The style of shoes can determine personal preference, or even at times, help to change what we may consider stylish, per se. As you may have realized, the shoes on this list are vast in both taste and style. There is something for everyone, including but not limited to: boots, running shoes, and sandals.

Depending on your individual taste and preferences, style is subject to change. What might be tasteful and stylish to me, may not be what you like. As such, our list is vast in the area of stylistic properties.

Take, for instance, a sandal with a neutral appearance. It can be worn with shorts, jeans, or even a dress. How about a nice pair of cowboy boots? These can be worn for everyday wear or something a bit dressier, in terms of heading out to the club for a night of line dancing.

It, truly, is up to you on which pair of shoes works for that ‘perfect’ outfit, as it were. In addition, will the shoes perform to the task in which you need them to? In other words, going out to a club for a night of country-related line dancing is fine in sneakers, but how will you feel surrounded by a bunch of people wearing cowboy boots? If you are fine with it, then there are no worries. If, however, you feel at odds or out of place, as it were, then purchasing your first pair of cowboy boots might be the perfect solution.

Likewise, a pair of cowboy boots might not feel stylish when you are heading to a place for an early-morning run. Not only will you be stylistically out of place (surrounded by other runners with running shoes on) but you, also, run the risk of serious foot injury attempting a run in cowboy boots.

Now, I do understand how that previous scenario might seem a bit drastic, but the point, nevertheless, remains the same: Style is only a single part of a bigger picture (i.e. practicality).

Practicality should always be considered when thinking about the style you are going to wear. As with our cowboy boots and running scenario, the obvious choice here is to wear running shoes. After this choice has been made, now, we can enter into the style of the running shoe.

Casual shoes, dress shoes, sports-specific shoes, work shoes, and etc.; these are all separate classes with separate, individual and stylistic needs. Work shoes, for example; let’s say, “Work shoes do not need to be stylistic but functional.”

Now, as true as that statement is, there is a certain amount of mistruth in it. Take, for instance, a construction work boot. It needs to have safety features against toe injury, electrical shock, and so on. This is first and foremost. In this, the statement is, absolutely, true.

But what if the laces could be dyed to a different color? As long as it doesn’t interfere with the safety protocols of the laces themselves, then a dye could, most definitely, work in providing stylistic properties to the work boot.

Imagine; if you will, a neon-green pair of laces. Not only will you be easier to spot at the construction site but you might, also, start a fashion trend in the process, as other workers will realize that you are a bit safer than they are.

Now, I am not telling you to go out and do this, but rather, I am telling you to become imaginative. Imagination goes hand-in-hand with style; that is, there can be no style changes without the imagination to do so.

At the end of the day, we want you to enjoy each and every moment while wearing your shoes. This is why we give you as much information as we can, in order to provide you the best decision possible.

The fit is highly important, as this determines foot health and safety against injury. The fit is recognized, in general, as attributes involving heel, toe box area, arch layout, length, width, and overall support. To get a better idea of each attribute, let’s examine them.

Fit (Arch Layout) – Arch Layout is a mathematical term used in relation to a compass drawing tool. Starting a pivotal point, the compass is set to a degree (e.g. 30 degrees, 40, degrees, etc.) in order to make an arch line. The resulting line is, in essence, the arch layout. For feet, however, there is an easier method to help determine which type of arch (normal, flat, or high) you have. It is known as the wet test and requires very little in way of supplies.

Supplies needed for wet test – You will need a piece of paper (bigger than your foot; like a brown paper bag from the grocery store), a reservoir to hold water (a small pan works wonders), water, and your feet.

Fill the pan with shallow water; just enough to cover the bottom of your foot.
Place the paper down flat; next to your pan.
Place your foot into the pan of water.
Remove your foot from the pan and place on paper; bearing even distributed weight on both of your feet (normal stance).
Remove your foot and look at the paper. There will be one of three patterns (normal, flat, or high) you will see. This is your arch type.

Examining the results of the wet test – There is one of three separate results you can achieve via the wet test. By examining the pattern left behind, you can determine your arch type.

If you are able to see at least half of your arch width, then you are one of the lucky ones out there and have a medium arch with normal pronation. This means you are able to utilize most shoes out there, good for you!

If you see most of your arch’s width, then you are most likely an overpronator and have flat arches. This means your feet have a tendency to collapse inward too much and are highly prone to ankle-related injuries. This means you need shoes having more stability and are designed with midsoles catering to overpronators, such as a dual-density midsole.

If you see very little of your arch width, then you are known as an underpronator and have high arches. This means you will need shoes with very little arch support, little-to-no stability support, and is highly cushioned.

Understanding the type of arch you have directly determines what kind of shoes are eligible to be a better fit. Shoes for pronators, with medium arches, are not the correct shoe for an overpronator or someone with flat arches. An overpronator needs more arch support than what is found in a medium-arch supported shoe. Likewise, a shoe designed for an overpronator will never be good for someone having high arches. Take the wet test and determine your arch type. In doing so, you are better equipped to find the best narrow feet shoes.

