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A comprehensive guide to selecting the ideal shoes for your wide feet
When selecting a shoe size, we typically focus on foot length, but the width is just as important. If you regularly experience discomfort or pressure while wearing your shoes, it could indicate that you have wide feet. In this article, we will discuss how to assess if you need wider shoes, how to measure your foot width, and the causes behind wide feet. Additionally, you will learn about shoe width labels, the best footwear for wide feet, and answers to other frequently asked questions.
How can I tell if I need wider shoes?
If you often feel pain, discomfort, numbness, tingling, or notice redness and irritation while wearing shoes, you may have wide feet. If your feet feel squeezed or spill over the edges of your shoes, it’s a clear sign that you require wider shoes.
Steps
Indicators That You Need Wider Shoes
Discomfort or Pain If you often feel discomfort or pain while wearing shoes, this could be a sign that your feet are wider than the shoe size you're wearing. This is particularly common in the toe, side, or ball of the foot area.
Pressure Marks or Color Changes After removing your shoes, inspect your feet for any redness, indentations, or other visible signs of irritation on the sides. These pressure marks or discolorations usually mean that your shoes are too narrow and squeezing your feet.
Toe or Foot Spillover When wearing sandals or other open-toed footwear, check if your toes or the sides of your feet spill over the edges. If your toes extend past the shoe’s limits or the sides look stretched, it’s a strong indication your shoes aren’t wide enough.
Numbness or Tingling Experiencing frequent numbness or tingling in your toes may suggest that your shoes are too tight. This could be caused by the shoes pressing on the nerves in your feet, which reduces circulation due to inadequate width. Learn more about curing numbness
Flat Feet Although not everyone with flat feet necessarily needs wide shoes, it is a common requirement. Flat feet, with collapsed and unsupported arches, require more support than typical feet, and wide shoes offer better comfort and stability than narrow or standard shoes.
Bunions, Corns, or Hammer Toes Medical conditions such as bunions and hammer toes can result from wearing shoes that are too narrow, leading to inflammation or joint issues. To alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage, wide shoes are often recommended.
Ill-Fitting Shoes Shoe size is about more than just length. If you often buy shoes that fit lengthwise but feel too tight or restrictive, wide shoes might be the solution. Ill-fitting shoes can cause foot cramps and lesions, so it’s crucial to find shoes that fit properly.
- If you can, avoid choosing shoes that are longer in length and instead go for a wider fit. Shoes that are too long can cause discomfort and increase your risk of tripping.
Morton’s Neuroma Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes pain and numbness in the ball of the foot, due to thickened nerves between the toes. Those suffering from this condition may find relief from wide shoes, as they reduce pressure on the nerve and provide more space in the toe box.
Professional Advice To accurately determine your foot width, it’s often best to consult a shoe-fitting expert, podiatrist, or chiropodist. They can assess whether you have wide feet or another issue, guide you in finding the right fit, and assist in obtaining custom orthotics if necessary.
How to Measure Your Foot Width
Outline your foot on a piece of paper. Place a sheet of paper larger than your foot on a flat, hard surface like the floor. Stand or sit comfortably and place your foot flat on the paper. Carefully trace the outline of your foot, ensuring the pen or pencil is held vertically for precision.
Measure the widest part of your foot. Mark the points where the widest part of your foot touches the outline, usually at the base of your big toe (the ball of the foot) and the outer edge of your pinky toe. Use a ruler or tape measure to determine the distance between these marks. This measurement represents the width of your foot.
Repeat the process with your other foot. After measuring one foot, repeat the outlining and measuring process on the other foot. Typically, one foot is slightly larger than the other, so use the larger measurement when selecting your shoe size.
Consult a sizing chart to decide if you need a wide shoe size. Once you have your measurements, refer to the sizing chart of the brand or store you're shopping at. Different brands may have varying width labels, so checking this chart will help you find the right size.
- Remember, comfort is more important than an exact measurement. If you have specific comfort needs, medical conditions, or preferences, consider trying a wider shoe than your measured size suggests.
What qualifies as a wide foot?
A wide foot is wider than the standard range for a regular shoe fit. The exact width for a foot to be classified as wide depends on your shoe size. For instance, a regular foot width for a size 7 is approximately inches (89 mm), while a wide size 7 measures between 3.75–4.25 inches (95–108 mm). Men's shoes are typically wider than women's, so consider this when assessing whether you have wide feet.
Foot Width Categories & Labels
Narrow Narrow feet are smaller than a medium or standard foot width. Narrow shoes are usually about 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) narrower than the manufacturer's standard width. Keep in mind that shoe widths may vary by brand and style, so refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to determine if narrow, standard, or wide shoes are right for you.
- Common size labels: N, B for Men, 2A for Women
- Note: These size labels are common, but individual brands may use different ones. Always consult the brand’s sizing chart to be certain.
Medium or Standard The “standard” shoe width is typically called medium or standard, depending on the brand. This is the average width and length used by manufacturers when making shoes and is the most common size available in stores.
