Most people understand shoe sizes vary according to UK, European and American sizing charts. However, the differences in shoe width are not nearly so clear cut.
Different brands use different methods of measuring shoe width. Plus, the system varies by gender.
You can determine shoe width by the letter accompanying the shoe size. Width B is the standard width for women, whereas the equivalent is a D for men.
Width fitting A indicates a narrow fit for a woman, whereas a D fitting would be wide in a lady’s shoe.
But even knowing the different markers for shoe width, how do you know if you need wide shoes? And can your foot become wider over time? Find the answers you seek in this guide.
How to Know If You Need Wide Shoes?
Most people need wide shoes because they have wider feet than the average. Their foot will differ from someone with a standard or narrow fitting in the forefoot and toes, although the heel is often the same.
If you often try on shoes that fit in length but feel cramped across the broadest part of the foot or are pinching your toes, these are all indicators that you need a wider fitting.
Some people need a wider fitting because their feet are simply broader than standard.
For others, a conformational issue or deformitylike a bunion, a bony lump at the base of the big toe. Bunions are treatable but may require a change of footwear in the short term to ease discomfort.
Such issues can dictate whether a wider fitting shoe is necessary. A wider fit could only apply to one foot, not both.
Some people with wide feet will buy a longer length shoe, essentially going up a size, but this does not solve the problem. Sizing up will provide extra width, but the shoe will slip around the heel or in the toe box, causing discomfort when you walk.
Instead of wearing the wrong size shoe, it’s best to measure your foot width to determine if you need a wide shoe.
How to Measure Shoe Width Yourself
You can measure show width yourself at home:
- Whilst seated, place your bare foot on a piece of white paper. Using a pen, trace the outline of your foot onto the paper or ask someone to do it for you.
- Measure the widest part of your foot according to the outline, usually around the ball of the foot. Remember to measure both feet as they will be slightly different.
- Use a simple size chart and see how the width and your current shoe size compare. Remember, shoe size charts are gender-specific.
An alternative measurement method is to use a Brannock Device, created by Charles Brannock. It is the machine professionals use to measure feet. Brannock Devices measure foot length and have a slider device to record width.
Types of Feet
Feet are classified by size, shape and also by width. Width and size are the two most common measurements used when buying shoes.
Wide
Wide feet are probably the most challenging to find shoes for, although people with narrow feet would beg to differ!
For a UK size 6 women’s shoe, the average width is usually around 9 cm. A wide foot will measure around 10 cm or more.
Some shoes, like heels, cater to narrow feet, and some brands manufacture narrow shoes. Since there isn’t a standardised measurement system for shoe width, it can be challenging for people with wide feet to find comfortable fitting shoes.
As a result, many people with wide feet will rely on trainers as they tend to have a wider fit. Others will opt for shoes with self-adjusting closures for extra comfort.
Medium
Medium is the default standard to which most shoe manufacturers work, so that’s the good news. The slightly less good news is that shoe width fittings are not universally standard, so the width of fitting may depend upon the style of the shoe and the maker.
You may find that your feet wear a medium width with one brand, but you require either a narrow or a wide fit with another manufacturer.
Narrow
Narrow feet can be as much of a challenge to fit as an extra wide foot.
Opt for shoes with an ankle or T-bar strap. These design features can make for a snug fit and also complement narrow feet by making them seem wider, emphasising the curve of the arch.
A shoe can be made narrower by putting in an orthotic insert. An insole can sometimes make a standard shoe small enough to fit a narrow foot.
Causes of Wide Feet
There are several causes of wide feet. Some causes are temporary and treatable, whereas others are permanent and may have been present since birth.
Genetics
Some people are born with wider feet. If you have flat feet and lack foot arch, then it is likely that your feet may also be wider than average.
Age
As people age, ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity and become looser. Ageing can make the feet longer and wider, whilst leading to the sagging of the arches.
Poorly Fitting Footwear
Shoes that don’t fit properly or styles that change the foot’s natural shape can damage the foot, such as winkle pickers or pointed stilettos. A poor fit will lead to foot deformities, requiring a change of shoe width and sometimes size.
Foot Deformities
Foot deformities like bunions and calluses may require a wider shoe fitting to avoid discomfort.
Pregnancy
Increased fluid during pregnancy can cause swelling around the ankles and feet, making your usual shoes uncomfortable.
In pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes ligaments and joints to loosen in the pelvic girdle to prepare for delivery. It can also cause these soft tissues to loosen around the feet.
This phenomenon is likely permanent, as researchers have found. Women may require a change of shoe size and style until after the baby is born.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better To Have Wide Shoes?
It’s easy to feel tempted to opt for a wider shoe for relaxed wear, but it's best to prioritise fit unless you require a wide shoe naturally.
In the dance context, your feet will work hard and get hot, which means a larger foot at the end of the session than at the start.
However, wide shoes may not be the most comfortable on your feet or the most secure and supportive.
A half size up is a good option if you just want a little more room, but whether to go wider or just bigger will depend on the style of the shoe and how long you will be wearing it.
Are Wide Fit Shoes More Comfortable?
Wide-fit shoes are more comfortable if you have a wider foot.
However, buying a wide width shoe for a standard foot just because you think the style of the shoe is pinching or restrictive won’t necessarily make that pair of shoes feel better when you wear them.
What Is the Difference Between Regular and Wide Width Shoes?
A wide width or wide fitting shoe will have the same length as a regular-sized shoe, but the toe box and forefoot width are wider to accommodate a wider foot.
Wide-fitting shoes often have greater depth because wider feet are usually taller or deeper.
Final Thoughts
A wider fitting can make that perfect pair of dance shoes the ideal fit without going up a shoe size.
Supadance are experts in manufacturing and fitting dance shoes with wide width fittings offered across multiple designs. We understand the unique stresses and strains that dancers’ feet undergo. A slightly wider fitting can be the perfect answer for a dance shoe that is busy in training sessions or needs to outperform the competition.
Shop Supadance today for dance shoes made for dancers with all types of feet, wide, narrow, regular, and more!