Wearing shoes that are too narrow for your feet can not only be extremely uncomfortable and painful, but also cause unpleasant foot conditions, such as ingrown toenails, Morton’s neuroma, corns, calluses and metatarsalgia, or worsen existing ones, such as bunions and hammertoes.
If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, switching to Wide, Extra Wide or even Extra Extra Wide width shoes can provide an amazing level of relief and comfort.
However, it’s not always easy to find wide width shoes, as most shoes are designed for the average foot, which requires a medium width shoe.
Medium width shoes, unlike wide width shoes, can be purchased at conventional shoe stores or online brands. Wide shoes, however, can be found at orthopedic shoe companies or specialty footwear brands, which design and develop shoes that can accommodate wider feet.
Wide, Extra Wide and even Extra Extra Wide shoes can be a lifesaver for people with wide or swollen feet and for those who suffer from bunions, hammertoes or other foot conditions.
What Are Wide Shoes?
Wide width shoes are a wider version of standard sized shoes, with wider than normal features, such as a toe box that gives the toes plenty of room. Normally, these shoes are also different all around, including girth, straps, special laces and so on.
With a wider toe box, the toes of individuals with wide feet can naturally spread out as they walk, preventing the painful pinching sensation that is common when you wear shoes that are too narrow for your feet.
Good wide width shoes also tend to be deeper and are wider from the front to back, not just in the forefoot, since usually, wide feet are also taller than the standard. This means that if they are designed with straps or laces, these features will be longer than usual to accommodate the increased girth.
What’s Considered A Wide Foot?
If your feet feel uncomfortable in most shoes, even the ones that are not particularly narrow, you may be wearing the wrong width. So, the most obvious sign that your feet are on the wider side is quite simple: your feet feel squeezed-in in every pair of shoes you wear, even when the fit of the length is perfect.
Some may try to move on to longer length shoes, but, although these could provide a bit more room for the toes, shoe length that doesn't fit right at the heel or toe box could result in slippage that leads to trips and falls, and cause blisters and other issues.
How To Know If You Have Wide Feet?
Ideally, the best way to determine if your feet are wide would be to measure them, but unfortunately there is no universal width measurement chart that would allow you determine what width you need from any shoe brand.
Our suggestion, while simple and unsophisticated, is to determine if your current shoe width is too tight for you. For example, if you purchased from a mainstream brand, it is likely your width is a B (standard). You can verify this by looking inside the shoe, on the tongue or side of the upper.
If you feel your feet are being squeezed in, you need to go up in width, so a wide would be the next width up and so forth. Luckily, many online shoe retailers have friendly shipping and return policies that allow exchanges if the fit is not good.
How is width measured?
There are three factors taken into consideration that determines shoe width:
- the length of the foot.
- the measurement between the widest points on the foot, i.e., the outer edge of the foot to the inner edge of the forefoot area (known as ball width).
- the circumference of the instep (known as instep girth).
Wide width shoes are wider across the shoe, deeper from top to bottom, roomier in the toe box area, and have a generous instep to accommodate wide or swollen feet.
Whereas medium-width shoes often don’t include a width label, wide-width shoes come with a label indicating their width. Therapeutic shoes or orthopedic shoes such as Orthofeet shoes, are available in wider widths, and the width is designated by letters.
The letters differ for men and women since men’s feet tend to be larger and wider than women’s feet. Normally a wide width shoe for women is indicated with the letter D; for men a wide width shoe is indicated with 2E.
Women’s Extra-wide shoes for women are indicated with 2E and for men an extra wide width shoe is indicated with 4E.
For most people requiring wider shoes, a wider shoe at the ball- of-the-foot and toe-box is most important. When measured at the ball-of-the-foot, the difference between shoe widths is approximately 1/4”. A wide width is 1/4” wider than a medium width and an extra wide width is 1/2” wider than a medium width.
People with foot swelling or edema may benefit from additionally measuring their instep girth, which will help them choose the appropriate shoe width. In general, the instep girth of the shoe increases 3/16” for every increase in width for the same length.
B width
This is the medium width for women and considered the “standard” one. Almost all the shoes you find in the retail store or online sites are this width. For men, this width is considered narrow.
D width
Normally, a wide width shoe for women is indicated with the letter D, while it’s considered medium for men.
E width
E describes a wide width shoe for men and extra wide shoe for women.
EE width
The more ‘E’s you add the wider the shoe, so EE, or 2E is a wide shoe for men and extra wide for women.
Visit the Orthofeet shoe sizing chart for a complete list of the different width sizes for men and women.
How to find comfortable wide-width shoes
There are important features to look for in comfortable wide shoes to ensure that they fit properly, and provide comfort, support and pain relief, such as the ones found at Orthofeet's orthotic shoes.
The extra depth design and the roomy toe-box area provides extra room for toe movement and a comfortable, non-binding fit. Included with every pair of shoes are two sets of removable spacers that allow you to adjust the space inside the shoe for a perfect fit. Stretchable materials allow the uppers to perfectly form to the contours of the foot offering a loose, customized fit and easing pressure on bunions and hammertoes.
