What are wide fit shoes?

Shoes that are too narrow can lead to problems such as blisters, and over time they can cause a condition known as hammertoes, which happens when feet are wedged into shoes that are too tight in the toe box area, leading to the toes becoming misshapen.

Wide fit shoes are designed to prevent these problems. But what exactly does this term refer to, how wide actually is this footwear and how do you know if you need wide fit shoes? Keep reading for the answers to all these questions. 

What does wide fit shoes mean?

How much wider are wide fit shoes?

How do you know if you need wide fit shoes?

There are a few sure signs that you need to switch from regular to wide fit shoes. First and foremost, if you often try shoes on that feel comfortable in terms of length but are too cramped at the sides, the chances are you need to move to a wider pair. It’s a common mistake for people to assume that if shoes feel too tight at the sides, they need to move up to the next size in length, but this can result in an uncomfortable fit, often with too much extra space at the heel or in the toe box.   

Another giveaway that you probably need wide fit shoes is if your feet tend to feel cramped regardless of the style of footwear you have on.   If either of the above points applies to you, it’s probably time to try out some wide fit shoes. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish and comfortable options to choose from, whether you’re looking for wide fit slippers, trainers, boots, smart shoes or anything else.

How to measure your feet

A top tip is to measure your feet at night. This is because during the course of the day, your feet may expand slightly and it’s best to get shoes that will provide a comfortable fit at all times, rather than being too tight after you’ve been standing up and moving around during the day. Also, make sure you measure both feet as one may be wider than the other.   

Having well fitting shoes that are wide enough for your feet can make a big difference to your comfort levels and mobility, so it’s something that everyone should pay attention to.