Here’s How To Tell if You Need Wide Shoes

Have you ever tried on a shoe at the shoe store and wondered, “Do I need wide shoes?” because they were uncomfortable or ill-fitting? Even if your feet stopped growing years ago, it’s still possible you’re a part of the majority who wears the incorrect shoe size.

Though it’s common for people to wear shoes that are too small for their feet, it’s unhealthy. Shoes that don’t fit your feet will cramp more than just your style—they can cause long-lasting problems and foot disorders like bunions and hammer toes.

Learning about the width of your feet and investing in wide shoes is a great way to support your foot health—immediately and long term.

What Is Considered a Wide Foot?

If you’re unsure of your foot size but your feet consistently feel uncomfortable in standard off-the-rack shoes, you may be wondering how to tell if you have wide feet. Both length and width are important in determining if you have wide feet.

For example, a size 5 foot that measures 3.5 inches across the forefoot is wide, but a size 8 foot with the same width is considered medium. Additionally, men’s shoes tend to run wider than women’s shoes, so their labels get calculated differently.

Feet Width Types

Knowing your foot type is essential for choosing supportive, comfortable shoes for any occasion. So, how do you know if you have a wide foot? Let's break it down by looking at the three main types of foot width.

• Narrow: What is a narrow foot? It’s a foot with a smaller width than medium feet. Shoes designed for narrow feet are typically about one-quarter of an inch slimmer than the manufacturer’s standard width.
• Medium: The standard. The average foot width and length that manufacturers follow.
• Wide: Larger width than medium feet. Shoes are approximately one-quarter of an inch wider than the manufacturer’s average.

Width sizes are expressed and labeled based on the deviation from the standard shoe size. These labels are:

• A or 2A width: Narrow width for women.
• B width: Narrow width for men and medium—or standard—width for women.
• D width: Medium—or standard—width for men and wide width for women.
• E width: Wide width for men and extra wide width for women.
• EE or 2E width: Extra wide width for both men and women.

The more “E”s a label has, the wider the shoe is. Understanding E wide meaning can help you find the right fit for your feet, as width sizes can go all the way up to 6E, depending on your needs.

How To Know if You Need Wide Shoes

So, how do you know if you need wide shoes? If you’re unsure, there are several ways to determine the best shoe width for your feet.

Measurements

Measuring your feet is the first step to figuring out if you have wide feet. Accurate measurements help you find the right fit when deciding between wide vs standard shoes, so you can skip the trial-and-error guessing game.

When measuring your foot, ensure you:

• Measure at night: Feet expand throughout the day, so you will get a more accurate measurement at night.
• Wear everyday socks: If you tend to wear thick socks daily, wear them while you measure. This way, your measurements will accurately reflect the shoe size you need.
• Trace both your feet: Many people have feet that are different sizes, so measure both to figure out the best shoe fit for you.
• Double-check your measurements: Just like measuring twice, cutting once, you'll want to double-check your foot measurements before investing in shoes.

We recommend you use a Brannock device to measure your feet. These offer universal measurements regarding shoe sizing.

Ill-Fitting Sizes

When it comes to shoes, size refers to more than just length—it includes width too. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause your feet to cramp and develop painful lesions. If this happens, it may be time to explore the difference between medium width vs wide width and switch to a wider fit for better comfort.

Flat Feet

If you have flat feet, you may need wide shoes. Feet with collapsed and unsupported arches—even congenital—need more support than the average foot. Some of the best shoes for flat feet are wide shoes that provide more security and comfort than narrow or medium shoes.

Bunions

You may have wide feet and need wide-width shoes if you are experiencing bunions. Shoes that are narrower than your foot can put too much pressure and strain on joints, causing or worsening this type of foot deformity. Wide shoes—especially those made with flexible mesh materials—can help prevent bunions.

Hammer Toes

If you wear narrow shoes when you need wide shoes, you may start to develop hammer toes. Hammer toes refer to the deformed bending of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes and possible inflammation or pain in the first and second joints. Hammer toes are a sign you need shoes with additional space in the toe box.

Morton's Neuroma

Those with Morton's neuroma may find that wide shoes offer relief by reducing pressure on the nerve, which is often worsened by narrow, cramped footwear. A wider shoe helps create more room in the toe area, providing more comfort during daily activities.

Blisters, Corns and Calluses

Blisters, corns, and calluses often point to shoes that are too tight. When deciding between M or W width shoes, choosing the wider option can help relieve pressure and prevent these painful conditions from getting worse.

Discoloration or Pressure Marks

Shoes that fit too tightly may leave toes sporting a purplish hue or the imprints of a shoe's thread pattern, which you may notice if you need wide shoes. Wide shoes support wide feet by allowing blood to flow freely and letting the feet sit comfortably.

Numbness or Tingling

When shoes squeeze too tightly, your feet might go numb or feel tingly—common signs they need more space to sit naturally. Choosing a wide shoe width can provide the extra room your feet need for better comfort and support.

Spilling Over

Shoes that don’t fit properly can leave your feet spilling over the sides, especially near the toes or heels. When comparing medium vs wide shoes, choosing a wide width can make all the difference in giving your feet the space they deserve.

What Causes Wide Feet?

