Looking to buy wide football cleats. Discover our 15 tips for finding the perfect fit

Looking to buy wide football cleats. Discover our 15 tips for finding the perfect fit

Determine your foot width – measure across ball of foot

Finding the perfect pair of wide football cleats can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and performance on the field. As someone with wide feet myself, I know the struggle of trying to cram into narrow cleats that pinch and squeeze my toes. But having the right cleat width for your foot size is crucial for speed, agility and avoiding injury. Here are my top tips for wide-footed athletes to find wide football cleats that truly fit.

First things first – accurately determine the width of your feet. Many players assume they need wide sizes without verifying. Use a Brannock device or printable sizing chart to measure across the ball of your foot. If it’s over 4 inches (size 9.5+ men), 4.25 inches (size 6.5-9.5 men), or 4.5 inches (size 3-6.5 men), you likely do need wides. Go up half a size if between regular and wide widths to allow toe room.

When shopping, look for football cleats marked with a “W” for wide or “EE” for extra-extra wide. Some brands like New Balance and Asics are known for making shoes in multiple widths. If you can’t find wide options locally, check online – specialty stores like CleatSkinz or Eastbay have extended sizing.

Consider high-top football cleats, especially for linemen, since they provide more ankle stability and often come in wider sizes. Brands like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas carry wide widths, but check each style as sizing varies. Sort by wide under the size filter if buying online.

Be wary of size charts that only show length – make sure they also list the width in inches or letters. Try cleats on with the socks you’ll wear for games to gauge fit. Break them in slowly at practices to stretch the materials. Insoles, tongue pads or laces inserts can customize a near-fit to be more comfortable.

While finding wide football cleats can be frustrating, the right pair is worth it. Don’t settle for tight shoes that could lead to pain or foot problems. With some persistence and these tips, you can get game-ready cleats with plenty of toe room to move on the field.

Look for “wide” or “EE/EEE” size options

As someone with hobbit-esque wide feet, finding football cleats that actually fit has always been an adventure. I’ve squeezed my poor piggies into shoes that pinched my toes and cramped my style on the field. But after years of blisters and pain, I’ve learned how to spot cleats made for wider feet like mine.

When browsing for new kicks, I immediately search for pairs marked “wide” or “W”. This indicates a wider width perfect for those of us whose feet sprawl out. I also look for sizing in “EE” (extra wide) or even “EEE” (extra, extra wide). Certain brands like New Balance and Asics are known for making athletic shoes in multiple widths, so they’re good go-tos.

If you’re unsure what size you need, measure the ball of your foot with a tool like a Brannock device. Over 4 inches wide indicates you should size up. You can also trace your foot on paper and measure across the widest point. Knowing your width in inches helps match you with the proper letter sizing (D, E, EE, etc).

Don’t forget to check wideness when ordering online since length charts don’t tell the whole story. Filter search results by wide sizes or scroll down to the “additional info” sections for specifics. Specialty retailers like CleatSkinz offer extended sizing options you won’t find everywhere too.

While wide cleat selection can still be limited, the right pair is out there. Prioritizing proper width over length means your toes will thank you during games and practices. Don’t cram your feet just to size down – with some savvy shopping, you can find football cleats with all the lateral room you need.

Consider high-top cleats for more ankle support

As a lineman with wide flippers for feet, finding football cleats that fit while still supporting my ankles has always been tricky. For a long time, I was stuck choosing between pinched toes or wobbly ankles until I discovered the magic of high-top cleats for big guys like me.

High-top cleats extend above the ankle, almost like a built-in brace. This provides stability for larger players by locking the ankle in place and preventing rollovers. The extra material also allows for more wiggle room width-wise compared to low-tops.

When shopping, look for high-top cleats labeled as “lineman” or “linebacker” styles from brands like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas. These tend to come in wider sizes while still offering ankle support. I like that I can get the necessary toe box room without sacrificing stability.

You can also measure your foot width and search for sizes marked “EE” (extra wide) or “4E” (extra extra wide). Wider high-top options are out there, especially from companies focused on extended sizing like CleatSkinz.