- Common size labels: M, D for Men, B for Women
Wide Wide-width feet and shoes offer extra room at the forefoot and midfoot, providing a more comfortable fit than standard shoes. These shoes are typically 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) wider than regular shoes, making them ideal for those who find standard shoes too tight.
- Common size labels: W, 2E for Men, D for Women
Extra Wide Some brands offer extra wide shoes, which provide the maximum width. These shoes cater to individuals with significantly wider feet or those who have conditions like bunions that require more space.
- Common size labels: XW or EW, 4E for Men, 2D for Women
- The more E’s on a shoe label, the wider the fit.
Reasons for Having Wide Feet
Genetics Wide feet are often inherited, meaning they run in families. If you're genetically predisposed, you may be born with wide feet, or they may gradually widen as you age. People with flat feet are also more likely to have wide feet.
Age As you age, it’s possible that your feet will naturally widen. Aging causes ligaments to loosen, which can result in a broader foot width. Other age-related conditions or injuries can also contribute to feet expanding either gradually or suddenly over time.
Deformities If you have congenital or acquired foot or toe deformities, your feet may expand and become wider. Conditions such as club foot, claw toe, and crossover toe often require wide shoes to prevent worsening and avoid complications like calluses and blisters.
Incorrect Footwear Wearing ill-fitting shoes for an extended period can change the shape of your feet. Shoes with narrow toe boxes or tight forefoot widths can compress your feet, leading to conditions like bunions and hammer toes.
Pregnancy During pregnancy, swelling may cause your feet to temporarily expand, making them wider or extra wide. Although this swelling usually decreases after childbirth, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes to prevent discomfort and ensure foot health throughout pregnancy.
Medical Conditions Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, and heart problems, often cause swelling (edema) in the feet, leading them to widen. In some cases, this swelling may subside once the condition is treated, but fluid retention or certain medications can cause permanent foot widening.
Do all shoes come in wide width?
Not all shoes are available in wide widths. Unfortunately, not every shoe brand offers wide-width options, and even those that do may not have wide sizes in every style. If you're shopping online, you can often filter results by width to explore the available wide-width choices.
Best Shoe Types for Wide Feet
Open-Sided Shoes Open-sided shoes are a great option for those with wide feet, as they typically offer a more flexible fit. These shoes provide added room and comfort, making them ideal for people with bunions or hammer toes. Soft materials like suede enhance the comfort of open-sided shoes.
Open-Toed Sandals Open-toed sandals are another excellent choice for wide feet, allowing your toes to spread naturally. Just make sure that your toes and the sides of your feet sit comfortably within the shoe and don’t spill over the edges.
Almond and Square-Toed Shoes Almond and square-toed shoes feature a roomier toe box that allows your toes to relax and spread out comfortably while walking. This helps prevent the pinching sensation that narrow shoes often cause.
Sneakers Many sneakers are designed with a wider toe box, offering extra room and comfort for individuals with broader feet. Several sneaker brands also offer shoes in wide widths, ensuring a better fit for those in need.
Round-Toed Boots Round-toed boots provide both space and comfort while delivering a more refined appearance. They are typically designed with wider feet in mind, offering flexibility and comfort that lasts throughout the day.
Platform Sandals Platform sandals often feature cushioned insoles that provide enhanced support for wider feet. These shoes offer a trendy, fashionable look while ensuring comfort for extended wear.
Therapeutic or Orthopedic Footwear Therapeutic and orthopedic shoes are available in wider sizes and are crafted for people with wide or flat feet. If you find it hard to get comfortable shoes, consider trying custom orthopedic shoes or orthotic insoles.
Wide Shoe FAQs
Are wide shoes better for flat feet? While having flat feet doesn’t automatically require wide shoes, there is often a connection. Flat feet occur when the arch flattens, causing the feet to appear wider. Wider shoes can help provide better arch support and offer greater comfort compared to standard-width shoes.
Should I go up a size if I have wide feet? For the best fit and comfort, it’s recommended to opt for wide-width shoes in your correct size. However, since not all brands and styles offer wide widths, sizing up is often necessary to gain some additional space. Wearing shoes that are too tight can lead to discomfort and may cause conditions such as bunions, calluses, or hammer toes.
Can I wear wide-fit shoes if I have normal-width feet? Individuals with standard-width feet may find wide shoes more comfortable, particularly if they use custom orthotics or spend long periods standing. While it’s usually fine to wear wide shoes if you have normal-width feet, keep in mind that ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort, decrease support, and increase the risk of tripping.
How much wider are wide shoes? Typically, wide shoes are 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) wider than regular shoes, and extra wide shoes are 1/2 inch (13 mm) wider. These shoes provide extra room in the toe box, accommodating wider feet and medical conditions like bunions and hammer toes.
Are all shoes the same width? No, the width of shoes can differ depending on the brand and style. Therefore, you may need wide shoes in one brand while a regular width works in another. If possible, it’s always a good idea to try on shoes before purchasing to ensure the best fit. Alternatively, use the brand’s sizing chart to find your size.
