Did you know that, as people age, their feet can change shape and size? Or that hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect the ligaments in the feet, causing them to loosen and the arches to flatten, which can increase foot width? There are many reasons why you might be in the market for a wide fitting shoe, and Vionic is here to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Shoes come in different sizes and widths, with some people needing wider – or narrower – shoes than others. The size and width and shoes are important because they affect the fit, comfort and support of the footwear. While some people can wear standard width shoes comfortably, others may require wider shoes to accommodate the shape of their feet. In this blog post, we will explore why you would need wide shoes.
At Vionic, we don’t think you should ever have to sacrifice fit for style. That’s why we’ve created a complete collection of shoes for wide feet with you in mind. Walk in style from day to night in our extra wide casual shoes for women, active trainers, flats, ankle boots, and more when wearing our collection of fashionable wide fitting shoes.
What are wide width shoes?
Wide shoes are designed to provide more room in the toe box and forefoot areas to accommodate wider feet. They are typically labelled with a letter ‘E’ for women and ‘G’ for men, to indicate that they are wider than the standard width.
At Vionic, we label our shoes as ‘MED (medium) for standard size and ‘WIDE’. Wider fitting shoes are available in a range of sizes and styles, including boots, sandals, trainers and heels.
Do you need wider fitting shoes?
There are several reasons why a customer would need wide shoes, including:
1. Genetics
A person may need wider shoes due to genetics because the shape and size of our feet are largely determined by our genes. Some people inherit wider feet or a wider forefoot, which can cause discomfort and difficulty when wearing shoes that are too narrow or constricting. Additionally, genetics can also play a role in foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes, which can also require wider shoes to accommodate the shape of the foot.
2. Medical conditions
There are several medical health conditions that can cause a person to require wide shoes: might make someone more likely to require wide-fitting shoes:
a) Edema: This condition is characterised by swelling due to excess fluid so those affected may need to wear wide shoes to accommodate the swelling.
b) Bunions: This is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition can cause the foot to widen, making it difficult to wear shoes that are too narrow.
c) Hammertoes: This is a deformity of the toe that causes them to curl downward, making the foot appear wider.
d) Arthritis: A medical condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, which can often lead to swelling.
e) Diabetes: Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet, making it difficult to feel pain or discomfort. This can make it difficult to know if a shoe is too tight, so a person with diabetes may need to wear wide shoes to ensure proper circulation and prevent foot injuries.
3. Injury or surgery
A customer may need wide shoes due to injury or surgery for several reasons:
a) Swelling: After an injury or surgery, the affected area may swell, making it difficult to fit into normal-sized shoes. Wide shoes can provide extra room to accommodate the swelling.
b) Bandages or casts: If the injury or surgery requires the use of bandages or casts, the affected area may require more space than usual. Wide shoes can provide the necessary room for the bandages or casts.
c) Orthotics: After an injury or surgery, a person may require custom-made orthotics to support and cushion the affected area. Wide shoes can provide enough space to accommodate the orthotics.
d) Comfort: Wearing narrow shoes can cause discomfort and even pain, especially if the feet are already sore from the injury or surgery. Wider shoes can provide extra space and cushioning, making them more comfortable to wear.
4. Age
As people age, their feet can change shape and size. This can be due to a loss of fat padding on the soles of the feet or a decrease in muscle mass, which can cause the feet to spread out and become wider. As a result, more mature people may find that they require wider shoes than they did when they were younger.
5. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their feet and require wider shoes to accommodate this. One reason for this is due to the natural weight gain that occurs during pregnancy, which can cause the feet to swell and increase in size.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect the ligaments in the feet, causing them to loosen and the arches to flatten, which can increase foot width. Additionally, as the pregnancy progresses, the extra weight and pressure on the feet can cause discomfort and pain, which may be alleviated by wearing wider and more supportive shoes.