Don’t forget to try on with the same socks you’ll wear for games. Break them in slowly to allow the materials to stretch. Consider adding supportive insoles if needed. Getting the perfect marriage of wideness and ankle support is life changing on the field. So don’t settle for less – find your high-top cleat soulmate.

For us big guys, high-top cleats let our feet spread out while keeping our ankles secure. With some savvy shopping, you can get the width you need and take your game to the next level in comfort.

Try brands known for wide sizes (New Balance, Asics)

My quest for wide football cleats that don’t crush my feet has led me to discover certain brands that truly cater to the flat-footed and wide. While sometimes it still takes digging, companies like New Balance and Asics consistently carry wides across their shoes including football cleats.

New Balance is renowned for making athletic shoes in multiple widths like their iconic “2E” extra wide. Their football cleats come in width sizing too, often ranging from D to 4E. I’ve found roomy yet supportive cleats from their Vazee and 4040v5 lines.

Asics also focuses on creating wide sizes for stability and comfort. Their football styles like the Men’s GEL-Provost Mid Football Cleat tend to run wider, especially in sizes like 4E and 6E. Their Gel technology gives that forgiving fit.

While options can be more limited in stores, shopping these brands online provides access to the extended sizing. Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and brand websites carry a good selection. Be sure to filter search results by width to surface what’s available.

For hard-to-fit feet like mine, turning to companies making width a priority has been game changing. The right cleats finally give my toes room to spread out comfortably. Don’t settle for smashed piggies – find your wide-friendly brand for custom football cleat bliss.

Seeking out athletic brands committed to wide sizing opens up more options. With some savvy shopping, you can score football cleats giving your feet the comfortable room they need.

Shop specialty stores focused on wide widths

My fruitless searches for wide football cleats at big box sports stores used to leave me frustrated. But once I discovered specialty retailers catering specifically to wide sizes, it opened up a whole new world of options.

Stores like CleatSkinz, Eastbay, and PoshaShoes carry hard-to-find wide and extra wide cleats you won’t find at mainstream places. Their websites allow filtering searches by width or foot conditions like bunions and plantar fasciitis. It’s a relief knowing wide athletes are who they focus on.

These retailers work directly with brands to offer extended sizes beyond the norm. CleatSkinz has sections dedicated to “Wide Cleats” and “Extra Wide Cleats” to easily spot 4E, 6E and custom wides. No more guessing if a style runs large.

Their knowledgeable customer service reps can also recommend best fits if you’re unsure what width you need. They understand sizing dilemmas for those with extremely wide feet. Don’t settle for pinched toes – find your foot-shaped grail.

Seeking out wide-width specialists unlocks way more suitable options. Tell generic sports stores goodbye, and say hello to cleat providers who truly get the wide foot struggle. Your feet will thank you.

Rather than settling for squeezed feet at big box stores, find specialty retailers attuned to the wide cleat hunt. You CAN find football shoes giving your toes blissful room.

Read online reviews from wide-footed wearers

When trying to find football cleats that actually fit my wide, flat-as-a-pancake feet, I used to rely solely on size charts and product descriptions. But I quickly learned reviews from fellow wide-footed athletes provide invaluable insights.

Now before buying new cleats, I dig into feedback on sites like Amazon and Zappos to hear directly from customers with wide feet. They’ll report if a style runs narrow or roomy, and call out any wiggle room issues. No more guessing if my toes will be crushed!

I look for reviews that specifically mention foot width, like “perfect for my 4E feet!” or “way too narrow.” Those with plantar fasciitis or bunions can also indicate wider fits that work for their conditions. It’s reassuring getting the inside scoop from athletes like me.

You can even reach out to reviewers with questions if sizing feedback is unclear. Ask them to measure the width or compare to other brands. Fellow wide footer camaraderie is real.

While every foot varies, insider reviews provide useful insight you won’t find in generic descriptions. Let your wide footed brothers and sisters guide you to roomy cleat glory!

Rather than rely on product specs alone, seek out first-hand reviews from wide-footed wearers for helpful fit intel. Your cleat quest is too important for guesswork.

Order 1/2 size up if between widths

My weirdly wide yet oddly short feet have led to plenty of football cleat sizing confusion. Am I a wide or a regular? Do I size up or down? After much trial and toe squashing, I’ve learned a handy hack – when stuck between widths, order a half size larger for a better fit.

