Wide Shoes for Comfort and Support
Are you tired of squeezing your feet into narrow shoes that leave your toes feeling cramped and uncomfortable? It's time to say goodbye to squeezed toes and hello to wide shoes that prioritize your foot health.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of wearing wide shoes and how they can improve your overall well-being. From reducing foot pain to preventing bunions and other common foot problems, wide shoes provide the space and support your feet need to stay happy and healthy.
We will also discuss how to find the perfect pair of wide shoes that not only fit well but also complement your personal style. So, if you're ready to give your feet the freedom they deserve, join us as we embark on a journey to discover the wonders of wide shoes and unlock a world of comfort and foot health.
What are Wide Shoes?
Wide shoes are footwear of the same length as other shoes that are wider to accommodate wide feet. The toe box is increased to provide space for people with larger toes and forefeet.
Wide width tennis shoes, wide width sneakers, and wide width slip-on shoes may be made with greater depth as well. This way, your toes can spread out evenly and naturally with every step. The width of wide shoes is usually a half inch more compared to narrow-fitting shoes. Compared to medium shoes, they’re about one-fourth of an inch broader. You may need extra wide shoes depending on your foot condition.
If you have wide feet and you wear narrow-fitting shoes, you will most likely develop blisters and other painful foot conditions. Consider trying the best shoes for wide feet to avoid conditions like swollen feet and hammertoe from worsening.
Benefits of Wearing Wide Shoes for Foot Health
Wearing wide shoes offers numerous benefits for your foot health. Firstly, wide shoes provide the space and support your feet need to move naturally. Unlike narrow shoes that restrict the movement of your toes and squeeze them together, wide shoes allow for proper alignment and prevent excessive pressure on specific areas of your feet. This can help alleviate foot pain and reduce the risk of developing foot problems.
Another advantage of wearing wide shoes is that they help distribute your body weight evenly across your feet. When you wear narrow shoes, your weight tends to be concentrated on a smaller surface area, which can lead to imbalances and foot fatigue. Wide shoes, on the other hand, provide a more stable base and help evenly distribute your weight, reducing the strain on your feet and promoting better posture.
Wide shoes also offer superior shock absorption compared to narrow shoes. The extra space in wide shoes allows for the insertion of cushioning materials, such as gel or memory foam, which help absorb the impact of walking or running. This can significantly reduce the stress on your feet, ankles, and knees, and prevent injuries caused by repetitive impact.
How to Determine if You Need Wide Shoes
Are you unsure whether you need wide shoes? This comprehensive guide offers simple ways to assess your shoe fit, including examining wear patterns and measuring your feet. Additionally, it highlights the importance of seeking professional advice from podiatrists or shoe fitting specialists to ensure the perfect shoe size and width for your unique foot shape.
Measuring Your Feet
Wide width shoe sizes vary between men’s and women’s shoes. For instance, a women’s medium is B and a men’s is D, which is also the case for KURU shoes. Then, we have C+ for wide width shoes. Other brands would mark these shoes C, W, 2C, or CC.
For men, the medium width is D, while wide width shoes are labeled E. For us, they’re E+. Others call these wide shoes 2E, W, or EE. If it’s something greater than 2E, it’s already extra wide.
Here’s how you can measure your foot:
- Tape a piece of paper to the floor (one end against a wall).
- Keep one foot on the sheet of paper while making sure your heel is against the wall.
- Trace your foot’s outline (you can ask a friend or family member to do it for you).
- Measure both the widest and longest parts of the outline with a ruler.
- Repeat the same process with the other foot.
- Use the Brannock size chart to compare the measurements.
Understanding Wide Shoe Measurements
In addition to wearing wide shoes, incorporating orthotics into your footwear routine can further enhance comfort and foot health. Orthotics are custom-made or over-the-counter inserts that provide additional support, cushioning, and alignment for your feet.
Orthotics can be particularly beneficial for individuals with wider feet, as they can help address any specific foot conditions or abnormalities. They can help correct issues such as overpronation (inward rolling of the feet) or high arches, which can contribute to foot pain and instability.
When using orthotics with wide shoes, it's important to ensure that the shoes have enough depth and volume to accommodate the additional inserts. Many wide shoes are designed with removable insoles to allow for custom orthotic placement. This feature provides the flexibility to tailor the fit and support to your specific foot needs.
If you're considering using orthotics, it's best to consult with a podiatrist or orthotic specialist who can evaluate your feet and recommend the appropriate type of orthotics for your specific needs.
FAQs
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What are wide shoes?
Wide shoes are footwear designed with a wider width to accommodate individuals with broader feet. They provide extra room in the toe box and forefoot area for a more comfortable fit.
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How do I know if I need wide shoes?
