How To Select Comfortable Shoes For Wide Feet
What Does It Mean to have Wide Feet?
First of all, you need to know that there is nothing wrong with having wide feet. It is just as natural as having stretch marks, freckles, or full lips.
However, it's advisable to wear footwear the fits your feet properly to avoid developing feet disorders like calluses, bunions, crossover toe, and hammertoe.
If any of your shoes make your feet cased, you should stop wearing them immediately.
Wide feet result from an enlargement of the forefoot caused by the loosening of the Ligaments and Tendons, which is contingent on age, genetics, pregnancy, wearing tight foot wear, and feet deformities
What Causes Wide Feet?
One of the causes of wide feet is genetics; some people develop flat feet as toddlers which makes them prone to having wide feet. For toddlers, the arch formation takes quite some time to occur, and so the tendons appear loose.
If the tendons don't tighten fully, it causes long-term flat feet. Additionally, constantly sustaining injuries around the feet can damage the tendons, causing the feet to flatten.
Another causative factor for wider feet is age. As we age, the ligaments and tendons in our bodies begin to loosen gradually, resulting in an increment in the length and width of our feet.
pregnancy also causes wide feet—usually when expecting mothers are in their second and third trimesters.
Furthermore, constantly wearing footwear that doesn't fit properly in length and width could lead to deformities that actually widen the foot. Popular examples are bunions, calluses, cross-over toes, and hammer-toes. A study published in 2018, revealed that between 63 to 72 percent of people wear tight footwear.
Feet Measurement: How to Determine If your Feet are Wide
In case you don't know, the forefoot is the widest part of your feet; to know whether you have wide feet or not, you have to measure your forefoot.
- Put on a pair of socks usually worn with your shoes.
- Fasten two pieces of white paper onto the floor and using a pen or sharpie, trace your foot on the paper.
- Measure the width of the widest part of your traced foot (forefoot), using a ruler.
- Document the measurements for both feet on a piece of paper, then subtract 1/8″ of the smaller number from the larger number to attain the value of your width.
What next? Using the values you've gotten, check the chart below to ascertain the nature of your feet—wide, average, or narrow.
N.B: This post predominantly focused on women with wide feet, because they mostly have a hard time finding the perfect fit. However, the sizing chart for both men and women is inserted to show the disparity between male and female measurements for better understanding.
Sizing Chart for the Width of Men's Feet
Sizing Chart for the Width of Women's Feet
Factors to Consider When Shopping Footwear for Wide Feet
Stick to your shoe size chart
Naturally, men's feet are wider, therefore an average shoe size for a man can be wide for a woman with wide feet. Because women's shoe sizes are usually tighter and narrower, women are more susceptible to bunions.
Shop for shoes based on the wider foot
After measuring your feet, you may discover that one foot is bigger than the other; it's natural, so don't fret. What you'll have to do is to purchase shoes according to your wider foot—so you don't have one foot compressed like a can of tuna, while the other is comfy.
Opt for shoes with round or flat toe tips
You might be tempted to say yes to pointed pumps, but it's totally unacceptable even though you think you might be getting a comfortable fit. Pointed shoes usually constrict the feet, and the more you wear them for long hours, the more you subject them to foot defects.
If it's too heely, wear it less
This tip is for the ladies. Don't get it wrong though, you can wear heels if you have wide feet. It just depends on the type of heels you are wearing. Doesn't high heels affect the arch and the heel mostly?
Yes, it does, to a very large extent; but the pressure is also applied to the sole because it supports the feet when wearing heels. So if you love to put on stilettos, do so, but sparingly.
Suitable Footwear for Women with Wide Feet
These suggestions from my experience with these shoes, as someone with wide feet.
Generally, the best way to enjoy shoes is to purchase the right fit; this applies to these suggestions as well.
They are proposed because they typically come in a wide range of sizes to cater to various feet types.
Gladiators
Whether it's gladiator boots or sandals, it would be a wise decision to have at least a pair sitting pretty on your shoe rack. The amazing fact about this footwear is that they allow airflow around the feet, they are non-restrictive (which is perfect for wide feet), and they can match almost every outfit depending on how they're paired.
Boots
One thing I love about this footwear is that it adds taste to the entire ensemble, particularly knee-high and thigh-high boots. You can choose to wear simple clothes, but once they are paired with boots, it amps up your outfit.
Flats
Flats are simple and stylish. Most times I put on flats when I want to relax my feet after a long day of wearing heels at work. Flats can be hellish to walk in if tight. You want to make sure that you purchase a pair using the sizing chart above.
Sneakers/Trainers
This footwear in particular is my fave! I say so because not only can you look fly while doing sporting activities but you can slay your outfits while you're at lunch with friends.
Slipper Heels
Slipper heels are easy on the feet. They don't apply too much pressure to the sole, ball, and heel of the feet.
Personally, I recommend pyramid slipper heels with flat toe tips because they are relatively easy to walk in and make the forefoot relaxed rather than squeezed.
In nutshell, if the shoe fits perfectly, it boosts your confidence and prevents feet defects. Tight footwear would leave you walking like you're stepping on hot coals—which is torturous.
