Reasons Why Wearing Wide Fit Shoes Is a Good Idea

If you have wider-than-normal feet, chances are finding shoes that fit comfortably isn’t an easy task for you. Although wide feet are usually nothing to stress over for some of the most common causes of wide feet are genetics (many people are simply born with wider feet), age (as the years go by, the ligaments and tendons in the human body loosen a little and, as a result, the human feet grow longer and wider), and pregnancy, wearing proper footwear is a must. This is so because shoes that are too tight or narrow can cause pain, blisters, and certain deformities, including bunions, calluses, crossover toe, and hammertoe.

• A bunion looks like a bump on the side of the big toe. It’s an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions occur as a result of faulty foot structure, which is inherited. However, some medical professionals believe that ill-fitting shoes cause bunions as well. Unfortunately, they worsen over time. Tight and too-small shoes that put pressure on the big toe and cause the toes to crowd together, footwear with high heels and/or pointy toes, standing for long time periods and arthritis symptoms in the feet aggravate this condition.
• Shoes that don’t fit perfectly can cause foot corn – a type of callus. Even though these hardened layers of skin that develop from the skin’s response to friction and pressure can be safely treated, they cause pain when wearing shoes. That’s one more strong reason why wearing wide fit footwear is smart. According to numerous experts, the best way to prevent foot corns is to wear shoes that fit your feet properly and allow your toes to move easily in them. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable and fashionable options when it comes to men’s and women’s wide feet shoes, meaning you don’t have to trade style for comfort.
• Crossover toe is a condition in which the second toe drifts toward the big toe and eventually crosses over and rests on top of it. It’s caused when the ligaments surrounding the joint of the second toe become inflamed and weakened over time. This means that these ligaments can no longer support and stabilise the toe. Foot anatomy, foot conditions, and toe injuries are the top three risk factors for crossover toe. It commonly occurs with other foot conditions such as severe bunion deformities as well as big toe joint arthritis. Aside from staying off the foot and applying ice packs, oral medications, and immobilisation, healthcare professionals also recommend wearing men’s or women’s wide fit shoes with stiff soles.
• Hammertoe is a deformity in which a toe (usually the second or the third one) starts to bend or curl downward instead of lying flat. Yes, a hammertoe can be present at birth, but it most often develops over time as a result of a traumatic toe injury, arthritis, and wearing ill-fitting shoes.

How to Measure Your Feet

Now that you know why opting for wide fit shoes is an amazing idea if your feet are wider-than-normal, you’re ready to learn how to measure your feet at home before you go shopping for a brand new pair or more.

Firstly, put on a pair of socks. Secondly, tape two pieces of white paper to the floor. Once you do this, place your feet on the paper and trace them. Finally, measure the width of the widest part of each of your feet on the traced paper with the help of a ruler. Since your feet may be different sized, measuring both is a must. You’ll need a shoe size chart to determine how wide your feet are. Such charts can be found in many shoe stores as well as online. If you did this a while ago, do it again because the size of your feet may have changed. Also, measure your feet at the end of the day when they’ll be at their largest.

How to Pick the Perfect Wide Fit Shoes for Your Feet

Okay, but how do I know I’ve chosen the right pair for my feet? That’s a really good question. The answer is: by following these steps:

Step #1: Don’t rely on the stretch. Try on a different size if the shoe is initially too tight for you.

Step #2: Test the shoes. It’s helpful to take the shoes for a test run around the room. When you do this, make sure to flex your feet often. In case wearing them causes you any form of discomfort, kiss them goodbye.

Step #3: Make sure your toes don’t feel cramped. Wiggle them to see if they have enough room to move. According to some experts, there should be around 1-1,2 cm of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe (that’s about the width of your finger). Another thing to keep an eye on is the toe box of the shoe. Your wider-than-normal foot will most likely thrive in a deep, square toe box.

Step #4: Don’t forget about the ball. Make sure the ball of your foot fits properly in the shoe. After all, it’s the widest part of your foot.

If your feet are different lengths, purchase footwear that fits the larger foot.

Debunking the Myth That Wearing Wide Fit Shoes Makes You Look Clunky

Believe it or not, shopping for high-quality, durable, comfy, and chic wide fit footwear is far from difficult nowadays. Men with wide feet can easily find stylish dress shoes, sneakers, running shoes, sandals, and slippers that fit them comfortably. If you’re one of them, I encourage you to give them a try. Attending formal events, going out with your friends, and exercising will instantly become much more enjoyable with the help of the right wide fit footwear.

Ladies, the same goes for you. I’ve visited plenty of physical and online shoe stores to know that there are gorgeous women’s wide feet shoes, including work-friendly heeled sandals that you can easily pair with relaxed work pants or a knee-length neutral summer dress, classic ballet flats with removable insole that look amazing with cropped jeans, and casual loafers that can balance out a fancy outfit.

For your weekend outings and workout sessions, there are a lot of breathable and fashionable sneakers as well as training shoes. Combine a pair with your favourite activewear or cropped jeans for an effortlessly cool look. I’m particularly fond of sneakers with bungee lace closure because it can be adjusted for a variety of foot sizes as well as secured and loosened with ease.

For the extremely hot summer days, you can opt for a pair of rubber slip ons. Your feet shouldn’t stop you from hitting the beach and cool off.