Do you have what I like to call “combination feet” (wide forefoot and narrow heels) that make it extremely challenging to find comfortable shoes that fit? Does the hunt for shoes get even more challenging when you need seasonal shoes such as winter boots? I have put together a list of the best winter boots for women with wide feet and narrow heels based on my many years of shoe-fitting experience.
Do your heels slip off your boots when they don’t have laces or straps? This is a common complaint of many women with wide feet and narrow heels.
I used to work for a shoe store that specializes in helping people with “complicated” foot shapes such as narrow, wide, extra wide feet, and high insteps. Nowadays, I help women from all over the world find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet. I get contacted by many women with “combination feet” on a daily basis, so I decided to create this resource to clarify their doubts and hopefully help them find the perfect pair of boots for their feet.
The Challenges of Findings Boots with Round Toe-Boxes and Narrow Heels
Most winter boot brands usually only carry standard sizes, and women find themselves having to keep going up a size to have enough room for their toes. The main issue with buying longer boots to help take some pressure away from your toes is that the boots end up being too big around your heels.
This might not only compromise your stability, but lead to foot issues such as blisters around your heels. When there is too much foot movement inside the shoes that constant friction and rubbing between the toes and the boots might lead to blisters, calluses, and corns.
What Boots Work Best for Women with Wide Feet and Narrow Heels?
1️⃣ Round Toe-Boxes and Narrow Heel Counters
All of the boots that I recommend provide round toe-boxes instead of pointier ones to accommodate your wide forefoot and prevent your toes from rubbing or overlapping against one another. At the same time, the boots provide narrow heel counters instead of rounded ones.
Take a look at the image below to better visualize what I am describing:
2️⃣ Adjustable Buckles with Straps or Laces
You will notice that some of the boots that I recommend provide adjustable side buckles with straps, which are going to help you adjust the tightness of the boots. This feature is a huge plus for women with narrow heels as by adjusting the buckle you will push your foot and secure it against the back of the boots to prevent heel slippage.
Do You Happen to Have a High Instep As Well?
Some women in addition to having wide feet have high insteps as well. The instep is the top part of your feet, and when it’s high, it makes it a lot more challenging to find shoes that fit. Do you know how a high instep looks like? Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:
The boots that I recommend provide extra depth to help your feet sit deeply inside of the boots. This helps prevent the top part of your feet (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the boots.
Are Boots with Laces More Effective Compared to Slip-On Boots?
Yes, boots that come with laces or buckle straps can help keep your feet and heels in the correct place.
The winter boots below have been worn by hundreds of women with wide feet and narrow heels, and they have reported being happy with how these boots kept their feet dry, warm, and healthy. Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
Winter Boots for Women with Wide Feet and Narrow Heels
Take a look at the description below each boot to find out whether it can accommodate your foot shape (wide, extra wide, high instep), the features that the boots provide, and what size you should order to prevent your longest toe from rubbing against the front part of the boots.
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Faux shearling lining and a waterproof and scotchgard-treated upper
- Heat retaining insole
- Order this boot a half size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Scotchgard® treated suede and knit upper with soft pile lining sealed
- Double-insole system for extra insulation
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Scotchgard treated nylon upper that repels water plus a faux fur lining
- Vaporex heat-retaining insole system for extra insulation and cushion
- Order this boot a half size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Seam-sealed waterproof snow boot featuring plush faux-fur collar
- Quick bungee lacing
- Rated to -25F
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in narrow, medium and wide widths
- Pull-on ankle boot with hook-and-loop strap for custom fit
- Double insoles, scotchgard, vaporex, water resistant, diabetic friendly
- Cushioned footbed with Vaporex® heat-retaining system offers added insulation and cushioning
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Full grain leather bootie with inside zip and faux fur collar and lining
- PU outsole absorbs shock to reduce fatigue with rubber tread inserts for traction
- Order this boot a whole shoe size larger than your foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Scotchgard treated nylon upper that repels water plus a faux fur lining
- Vaporex heat-retaining insole system for extra insulation and cushion
- Order this boot a half size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Faux shearling lining and a waterproof and scotchgard-treated upper
- Heat retaining insole
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Zippered closure
- Waterproof, faux fur cuff can be worn up or down
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot a whole shoe size larger than your foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Waterproof
- Warmlined
- Order this boot a whole size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Thinsulate
- Eva midsole with high-traction
- Order this boot a half size larger than your foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Rubber outsole with wave tread pattern designed for positive traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Eva midsole with high-traction
- Removable insoles
- Order this boot a half size larger than your foot size
- Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Leather/suede
- OrthoLite footbed offers targeted cushioning to support your foot
- Order this boot a whole shoe size larger than your foot size
Several women reported that these boots were the first stylish and comfortable ones they could wear. Please note that what might work great for some women with wide feet and narrow heels might not work as well for others. All feet are different, and you will have to try different boot styles in different sizes until you find the perfect pair of boots for your feet!
Make Sure that You Wear Socks that are Tall Enough
A lot of women ask me what types of socks they should wear with their boots. You can wear any socks as long as they are tall enough to match the height of your boots to prevent the formation of blisters. Here is a resource that you might find helpful:
The Best Women’s Winter Socks for Wide Feet – Seamless, Warm, and Affordable!
Are You Unsure About Which Boot Might Work Best for Your Feet?
If you are unsure about what specific winter boot you should get for your feet, please do not hesitate to contact me directly via email or through the comments section below: comfortablewomenshoes@gmail.com
I have noticed that some women in addition to having a wide forefoot and narrow heels also have other challenges to deal with:
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Long, slender toes
- Hammer toes
- High instep
You should also contact me directly if you are dealing with a foot condition as you might require a deeper assessment.
What are the Best Sneakers for Women with Wide Feet and Narrow Heels?
If you are looking for a pair of everyday sneakers to accommodate your wide forefoot and narrow heels, there is a different resource that I created that you might find helpful:
Women’s Shoes with a Wide Toe Box and a Narrow Heel – Let me Help you Find Them!
I’m calling on all women with “combination feet” (wide forefoot and narrow heels) to share any shoe suggestions that they might have in the comments section below. Any shoe suggestions are welcome!
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