If a cleat in my typical size pinches width-wise but has too much length room, I now automatically grab the next half size up in the wider width. This gives my toes needed lateral space without major heel slippage from going a whole size larger.

For example, if I’m between a size 10 regular and 10.5 wide, I’ll get the 10.5 wide. That extra half size allows room for my wide forefoot to spread out comfortably in the wider width.

I also look for high-tops and models with removable insoles I can swap for my own orthotics. This further customizes the fit if an in-between size still feels slightly off. The right socks can help fine tune things too.

Figuring out what matters most for your foot type is key. I’ve accepted some heel slip in exchange for toe box bliss. Now that I know my ideal formula, I can skip the sizing struggles and quickly zone in on wide cleats that fit just right.

Don’t squash your feet into too-small cleats. When in doubt, size up a half size and opt for the wider width. Your toes will thank you!

Break cleats in slowly to stretch width

As someone with wide, flat boat feet, I used to jam my pigs into stiff new cleats that crunched my toes. But after way too many painful practices, I wised up – slowly breaking in football shoes allows the materials to stretch for a custom fit.

Rather than wearing new cleats for full practices right away, I now gradually ease them in. I’ll do 15 minutes of light drills to start gently widening them. Then I remove, let my feet recover, and increase time wearing them incrementally.

I also apply leather conditioner to soften and loosen up synthetic materials faster. Gently bending and twisting the shoes with my hands helps flex them as well. Widening the eyelets if too narrow relieves pressure points.

The goal is slowly coaxing the upper, lining, and toe box to conform to my wide foot shape versus painfully forcing it. As materials mold to my feet, irritation and pain points disappear.

Don’t just suffer through discomfort hoping new cleats will miraculously break-in. Be proactive widening them gradually yourself. Happy wide feet equal better performance on the field.

Rather than cramming into stiff, narrow new cleats, ease them into your unique foot shape. With patience and the right techniques, they’ll mold to your wide feet.

Use thick socks for extra cushioning

As someone with sensitive wide feet prone to aches, I used to stuff my hooves into cleats while wearing thin, basic socks. But after far too many post-practice foot cramps, I realized the magic of thick, cushioned socks for comfort.

Now I always wear padded football socks that hug my feet. The extra cushioning acts as a buffer between my touchy toes and the cleats. It prevents irritation and blisters from friction that thin socks allow.

I look for socks specifically designed for football with thicker padding zones on the forefoot, toes and heels. Features like arch compression provide custom support too. Moisture wicking fabrics help prevent the squishy padding from getting soggy.

Don’t forget to try on cleats while wearing your game day socks. What may fit comfortably with thin socks can feel too snug with thicker padding. Save your feet from sock surprise squeeze.

Snug cleats plus barefoot thin socks used to equal post-practice agony for my wide paws. But slipping on those thick, cushy pads changed everything. My toes stay comfy all game long now!

Rather than minimal socks, give your wide feet some padding love. With the right cushy socks as your base, even snug cleats can feel great.

Add tongue pads or insoles for snug fit

Even after finding wide football cleats, I struggled with irritation on my super sensitive feet. No matter how “roomy” the toe box felt initially, I’d end up with pain points and blisters. Finally, I tried adding tongue pads and custom insoles to optimize even snugger fits.

Removable tongue pads cushion pressured spots where the laces dig in. I target the irritation zones, which prevents the cleat tongue from directly rubbing my foot. Insoles optimized to your foot arch type also improve overall fit.

I use 3D printed insoles from Wiivv which are customized to the exact shape and contours of my feet. This fills in any tiny gaps within the cleats for true customization. The pads and insoles work together as a system to accommodate foot quirks.

Don’t just rely on wide sizing alone if you still notice discomfort or slippage. Dial in the fit with add-ons catered to your specific foot needs. Blister-free practices ahead!

If even roomy wide cleats pinch and rub, take matters into your own hands. Add tailor-made pads and supports so snug feels like heaven.

Check return policies when ordering online

Online shopping opens up way more wide football cleat options, but not being able to try them on first is a gamble with my picky feet. That’s why I always vet retailer return policies before clicking buy – easy exchanges are a must just in case.

