Most people know their shoe size, but that magic number really only addresses the length of your feet. If you’ve ever bought shoes because they look nice without taking the time to test them out in the store, you may have found them to be too big or too wide, ending up in pain or discomfort when you take them home and wear them around.
Although the best way to fit narrow feet is to buy specialty slim or narrow shoes, here is how to make shoes that are too big fit narrow feet.
How to Tell if Your Shoes are Too Wide
When you’re in a shoe store trying on style, put on the shoes and lace them fully (if they have laces). If the shoes only fit your feet when you cinch the laces or the shoelace panels overlap at the bridge of the foot, then shoes are too wide.
When you are trying on shoes, be sure to take time to walk around in them. Feel for if your feet are sliding backward and forward or from side to side as you walk. If you have to curl your toes while walking to keep the shoes from slipping and sliding around, the shoes are definitely either too big or too wide.
If you are trying on heels or pumps and your feet slip out of the shoes when you walk or you see gaps between the side of the shoe and your foot, the shoes are too wide.
Another way to tell if shoes are too big is to feel for the side gaps in the shoe while seated. If you are able to compress the sides inward, then the shoe is too wide.
Tips On How To Make Shoes That Are Too Big Fit
If you find the perfect pair of shoes that you fell in love with, but you are a little discouraged because they do not come in narrow width, there are a few options to make them fit better temporarily. Although the best thing to do to fit narrow feet is to buy narrow width shoes, there are a few other techniques you can try to get regular shoes to fit your narrow width foot. If you have narrow feet, try following these suggestions for skinny feet problems to reduce irritation and pain with your normal width shoes.
The first skinny feet problems method that can help your shoes fit better if you have narrow feet, is the way you lace your shoes if they have shoe strings. If your shoes have two sets of eyelets on each side, always try to lace through the ones furthest from the tongue. This helps to close both sides of the shoe together more tightly over the bridge of the foot.
Another technique you can try is to purchase cushioned shoe inserts for narrow feet, known as an insole. You want to make sure that the insole offers heel, arch, or shock support depending on your particular foot size and shape. A well-cushioned shoe insert for narrow feet will not only add support to your feet and joints but will also fit snuggly inside your shoe to help reduce overall friction. Another benefit to an insole is that it is typically designed to help stabilize your foot, reducing slipping and sliding within the shoe. When you buy shoes at Marmi Shoes, they offer a free insole to make shoes fit more comfortably if a customer needs additional support.
The 8 Best Insoles for Shoes That Are Too Wide
Those with narrow or smaller feet will particularly benefit from using insoles in their shoes as they can improve fit to keep your feet cushioned and in place. However, with so many different types and brands available, shopping for the right insoles can be overwhelming. Use the following list of the best insoles available for shoes that are too wide.
1) Powerstep Original Orthotics Shoe Insoles
These full-length insoles are among the most popular choices for shoes that are too wide. Able to fit virtually any shoe, the Powerstep Original Orthotics feature a dual layer cushioning with VCT to maximize your comfort. They offer unmatched arch support, giving you incredible stability all day long.
2) Timberland PRO Men’s Anti-Fatigue Insole
If your work or lifestyle means you spend a lot of time walking or standing on hard surfaces like concrete, these are the insoles for you. They provide incredible shock absorption to minimize fatigue and discomfort in shoes or boots that are too big or wide. Even better, they are specially designed to reduce heat and prevent bacteria growth in sweaty feet.
3) Superfeet GREEN Insoles
These insoles are a favorite for shoes that are too wide, and are a great fit especially for tennis shoes. These full-length insoles are incredibly slim, and are highly durable for long-term wear. They are also latex free and vegan, minimizing your environmental impact.
4) Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics
Dr. Scholl’s is a well-known brand for insoles, and these heavy duty orthotics provide superior comfort in shoes that are too wide. Featuring a temperature-regulating design and extra cushioning at the heel area, these insoles will feel like walking on a cloud.
5) Samurai Insoles Instant Relief Orthotics
These insoles are specifically designed for those with flat feet, and work well in shoes that are too wide. They are equipped with unique cushioning in the foot curve and heel areas, and provide incredible flexibility and durability right where you need it.
6) Sof Sole High Arch Insole
The Sof Sole insoles are available in three arch heights – high arch, low arch, and neutral arch – so you can truly customize the fit to meet your needs. If you’ve purchased shoes that are too wide, these insoles will give you support, stability, and pain relief to increase your comfort when wearing shoes that are too big.
7) Superfeet Blue Insoles
Another popular choice for shoes that are too wide are the full-length Superfeet Blue insoles made from top-quality materials that mold to the shape of your foot. Offering a medium arch support and incredible durability, these insoles will keep your feet comfortable all day long.
8) Spenco Rx Orthotic Arch Support Shoe Insoles
These insoles are just what the doctor ordered, providing a cushioned front foot area, absorbent material, and anatomic design for pain and pressure relief. They work well for shoes that are too wide, increasing elevation and movability for better grip and balance.
How to Make Sandals Fit Narrow Feet
Sandals are a staple during the summer months as they allow you to keep cool while also offering incredible versatility between both casual and formal occasions. Unfortunately for those with narrow feet, finding sandals that fit properly can be a difficult task. The best advice is to find sandals that are specifically designed to fit narrower feet, however this typically limits the selection available. If you’ve found the perfect pair of sandals that are too wide for your feet, there are some steps you can try for a snugger and more comfortable fit.
For strappy sandals, you’ll need to adjust the straps so that they are smaller. This is something that a cobbler or shoe repair specialist can easily do. If you want to attempt to make the straps smaller yourself, simply cut any loose straps with a pair of scissors. Measure the straps to the appropriate length and cut. After cutting away the excess length of straps, secure the ends again using a super-strength glue. Be sure that the glue you use is safe for the material of your sandals. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing.
For leather sandals, another tip to try is to wet the shoes completely and let them dry. In most cases for plain leather or uncured leather, the sandals will shrink as much as half the size. To speed up the process, toss the shoes in the dryer after wetting them, or apply heat from a blow dryer.
Finally, a quick fix for making sandals fit narrow feet is to use comfort inserts to add bulk to your foot. Inserts are incredibly affordable, and can be purchased as many shoe shops or convenience stores.
Buying Shoes for Narrow Feet
Although there are a number of techniques you can try to make regular shoes fit to narrow feet, the number one best thing you can do is buying shoes specifically for narrow feet. Narrow shoes are designed to properly fit narrow widths to provide support and comfort in all of you daily activities so you can say goodbye to foot pain and discomfort forever.
As a leader in the specialty shoe sizes, VANELi proudly offers a wide range of shoes to accommodate women with narrow width feet, offering styles ranging from sandals to dress shoes, to athleisure, to flats and so much more. Below are some of our favorite narrow shoes for women that provide extreme comfort and style!
