Vintage-styled sneakers for wider feet

[Buffon.bj]

I really like the look of vintage-styled canvas sneakers and deck shoes like Doek, Novesta, Converse, Wakouwa, Reproduction of Found etc. However, I find most all of them to be an absolute nightmare for wider-footed guys! Let's take the Novesta low-tops, which are a cheap-ish, popular alternative here in Europe. While they are advertised to be rather wide, I found them much too narrow: having a UK10 foot, I tried them in 44 and 45, but both were at least 1.5cm too narrow for my feet. In size 44, the insole was just over 9cm in its widest part, which seems very narrow to me. Doek was even narrower, and Converse is notorious for its narrow forefoot. Every model by reproduction of Found I've tried has had the same issue.

It's not that my feet are even -that- wide – Alden Barrie in US10.5D is pretty spot on for me, if just a tiny bit too narrow for my forefoot (but perfectly okay once broken in), so I don't even need any of the EEE models. If I'm having difficulties, I can't imagine what it is like for truly wide-footed guys! The reason for my wider feet is that I have walked with barefoot shoes for years, and my feet and toes have gotten used to being free to wiggle around and grip the floor.

So, does anyone know any good brands or models with wider toeboxes and the styling I am looking for? If these kind of shoes just don't exist, how about wider 70's-80's "retro running sneakers"? I have tried on the RoF French Army Sneakers in EU44, and they seemed quite narrow, but it might just be that I didn't pick the right size. The "retro sneaker" look isn't my favourite, but I guess it would do. I need some footwear for the summer, as loafers don't fit my wide forefoot + low foot volume + small hell combo.

 

[Buffon.bj]

Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Superb0bo]

I have wide forefeet (but narrow heels) and remember PF Flyers fitting pretty decently.

 

[Philby]

I am very interested in this question as well. I am considering giving the Noveseta Marathons a try.

 

[Buffon.bj]

I have wide forefeet (but narrow heels) and remember PF Flyers fitting pretty decently.

Thanks for the tip. However, they seem to be hard to find here in Europe, and they do not look wide at all to me: https://www.pfflyers.com/pd/classic...?dwvar_MC2002-M_style=MC2002BL#style=MC2002WT

I am very interested in this question as well. I am considering giving the Noveseta Marathons a try.

If you try them out, please tell how they fit I am also considering them.

 

[Superb0bo]

Im in Europe - ordered PF flyers from US Ebay (but this was long ago). They are wider in the toebox than say converse. I also think there are some differences between styles.

 

[Superb0bo]

Probably not the styling you are after, but these look great to me (for a toe friendly fit) https://www.amazon.com/Birchbury-Bramfords-Toe-Box-Ultra-Soft-Minimalist/dp/B087795N1Y

 

[Buffon.bj]

Probably not the styling you are after, but these look great to me (for a toe friendly fit) https://www.amazon.com/Birchbury-Bramfords-Toe-Box-Ultra-Soft-Minimalist/dp/B087795N1Y

Yes, that toe box looks quite comfortable! When doing sports or walking in the nature, I love to use similar Merrell or Vivobarefoot sneakers; however, like you said, the styling just isn't doing it for me

Im in Europe - ordered PF flyers from US Ebay (but this was long ago). They are wider in the toebox than say converse. I also think there are some differences between styles.

Ah, I see. Not too crazy about buying from the US, the customs and postage are a bit of a hassle.

 

[Buffon.bj]

I finally found a pair which was good for my feet – but which is just very ugly. Enter the Be Lenka Champ sneakers.

It's a barefoot sneaker with a very anatomically correct last that most would consider hideous. But look how close to the shape of my feet they are!

They feel absolutely heavenly, no pinching anywhere, very light and flexible all over etc. And when looked at a normal distance with casual clothes, I don't think they look too bad. Here, with some dad jeans, a jungle jacket and a Buzz sweat:

I'm never going to wear these with dressier clothing, but for casual summer fits, I think they will be fine. And I don't think I'll ever go back to narrow sneakers again, I just don't think it's worth it to maim your foot for aesthetics.

 

[Philby]

If you try them out, please tell how they fit I am also considering them.

I got the Novesta Marathons and while they are beautiful shoes - exactly the sort of styling I am after - they are also quite exceedingly narrow for a trainer. Have sized up and might give it a try to see how much give they have, but essentially not suitable. The search for wearable wide-fit trainers continues.

 

[double00]

i'd written off chucks for a long while since they were too narrow and were killing my piggies who cry whee whee whee, i've been wearing the vintage-spec version (this is the 70s spec) with mid-weight wool hiking socks, they've been amazing.

 

[Buffon.bj]

I got the Novesta Marathons and while they are beautiful shoes - exactly the sort of styling I am after - they are also quite exceedingly narrow for a trainer. Have sized up and might give it a try to see how much give they have, but essentially not suitable. The search for wearable wide-fit trainers continues.

Thanks for the heads up, shame to hear that.

i'd written off chucks for a long while since they were too narrow and were killing my piggies who cry whee whee whee, i've been wearing the vintage-spec version (this is the 70s spec) with mid-weight wool hiking socks, they've been amazing.

Thanks, but the 70's version looks very similar to the Novestas, and they seem crazy narrow. Who can honestly wear these? Here's a few photos of my foot on the insole liner:

After having used those barefoot sneakers for a month, I could never go back to conventional sneakers. One's toes should not be squished and unable to move when wearing shoes.And my toes are not even that wide compared to people who have been barefoot all their lives...

 

[double00]

Thanks, but the 70's version looks very similar to the Novestas, and they seem crazy narrow. Who can honestly wear these? Here's a few photos of my foot on the insole liner:

better to listen to your feet for sure