Do I Need Wide Width Shoes? A Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

When it comes to footwear, one size definitely does not fit all—especially when it comes to width. If you've ever felt like your shoes are too tight, your toes feet squished or your feet ache after a short walk, you might be wondering: Do I need wide-width shoes?

Many people unknowingly wear shoes that don’t fit their feet, particularly in width. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and long-term foot issues.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What are wide width shoes?

• Signs you need wide shoes and causes of wide feet.

• Shopping tips for wide-width shoes.

• Frequently Asked Questions

• How to measure foot width.

What Are Wide Width Shoes?

Standard shoes are typically designed to fit medium-width feet. Wide width shoes, on the other hand, are specially crafted to provide extra space across three parts of shoe:

·        The ball - this is the padded part of the sole between the toes and the arch.

·        The toe box – this is the part of the shoe that surrounds the toes.

·        The instep – this is the upper (top) part of the foot from toes to the ankle.

Shoe Width Labels in the U.S. are usually listed a few ways. Wide shoes aren’t just larger; they’re proportioned differently to maintain comfort and support for broader feet.

• M or B – Standard for women

• M or D – Standard for men

• E, EE, EEE or W, WW – Wide and extra-wide options

Here are a few signs You Might Need Wide Width Shoes

1. Red Marks or Blisters

If you have visible signs of irritation on your feet, that usually means your shoes are pressing too tightly.

2. Cramped Toes

If your toes don’t lie flat in your shoes or feel squeezed together or your toes are smushed, it’s time to start paying attention to your shoe width.

3. Chronic Foot Pain

If you have pain in the ball, heel, or arch of your feet it can be caused by poor fitting shoes.

4. Feet Spilling Over the Sole

A visual that means your shoes are too narrow is when your foot hangs over the edge of the sole. You may not always notice it looking at the shoe, but you can feel it in your shoes.

5. Foot Conditions like Bunions or Flat Feet

If you have conditions like bunions or flat feet you need extra space and support for your feet—wider shoes are needed.

Common Causes of Wide Feet

Why do you have wide feet? Here are some common causes of wide feet:

• Genetics – You may be born with your wide feet or bunions

• Aging – Feet flatten and widen over time

• Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and swelling

• Weight Gain – Adds pressure to the arches

• Medical Issues – Conditions like edema or diabetes

How to Shop for Wide Width Shoes

• Check out our shoe reviews on YourBestToe.com: Go to www.YourBestToe.com and click on the “Shoes” tab. Use our filter to narrow down for shoes that come in Wide, are Bunion Friendly or Both. You can also filter for shoe type if you need athletic shoes, dress shoes etc. Read reviews on shoes to find out what will work best for your specific feet.

  
  

• To help you with your search for Wide Width Shoes, here are the  Top 24 Wide Width Women's Shoe Brands

  
  

• Try on Shoes in the Afternoon: Feet swell during the day so —test for fit in the afternoon when they’re largest.

  
  

• Look for Flexible Return Options: If you are ordering shoes online always check the return options. Shoe brands, even wide width options, vary by width so making sure your shoes fit the length and width of your feet is important. Before buying online, make sure the shoes can be returned, know the return window and if there’s a cost to return the shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear regular shoes if I have wide feet?

Yes and No! Some shoe brands and styles run wide so you need to determine if regular shoes will fit your feet on a shoe-by-shoe basis. You can start by checking out our Shoe Guide and Reviews to determine which shoes will work for your feet by filtering for shoes that we designate as Bunion Friendly.  These shoes may not be labeled as wide by the manufacturer but have a wide toe box or run wide and work for wide feet or bunions. We evaluate all the shoes we review to determine if they really are wide and work for our wide-width feet and/or bunions.

How do wide width shoes feel different?

Wide shoes are made differently from regular shoes to give you more space in the toe box and across the forefoot. They allow your toes to move freely and reduce pressure on the ball and sides of your foot. This additional width improves comfort for those with wide feet or bunions and improves your balance and stability.

