How To Select Comfortable Shoes For Wide Feet

Whether it's, "Sorry Ma'am, we don't have your shoe size," or "Apologies, we don't sell shoes for plus size," sorry becomes the most annoying word at some point. And you might be tempted to match your pair of crocks or slides with every outfit because they're comfortable—Which by the way, I don’t recommend. There are so many stylish shoes that are perfect for wide feet.

Sara

fashion · 5 min

Sneakers and Trainers are comfortable for wide feet — image source: Pexels

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

How to measure your feet — image source: Unsplash

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

Flat-toe-pyramid-slippers-heels-are-comfortable-for-wide-feet — image source: Ego uk

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!

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Opinions and Perspectives

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TianaM 3 years ago

Now I understand why my grandmother always bought shoes a size up!

ThrivingLifestyle 3 years ago

Those slipper heels actually look promising for special occasions.

GlowFromWithin 3 years ago

This guide is exactly what I needed before shoe shopping next time.

SoulHealingPath 3 years ago

Never realized age could affect foot width until I experienced it myself.

Livia_Crystal 3 years ago

The section about boots is helpful but finding wide-calf options is still tough.

GretaJ 3 years ago

Surprised to learn how common wide feet actually are.

Runway_Aesthetic 3 years ago

Finding wide width professional shoes is still such a challenge.

Harlow99 3 years ago

The tips about round toe boxes have literally saved my feet.

Harmony-And_Happiness_88 3 years ago

Really appreciate the scientific explanation about ligaments and tendons.

Trendsetter-99 3 years ago

I actually switched to men's sneakers and never looked back. So much more comfortable!

Brielle_Rice 3 years ago

These measurement instructions are much clearer than what my shoe store provides.

Vanessa_Weaver 3 years ago

Never knew about the correlation between flat feet and wide feet in toddlers.

Couture_Dreams 3 years ago

Interesting how foot width can change throughout life. Bodies are fascinating!

Leah 3 years ago

The section about heels is spot on. Had to learn to limit my heel-wearing time.

CeciliaH 3 years ago

Finally understanding why my feet never fit in standard width shoes properly.

The_DressUp 3 years ago

Love that this article gives specific brand recommendations for wide feet.

OrganicFuel 3 years ago

Been dealing with hammertoes from tight shoes. Wish I'd read this years ago.

Closet-Dreams_99 3 years ago

The information about pregnancy affecting foot width is so important for expecting mothers.

CamillaM 3 years ago

Curious about how many others inherited wide feet from their parents.

Eva_Whisper 3 years ago

That paper tracing method is so simple yet effective. Trying it tonight!

Elevate-Your_Energy_555 3 years ago

This whole time I thought something was wrong with my feet. Such a relief to know it's normal.

Dapper_Dresser 3 years ago

Anyone else notice seasonal changes in their foot width? Mine seem wider in summer.

MoveAndThrive 3 years ago

The chart helped me realize I need extra wide. No wonder regular wide wasn't enough!

Luxury_Perspective 3 years ago

Just ordered some wide-width gladiators based on this article. Fingers crossed!

Valeria_Bailey 3 years ago

Those statistics about people wearing tight shoes are scary but not surprising.

Wardrobe_Luxe 3 years ago

Starting to think my foot problems came from ignoring my true width size.

Monica-Perkins 3 years ago

I feel seen! Finally an article that understands the wide feet struggle.

Streetwear_Fashion 3 years ago

The tip about avoiding pointed shoes is crucial. Learned that one the hard way!

Maxine_Luxe 3 years ago

Interesting about the tendons loosening with age. Makes total sense now.

GlowUp_Nutrition_365 3 years ago

Finding wide dress shoes for special occasions is still my biggest challenge.

Raven_Moon 3 years ago

The crossover toe thing happened to me from wearing tight shoes. Don't make my mistake!

MeditationMoments 3 years ago

This explains why my sister has narrow feet and I have wide ones despite being related!

Natalia 3 years ago

I used to force my feet into narrow shoes. Such a relief to finally embrace my true size.

Slay-Season 3 years ago

Never thought about the connection between flat feet and wide feet before. Really informative!

EmpoweredMindset 3 years ago

Thanks for mentioning flats! They're my go-to but finding wide ones is still a challenge.