You may need wide shoes if you experience discomfort, tightness, or pain in your feet when wearing regular shoes. Signs such as blisters, calluses, or the feeling of your feet being squeezed indicate the need for wider footwear.
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How much wider are wide width shoes compared to regular shoes?
Wide width shoes are typically about half an inch wider than regular shoes. This additional width allows for more room in the toe box and forefoot, providing better comfort and accommodating wider feet.
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What are the benefits of wearing wide shoes?
The benefits of wearing wide shoes include improved comfort, reduced pressure on the feet, better stability, and decreased risk of foot problems such as bunions or hammertoes. Wide shoes provide a more accommodating fit and alleviate discomfort associated with foot conditions.
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How do I measure my foot width to determine the right shoe size?
To measure your foot width, use a measuring tape or ruler to determine the widest part of your foot. Measure across the ball of your foot and compare the measurement to the shoe size chart provided by the manufacturer to find the appropriate width.
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What should I consider when buying wide shoes?
When buying wide shoes, consider factors such as the width measurement, the shape and construction of the shoe, the materials used, arch support, and cushioning. Look for reputable brands that specialize in wide width shoes and offer a variety of styles to suit your needs and preferences.
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Can wide shoes help with foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes?
Wide shoes can help alleviate discomfort caused by foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. The extra width provides more space for toes to spread out and reduces pressure on affected areas. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan for specific foot conditions.
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What widths do you offer? Do you have wide or narrow widths?
All of our styles are offered in medium (standard) width, and some are available in wide width. Each product description page also includes fit notes and width measurements.
Our sizes are based on the Brannock device, which is that metal measuring plate you can find in most shoe stores. If you are unsure which size or width you need, we highly recommend getting your foot measured.
Women's Medium: B Wide: C+ (Other brands may label their wide shoes as CC, 2C, W, or just C.)
Men's Medium: D Wide: E+ (Other brands may label their wide shoes as EE, 2E, W, or just E.)
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How do I know what shoe width should I buy?
KURUs, and many shoes, are sized based on the Brannock device—which is that metal measuring plate you can find in most shoe stores. If you are unsure which size or width you need, we highly recommend getting your foot measured.
You can also measure your feet at home this way. It’s easiest if you can find someone to help you:
1.) Tape a sheet of plain paper to the floor with one end against a wall, 2.) Put your foot on the paper with your heel flush against the wall, 3.) Trace the outline of your foot, 4.) Use a ruler to measure the longest and widest parts of the outline in centimeters, and 5.) Compare measurements with the Brannock size chart
KURU cannot provide an accurate size recommendation based on inches, centimeters, or a foot drawing. We make it easy to find your fit with free shipping and returns/exchanges in the domestic US. Go ahead and try them on first to make sure you are soulmates before you commit to being sole mates.
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How to Choose Wide Shoes
Whether you want a nice pair of dress shoes for wide feet, wide tennis shoes, or wide width slip-on sneakers, it’s important to get the best fit for maximum comfort, foot protection, and support. Here’s how:
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessKURUSOLE, the mid-layer of our unique three-part approach, offers dynamic protection to your heel while reinforcing your body's natural cushioning. As it cups and contours to the shape of your foot, our KURU wide width shoes will feel like a gentle hug for your heels.
KURUSOLE, the mid-layer of our unique three-part approach, offers dynamic protection to your heel while reinforcing your body's natural cushioning. As it cups and contours to the shape of your foot, our KURU wide width shoes will feel like a gentle hug for your heels.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessIf you’re looking for wide width shoes that let you feel like walking on air, then the base layer of our three-part tech, KURUCLOUD, makes it possible for you. This unique technology provides lightweight EVA foam for excellent shock absorption, cushion, and support.
If you’re looking for wide width shoes that let you feel like walking on air, then the base layer of our three-part tech, KURUCLOUD, makes it possible for you. This unique technology provides lightweight EVA foam for excellent shock absorption, cushion, and support.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessAnother thing that makes our collection of wide shoes game-changing is our ULTIMATE INSOLE. It has advanced foam that molds to the shape of your foot over time using your body heat. The polyurethane foam offers superior cushioning compared to EVA insoles, and the ergonomic shape allows soft cushioning and rigid support where necessary.
Another thing that makes our collection of wide shoes game-changing is our ULTIMATE INSOLE. It has advanced foam that molds to the shape of your foot over time using your body heat. The polyurethane foam offers superior cushioning compared to EVA insoles, and the ergonomic shape allows soft cushioning and rigid support where necessary.
KURUSOLE
KURUSOLE, the mid-layer of our unique three-part approach, offers dynamic protection to your heel while reinforcing your body's natural cushioning. As it cups and contours to the shape of your foot, our KURU wide width shoes will feel like a gentle hug for your heels.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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