Home > Camino De Santiago Guide > Best Wide Fit Shoes for the Camino
Best Wide Fit Shoes for Walking the Camino de Santiago (2025)
Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details. And this post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)
Finding wide-fit hiking shoes for the Camino feels a bit like searching for the Holy Grail—possible, but frustratingly difficult. If you’ve read my posts, you’ll know I have wide feet. And over the years, I’ve battled blisters and foot pain thanks to shoes that were either too narrow or too big.
I’ve hiked thousands of kilometres and walked the Camino de Santiago for over a decade, but there was a time I thought I’d either need a pinky-toe-ectomy (yes, it’s real!) or give up hiking altogether.
In 2016, finding Altra Lone Peak changed everything. I walked a thousand kilometres from Seville to Santiago in a pair, and for the first time, my feet were happy-ish. I know I’m not alone in the wide-fit shoe struggle. Whether you have duck feet like mine, bunions, high insteps, or just need more toe room, finding the right shoe can be a challenge.
Brands do now cater to people like us, and there are better options available, but they’re not prefect. I’ve tested plenty; and whilst I’m not an expert, I am a walker who’s tried a lot of shoes. Keep reading and I’ll share my thoughts on some of the latest and most popular wide-fit hiking shoes in 2025.
Are you’re still figuring out what type of hiking shoe is right for you, check out my guide on Choosing the Best Shoes for the Camino : Best Shoes For The Camino & How to Choose the Right Pair

The Risks of Poorly Fitting Shoes for Wide Feet
If you have wide feet, wearing the wrong shoes isn’t just about discomfort—it can lead to long-term damage and injuries, including:
If you have wide feet, choosing the right shoe isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preventing long-term pain and injury.

The Challenges of Hiking If You Have Wide Feet
On my first Camino, a sports shop kitted me out with leather boots that were a snug fit. Apparently, this was meant to prevent foot slide—a common cause of blisters. But the narrow fit caused blisters instead. Lots of them.
By the time I reached Pamplona, my feet were raw, and two days later, I had to stop. Thankfully, I got help—had the blisters treated, bought new shoes, and walked on to Santiago de Compostela. But even now, the shadow of blisters is never far from my thoughts when I’m hiking.
If you have wide feet, I’m guessing you feel the same.
Finding the right walking shoe when you have wide feet isn’t as simple as picking the best-rated hiking shoe online. Most regular hiking shoes are too narrow, and wide-fit options—especially in Europe—are frustratingly limited. I spent years figuring this out, and after many mistakes and painful kilometres, I finally discovered what works for my feet.

How to Find the Right Shoe Width
The first thing you need to know? Your actual foot width and length. Never trust a manufacturer’s shoe size—measure your feet first before buying.
👉 Take a look at my post about how to measure your feet here: Best Shoes For The Camino & How to Choose the Right Pair
Also shoe width sizing isn’t always consistent across different types of footwear. Casual and fashion shoes (especially in the UK) sometimes use different width labels than sports and hiking shoes.
For sports, hiking, and running shoes, most major brands follow this standard:
If you’re buying hiking shoes, most manufacturers follow the B/D standard for women and D/2E for men. And I know I’ll never fit into a women’s hiking shoe, so I head straight for the men’s section.
Tips for Shoe Shopping
If you’re in the USA, you’re lucky—many stores let you return shoes even after hiking in them. In Europe, I can only test them at home, so I have to be 100% sure before committing to a €150+ purchase.
A Word About Sizing
As I mentioned earlier, never trust your normal shoe size when buying hiking shoes. Just because you wear one size in one brand doesn’t mean it’ll fit the same in another. Even within the same brand, sizing can change from year to year or between different models.
In other words—sizing is a hot mess. And don’t just take my word for it. Athletic shoe expert Simon Bartold of Bartold Clinical describes it as:
“Even the most basic measure, that of shoe size, is surprisingly a bit of a dog’s breakfast. There really is no agreed-upon objective, repeatable, reliable or universally used way to measure shoe length—let alone forefoot width, toe box depth, or width. These systems are a complete mess with almost zero accuracy when it comes to scaling for length and sizing of athletic footwear.”
👉 Full article here: Toe Box Width & Depth
To avoid wasting money (and getting painful blisters), follow these steps:
Over the years, I’ve developed a home testing system. It’s not foolproof, and I don’t consider myself an expert but it’s helped me avoid costly mistakes and painful hikes!
Want to learn more about the Camino? Then hop over to my Free Private Facebook Group | Walking The Camino De Santiago.