Are wide width shoes more expensive?

Wide shoes are not always more expensive than regular shoes. There are many budget-friendly options for wide shoes. All of our shoe reviews contain a shoe price or price range and a future upgrade to the site is to filter our shoe reviews by price range.

Do I Need Wide Width Shoes?

If you’ve noticed:

• Cramped toes

• Foot pain

• Blisters or red marks

• Your feet spilling out of shoes

Then yes, it’s time to consider wide width shoes. Proper fitting footwear leads to better comfort, health, and confidence. Take the time to measure your feet and invest in shoes that support your unique foot shape.

Foot Measurement Chart (PDF)

To help you determine your foot width see our Foot Measurement Chart below.  

Foot Measurement Chart - YourBestToe.com.pdf

Download PDF • 160KB

The chart is free and includes:

-            Detailed instructions for tracing your feet.

-            A length and width shoe size guide

-            Width Label Chart

-            Tips for properly fitting your shoes.

Foot Measurement Chart – For Home Use

Instructions for Tracing Your Feet:

1. Prepare the tools: You’ll need a blank sheet of paper, a pen or pencil, and a ruler.

2. Place the paper on a hard floor (avoid carpet).

3. Stand straight with your full weight evenly distributed on both feet.

4. Trace around your foot as closely as possible.

5. Mark the longest point (toe) and the heel on the paper.

6. Measure the length from heel to toe (in cm or inches).

7. Measure the width at the widest part of your foot.

8. Socks or no socks? Wear the socks you plan to wear.

9. Repeat for the other foot (they may differ, especially if you have bunions on one or both feet!).

Length & Width Shoe Size Guide:

Length (in inches)	US Women’s Shoe Size	Narrow (AA) (inches)	Medium (M or B) (inches)	Wide (D) inches	Extra Wide (EE) (inches)
8 9/16″	5	2 13/16″	3 3/16″	3 9/16″	3 15/16″
8 3/4″	5.5	2 7/8″	3 1/4″	3 5/8″	4″
8 7/8″	6	2 15/16″	3 5/16″	3 11/16″	4 1/16″
9 1/16″	6.5	3″	3 3/8″	3 3/4″	4 1/8″
9 1/4″	7	3 1/16″	3 7/16″	3 13/16″	4 3/16″
9 3/8″	7.5	3 1/8″	3 1/2″	3 7/8″	4 1/4″
9 1/2″	8	3 3/16″	3 9/16″	3 15/16″	4 5/16″
9 11/16″	8.5	3 1/4″	3 5/8″	4″	4 3/8″
9 7/8″	9	3 5/16″	3 11/16″	4 1/16″	4 7/16″
10″	9.5	3 3/8″	3 3/4″	4 1/8″	4 1/2″
10 3/16″	10	3 7/16″	3 13/16″	4 3/16″	4 9/16″
10 3/8″	10.5	3 1/2″	3 7/8″	4 1/4″	4 5/8″
10 1/2″	11	3 9/16″	3 15/16″	4 5/16″	4 11/16″
10 11/16″	11.5	3 5/8″	4″	4 3/8″	4 3/4″
10 7/8″	12	3 11/16″	4 1/16″	4 7/16″	4 13/16″

From the International Size Chart Reference Guide – https://sizecharts.net/shoe-sizing-guide/

 Width Label Chart (US / UK / EU)

Width	US Label	UK Label	EU Equivalent
Narrow	AA/B	C	E
Medium	D	F	G
Wide	E/EE	G/H	H
Extra Wide	EEE/EEEE	H+	J+

Tips for Properly Fitting Shoes:

• Always measure both feet and use the larger measurement.

• Measure at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.

• Wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes during measurement.

• Leave about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

• Don’t assume the size, fit and construction of shoes is the same across brands – Fit Varies! Even fit of shoe types in one brand vary. 

• If you wear orthotics or insoles, consider that in your shoe size.