3 Signs You Have Wide Feet | Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central PA (2024)

Have you found yourself wondering if you’ll ever find a pair of shoes that will betruly comfortable? If this feels true to your experience, listen up! There are a fewtell-tale signsto look out for when it comes to identifying whether or not you may have been buying the wrong size shoes this entire time. As odd as it seems, we can’t go on that initial feeling when trying on a pair of shoes alone. It’s important to factor in things like changes in weather, like heat that may cause your shoes to expand, or cold air that calls for socks which may tighten up the fit of your shoes. Did you know that by the end of the day, your feet are naturally larger than they were at the beginning of the day? This is from the way weuse our feetthroughout the day leading to slightswellingand expanding in normal scenarios. All of these factors and more can contribute to our feetfeeling uncomfortablein nearly every pair of shoes we own, but none more so than having wide feet and not even realizing it!

Check out our top 3 signs you have wide feet:

Bunions

When our feet are wider than our shoes, this causes our toes to be crammed in. Our big toe can be affected anddevelop a bunion, which is an inflamed, bony growth that causes the big toe to grow inwards. This is a problem that is often only treatable through surgical correction.

Blisters

One of the most annoying problems when it comes to our feet areblisters– these happen when our shoes are tight and repeatedly rub against our skin. It causes a blister to form as a defense mechanism to protect the irritated skin.

Flat feet

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll actively notice when your feet are going flat. This can cause us to start feeling uncomfortable in shoes that were once comfortable. Whether it’s genetics,high-impact activities, going barefoot too often, or being obese, flat feet cause your feet to become wider.

If you suspect you might have wide feet or if you have any other foot problems or issues mentioned above, don’t hesitate to visit us atFoot & Ankle Specialists of Central PA.Dr. Terry H. ClarkeandDr. Karen M. Leonardare here to help! Call us today at (717) 620-8225 to set up an appointment with us inMechanicsburg, PA.

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3 Signs You Have Wide Feet | Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central PA (2024)

FAQs

3 Signs You Have Wide Feet | Foot & Ankle Specialists of Central PA? ›

You can do this by standing on a piece of paper, tracing the outline of your foot, and then measuring the widest part using a ruler or measuring tape. Compare to Standard Widths: Once you have your measurement, compare it to standard shoe width sizes.

How do I check if I have wide feet? ›

You can do this by standing on a piece of paper, tracing the outline of your foot, and then measuring the widest part using a ruler or measuring tape. Compare to Standard Widths: Once you have your measurement, compare it to standard shoe width sizes.

What is considered a wide foot? ›

A regular or medium foot width is a little less than half of your foot size in inches. For example, if you wear a size 7 shoe, then a regular foot width would be around 3.45 inches, whereas a wide size 7 foot would measure anywhere from 3.75 to 4.25 inches.

What causes wide feet? ›

Genetics, aging, weight, foot conditions, and pregnancy can lead to wide feet. Foot Care. Wide feet can require special care. Maintain foot health through regular stretching, exercises, proper hygiene, and weight management.

Can wide feet be fixed? ›

Some procedures may lessen the width of a person's foot. Foot-narrowing surgery, often dubbed the “Cinderella procedure,” has become trendy among women who want to fit into pointy, high-heeled shoes. Doctors can shorten toes by removing an entire knuckle of the toe and pinning the bones back together.

How can I measure my wide feet at home? ›

To measure the width of your foot, stand on a firm surface and wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your foot – near the big and little toe joints. Record the length in mm and choose the widest foot for the final result by using the fit chart.

How rare is it to have wide feet? ›

Considering the scale of width goes from wide (E) to ultra wide (EEEEEE), wide feet are far from uncommon. It's what leads us to develop wide feet that can be considered abnormal!

Are wide feet an advantage? ›

While wide feet and big feet in general can make shoe shopping difficult, they can also help with balance and improve athletic ability in swimming and sprinting.

Should you size up if you have wide feet? ›

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.

What nationality has wide feet? ›

6) Mongoloid populations including Japanese have a wider foot for foot length compared to Caucasoid and Australoid populations.

Does being overweight cause wide feet? ›

Changes in the size of your feet – being overweight can cause feet to 'splay' and become wider and the arch of the foot flatter. This is particularly evident in childhood.

How do I tell if I have wide feet? ›

Length and width are necessary to determine if an individual has 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.

What is Cinderella foot surgery? ›

"Cinderella surgery" is a term for cosmetic procedures that make the feet look better, like fixing a bunion, reshaping the foot, or getting rid of corns, calluses, or other foot problems. The term comes from the story of Cinderella, who couldn't wear her glass slippers because her feet hurt.

Does losing weight make your feet less wide? ›

Depending on how much weight you lose, your shoes may feel looser. The structure of your foot has not shrunk, and the frames of your feet are still the same. However, the weight loss can result in the loss of fat in your feet and reduced inflammation.

How do I know if I am wide fit? ›

The only way to really know whether you have wide feet is to have your feet measured. You can either do this with a foot health professional, such as a podiatrist, at a shoe shop where they have expert staff who can measure your feet, or in the comfort of your own home with a fabric tape measure and our Fit Finder.

How to tell if shoes are too wide? ›

If your shoes are too big in length, you might notice your foot sliding backwards and forwards, while shoes that are too wide will cause your feet to slide from side to side.

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