I look for free return shipping and at least 30 days to send back. Zappos, Nike, and CleatSkinz have great policies where I can test cleats on the field and still swap if needed. No restocking fees is also reassuring.

I read the fine print to see if returns must be in “like new” condition or if gently used is ok. If I’ll have to keep cleats in pristine shape before wearing, I know to order multiple sizes.

Don’t get stuck with painfully narrow cleats you took a chance on! Read return fine print first and only shop retailers standing by fit guarantees and no-hassle exchanges.

While tempting, ordering wide cleats online unseen can be risky. But sellers with great return policies let you test drive those kicks risk-free.

Prioritize toe box roominess over exact length

With my wide, short football feet, cleats that are the perfect length often pinch my toes. I used to stubbornly size down anyway, suffering through practices. But now I know better – when shoe shopping, toe box room trumps exact length every time.

I look for at least a thumb’s width of space between my toes and the front tip, even if that means a looser heel fit. A little heel slippage is worth saving my piggies from being crunched. Materials can be tightened, but extra width can’t be added.

For the roomiest toe box, I look for round or squared cleat shapes versus pointy narrow styles. Removable insoles allow me to add my own if the included one is too thin. I never size down just for a sleeker look.

Don’t jam your feet into cramped shoes that will leave you hobbling. Seek out that foot-shaped grail offering plenty of lateral and vertical wiggle room. Your toes will spread out and play happier!

Length charts don’t tell the whole story for wide feet. Prioritizing a spacious toe box over specific length equals pain-free comfort.

Consider custom orthotics for problem feet

Even after finding wide football cleats, I still struggled with foot pain due to my high arches and overpronation. No generic insole properly supported my problem feet – until I got custom orthotics made just for me.

After a podiatrist evaluated my feet, I got prescription orthotics molded specifically to my arches and pressure points. The lab uses 3D scans of your feet to craft the inserts.

I can now pop my custom orthotics into any cleat for instant arch support and stability. Pressure is relieved in my overpronation zones to prevent aches. They align my feet properly in the shoes.

Don’t just assume even the widest cleats will fix foot issues. Look into custom orthotics to address underlying problems like flat arches, high arches, and uneven weight distribution. Game pain-free!

If wide cleats still don’t alleviate foot pain, don’t give up. Custom orthotics tailored to your feet’s unique quirks can finally solve discomfort.

Choose adjustable youth sizes if adult too narrow

As an athlete with freakishly wide feet, I struggled to find adult cleats roomy enough. The toe boxes jammed my poor toes even in “wide” sizes. Then I discovered the magic of adjustable youth wide widths.

Many youth cleats come in wider sizes like EE or EEE to accommodate growing feet. They also have removable inserts and extra Velcro straps across the foot to customize fit. This adjustability provides the toe box width I need.

Don’t be ashamed to shop in youth if the adult sizes are too constricting. The adjustable closures help dial in an ideal fit. Wide-footed kids would benefit from this expandable room too.

Just be sure to maximize all the velcro and elastic features so the cleats stay snug while wide. The removable insoles also let me add my own orthotics.

If regular stores don’t carry youth wides, check online for better selection. Custom cleat comfort awaits!

If even adult wide sizes cramp your feet, explore adjustable youth options. The expandable closures and widths can give your toes blissful room.

Don’t settle for tight or painful cleats

As an athlete with wide, flat feet, I used to stubbornly wear cramped cleats that crunched my toes and caused blisters. I thought I just had to deal with the pain and that perfectly comfy cleats weren’t made for my feet. Boy, was I wrong.

Now I know better than to settle for foot agony. No matter how cool looking or “perfect length” shoes may be, it’s not worth suffering through practices and games in excruciating shoes.

There ARE wide size options and hacks like inserts to customize fit. It just takes some savvy shopping and trial and error to find your Goldilocks pair. And some break-in time can help stretch materials.

Don’t believe the lie that smashed feet are inevitable. Prioritize comfort and use these tips to finally play happily in spacious, pain-free cleats you never want to take off!

Tight, painful cleats can sabotage your performance and even cause permanent foot damage. You deserve better – use these tips to find your wide width wonder boots.