The Wide Fit Shoes Christmas Wish List: The Most-Wanted Trainers of 2026
There's always one person who's impossible to buy for at Christmas.
You ask what they want.
"Nothing."
You ask again.
"Honestly, I don't need anything."
Very helpful...
But if they're always in trainers, love running, spend their weekends walking or have been wearing the same favourite shoes into the ground, a new pair might actually be one of the most useful presents you can give them.
And yes... shoes can make a brilliant Christmas gift. You just need to choose the right ones.
So whether you're shopping for him, shopping for her or shamelessly compiling your own Christmas list to send to somebody who keeps asking what you want, we've put together some of our favourite Christmas gift ideas for shoes and trainers in 2026.
And because this is Wide Fit Shoes, we've remembered something rather important.
They need to actually fit.
For the One Who's Always in Trainers
New Balance 574
You know the person.
Jeans? Trainers.
Sunday lunch? Trainers.
Airport? Trainers.
Quick trip to the shops? Trainers.
If trainers aren't simply something they exercise in but genuinely part of how they dress, the New Balance 574 is a strong place to start.
It's also particularly relevant to WFS because the retailer currently carries exclusive 574 styles in genuine 2E and 4E fittings for wider feet. Current colours include classic black, grey and burgundy options for men, alongside women's styles.
Perfect for: everyday wear, weekends, travel and somebody who wants comfort without looking like they're wearing a "comfort shoe".
The Christmas morning reaction we're going for: "Ohhh, I wanted these."
For the Runner Who Doesn't Let Winter Stop Them
New Balance Fresh Foam Running Trainers
If their idea of Christmas morning involves getting a run in before everyone else wakes up, this one's for them.
Rather than buying them another running gadget they'll use twice, put something under the tree that'll actually clock up the miles with them.
WFS currently carries numerous New Balance Fresh Foam walking/running styles in wider 2E and 4E fittings, including current 520, 880 and trail models.
The important bit isn't the technical terminology.
It's giving them room to run without spending the first few kilometres thinking about their feet.
Perfect for: runners, Parkrun regulars, people getting back into running and anyone whose current running shoes have definitely seen better days.
For the One Who Walks Everywhere
New Balance 880
Some people don't call themselves walkers.
They just somehow do 15,000 steps every day.
They'll walk into town rather than drive.
They'll suggest walking to the restaurant.
They'll spend an entire city break exploring on foot and wonder why everyone else wants a taxi.
For them, comfort isn't a nice extra. It's what determines whether they're still happily walking at 4pm.
The New Balance 880 appears in WFS's current best-selling ranges in wider fittings, including women's 2E and 4E options.
Perfect for: dog walkers, city-break lovers, commuters, busy parents and anyone who's rarely sitting still.
This is the kind of Christmas present that might quietly end up becoming the pair they wear everywhere.
For the Gym-Goer
New Balance 624
You don't need to understand their entire training programme to know this person.
They've probably already told you what they trained this morning. Twice.
For someone who wants a versatile trainer for active everyday life and gym sessions, the New Balance 624 family is worth looking at. It's particularly interesting for wider feet because current WFS 624 styles are offered across 2E, 4E and 6E fittings.
That's useful if the person you're buying for has previously complained that supposedly "wide" trainers still aren't actually wide enough.
Perfect for: gym sessions, general training and someone who practically lives in sportswear.
For the One Who Wants Something Modern
On Cloudrunner
Sometimes "comfortable shoes" aren't what someone wants for Christmas. They want nice trainers.
There's a difference.
If you're shopping for somebody who notices what everyone's wearing and wants something a little more contemporary, On is an interesting direction.
WFS currently carries the men's On Cloudrunner 3 Wide in a 2E fitting among its new-in trainer range.
It gives us exactly the message WFS should be communicating more often:
Having wide feet doesn't mean opting out of the trainer brands and styles everyone else is wearing.
Perfect for: the style-conscious trainer wearer who wants comfort but absolutely doesn't want their shoes to look sensible.
For the One Who Says, "I Just Want Comfortable Trainers"
Skechers
Some people don't care about having the latest trainer. They just want to put their shoes on in the morning and not think about their feet again.
No rubbing.
No squeezing.
No desperate need to take them off the second they get home.
