Do you often wonder, "How do I know if I need wide shoes?" If you've experienced tight-fitting shoes, discomfort, or foot pain, you may have wide feet. Identifying the signs of wide feet and understanding your foot width are essential to ensure your footwear has the right fit for your comfort and foot health. In this blog, we'll explore the common indicators of wide feet, show you how to measure your feet, offer advice on shoe sizing and fitting and discuss the best shoes for men and women with wide feet.
Signs you may have wide feet
If the shoe size you are wearing is too narrow, you will see and feel some telltale signs. Your shoes will feel too tight, and your toes and forefoot will be cramped. This can lead to foot pain, especially if you suffer from specific foot conditions like flat feet or swollen feet. If this happens, consider shoes for flat feet or shoes for swollen feet to relieve discomfort.
The small toe may rub against the inside of the toe box or feel pinched against the side, indicating that your shoes might be too narrow for your foot width. When the shoe is too tight, the toes can get jammed together, causing pain, corns, and calluses between them. This pressure can also lead to bone spurs on the sides of the toes. To avoid these issues, switch to a wider shoe with adequate room and cushioning. If you're dealing with bunions, try shoes for bunions for a more comfortable fit. To understand the difference between bunions and bone spurs, check out our guide on bunions vs. bone spurs.
Another sign that your shoes are too narrow is when your outer foot protrudes over the outsole while standing or when there's noticeable bulging from the toe box. Ideally, when you stand in your footwear, the foot should fit smoothly within the confines of the shoe without any visible bulge. If these signs are familiar to you, it's time to consider wider shoes to avoid further foot problems.
How to Measure Your Feet for Width at Home
Measuring your feet at home is an easy way to know if you have wide feet or if you might need wide shoes. All you need is a sheet of paper, a pen, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Measure at the end of the day: Your feet swell slightly throughout the day, so measure them in the evening when they’re at their largest. Wear the type of socks you usually wear with your shoes.
- Prepare your paper and stand up: Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor, against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel gently touching the wall and your weight evenly on both feet.
- Trace your foot: Using a pen or pencil held upright, trace around your foot as closely as you can. Repeat with the other foot. It’s normal for one foot to be slightly larger.
- Find the widest point: On each outline, draw a straight line across the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball of the foot, from just below your big toe to just below your little toe.
- Measure your foot width: Measure that line in inches or centimeters. Use the larger measurements of your two feet when choosing shoes.
- Compare to the shoe width: If your measurement is significantly wider than what a standard (Medium) shoe for your size is designed to fit, you likely have wide feet and will be more comfortable in Wide, Extra Wide or Extra Extra Wide styles.
- Double-check the fit in a real shoe: Once you know your foot width, try on shoes in the right length and different widths. Your toes should have room to move, the sides of your foot shouldn’t bulge over the sole, and there shouldn’t be any pinching or rubbing on your little toe or big toe joint.
How Do I Know If I Need Wide Shoes?
Pay attention to how your shoes feel in both length and width.
If the shoe is too narrow, opt for the next size up or a wider width, regardless of its numerical value. Many people need a wider fit, and if the shoe doesn't indicate its width size, it's likely a Medium. To ensure a wise shoe size choice, consider trying on different widths to find the best fit for your foot width.
If a Medium size feels too tight, try switching to a Wide size. If the Wide size still feels constricting, consider an Extra Wide or Extra Extra Wide for the widest part of your foot. By selecting the correct shoe size and width, you can ensure comfort and avoid foot problems caused by narrow shoes.
Orthofeet offers shoes in all widths, ranging from Medium to Extra Extra Wide. in addition, Orthofeet shoes provide extra depth and feature a round, roomy toe box, offering more room and comfort for wide feet.
Tips for Choosing the Best Wide Width Shoe
To find the perfect shoe fit, consider the following:
- Foot Size: Measure your foot size regularly, as it can change over time due to age, weight fluctuations, or foot health issues. Measure your foot at the end of the day, when it's at its largest, to get the most accurate size and width.
- Shoe Sizing: Use a size guide to determine your ideal shoe size and ensure proper fit without causing foot problems. If the shoe is too tight, try a larger size, wider width, or consider stretchable shoes for added flexibility.
- Foot Health: Choose a comfortable shoe with supportive interiors and cushioning to prevent foot pain, especially if you have flat feet or swollen feet. Arch support is critical to reduce strain on your feet, while a wide toe box prevents pressure on your toes.
- Purpose of the Shoe: Consider the intended use of the shoe. For everyday wear, you may need more cushioning and flexibility, in which case orthopedic walking shoes or arch support shoes might be ideal. For formal occasions, you might prioritize style while ensuring a comfortable fit, like in dress shoes for women. Selecting shoes that suit your specific needs will help you find the perfect balance of comfort and style.
By following these tips and choosing the right shoes in the correct width, you can maintain good foot health and avoid the discomfort associated with wearing shoes that are too narrow.
Why Choose Orthofeet for Wide Feet
If you've realized you have wide feet and need shoes that offer comfort, support, and room to breathe, Orthofeet is the perfect choice. We specialize in creating comfortable shoes that accommodate a variety of foot conditions, including wide fit and extra-wide feet, without compromising on style or quality. Our wide shoes for women and wide width shoes for men are designed with innovative comfort features to ensure you get the support you need for all-day wear.