So, make sure to start applying the information on this post immediately. If you have more suggestions on comfortable footwear for wide feet feel free to share!
Opinions and Perspectives
Never realized age could affect foot width until I experienced it myself.
The section about boots is helpful but finding wide-calf options is still tough.
Really appreciate the scientific explanation about ligaments and tendons.
I actually switched to men's sneakers and never looked back. So much more comfortable!
These measurement instructions are much clearer than what my shoe store provides.
Never knew about the correlation between flat feet and wide feet in toddlers.
Interesting how foot width can change throughout life. Bodies are fascinating!
Finally understanding why my feet never fit in standard width shoes properly.
Love that this article gives specific brand recommendations for wide feet.
Been dealing with hammertoes from tight shoes. Wish I'd read this years ago.
The information about pregnancy affecting foot width is so important for expecting mothers.
This whole time I thought something was wrong with my feet. Such a relief to know it's normal.
Anyone else notice seasonal changes in their foot width? Mine seem wider in summer.
The chart helped me realize I need extra wide. No wonder regular wide wasn't enough!
Just ordered some wide-width gladiators based on this article. Fingers crossed!
Those statistics about people wearing tight shoes are scary but not surprising.
Starting to think my foot problems came from ignoring my true width size.
I feel seen! Finally an article that understands the wide feet struggle.
The tip about avoiding pointed shoes is crucial. Learned that one the hard way!
Finding wide dress shoes for special occasions is still my biggest challenge.
The crossover toe thing happened to me from wearing tight shoes. Don't make my mistake!
This explains why my sister has narrow feet and I have wide ones despite being related!
I used to force my feet into narrow shoes. Such a relief to finally embrace my true size.
Never thought about the connection between flat feet and wide feet before. Really informative!
Thanks for mentioning flats! They're my go-to but finding wide ones is still a challenge.
The ligaments loosening explanation really helps understand why my feet changed over time.
Love that this article emphasizes there's nothing wrong with having wide feet.
Anyone else notice their feet get wider throughout the day? I always shop for shoes in the afternoon now.
These charts are eye-opening. I'm definitely going to remeasure my feet tonight.
The part about high heels is so true. I limit myself to special occasions only now.
Great tip about shopping for the wider foot. I always wondered which foot I should base my size on.
I've found that leather shoes tend to be more forgiving for wide feet as they stretch naturally.
The suggestion about gladiators is spot on. They're so adjustable and perfect for wide feet.
Finally someone addressing the wide feet issue without making it seem like a problem to be ashamed of!
This article really helped me understand why my feet seem to be getting wider as I get older.
Interesting point about men's feet being naturally wider. Makes me feel better about sometimes buying men's shoes.
Trainers are definitely my go-to as well. The comfort level is unmatched.
Never knew genetics played such a big role in foot width. Explains why both my mom and I have wide feet.
My bunions definitely developed from wearing narrow shoes in my younger years. Listen to this advice, folks!
Those high-end designers really need to start considering wide feet in their collections.
Just measured my feet properly for the first time. One is definitely wider than the other!
The flat toe tips advice is crucial. I learned this the hard way after years of pointed shoes.
Try shopping for wide wedding shoes... absolutely nightmare! Wish I had this guide when I was planning my wedding.
Can confirm about the boots recommendation. Wide-calf boots have been a game-changer for me.
Looking at the sizing chart I realized I've been wearing the wrong width my entire life. No wonder my feet always hurt!
The explanation about ligaments and tendons loosening makes so much sense. No wonder my grandmother always complained about her shoes!
I actually prefer men's shoes sometimes because they're naturally wider. Anyone else do this?
That 1/8 inch subtraction trick for measuring is clever. Never knew about that before.
Been wearing sneakers exclusively because they're the only shoes that don't hurt. Glad to see other options in the article.
My feet got wider with age just like the article mentions. At least now I know I'm not imagining things!
The measurement method with paper is brilliant! Just tried it and finally understand why certain shoes never worked for me.
Really surprised to learn that 63-72% of people wear tight footwear. We need to stop prioritizing fashion over comfort.
I switched to round-toe shoes recently and what a difference it makes! No more squished toes or foot pain after long days.
The part about pregnancy affecting foot width is so true! My feet grew a whole size wider after my second child and never went back.
Honestly, I wish I had read this years ago. I've been dealing with bunions because I kept squeezing into narrow shoes.
Anyone tried those pyramid slipper heels mentioned in the article? I'm skeptical about heels being comfortable with wide feet.
The tip about buying shoes based on your wider foot is spot on. I used to buy for my smaller foot and always regretted it.
I love my gladiator sandals! They're perfect for my wide feet and I can wear them all day without any discomfort.
Does anyone else find it frustrating that most stylish shoe stores don't carry wide sizes? I'm tired of being limited to just a few brands.
Those sizing charts are super helpful. I always wondered why my feet never fit properly in regular width shoes. Now I know I need to look for E width.
I've struggled with wide feet all my life and finally understanding it's genetic makes me feel better about it. Great article explaining the causes!