This brand’s claim to fame is their sandals that fit “like a glove.” They feature advanced technology and are designed to fit your foot perfectly – it’s as if they were made just for you!
They have a size calculator on their website so you can enter the exact measurements of your foot length and width to find your exact size.
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Leather Sandal, $89.95 – $259.54 at Amazon
Birkenstock’s most popular sandal is available in narrow sizes and in multiple colorways
Birkenstock has narrow-width shoes, sandals, and clogs that are specifically designed for narrow and slim feet. When wearing Birkenstocks, your foot should be nestled into the footbed, not over or inside.
Birkenstock Unisex Boston Soft Footbed Clog, $140 – $251.45 at Zappos
A pair of comfortable clogs, the Birkenstock Boston features a soft footbed with an adjustable strap for a perfect fit
Fortunately, it is easy to find a narrow pair in both men’s and women’s shoes. The classic two-strap sandal is available in narrow sizes in all colors! For a closed-toe shoe, the Boston soft footbed clog is another great choice for a slimmer foot.
5. Asics – Japanese sports equipment company
Asics is arguably one of the most popular choices for serious runners. They are focused on performance, and although you may not see many celebrity endorsements, you will see plenty of Asics running shoes in running clubs and at marathons.
Not only are they great for running, but they have a great selection of premium running shoes in narrow widths.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 22 Running Shoes, $119.95 at Amazon
For the neutral runners, the Gel-Cumulus 22 is incorporated with the FLYTEFOAM technology for a great fit and feel
For women, the Gel-cumulus 22 is recommended for neutral runners looking for a great fit. The shoe isn’t simply designed smaller but made for a form-fitting, supportive fit around the foot with the seamless 3D print construction and one-piece mesh upper.
They do not have narrow sizes in the men’s shoe; however, the mesh upper styles tend to fit on the slimmer side. Alternatively, men can also try a woman’s shoe, taking into account the difference in length.
6. Cole Haan – American footwear brand
From everyday tennis shoes to dressy loafers and stilettos, Cole Haan does it all. Not only do they have different styles to choose from, but they also have different widths.
They now have extended widths in different styles in both men’s and women’s shoes. Although they occasionally have special narrow sizes, many of their styles don’t.
However, Cole Haan shoes tend to be on the smaller side, making them a popular choice for people with slimmer feet.
Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneakers, $130 at Zappos
Cole Haan’s GrandPro Tennis sneakers are a classic with a smooth leather upper and rubber sole
When they do have special narrow sizing, like with the GrandPro Tennis Sneaker, they tend to sell out quickly.
Based on reviews, their medium width sizing fits smaller than average, so if your foot is just a little bit on the narrow side, you may find their medium width to be the perfect fit.
7. Steve Madden – American fashion designer
If you read negative reviews about Steve Madden shoes online, you will often see complaints that the shoes fit too narrow. This may not be great for someone with wider feet, but it is a blessing for those with narrow feet.
This is one of the best shoe brands for narrow feet because you don’t have to scourer the website for the few pairs of shoes that come in narrow sizing; instead, you can choose from any of the shoes available.
Steve Madden Eldora Ballet Flats, $74.95 at Nordstrom
The simple but chic Eldora ballet flats are designed for those with slimmer feet
One style in particular that notoriously runs small is the flats. For a simple-looking ballet flat that will fit a slimmer foot, check out the Eldora black. These shoes are also exceptionally comfortable and will go with everything!
8. Bella Vita – Elegant designer shoes
Although not a brand you hear of every day, their shoes are in all major department stores. They are notorious for narrow sizing as they have a variety of different styles and colors in narrow widths.
Bella Vita Nadette II Platform Wedge Sandal, $89.95 at Nordstrom
Bella Vita’s Nadette II features espadrille trims and crisscross straps that ensure a snug fit
The Nadette II Platform Wedge Sandal won’t flop around or feel clumsy because it’s too big. This espadrille-inspired shoe will fit snug, looking, and feeling great.
Bella Vita Lorraine Studded Bootie, $109.95 at Nordstrom
Tiny silver studs add edge to this versatile ankle bootie with gore insets and a low stacked heel for all-day comfort
Bella Vita also has cute booties, including the Lorraine Studded Bootie. It is available in a narrow width and has stretchy gore inserts for added comfort and flexibility.
9. Rangoni Firenze – High end Italian shoes
This Italian designer has one of the largest selections of narrow shoes on this list! Although they are not cheap, they are worth the investment. They are handcrafted in Italy from high-end, top-quality materials.
Rangoni Firenze Oste Flats, $225 – $240 at Rangoni Firenze
The Rangoni Firenze Oste is a perfect finish for a chic and sleek day to evening look
You can find stunning flats like the Oste in both narrow and extra narrow sizing.
The width sizes are indicated using an alphabetical system; AAAA is extra narrow or super slim where AAA is slim, and AA is narrow.
Rangoni is one of the only designer footwear companies offering stunning shoes with such inclusive sizing! This includes the line of dressy shoes like the Ilga in black parmasoft.
10. New Balance – American sports footwear
New Balance has had inclusive sizing for quite a while and were the preferred shoes for those who like to walk or are on their feet all day.
Although they haven’t always been known for their style, they are increasing in popularity and now have a diverse selection of looks and sizes!
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v11 Sneakers, $129.95 – $228.59 at Amazon
A light and comfortable running shoe made from synthetic and mesh with a foam sole
The Fresh Foam 860v11 comes in 5 different colors and is available in narrow, standard, wide, or extra-wide. It has superior cushioning and supportive technology that’s engineered to provide lasting comfort and support.
So whether you are a busy nurse on your feet all day or like to go for long walks, these shoes will feel great and prevent injuries or blisters!