What should a good wide-fit shoe feel like?
The shoe should feel secure without squeezing the foot. Extra width is intended to create room where it is needed, not to make the whole shoe loose.
The toes should have space to sit naturally, the forefoot should not bulge strongly against the upper and the heel should not repeatedly lift out of the back of the shoe.
How much space should there be in front of the toes?
A small amount of space is normally required in front of the longest toe so the foot does not repeatedly contact the end of the shoe during walking.
Too much extra length can be just as problematic as too little because it may allow the foot to move and can alter where the shoe flexes.
How should the forefoot fit?
The widest part of the foot should sit comfortably within the widest part of the shoe.
Look for persistent pressure over bunions, toe joints or the sides of the forefoot. The upper should not need to stretch excessively simply to contain the foot.
What about shoe depth?
Depth is separate from width. A shoe can be wide across the sole but still feel tight over the top of the foot.
Additional depth can be important where there is swelling, prominent toes or an orthotic insole inside the shoe.
How secure should the heel be?
The heel should usually remain reasonably stable during walking. A small amount of movement can occur in some styles, but repeated slipping may lead to rubbing and reduced control.
A secure fastening can help draw the foot back into the heel area without over-tightening the forefoot.
When should you try shoes on?
Try footwear with the socks, hosiery, orthotics or supports that will normally be worn with it.
If the feet tend to swell during the day, fit may be more representative later in the day than first thing in the morning.
How tight should fastenings be?
Fastenings should hold the foot securely without creating local pressure. Adjustable straps can be useful where foot volume changes through the day.
If straps are consistently at the very end of their usable range, the shoe may not provide enough volume.
What are signs that the shoe is too small?
- toes touching or curling at the end;
- pressure across the forefoot or instep;
- red marks that persist after the shoe is removed;
- the upper stretching tightly over prominent areas;
- numbness, tingling or increasing discomfort.
What are signs that the shoe is too large?
- repeated heel slipping;
- the foot sliding forward;
- needing to overtighten the fastening;
- the shoe flexing in the wrong place;
- reduced confidence or control while walking.
Important: If sensation in the feet is reduced, do not rely on discomfort alone to identify a poor fit. Check the skin regularly and consider professional footwear advice.
Should new wide-fit shoes need 'breaking in'?
A short period of familiarisation can be normal, but shoes should not require prolonged painful wear to become acceptable.
Persistent pressure, rubbing or skin irritation is a reason to reassess the fit rather than simply continuing to wear the shoe.
