Wide Feet — How to Find Shoes That Fit
If standard-width shoes feel tight across the ball of your foot or your toes feel squeezed, you may have wide feet. About 25% of people have feet wider than average. Here's how to find shoes that fit comfortably.
How to Tell if You Have Wide Feet
Signs that you might need wide-width shoes:
- Your feet spill over the edges of the insole when you stand.
- The ball of your foot feels squeezed or compressed.
- You notice bulging on the sides of your shoes.
- You get blisters on the sides of your feet.
- Your pinky toe is always pressed against the shoe wall.
- You instinctively size up for more room (but then the shoe is too long).
Understanding Width Sizing
Shoe widths are designated by letters. The standard width for men is D, and for women it's B. Wider options include:
- B (narrow for men, standard for women)
- D (standard for men, wide for women)
- E or 2E (wide for men, extra wide for women)
- EE or 3E (extra wide)
- EEEE or 4E (ultra wide)
Tips for Shopping
When looking for wide-width shoes:
- Look specifically for shoes labeled "Wide" or "W" — don't just size up.
- Try shoes on in the afternoon when feet are at their widest.
- Look for brands known for wider options: New Balance, Brooks, ASICS.
- Consider shoes with removable insoles — you can replace them with thinner ones for more room.
- Avoid pointed-toe styles, which compress wide feet.
- Lace-up styles are generally more adjustable than slip-ons.
Measuring Your Foot Width
Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your foot (the ball, just behind the toes) while standing. Compare your measurement to a width chart. For men, a ball-of-foot circumference over 24.6 cm (for US size 10) typically indicates wide feet. For women, over 22.6 cm (for US size 8) suggests wide.