My Tests For Finding The Best Wide Fit Hiking Shoe
Before I start, I should say—this is a test to find my best wide-fit shoe. Everyone’s feet are different, so what works for me might not work for you.
But the testing process could be something that anyone can use.
Recently, I tested seven different pairs at home, comparing width, comfort, and fit. Some were surprisingly good, some not so much, and in the end, Gerry—who has regular-width feet—chose a completely different shoe!
My Shoe Testing Process
I live in France, and while there are some great sports shops nearby, my wide feet mean I often have to order online. But these days, some companies charge for returns, which adds up quickly. It’s something I’ll have to factor into future testing and I’m sure this will limit my choice even further.
If you’re in a big city or the USA, you’re lucky—many stores let you hike in your shoes and still return them. I don’t have that luxury. Often, I need to walk 20 km before I really know if a shoe works. That makes trying something new a financial risk, as I can’t afford to waste €150+ on a shoe that fails a 20 kilometre test.
Shoes I’ve Tested
I’ve worn Altra Lone Peak since 2016, and while they work for me, they aren’t perfect. They help keep my foot in its natural shape, and they reduce blisters, but they’re trail runners, not hiking shoes—which means they can feel a little hard underfoot.
Every year, I try alternatives, but so far, I haven’t found the perfect replacement:
What I Look for in a Hiking Shoe
Apart from being wide enough, my must-haves for Camino shoes include :
For reference, my foot is 26.5 cm long and 11 cm wide. I also know that my left foot is slightly bigger than my right—which is completely normal!

1. My Altra Lone Peak 9+ Review
Brand & Model : Lone Peak 9+ Wide Men (Size 43 EU)
Price: 150€
Where to Buy: I don’t have a local supplier, and this is an issue. I must buy online and this makes life difficult when trying to compare sizes. Return postage is 10€ so the cost of finding the perfect fit adds additional cost. BUT I am grateful that I can purchase these online, some brands just aren’t available so for that Altra, I am very grateful!
Things I Liked
Things I Didn’t Like
How They Fit
You cannot fault the toe-box and the natural foot shape. Even with my wide feet I can see by standing on the insole that my foot is going to be ok.
I also felt this model fits better than previous versions – The Lone Peak 6 ran small (I got black toenails), so I sized up for the Lone Peak 7, but then they were too big. This Lone Peak 9 feels right, and I’m hopeful it’ll work on the trail.

2. Altra Olympus 6 Review
Brand & Model: Olympus 6 Men (Size 43 EU)
Price: 180€
Where to Buy: There is a stockists in Bordeaux and I’m tempted to go and try a bigger size or at least compare to my Lone Peak. As this is not the wide fit, I’ll probably find it in stock.
Things I Liked
Things I Didn’t Like
How They Fit
The Altra Olympus does have the familiar Wide Toe Box and it retains the Lone Peak spacious feel up front. However, overall it feels a smaller fit that the Lone Peak. This fit feels tighter overall, which makes me tempted to re-order in size 44 for a better fit. But that means paying an extra 10€ for returns if I’m wrong; which makes me hesitate.
It’s a good shoe and I’m tempted to do a little more research.

3. My Inov8 Trailfly Review
Brand & Model : Trailfly Men’s Wide (Size 44 EU)
Price: 150€
Where to Buy: I could not track a local stockists in Rural France so I ordered on line. Returns were easy and the refund was very quick although there was a 6€ fee.
Things I Liked
Things I Didn’t Like
How They Fit
The Trailfly really has a wide Toe Box, but for me at least the midfoot was smaller and felt restrictive, making them unsuitable for me. But, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth trying for you.
I ordered a 44 EU size and this still felt snug. If you have high arches, you may need to try multiple sizes.

4. My Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 Review
Brand & Model : Speedgoat 6 Wide (Size 44 EU)
Price: €160
Where to Buy: Of all the shoes I tested this time, Hoka are easy to find in stores, which was great for trying different sizes. And added to this Hoka makes online purchases easy, and returns are currently free. This is a big plus for folks trying at home!
Things I Liked
Things I Didn’t Like
How They Fit
I ordered a wide fit and yet I was surprised how narrow these were; even for a wide and even in a EU 44. Despite the Wide Fit version, they felt small and certainly compared to other wide-fit shoes I tested.
The shoe felt small when putting them on. Not just the toe-box but the midfoot too. There was something about the fit that felt off.
Hoka are hugely popular on the trail but sadly for my foot, this shoe just didn’t work.

5. My Hoka One One Challenger 7 Review
Brand & Model : Challenger 7 Wide (Size 44 EU)
Price: 150€
Where to Buy: Of all the shoes I tested this time, Hoka are easy to find in stores, which was great for trying different sizes. And added to this Hoka makes online purchases easy, and returns are currently free. This is a big plus for folks trying at home!
Things I Liked
Things I Didn’t Like
How They Fit
I wanted the Challenger to work but it was too narrow for me, even in wide fit. They are comfortable and they felt good underfoot.
However, Gerry tried them and loved them on this regular normal foot that he bought a pair; but in a wide fit!

A Word About Topo
I really wanted to try the Topo in a wide fit and as they seem like a true Lone Peak alternative. But their wide fit isn’t available in Europe; I even wrote to ask but still no luck. If you have access to Topo shoes then you may want to include them in your own search.
Why I Stayed With The Altra Lone Peak
Truth be told, the main reason I’ve stuck with the Lone Peak is very simple: the toe box fits me, and I know this shoe and it works well for me on the trail.
I would love to find a shoe with more cushioning, but after years of trying different shoes, I’ve learned what works for me. And for me, that’s the Lone Peak.
I’ve tried others:
Since 2016, Lone Peaks have kept me on the trail, and it will take a very special shoe to replace them. I’d love to try Topo, they are gaining quite a reputation on the Camino de Santiago but they aren’t available in a wide fit in Europe, so sadly I’ll have to watch from a distance.
Are Lone Peaks perfect? Well, not always. I find it hard to keep track of the sizing every year with each new model. The wide fit colour choices are a tad dull and I’d love if if the Lone Peak Hiker was available in a Wide Fit
But as long Lone Peak hiking shoes keep me blister-free and walking, I’ll keep buying them!