One of the biggest challenges faced when searching for a good pair of wide width shoes is finding a pair that is stylish as well as comfortable, as there are usually limited style options for comfortable dress shoes for wide feet.
Luckily, there are orthopedic shoe brands that offer wide width shoes without compromising on style, whether you’re looking for the best wide width shoes for women or for men.
FAQ
Can I wear wide fit shoes with normal feet?
If you’re comfortable wearing wide width shoes even though your feet are standard width, then it’s not an issue. In fact, wearing wide width shoes with normal feet can sometimes be more comfortable when you go on long walks.
But, whether or not it’s a good idea to wear wide width shoes with standard feet depends not only on comfort, but also on the activities you’re planning to engage in.
For example, it is not advised for individuals with normal width feet to wear wide width shoes if they’re participating in sports activities, because it could cause falls, muscle pain, blisters and other foot problems.
In addition, if your shoes are too wide it’s best to avoid walking and running on slippery or uneven surfaces, because your feet may slip inside the shoe, leading to loss of balance and falls. Regular-fit shoes would be the better choice in such instances, simply because they hold your feet better.
Does a wide shoe make a difference?
If you have wide feet then the answer is very clear: Yes!
Squeezing a wide foot into a regular width shoe can not only be uncomfortable and painful, but also cut off the blood circulation in your feet, causing pain as well as a long list of foot problems.
With wide width shoes you can give your feet both the space and the support they need and allow the foot to function properly.
Are wide shoes better for flat feet?
Unless your flat feet are narrow, many people with flat feet can benefit from wide width shoes and should avoid shoes with a narrow forefoot.
As people with flat feet tend to apply more pressure on the toe area, with more room for the toes, wide shoes can help prevent toe cramping.
What are the best shoes for men and women with wide feet?
All the recommended shoes listed below are orthopedic and biomechanically engineered with unique comfort features, such as ergonomic soles, anatomical arch support, protective interior, heel cushioning, non-binding extra depth, wide toe box and removable spacers that allow you to adjust the fit inside the shoe.
Best fashionable wide-width shoes
For men: Gramercy
With a stylish stitch detailing and lace up closure, the Gramercy dressy oxford shoes are both fashionable and extremely comfortable. It is often difficult to find dress shoes in wide widths and ones that don't damage the foot even further.
Although the upper material is leather, it is soft and non-binding, offering a roomy fit and easing pressure on the foot. On the bottom, the rubber outsole with advanced grip will help keep you stable on your feet.
Available in widths ranging from Standard to Extra Wide, and in black and brown.
For women: Chelsea
Great news: you can look stylish and be comfortable at the same time!
Chelsea dress shoes offer extra width and depth that fit any foot width, and are also designed with an innovative two-way strap system that allows you to easily adjust the fit on either side of the shoe.
Plus, with a wide opening, these slip-on loafers offer quick and easy on-off wear.
Available in widths ranging from Narrow to Extra Wide
Best wide width shoes for standing all day
For men: Sorrento
These sneakers have a spacious toe box that provides extra room for your toes to move comfortably. This can prevent cramping and improve circulation, especially for people with wide feet who spend their day standing for long periods of time.
The wide sole and firm heel counter ensure you are both comfortable and stable when you stand, while the built-in arch support distributes weight evenly across your feet.
In addition, the breathable uppers keep your feet cool and dry, reducing the risk of developing foot odor and infections, especially if you stand all day, while maintaining a pressure free fit even if your feet are wider than the standard.
Available in widths ranging from Standard to Extra Wide.
For women: Tahoe
The tie-less lace system of the Tahoe shoes features hidden tabs on both sides of the shoes and allows you to very easily put them on and take them off, without the hassle of tying and untying laces.
The moisture wicking insole cover and the breathable uppers help keep your feet dry, and standing for long periods of time becomes a lot easier and painless thanks to the extra cushioning and shock absorption features.
Available in widths ranging from Standard to Extra Extra Wide, and in black, white-blue, and white-pink.
Best wide width shoes for walking
For men: Monterey Bay
If your daily routine requires you to stay on your feet for long periods of time, our advice is to get yourself the best shoes for standing all day, AKA Monterey Bay.
With the tie-less lace system, you only need to tie these shoes once and never again, making on-off wear a breeze.
The mild rocker design of the cushioning sole helps propel the foot forward when you walk, making walking that much easier.
The upper material is breathable and keeps your feet aerated and dry as you walk, and the rubber outsole provides great stability and grip.
Available in widths ranging from Standard to Extra Extra Wide, and in black and white-blue.
For women: Moravia
The waterproof uppers of the Moravia shoes keep your feet dry at all times, but are still soft enough to offer a pressure free fit.
While the cushioning insole reduces fatigue and stress, even when you spend all day on your feet, the rubber outsole is constructed with a special tread design that offers superior stability.
Available in widths ranging from Standard to Extra Wide, and in black and gray.