Fit (Heel) – The heel fit is an attribute corresponding to up and down movement; as well as, lateral movement in conjunction with your heel. Shoes which are too loose will not play well when you begin your normal stride or a juke from side to side. For example, if you begin walking and you feel your heel rise from the shoe, then the pair of shoes you are in is currently too loose. They are not properly fitted within the heel area. Additionally, if you can switch your pressure to the ball of your foot and pivot, there should be no room felt in the heel area. If you are able to feel any form of your heel moving, not in tandem unison with your shoe, then you do not have the best shoe brands for narrow feet.

A properly fitted shoe in the heel area helps to prevent bruising, skin irritation, blistering, callouses, and other forms of heel-related health concerns. Also, a properly fitted shoe in the heel area will ensure proper shock absorption; thus, reducing the risks of shock-absorbent related injuries (i.e. ankle sprains, joint pain, and etc.).

Fit (Length & Width) – Length is the measurement of your largest foot (yes, most of us have one larger than the other); from your heel to the end of the largest toe. Width is usually found in the area at the ball of your foot. Using a ruler, measure your largest foot.

A ruler works best, but a tape measure will suffice; especially, for those of us having larger feet.

Length

Lay the ruler down on a flat surface (floor) with the higher numbers facing away from you.
Place the heel of your foot where you can barely see the one-inch mark. I find this is a more accurate placement than trying to figure out where zero is; that is, some rulers are nicer than others.
Place the largest toe down at the other end of the ruler.
Write down your measurement of the larger number and subtract one from it. This is the length of your foot.
Width

Like you did previously when measuring the length of your foot, you are going to lay the ruler down on a flat surface; only this time, lay it down horizontally. Make certain the lower number is on the left and the higher number is on the right.
First, slip the ruler under your largest foot to the point where your foot is the widest (usually, the ball area).
After you find the widest point, move the one-inch mark to where you can barely see the line at the left side of your foot.
With your foot now relaxed, examine the number on the right side of your foot. Write it down and subtract one from it. This is the width of your foot.
Measurements should be taken at the end of your day. This is the time when your feet will be their largest, and the true measurement you will need to ensure a properly fitted shoe. If the width is too tight but the length is fine, then purchasing a shoe size bigger will not help. This is because the shoe length will now be too long. For anyone who is active, a shoe which is too long can lead to injury; especially, during a quick-stop and/or lateral movement. From experience, I understand this all too well. Take care and measure your feet at the right time of the day. After it is said and done, you will be even more ready to purchase the shoes for narrow foot.

Fit (Toe Box Area) – Hopefully, you have your measurements ready from the previous section. If not, you are going to wish you took the measurements, because you will need to add one-half inch to the total length of your foot. This is how much room there needs to be in order for the toe box area to be properly fitted; lengthwise. Now, for widthwise, you will only need the number you already have.
Never negotiate how the shoes feel on your feet; including, the toe box area. Shoes designed for narrow feet can cause medical health concerns with those having wider feet, such as bunions, hammer toes, and etc. Likewise, people with narrow feet should never wear shoes designed for those having wider feet. There is too much ‘play’ in the shoe and this can cause skin irritation, bruising, callouses, and promote foot-related injuries.

Just as the heel area is the first to land while you walk; the toe box area is the last to leave the ground during your stride. As such, properly fitted shoes will work with your natural gait. A shoe which does not fit correctly, however, will have the opposite effect. In other words, the toe box area is just as important as the heel area; especially, in relation to proper fit. Never negotiate how the shoes feel on your feet.

Overall support of the shoe will directly impact the fit of the shoe. As previously mentioned, a shoe specific to one pronation type will not properly support a foot of another pronation type. Moreover, if the shoes cannot support your feet in the proper way, in specific relation to you; then, they are not the best shoes for narrow feet. The best shoes for narrow feet will support all areas with equal prejudice; that is, your feet will be supported in the heel, toe box area, arch area, length, and width, respectively. If any or all parts of the shoe cannot give you the proper support you need, then the shoe never be considered a proper fit. After all, what good is a shoe if it fits in measurement but fails in support?

Support takes a few things into consideration, such as arches, heel, toe box room, load-rate, lateral movement, quick stop, and shock absorption. Although these characteristics are not the only assets when examining support, they are something to consider.

Arches – You arches determine the type of shoe structure you can wear. It is not the other way around. As previously discussed, there are three types of arches (normal, flat, and high).

Heel – Heel fit is an attribute which takes into account slippage (up and down) and lateral movement (side to side).

Lateral Movement – Lateral movement is a shoe’s ability to absorb shock when you juke and/or move laterally. Furthermore, the shoe helps to stabilize; providing you with additional foot and ankle support. This type of support has a heavy presence in basketball shoes.

