What bothers me the most is that most of the people I know do not even bother to look and search for a wider shoe; they pick whatever is on display and ask the seller at the store to try the shoe model they have seen.
Table of Contents
- Why do your Feet Grow Wider and Bigger
- How to Limit Your feet from Growing More
- Issues Related to Narrow Shoes
- How to Find the Best Wide Width Shoes
- More About Shoes for Wide Feet
- Foot Conditions Caused by Wearing Shoes that are Too Narrow
- Features of a Good Wide Width Shoe
- Standard Shoes Width Chart
- Running Shoes for Wide Feet
- Walking Shoes for Wide Feet
- Dress Shoes for Wide Feet
- Casual Shoes for Wide Feet
- Accessories for Wide Feet
- Summary Table of Wide Width Shoes
Why do your Feet Grow Wider and Bigger
Have you ever wondered why you need bigger and wider shoes as you age? This is a phenomenon puzzling quite a few people today. Almost all of us will eventually need either a bigger or a wider shoe as we get older because our feet most definitely grow at some stage of our life as we age.
The explanation for this is that as we get older, our feet slowly flatten out over time as the feet flatten, so the arch lengthens, and your foot becomes longer; in addition to this, your foot also splays out and becomes much wider than normal.
Since your feet are becoming larger and wider, you must opt for a larger, wider-fit shoe at some stage of your life.
Other Reasons Besides Aging for Larger and Wider Feet;
- Weight Gain – Carrying extra weight causes the arch of your foot to flatten and excess fat around your feet, which causes your feet to become larger and wider.
- Pregnancy – During pregnancy, there are hormones called relaxin that relax the ligaments of the birth canal for birth and, in turn, also relax the ligaments in the rest of your body and feet. Because your feet carry so much extra weight during pregnancy due to normal weight gain, the arches often collapse, causing a flat foot to lengthen and widen.
How to Limit Your feet from Growing More
You may never be able to completely stop your feet from growing bigger or wider, although there are methods to slow the progression and combat flattening of the foot that can also result in a wider and larger foot.
- By using supportive arch shoes or additional arch supports, you can stop flattening your foot and slow down the splay, making your feet wider. You will have to look for a shoe with arch support that conforms very closely to the arch of your foot; the closer it grabs your arch, the more effective the results will be.
- When not wearing your regular everyday footwear or work shoes, wear arch-supportive slippers or sandals for leisurewear. Arch support is imperative for walking or standing on hard surfaces like hardwood or concrete floors. Any shoe with good arch support, leather sandals, or slippers will prevent the flattening and splaying of your feet, leading to a wider or larger foot. The key to preventing your arches from collapsing is to wear arch supports or arch-supportive footwear as much as possible.
- Prefabricated orthotics and custom orthotics that comfort closer to the foot arch can also stop your feet from flattening and growing wider. A total contact orthotic that hugs the arch of your foot very closely will have the best results.
- Shoes that are stable and do not flex too much provide better support to prevent flattening of the foot, leading to the foot growing larger and wider.
- Make sure always to know the exact size of your foot before buying shoes because as your feet grow, you will need bigger shoes; an uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoe that is too small can have even worse effects on your feet.
- If you are overweight, losing a couple of pounds will also reduce your size, particularly your foot width. Having less weight on your feet will also prevent your arches from collapsing and your feet from flattening.
Issues Related to Narrow Shoes
Narrow shoes lead to discomfort and, every so often, damage to your foot.
By squeezing mainly the front of your feet, over time, it deforms your feet, weakening the foot bones’ strength due to the lack of pressure spread over the bottom of the foot.
A squeezed foot in its turns creates lower back problems.
When you don’t fully land on your foot, you shift the center of gravity of your body; your lower back tries to compensate and twist inwards; over time, your backbone structure changes, and pain emerges in your lower back.
Narrow-width shoes are bad for people with diabetes problems, foot swelling, bunions, deformed toes, hammertoes, and Morton’s neuroma.
How to Find the Best Wide Width Shoes
Are you buying bigger shoe sizes because your feet hurt, and do they still hurt even with a bigger-sized shoe? When pressure on your big or small toe or the sides of your feet hurt, you may need footwear in a wider fit and not necessarily a bigger size.
Finding shoes that fit a wider width is challenging, but you should always keep buying shoes, hoping they will stretch and become wider with time, as they will only hurt your feet more.
Many shoes are available in wider widths today; it may take some searching and browsing, but you will soon find that the options in wide-width sizes are quite vast.
Your shoe width options range from narrow to medium to wide and extra-wide widths.
More About Shoes for Wide Feet
Choosing the best walking shoes for wide feet is crucial if you have problems with your feet, which can be caused by wearing narrow shoes when you should not be.
If you wear narrow shoes that are too tight for your feet, you are putting yourself at an unnecessary risk for health issues with your feet that could create quite a problem in the future, mainly toe deformities.
