If you have wide feet, shopping for shoes can be a challenge, but with preparation and knowledge, you can find stylish and comfortable shoes that are the perfect fit for you. This guide will help you find shoes, whether boots, sandals, sneakers, or dress shoes, that fit your wide feet without giving up comfort or style.
Understand your Foot Size and Shape
The first step in shopping for shoes for wide feet is understanding your foot size and shape, measure your foot width and length. Shoe width is the measurement of the forefoot, which is usually the widest part of your foot. It’s also important to know how widths are labeled on shoes because wide or narrow is not always stated. See the charts below to understand how shoe widths are labeled.
Women’s Shoe Width Chart
Narrow | Medium | Wide | X Wide | XX Wide |
A or N | M or B | C, D or W | XW or 2E | 4E
|
Men’s Shoe Width Chart
Narrow | Medium | Wide | X Wide | XX Wide |
C, N or B | M or D | E, W or 2E | XW or 4E | 6E
|
Foot Length – Stand flat-footed with your heel against a wall. Use a ruler or tape measure on the floor to measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
Foot Width – Measure the flat width across the ball of your foot (the widest point) by stepping on the ruler or tape measure.
Look for Shoe Brands that Carry Wide Widths
Not all shoe brands carry wide widths so find those brands that offer, or even better specialize in wider widths. See the Your Best Toe blog post https://www.yourbesttoe.com/post/top-24-women-s-wide-shoe-brands for a list of retailers that offer wide widths.
Find Shoes with Adjustable Styles
Shoes with adjustable features like straps, buckles, laces or even Velcro can be a good option for wide feet. These adjustable styles allow you to customize the fit of the shoe according to your foot width. Many of these adjustable features are available on sneakers, sandals and even dress shoes.
Choose the Right Shoe Material
Some shoe materials offer more flexibility and stretch than others making them better for wide feet or bunions. Leather, suede, canvas and mesh are good options for wide feet and bunions because they tend to conform to the shape of your foot over time. Stay away from rigid materials that don’t stretch.
Choose Comfort and Support
When shoe shopping, prioritize comfort and support and look for features like cushioned insoles, arch support and a wide toe box. Shoes that provide support can reduce foot fatigue and alleviate pressure points, especially if you have wide feet.
Shop at the Right Time of Day
Feet usually swell throughout the day so, if you can, shop for shoes later in the afternoon or evening when feet are at their largest. This will help you get a better fit and ensure that your shoes remain comfortable after extended wear. If you buy your shoes online (after you get them in the mail) try them on at different times throughout the day before you decide if you want to keep them.
Consider Custom Orthotics
If you follow all of these tips and still have a hard time finding shoes that fit comfortably, consider investing in custom-made removable orthotics. These are designed specifically for your foot shape and can provide the best comfort and support for your specific feet.
If you have wide feet, shopping for shoes can be a challenge. If you follow these tips, you can find comfortable and stylish shoes that fit your wide feet. Go to our Your Best Toe Shoes Tab at https://www.yourbesttoe.com/shoes to find reviews of wide shoes.
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