Wide feet can occur because of various natural and unnatural reasons. Some causes may even be reversible if identified and resolved.

Genetics

Some people have a genetic predisposition for wide feet. If wide feet run in the family, it is common for others to be born with wide feet or experience widening over time as they age. Flat feet are also genetic, and people with flat feet are more likely to have wider feet and need wider shoes. 

Age

Along with genetics, aging can increase the likelihood of someone having wide feet. Age causes ligaments to loosen, which can cause the width of a foot to broaden. Additionally, other age-related medical conditions, medications and injuries can cause feet to widen rapidly or over time.

Deformities

If you have congenital or acquired foot and toe deformities, you might notice your feet expanding, which is where understanding what’s considered wide feet becomes key. Conditions like club foot, claw toe, and crossover toe often require wider shoes to prevent worsening and the development of painful issues like calluses and blisters.

Incorrect Footwear

Wearing incorrect footwear can physically change and deform the shape of the foot. Shoes with small toe boxes or narrow forefoot widths can compress the foot and cause medical conditions and disorders like bunions and hammer toes. They can also cause feet to widen, both of which can lead to the need for new shoes.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is another common cause of wide feet. Feet swelling is common during the gestation period, which can cause any foot to become wide or extra wide. While this change may be temporary, you should invest in properly fitting shoes to ensure foot safety and decrease foot pain during pregnancy.

Medical Conditions

There are a variety of medical conditions—including diabetes, kidney disease and heart problems—that can cause feet to widen due to edema. Once you address the root medical condition, swelling caused by edema may resolve itself. But fluid retention, medications and other medical conditions can permanently affect foot width.

Wide Feet FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions asked about wide feet and wide shoes.

Are wide shoes better?

Wide shoes are better for individuals with wide feet, flat feet or foot disorders. When choosing a shoe, it is important to prioritize well-fitting shoes over those with a relaxed feel. Shoes—narrow, medium or wide—should be secure and supportive rather than roomy.

How do you know if you have wide feet?

To determine if you have wide feet, start by measuring the width of your foot at the widest part, typically across the ball. If your feet feel cramped or you notice bulging over the sides of your shoes, it may be a sign that you have wide feet.

Additionally, if you regularly experience discomfort, blisters, or pressure points while wearing standard-width shoes, it’s likely that you need wider shoes for a better fit.

What is medium width in shoes?

Medium width in shoes, often labeled as "M," refers to the standard shoe width that fits most people. It typically provides a comfortable fit for individuals whose feet are neither particularly narrow nor wide.

In terms of measurements, medium-width shoes usually have a width of about 3 to 4 inches across the ball of the foot, depending on the shoe size. If you're unsure of your foot width, medium width is generally a safe starting point to see if your shoes feel comfortable without being too tight or too loose.

What are D width shoes?

D width shoes are considered standard or medium-width shoes for men but are classified as wide for women. The "D" indicates the measurement across the ball of the foot, which varies depending on the shoe size. For men, D width is the most common fit, while for women, it offers extra room for wider feet.

What is the difference between regular and wide shoes?

The difference between normal and wide shoes is the toe box size and the forefoot width. Wide shoes can accommodate tall and deep feet because the forefoot width is one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch wider than a standard shoe’s width and one-half of an inch wider than a narrow shoe.

An increased width can decrease bunions, blisters, corns, calluses and discoloration people with wide feet can experience.

Are wide shoes better for flat feet?

Yes, wide shoes are better for people with flat feet. Wide width shoe sizes provide more room in the toe box, so individuals with irregular arches experience less cramping and increased foot support.

Can I wear wide fit shoes with normal feet?

Yes, individuals with normal feet can wear a wide shoe size, but there are considerations to keep in mind. While wide fit shoes offer extra room and can be beneficial for added comfort, swelling, or accommodating orthopedic insoles, they might also cause the foot to slide if there's too much space.

It's essential to ensure the shoe feels stable and comfortable when walking, and the style aligns with personal preferences. Always prioritize overall foot health and comfort when choosing any footwear.

How much wider are wide shoes?

Wide shoes typically offer about half an inch more room in the width compared to medium vs wide width shoes. When asking how wide is a wide shoe, it generally refers to a shoe that provides extra space across the ball of the foot and the toe box. This added width helps accommodate feet that are naturally broader or have expanded over time due to conditions like swelling or foot deformities.

Wide Shoes For All Foot Types

If you find yourself wondering, “Do I have a wide foot?” rest easy knowing we designed shoes like FLEX Via and QUANTUM 2 with you in mind. Both wide styles feature our patented heel-hugging technology for ultimate relief.

Whether you have a foot condition, were born with wide feet, or developed them over time, all-day foot comfort is possible with KURU.

Sourcing

• Causes of wide feet. All About Wide Feet (August 2019)
• How are shoes sized by width? Shoe Width (July 2019)

About Us

At KURU, we're on a mission to help you Heel Better™ with footwear technology designed to relieve foot pain, so you can live a life you love. Since launching our innovative technology in 2008, we’ve sold over 2 million pairs and received more than 36,000 five-star reviews from thousands of customers who tell us their KURU shoes helped them with foot pain conditions and got them back to doing what they love.

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