Wearing shoes that are too narrow or tight can exacerbate these issues and cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
By opting for wider shoes, expectant mothers can ensure that their feet have enough room to move and breathe comfortably, which can promote better foot health and reduce the risk of developing foot-related problems in later life.
Benefits of wearing wider shoes
1. Comfort
Wider shoes provide more room in the toe box and forefoot areas, which can help to reduce pressure and discomfort on the feet. This can be especially important for people who spend a lot of time on their feet, such as those who work in retail or healthcare. When shoes are too narrow, they can cause friction on the toes and sides of the feet, leading to blisters and discomfort. Wider shoes can reduce friction by providing more room for the feet to move.
2. Improved circulation
Tight shoes can restrict blood flow to the feet, which can cause swelling and discomfort. Wider shoes allow for better circulation and can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
3. Reduced risk of foot problems
Wearing shoes that are too tight can increase the risk of foot problems such as blisters, corns and calluses. Wider shoes can help to prevent these issues by providing more room and reducing pressure on the feet.
4. Better support
Wider shoes can provide better support for the feet and ankles than standard width shoes. This can be especially important for people who have conditions such as flat feet or overpronation, which can cause foot pain and discomfort. Some wider shoes are also designed with better arch support, which can help reduce pressure on the feet and provide additional comfort.
5. Allow toes to spread out
When the toes are forced to be cramped together, it can cause discomfort and pressure on the ball of the foot. Wide shoes allow the toes to spread out, which can reduce pressure and improve overall comfort.
Choosing the right size and width
1. Measure your feet: Measure your feet using a specialist tool called Brannock device, which is a specialised foot measuring tool found in most shoe shops, or ask your podiatrist to measure them for you. Stand up straight and make sure to measure both feet, since one may be slightly larger than the other.
2. Know your size: Shoe sizes can vary between styles, so it’s important to know your size in different styles, whether it is boots, trainers or flats for example. You can ask our customer service team for guidance or check out our size chart.
3. Consider the width: Shoe width can also vary between styles, so it’s important to consider the width of your feet. Vionic shoes come in different widths,, from medium to wide. If you have wider feet, you may need to look for our wider shoes to ensure a comfortable fit.
4. Try them on: Walk around in your new shoes to see how they feel. Make sure there is enough space in the toe box for your toes to move freely and that the shoes feel snug but not too tight. For the greatest comfort, we recommend wearing your new Vionic footwear for just a few hours for the first few days to allow your feet to adjust to the new level of orthotic comfort and support too. This is especially important if you are looking for comfortable travel shoes or shoes to wear for standing all day at work.
5. Consider the time of day: Your feet can swell throughout the day, so it’s best to try on shoes in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest.
6. Consider the type of shoe: Different types of shoes can fit differently. For example, wide fit trainers may require a slightly larger size than dress shoes to accommodate the foot’s natural swelling during exercise. Look for shoes with adjustable features: wide fit sandals with adjustable straps or trainers with laces can help to customise the fit and accommodate wider feet.
7. Choose the right materials: Shoes made from flexible materials such as leather, canvas or mesh are ideal for wide feet as they can stretch and conform to the shape of your feet. You can find a variety of styles that feature these materials, from wide fit boots to lightweight trainers.
8. Consider orthotic inserts: If you have wide feet and need additional support or cushioning, consider using orthotic inserts to help improve the fit and comfort of your shoes.
9. Check the return policy: Vionic offers free returns on purchases made on our website. You can send the shoes back for any reason within 30 days for a full product refund, even if you have worn them outside.
Choosing the right pair of wide width shoes can have a significant impact on your comfort and foot health, from improved circulation to reduced risk of foot problems like plantar fasciitis. By considering important factors such as size, materials, and arch support, you can ensure you’ll find the perfect shoes to carry you through your daily activities. Remember, a little extra time and care spent selecting the right shoes can go a long way in promoting a lifetime of healthy, comfortable feet. For shoes that promote balance and well-being from the ground up, browse Vionic’s collection of wide width styles today.
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