WFS current trainer selection includes Skechers wide-fit styles, including Slip-ins and walking/running-inspired designs.
Perfect for: everyday wear, long days on your feet, casual walking and someone who always puts comfort first.
For the One Who's Always Outdoors
New Balance Fresh Foam Trail Trainers
Their Christmas list probably contains something waterproof. Their weekends involve muddy paths. And "shall we go for a walk?" never means 20 minutes around the block.
For them, look towards the trail side of the WFS collection.
New Balance Fresh Foam trail trainers currently feature among WFS's overall best sellers in both men's and women's wider fittings.
Perfect for: country walks, trails, outdoor weekends and anyone who doesn't intend to spend January sitting indoors.
Christmas Shoes for Him: What Should You Choose?
If you're looking for a men's shoes Christmas gift, start with what he already wears.
If he's constantly in casual trainers, don't suddenly buy him formal shoes because you think he needs some.
- If he runs, look at running trainers.
- If he walks everywhere, prioritise all-day comfort.
- If he cares about brands, start with a brand he already likes.
... and sneak a look at his current shoes.
Check:
Size. Width. Brand. Style.
Take a photo of the label if you need to. (Nobody needs to know!)
Christmas Shoes for Her: What Should You Choose?
The same rule applies when you're looking for a women's shoes Christmas gift.
Think about her actual life...
- Is she always in trainers?
- Does she walk everywhere?
- Does she exercise?
- Does she want something fashionable enough to wear with everyday outfits?
... and has she ever said:
"I love those, but they'd never fit my feet"?
That's your clue. The present isn't simply giving her another pair of shoes. It's giving her more choice.
Are Shoes a Good Christmas Gift?
Absolutely — if you know enough about the person's size, width and style preferences.
Shoes can actually be an unusually good Christmas present because they're both exciting and useful.
Unlike something that'll disappear into a drawer by Boxing Day, a good pair can become part of somebody's everyday life.
The risk comes from guessing. If you don't know their shoe size or width, find out before ordering rather than trying to compensate by buying a larger size.
Because remember: Longer isn't the same as wider.
Not Sure About Their Width? Don't Guess
Here's the bit we'd really like you to get right.
If somebody has wide feet, simply buying their normal shoe one size bigger isn't necessarily going to solve the problem.
They may end up with a shoe that's too long and still uncomfortable across the widest part of their foot.
We currently offer a width fitting guide and footwear across multiple width fittings, so check the recipient's existing shoes or establish their width before choosing.
And if you're buying for somebody who regularly struggles with footwear, getting that detail right could be what turns:
"They're lovely, but..."
into:
"They actually fit."
FAQs
Are shoes a good Christmas gift?
Yes. Shoes can make a useful and exciting Christmas gift when you know the recipient's correct size, width and general style preferences. If you're unsure about fit, check a pair they already wear comfortably rather than guessing.
What shoes should I get for Christmas in 2026?
Choose according to how you'll actually wear them. Everyday trainers, running shoes, walking trainers and versatile lifestyle trainers are all useful options. Current WFS best sellers include wider-fitting New Balance running, trail and 574 lifestyle styles.
What are good men's shoes for a Christmas gift?
For someone who mainly dresses casually, a recognisable trainer such as a New Balance 574 can be easier to wear regularly than a smart shoe. For runners, walkers or gym-goers, choose footwear suited to their favourite activity.
What are good women's shoes for a Christmas gift?
Think about what she already reaches for most. Lifestyle trainers can work well for everyday wear, while walking or running trainers make more sense for someone who's particularly active. Most importantly, make sure you're buying the correct width as well as shoe size.
Are sports shoes a good Christmas gift for women?
Yes, particularly if she regularly runs, walks, goes to the gym or wears trainers casually. Choose according to her normal activity and style rather than assuming all sports trainers serve the same purpose.
Can you give shoes as a Christmas gift if you're unsure of the size?
It's better to find out first. Check the label inside a pair the person already wears comfortably, but remember that sizing and width can differ between footwear.
Should I size up when buying shoes for someone with wide feet?
Not automatically. Going up a size adds length and may not provide the width the wearer needs. Look for footwear available in an appropriate wider fitting instead.
Happy customers