Foot Conditions Caused by Wearing Shoes that are Too Narrow
- Corns – Corns are foot calluses that develop from tight shoes. This happens when tight shoes constantly put pressure on the skin and are found between the toes more often than when the toe rubs together from shoes being too tight on the foot.
- Bunions – Bunions are an enlargement of the tissue or the bone around the joints for your big toes’ base. Once a bunion has grown over time, it will turn the big toe inwards to the second toe. It causes pain and swelling and results from wearing shoes that are too tight for your feet. They also come from genetic factors and can increase your risk of developing them, but they typically occur due to wearing tight shoes. So, if you are suffering from bunions, check out these best walking shoes for bunions.
- Hammer Toe – Hammer Toe occurs when a toe begins to curl instead of laying flat because the middle joint of that toe begins to bend upwards from rubbing against the shoe’s surface. This will cause pain and weaken the muscles attached if the foot stays in this position abnormally. Corn may also develop on the top of the bending toe, which adds to the pain and discomfort.
- Ingrown Toenail – An ingrown will occur when the big toenail is cut too short near the top and will be aggravated further by putting your foot in a shoe that is too small. This causes the nail to become pressured against your second toe and results in abnormal pressure for the nail, bringing pain and inflammation to the nail and the toe itself.
- Crossover Toe – Crossover toe occurs when all the toes have been cramped into the toe area of the too-small shoe. The constant pressure will cause the third or second toe to cross over the next one.
Wearing shoes that are too narrow when you have a wide foot can cause many issues and painful foot conditions and deformities that may become serious and permanent with time.
Take care of your feet, always wearing footwear that fits comfortably and is the correct size in length and width.
Shoes that are flexible and made from soft, breathable materials with a wider toe box are also an excellent choice for a wide foot.
If you enjoy walking, opting for a shoe that provides cushioned support and good shock absorption is also important. The stability, motion control, and support your walking shoe should provide will depend largely on your foot type and pronation type, whether you are an over, under, or neutral pronator.
A shoe providing adequate support and comfort in a good fit for your required width should provide you with the best comfort and performance.
Features of a Good Wide Width Shoe
- Fit – Fits comfortably, no squeezing, and ample room. Also, it is not loose-fitting, causing chafing and blisters.
- Toe Box – A wider toe box and soft or flexible uppers.
- Quality – Durable and high quality construction.
- Comfort – Other comfort features include a supportive and cushioned insole and moisture-wicking or breathability characteristics.
- Outsole – A durable and reliable outsole that will provide a good grip.
Standard Shoes Width Chart
Each shoe brand or manufacturer has its width sizes, and there is no standard for it; this table is from Amazon – and they try to clear up this problem between all the different widths of the shoe brands.
Please check the specific table for each shoe, as sizes might change.
X-Narrow | Narrow | Medium | Wide | X-Wide | XX-Wide |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2A | B | D | 2E | 3E,4E | 6E |
Remember this when you choose for shoe size, you will need to choose your size and pick up the width – usually marked with the symbol “2E” and up to “6E” as described in the chart above.
Wide-width shoes look just as nice on the leg as the narrower ones, and there are many modern models to choose from.
Let’s check the top wide-width shoes for men and women, given below:
Running Shoes for Wide Feet
1Normal Arch and Wide Feet Running Shoes
- These sneakers run from Narrow and up to 4E (Extra Wide) for Men and C/D (Wide) for Women – so make sure to order the correct width.
- These shoes utilize the Impact Guidance System (I.G.S), enhancing the foot’s natural gait from heel-strike to toe-off.
- Gel cushioning in the rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning absorb shocks.
- In conjunction with the Guidance Trusstic Systems, the Seamless Construction enhanced the gait efficiency while providing midfoot structural integrity.
2
Flat Feet and Wide Width Running Shoes
- These shoes are known for their extra width – up to 6E – the widest possible.
- Symmetrical ROLLBAR technology for ultimate lateral and medial rear foot stability.
- Lightweight upper constructed with mesh for breathability.
- Synthetic compliment for stability and structure.
- They will provide extra support for all your activities.
- Dual-density collar foam adds a great feel, while traditional lacing closure allows a precise fit.
- A wider sole provides a more stable base and motion control.
- This shoe comes with mesh sides to support people who suffer from bunions.
- This shoe is good for running, walking, and long-standing.
- This shoe is the 2nd generation, and it is much better than the previous excellent version.
Walking Shoes for Wide Feet
3Wide Walking Shoes
- These wide-width shoes by Vionic have orthopedic supportive technology with excellent quality.
- They are desirable to many people who look for accommodation and protection since their excellent design can provide all this.
- As a part of them, you’ll receive the well-known Podiatrist-designed, biomechanical orthotic insole, which will provide extra support.
- Depending on your preferences, you can choose them in three colors, black, gray/orange, or white/blue.
4
Wide Feet Walking Shoes
- The New Balance 928 is a great choice for people with wide feet.