HollyWalters 3 years ago

The ligaments loosening explanation really helps understand why my feet changed over time.

Thrive-With-Joy 3 years ago

Love that this article emphasizes there's nothing wrong with having wide feet.

Motivation_Daily_101 3 years ago

Anyone else notice their feet get wider throughout the day? I always shop for shoes in the afternoon now.

Grateful_Heart_Vibes_69 3 years ago

These charts are eye-opening. I'm definitely going to remeasure my feet tonight.

Colette_Hope 3 years ago

The part about high heels is so true. I limit myself to special occasions only now.

Mina99 3 years ago

My feet got so much wider during pregnancy. Wish I had known this was normal!

Amelia 4 years ago

Great tip about shopping for the wider foot. I always wondered which foot I should base my size on.

GratitudeMindset 4 years ago

I've found that leather shoes tend to be more forgiving for wide feet as they stretch naturally.

ZoeHarris 4 years ago

The suggestion about gladiators is spot on. They're so adjustable and perfect for wide feet.

VitalityQueen 4 years ago

Finally someone addressing the wide feet issue without making it seem like a problem to be ashamed of!

LoveYour_Life_888 4 years ago

This article really helped me understand why my feet seem to be getting wider as I get older.

Patricia-Rasmussen 4 years ago

Interesting point about men's feet being naturally wider. Makes me feel better about sometimes buying men's shoes.

Chic-N-Unique 4 years ago

Trainers are definitely my go-to as well. The comfort level is unmatched.

Holistic_Heart_07 4 years ago

Never knew genetics played such a big role in foot width. Explains why both my mom and I have wide feet.

WholeHealthJourney 4 years ago

My bunions definitely developed from wearing narrow shoes in my younger years. Listen to this advice, folks!

LolaPope 4 years ago

Those high-end designers really need to start considering wide feet in their collections.

Ella_Blossom 4 years ago

Just measured my feet properly for the first time. One is definitely wider than the other!

HealthyBody_HappySoul 4 years ago

The flat toe tips advice is crucial. I learned this the hard way after years of pointed shoes.

Kristina-Barnes 4 years ago

Try shopping for wide wedding shoes... absolutely nightmare! Wish I had this guide when I was planning my wedding.

MindfulMomentsDaily 4 years ago

Can confirm about the boots recommendation. Wide-calf boots have been a game-changer for me.

AutumnJ 4 years ago

Looking at the sizing chart I realized I've been wearing the wrong width my entire life. No wonder my feet always hurt!

Fearless-And_Free_2024 4 years ago

The explanation about ligaments and tendons loosening makes so much sense. No wonder my grandmother always complained about her shoes!

Camila_Hughes 4 years ago

I actually prefer men's shoes sometimes because they're naturally wider. Anyone else do this?

Melanie_Light 4 years ago

That 1/8 inch subtraction trick for measuring is clever. Never knew about that before.

Runway-Ready 4 years ago

Been wearing sneakers exclusively because they're the only shoes that don't hurt. Glad to see other options in the article.

Fiona99 4 years ago

My feet got wider with age just like the article mentions. At least now I know I'm not imagining things!

HealthyBodyHappySoul 4 years ago

The measurement method with paper is brilliant! Just tried it and finally understand why certain shoes never worked for me.

SunnySoulShine 4 years ago

Really surprised to learn that 63-72% of people wear tight footwear. We need to stop prioritizing fashion over comfort.

ConsciousBreathing 4 years ago

I switched to round-toe shoes recently and what a difference it makes! No more squished toes or foot pain after long days.

Jade_Lantern 4 years ago

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.

Victoria_Star 4 years ago

Honestly, I wish I had read this years ago. I've been dealing with bunions because I kept squeezing into narrow shoes.

Lindsay-Wright 4 years ago

Anyone tried those pyramid slipper heels mentioned in the article? I'm skeptical about heels being comfortable with wide feet.

GroundedAndGlowing 4 years ago

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.

Fashion_Hustler 4 years ago

I love my gladiator sandals! They're perfect for my wide feet and I can wear them all day without any discomfort.

Ella_Smith 4 years ago

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.

Mandy_Twilight 4 years ago

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.

Naomi_Rae 4 years ago

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!