Shoes for W I D E feet

This site has wonderful information about a lot of foot conditions in addition to wide feet.

AGING FEET

One of the things I learned there is that as we age, our feet can become wider and longer. Additionally, the padding on the bottoms of our feet thin with time. Wearing heels higher than 2 inches has and changes the natural pressure points and messes with the natural alignment of the body which over time can cause hip and back problems.

Something you can do in addition to keeping your body fit to counter act the affects of aging is balance on one foot as long as possible, then alternating to the other foot. This works the muscles and tendons and improves motor coordination.

Last 3 [last, lahst] -noun
1. a wooden or metal form in the shape of the human foot on which boots or shoes are shaped or repaired.

2. the shape or form of a shoe.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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Per J. Graham McCulloch, C.Ped of McCulloch's Wide Shoes "Once upon a time, there was a standard U.S. "last" and a person shopping for shoes could be measured for both length and width with confidence. Unfortunately, this time has passed. Today, every shoe manufacturer in the world uses their own last and, in most cases, they use several different lasts. Because of this and a few other factors, it is my professional opinion that size measuring devices work only moderately well in determining length and not at all in determining width. Knowing the differences between certain lasts can be vital in fitting shoes. For example, New Balance uses two basic lasts when designing shoes; these are most commonly referred to as the SL-1 last and the SL-2 last, and can be found printed on the insole of every pair of New Balance shoes. The difference is that the SL-2 is deeper in the instep, broader in the toes, and fuller in the arch. Whenever a style is made on a specific last that affects the fit, we have distinguished it as such on our website."

Check out their web site for the complete text which has more interesting fitting info.

My guess is that most of you are aware that you have one foot that's slightly larger than the other and that different brands fit differently so, it's best to try them on. But did you know it's better to try on shoes late in the day or in the evening? This way they'll fit at the end of the day when your feet have swelled. It's also a good idea to stand and walk around in the shoe, if the heel slips go down half a size, or put half an insole in the front to push the foot back for a better fit.

Personally, I've found that I need to be careful of strapy styles as they cut my baby toe, and sling backs tend to not stay up, but I was unaware the styles with seams across the toe box can cause rubbing problems. Recently I bought a style with a buckle and the bulk from the buckle is giving me problems on one foot, something for you to consider. Generally speaking, a shoe should feel comfortable from the beginning however, I've found that leather stretches some and can get too loose with wear.

Dr. Wascavage in the Farmingham News said, "It is most important to fit feet to shoes, rather than fit shoes to feet. For example a wide foot put into a narrow shoe can cause problems such as ingrown toenails and blisters, and corns. Specialty shoe stores with experienced employees usually do a better job in fitting the customer with the appropriate shoe."

Shopping at most department stores doesn't work, except for the occasional flip-flop. Discount stores aren't very successful either but I did find a pair of Clarks there and even though they weren't wide the were leather and ½ size larger worked. I like Clarks, they have a wider last and they're very comfy.

I'm fortunate to live near a Chic Wide shoe store and McCulloch's Wide Shoes. This is nice for trying on shoes to know what your shoe size is. However they tend to be pricey and the styles are not always fashionable, I try to go when they're having a sale. I have learned through this experience that Propet's fit me well. Most of the time the more expensive shoe does last longer then a less expensive, but not always. So, if your ever in the So Cal area visiting Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm you may want to plan a trip to these stores, both are within 30 min. or less.

Since trying shoes on especially for wide feet is recommended you'd think shopping for shoes online wouldn't work well. I have found two exceptions.



One is Payless. You can shop online and they will deliver it FREE to a Payless Store of your choice. When you get to the store, try them on and if they don't work you can immediately get a refund to your credit card and leave the shoes there. No shipping cost and no return hassles.




My most recent find and success is Zappo's. They have stylish shoes in wide widths and free shipping both ways. I ordered a pair of sandals and tennis shoes, the sandals were great the tennis shoes were too tight. The return slip was enclosed and it was easy to return.



My newest shoe purchase was two pairs of Skechers, seen in the photo at the beginning of this section. I've wanted a pair of the brown Mary Jane style but, could never buy them in the regular store, because they were too narrow. Chic Wide had a Skechers event and I bought the brown ones I've wanted and an off white athletic style called Straightaway. The brown shoes feel true to size. The athletic shoe feels snug when I first put it on but, not uncomfortable. In fact, since it's kind of strechey it really rather comfortable. I have since learned that Skechers sells their wide widths online and has free shipping if you sign up for their free membership.

It just dawned on me that people with narrow feet probably have the same difficulties finding shoes as those with wide feet. I did a search and found out you can also Buy Narrow-Width Shoes at Zappos.com!
It seemed to me there was a good variety of styles and colors, for women in the $40 - $70 range.