- This is the second version of this prevalent model.
- The Compression Ethyl Vinyl Acetate(EVA) foam midsole provides cushioning and a high shock absorbent.
- It is made up of high-quality full-grain leather for the best comfort, and also it will feel soft on your feet.
- Utilizing Walking Strike Path and ROLLBAR® technologies, resulting in superior stability.
- If you are looking for a comfortable walking shoe, you should try it.
Dress Shoes for Wide Feet
5Best Dress Shoes for Wide Feet
- These shoes are classic and one of the most comfortable walking shoes.
- The Ortholite® footbed provides cushioning and support for the feet
- Choose the black or the brown one and enjoy your walking.
- Made from soft, breathable leather keeping your toes and feet well ventilated.
- Their extended sizes, wide widths, and handsome style will be a perfect match for all those looking for classic wide-width shoes.
6
Wide Walking Shoe for Men and Women
- Great choice of wide-width shoes for your foot; they will offer comfort during long walks.
- These good-looking wide shoes come in five colors: black, Brown, Chocolate, Chocolate Nubuck, and Tan.
- They are flexible, providing amazing stability while walking.
- Strobel technology provides forefoot flexibility.
- With a Latex foam footbed and a Breathable mesh lining, your feet will be grateful.
7
Extra Depth Wide Width Shoe
- These wide-width shoes are stretchable shoes of excellent quality.
- These Shoes have an excellent orthopedic design and have soft buttery leather, making them very comfortable.
- Depending on your foot width, you can choose the highest width available for up to 4E.
- These shoes give great accommodation and protection, as they are engineered from the ground to provide comfort for the most sensitive foot – a diabetic foot.
- They are Therapeutic shoes with extra depth and can accommodate a huge foot.
- As a part of them, you’ll receive the well-known Gel Insoles who will provide extra support.
8
Extra Depth Shoe Up to 9E Width
- These are Orthopedic shoes that have extra depth and extra width – up to 9E.
- These are excellent choice for people that are looking for diabetics shoes including charcot foot.
- These are very comfortable shoes, made from soft Napa-Leather at the uppers with seamless lining to decrease friction.
- Padded collar and velcro ensure to fit these shoes comfortably around your foot with no pressure.
Casual Shoes for Wide Feet
9Wide Work Clogs
- Dansko shoes are manufactured in Denmark and are made of premium leather.
- This shoe utilizes a high and wide toe box so you can wiggle your toes freely.
- EVA and memory foam cushioned footbed insoles can be removed if you want to fit your own orthotics.
- A leather sock liner for extra comfort.
- The Polyurethane midsole provides shock absorption.
10
Wide Width Walking Shoes
- Many Width sizes to choose from: medium and up to extra-wide (XW); in all sizes.
- Supportive stability web in the midfoot.
- C-CAP compression-molded EVA midsole for flexible cushioning.
- Padded tongue and collar contribute to stability and a sense of security when walking.
- This shoe is one of the best walking shoes for travel.
- Thanks to its “ABZORB” shock-absorbing cushioning technology, they provide exceptional cushioning and durability.
- Thanks to this shoe, you will feel great stability, and you won’t be afraid that your feet will be sore after a long walk.
Accessories for Wide Feet
11Professional 2-Way Shoe Stretcher
- You can use this Single Stretcher for the right & left shoes.
- Made from a polished German harvested sturdy beech wood.
- Includes 3 Bunion/Corn Plugs and 14 Holes for customizable stretch points.
- Includes complete step-by-step shoe stretching guide.
Summary Table of Wide Width Shoes
No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Asics® - Normal Arch and Wide Feet Running Shoes | Cumulus 24 | Cumulus 24 |
| Asics | 97.1 |
2 | New Balance® - Flat Feet and Wide Width Running Shoes | M1540v3 | W1540v3 |
| New Balance | 96 |
3 | Vionic® - Wide Walking Shoes | Walker | Walker |
| Vionic | 95 |
4 | New Balance® - Wide Feet Walking Shoes | MW928v3 | WW928v3 |
| New Balance | 95 |
5 | Clarks® - Best Dress Shoes for Wide Feet | Unstructured Un.Bend | Wendy |
| Clarks | 95 |
6 | Rockport® - Wide Walking Shoe for Men and Women | World Tour | True Stride |
| Rockport | 95 |
7 | Dr. Comfort® - Extra Depth Wide Width Shoe | Stallion | Annie |
| Dr. Comfort | 95 |
8 | Apis Mt.® - Extra Depth Shoe Up to 9E Width | Emey | Emey |
| Apis Mt. | 95 |
9 | Dansko® - Wide Work Clogs | Pro | Pro |
| Dansko | 94 |
10 | New Balance® - Wide Width Walking Shoes | MW1300v1 | WW1300v1 |
| New Balance | 96 |
11 | FootFitter® - Professional 2-Way Shoe Stretcher | Beech Wood | Beech Wood |
| FootFitter | 96 |