Don’t Forget The Sandals!
I never go hiking without both a shoe and a sandal in my bag. When I first walked the Camino, I got a few raised eyebrows for wearing sandals, but the truth is you can walk in a sandal, and if you have wide feet, they can be a lifesaver!
Here are my top hiking sandals for wide feet:

Group Favourites : Other Great Shoes For The Camino
I asked my Facebook community what their favourite shoes were, and here are some of the most popular answers. This is a great reminder that no single shoe works for everyone!
What’s perfect for me might not be right for you—so keep testing until you find your perfect fit.
🗣 “I do not have wide feet, but never ever without my Altras. I love my Lone Peaks and Timps. I did two Caminos with Merrell hiking boots, and my feet were full of blisters. Now, I’ve been a happy hiker for the past seven years with my Altras!”
🗣 “I use Altra Experience Wild. Not zero drop, but almost (4mm drop). The cushioning is wonderful. I wear them every day, all day—and on two Caminos as well.”
🗣 “I’ve walked three trails in different conditions with Altra Lone Peaks. I prefer to size up. Love the all-over comfort, wide toe box, and zero drop. Never a single blister. It’s my ‘weapon of choice’ for happy feet!”
🗣 “I love New Balance for wide feet. I wear the New Balance 410 or New Balance Hierro—both great trail shoes. New Balance does a wide ‘D’ fit and even an ‘E’ fit in men’s shoes.”
🗣 “I had five pairs of shoes sitting out in their boxes. Each day, I would walk 4-5 miles in one of them. It was obvious when one didn’t work. I really wanted the winner to be Lone Peaks, but I fell in love with Topo Designs Ultraventure 4. I also kept the Topo Terraventure. My feet have never been happier!”
🗣 “I have to go with a men’s shoe as well. I’ve been wearing Merrell Moab 3 WP—a half-size bigger than I normally wear in men’s. I chose the hiking boot for ankle stability, and it wasn’t any heavier than the same shoe in a trail version. I’ve been using them for six months on my practice hikes—not one hot spot. Very happy with them!”
🗣 “I’ve worn Altra Olympus on my Camino and my daily walks. Love them!”
🗣 “My Topos are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I walked the Camino in them and am still wearing them to hike. They have a very wide toe box.”
🗣 “Love my Hoka Kaha men’s.”
🗣 “I have a wide foot and was recently introduced to Altras. Absolutely love them!”

Final Tips for Finding the Right Wide-Fit Shoe
If your feet aren’t a standard size then finding a hiking shoe can feel like an expensive performance and at times like the trials of Hercules!
If you go too big then your foot will move too much, causing blisters and can lead to a change in gait leading to other problems. Accept a narrow fit and you’ll almost definitely get blisters.
But the thing is you really do not need to suffer. There is a shoe out there for you—you just need to persevere!
And remember; you can find the right shoe!
I’m tall, slightly overweight, and have big, wide feet. I have a high instep, a second toe that is nearly as long as my big toe, and for years, I squeezed my foot into stilettos that were anything but foot-shaped.
And yet, I’ve found a hiking shoe that allows me to walk the Camino again and again and again! Lone Peaks carried me 1000 kilometres from Seville to Santiago de Compostela, I’ve walked the Inca Trail in the Andes, the Kumano Kodo in Japan, they’ve taken me across trails on the Namib Desert and even along the edge of volcanoes in Indonesia.
Don’t let finding the right shoe stop you walking. If I can find the right hiking shoe and walk across the world then so can you!
Want to learn more about the Camino? Then hop over to my Free Private Facebook Group | Walking The Camino De Santiago.

Are You Walking the Camino De Santiago?
You may have noticed that I love the Camino. I’ve walked countless times since 2013. If you’re planning your own walk I have many other resources that can help :
Along with many other posts covering travel, insurance and currency, travel to St Jean Pied de Port and What to do in Santiago and pilgrim guides to Porto! I have a lot of great content for pilgrims!
If you’re planning your Camino or already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Join my Camino Facebook Community, share your stories, and or ask questions and find inspiration for the road ahead.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Whenever you travel, you should have great travel and medical insurance. None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will cover you.
I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland. Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.
TrueTraveller : We have this policy and are very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.
Globelink: We have used and recommended Globelink for years and not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.
Genki : This is an EU based company offering long term policies for nomads and travellers. Their monthly rates are very competitive for longer trips too.
Safety Wing : Many of my travelling buddies from the USA recommended Safety Wing; we’ve not used them personally but know folks who have.
Try Our Trip Planning Tools
Start here to find the best accommodation
Start here to find flights for your adventure
Start here to find the best sightseeing tours

Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!