Load-Rate – More specific to running implications, load-rate is the speed at which energy is spread from your feet to your joints (i.e. ankle, knees, and hips).

Quick-Stop – Quick-stop is the motion you make when you are moving quickly and then, abruptly, stop. The motion can be forward or backward. For example, in a forward quick-stop, shoes which are too big can result in injury; as the toes will have a tendency to slam into the toe box area.

Shock Absorption – Most centrally directed shock-absorbent technology is found in athletic shoes of various types. That is, dress shoes are less-likely to design their shoes around the concept of shock absorption when compared to a pair of athletic shoes. The best shock absorption utilizes multiple factors within a shoe to help alleviate impact load-rate; as well as, giving an overall energy return (bounce back, or a bouncy feeling when you walk, jog, jump, and/or run). The most common factor associated with shock-absorbent technology is found within a midsole.

Comfort levels are heavily weighted when choosing the shoes for narrow feet. Let’s face it, the truth is when our shoes are uncomfortable, our day is uncomfortable. Furthermore, there are health concerns associated with uncomfortable feet, as a result of incorrect footwear. The risks include but are not limited to: ankle sprains and/or dislocation, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), hammer toes, bunions, bruising, skin irritations and/or abrasions, joint pain (ankle, knees, and/or hips), and other factors.

Your body has a way of letting you know when something is not right. Moreover, if your feet are uncomfortable when wearing a particular pair of shoes, then the shoes are more than likely the cause for your body’s alarm to be triggered. The feeling of discomfort is your body’s way of telling you something needs to be changed, in order to prevent any short and/or long-term damage. Although sometimes irritating to us, the body is only talking to us; begging for a change.

When a shoe is properly fitted in all aspects (heel, toe box, arch, and etc.); then, the comfort level automatically rises. As such, comfort can only be achieved when shoes are correctly fitted. Furthermore, a properly fitted shoe must, also, be used for the job-at-hand. In other words, we don’t want to wear dress shoes to play baseball in. In following our body’s directive, we can be better equipped to find the shoes for narrow foot.

Eyelet Positioning – A very good indicator your shoes are too wide is the shoelace test. If you tie your shoelaces and the eyelet flaps are touching (or very close), your shoes are too wide. Likewise, if the eyelet flaps have a pronounced vee-shape (after lacing your shoes), then your shoes are too narrow.

Size is not Width – Size is not width, it is the length. Your shoes may fit well from heel-to-toe but remain tight, as a result of the shoe’s width. Width size, in and of itself, may mean a four-inch wide foot is narrow in one shoe but is a normal width within a larger shoe size. One of the ways you can gauge a shoe’s length is to check where the ball of your foot aligns in conjunction with the widest part of the shoe. In other words, if the widest part of your foot does not align with the widest part of the shoe, then your shoes are either too short (the widest part of foot sits closer to you than the widest part of the shoe) or too long (the widest part of foot sits further away from you than the widest part of the shoe).

Also, familiarizing yourself with a particular brand does not necessarily mean a larger shoe size will still require a narrow choice. With size changes, the meaning of your foot’s width can, also, change. Feet can continue to grow the length of your lifespan. As such, it is important to take new measurements prior to purchasing your shoes. In doing so, you are well on your way to choosing the shoes.

To assess each of the products on our list for durability, we not only read through thousands of customer reviews on our recommended products, but we also looked for some of the hallmarks of quality construction. From brand name reputation to their initial smell out of the box, there are a few ways of identifying a well-built, made-to-last product.

The Details
A zipper that doesn’t zip or snaps? Poor threading technique? A smelly, chemical residue on the shoe when you open the box? All these details were looked for an evaluated when assigning a score for durability.

Materials
Certain materials last longer than others, even if that comes at the expense of a higher score in the “comfort” criterion. Materials that are synthetic, thicker and firmer tend to score higher on durability.

Product Purpose
A shoe made for running and high-impact sports will not likely last as long as a good pair of general activity shoes and that’s okay. Being aware of the shoe’s purpose is critical for you as a reader and for us as a reviewer. Although shoes that will last longer score higher on this criterion, you might also see high scores to shoes with a more limited durability, if that product was specifically designed for certain purposes that involve high-impact and high-stress motions. We take into account the type of shoes you are trying to purchase when assigning scores to shoes in this criterion.

Brand Name
A product is a promise made, but a brand is a promise kept. A brand name is often a signal of quality and consistency in construction and durability from product to product. Although there are always exceptions to this rule, quite often brands that perform continue to perform. Brand names on our list tend to score higher in the durability score.

The final word on durability is that a higher score on this metric means the product will last longer than its competitors, given similar shoe purpose, type, age and usage. Again, it never hurts to read some customer reviews before hitting the “buy” button.