The key thing to remember about shoe width is that you should be able to buy shoes without an issue. If your feet slip into wide shoes, it’s not the fault of the shoe manufacturer or because you have “normal” feet.
The sole issue might be with your foot shape. You’ll want to visit a podiatrist or go shopping with a professional if you’re uncertain what to do.
Many people are taught that they can wear shoes no matter their foot shape, but this isn’t always true. Wearing the wrong shoes can impact your posture, back problems, and overall health in the long term.
Can I Wear Wide Fit Shoes With Normal Feet
No, your shoe size should be standard if you have normal feet. If you find it hard to fit into a pair of narrow shoes or your toes are constantly hitting the front of the shoe, this can be a clear sign of an issue with your foot shape.
Generally, your foot might be abnormally narrow if you use over half an inch of extra space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. The size of your feet and how they fit into different types of shoes is determined by several factors, including:
1. Your Foot Shape
Your foot shape is determined based on how your toes are shaped and how wide your feet are. What type of feet you have will determine how best to use heels.
2. Wearing The Wrong Shoe
If you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, you’re putting extra stress on your feet, which can contribute to** injuries like plantar fasciitis** or heel spurs. The extra pressure from a poorly fitted shoe can also make your feet feel sore.
3. Footwear Size
It’s not uncommon for foot size to vary. If you normally wear a size 7 and are buying shoes that are a Nike 9, you’re likely to need at least one size larger to avoid foot pain and possibly even injury.
4. Your Weight
Many people don’t realize their weight can impact shoe size, but it’s true. You will have issues with your feet if you’re underweight or overweight.
5. Age
As we age, our feet change in size and shape, so it’s vital to keep proper records of your shoe sizes at different points throughout your life. It would help if you also asked the salesperson to measure the length of your feet because some stores use European sizing methods, which may not be listed on their sites.
Why Do Regular Fit Shoes Matter?
Wider shoes can make walking more difficult as they don’t support your normal feet. When your shoes fit properly, you’ll have better balance and support while walking.
The shape of the shoe matters because no two feet are alike. It’s possible to wear shoes that are too wide, but it can also be possible to wear shoes that are too narrow. The correct fit depends on your foot.
Why Do Wide Shoes Matter?
Most people’s feet are slightly wider than the width of a typical shoe. You can wear wide shoes, but certain factors may make this difficult.
Some of these problems include having weak muscles in your feet, having very high arches, or having very flat feet. For example, you can have too much of a gap in the toes of your shoes. It makes it difficult to balance.
Importance Of Getting Your Shoe Size Right
1. Pain
You can experience pain in your feet, toes, and lower legs when wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.
2. Injury
Poorly fitted shoes can also cause injuries like plantar fasciitis. When you have plantar fasciitis, the soft tissue in your heel becomes inflamed, which can be very painful and inconvenient.
3. Appearance
Shoes that are too loose can hurt your appearance and make you feel self-conscious.
4. Convenience
If you’re struggling to find shoes in the correct size, you might have to purchase them online or go to multiple stores to get the right fit.
What Are The Benefits of Wearing Wide Fit Shoes?
If you have wide or flat feet, or suffer from foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, or neuropathy, wide fit shoes can offer several advantages:
- More room for your toes and forefoot: Wide fit shoes can reduce the pressure on your toes and forefoot, and prevent them from rubbing against the sides of the shoe. This can reduce the risk of blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails, and provide more comfort for standing, walking, and running.
- More breathability and flexibility: Wide fit shoes can also offer more breathability and flexibility for your feet, as they allow more air to circulate and more movement to occur. This can reduce the risk of sweating, odor, and fungal infections, and promote better blood flow and mobility.
What Are The Drawbacks of Wearing Wide Fit Shoes?
While wide fit shoes can be beneficial for some people, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks of wearing wide fit shoes:
- Poor fit and appearance: Wide fit shoes may not fit as snugly or securely as regular shoes, and may look bulkier or less stylish. This can affect your confidence, your gait, and your fashion sense, and make it harder to match your shoes with your outfits.
- Reduced support and stability: Wide fit shoes may not provide as much support or stability as regular shoes, especially if they are too loose or too flexible. This can increase the risk of tripping, falling, or twisting your ankle, and exacerbate any existing foot conditions.
- Limited availability and selection: Wide fit shoes may be harder to find and less varied than regular shoes, especially if you have uncommon foot measurements or preferences. This can limit your options and force you to compromise on style, color, or quality.
Conclusion – Can I Wear Wide Fit Shoes With Normal Feet
You can wear wide-fit shoes if your feet are abnormally wide, but you’ll need to visit a podiatrist for more information about why this is occurring. You might have other issues that can be improved by working with a podiatrist, so it’s worth considering.
It would help if you always bought shoes in the correct size and shape based on your foot width. It will ensure that you can walk safely and comfortably no matter what type of shoes you choose.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much wider is a wide shoe than a regular shoe?
The difference in the width of a wide shoe and a regular shoe is just about 1/8 of an inch. That’s a very small difference, but it can make all the difference when shopping for new shoes.
If you have feet that are wider than average or have feet that swell while standing, narrow shoes may not give you enough room to move around comfortably. Wide widths provide additional space at the toe box and offer more room in general to accommodate wider feet.
Should I size down with wide shoes?
It depends on your foot shape. Knowing your foot type is the key to finding the perfect-fitting pair of shoes. You need to know if you have a high or low arch, if your toes are pointed outward or straight ahead, and other factors that dictate how wide of a shoe (and what sort of laces) you should wear.
What happens if shoes are too wide?
A shoe that is too wide can cause blisters, foot problems, and other issues. However, changing your footwear is unnecessary just because the shoes you’re currently wearing are way too big.
In some cases where wearing shoes that are too small or narrow is causing injury pain or foot problems, experts will recommend switching out boots for sandals of varying widths.
What is the difference between wide fit and regular fit shoes?
Wide-fit shoes are designed with a width that allows for more space to grow and accommodate the wearer’s feet. Wide-fitting shoes work best for those with high or swollen arches or wide feet. The sole of the shoe and the toe box is also wider in wide-fit shoes.