Here at Pavers, we’re always striving to help you find the perfect shoe: one that’s comfortable, stylish, and a good fit.
Getting a shoe that fits well is about more than foot length, which is what numbered shoe sizes represent. If you’re a size 7 but you have a particularly wide or narrow foot, you may find some size 7 shoes uncomfortable: either too tight, or too loose across the foot.
That’s why we’ve put together this foot width fitting guide. We’ll cover the following areas, and after reading you’ll be able to find the perfect sized shoe:
- The importance of wearing correct width shoes
- How to measure your foot width correctly
- Understanding your foot width
The Importance of Wearing Correct Width Shoes
As we mentioned in our post about stretching shoes, wearing shoes that fit well not only makes your feet feel fantastic but also helps you stride confidently, distributing your weight evenly and keeping your whole body in harmony.
So, how do you know if your shoes are too tight or too loose? Here’s a quick guide:
- Tight Squeeze: If your toes are grumbling with bruises, soreness, or numbness, it’s time to give them a little more room to wiggle.
- Loosey-Goosey: Wobbly walks and toes bumping up front might mean your shoes are too roomy and need a snugger fit.
Finding that Goldilocks "just right" fit will keep you comfy and prevent those pesky foot woes from cramping your style!
How to Measure Your Foot Width Correctly
If you head into a shoe shop they’ll be able to measure your foot width for you, but in the era of online shopping, where comfortable shoes for men and women are just a click away, it’s good to know how to do it yourself!
Here’s how:
Step 1: Get What You Need
To measure your foot with get the following things:
- A piece of paper that’s bigger than your foot
- A pen or pencil
- A ruler or some measuring tape
Step 2: Trace the Outline of Your Foot
This may take you back to the simplicity of your school days when you had to trace your hand, but it’s actually a very effective method. Simply stand one foot on the paper, put all your weight on it, and draw around the foot.
Try to stay as upright as possible so your foot stays its normal shape. If you find it hard to reach, get a friend or family member to help out!
Step 3: Measure the Widest Part
The ball of your foot will most likely be the widest part: use the ruler or measuring tape to take the measurement.
Step 4: Repeat for Your Other Foot
It’s good to have the measurement for both feet, as sometimes there’ll be a bit of a difference. Having both lets you get shoes that fit best.
Tips for Measuring Your Feet
Here are a couple of tips to help you get an accurate measurement:
- Wear socks while you measure if you’re planning to wear socks with the shoes you’re buying.
- Write down the measurements rather than trying to remember them, as it’s often the case that they’ll slip your mind.
- Don’t strain yourself: get a friend or family member to help if you need it!
- Measure at the end of the day: all of our feet swell slightly during the day, and measuring the widest point when they’re at their most swollen will help you avoid a situation where your new shoes get uncomfortably snug as they day progresses.
Size Width Charts
With a measurement in hand, you can find out which foot width size is right for you, which will be instructive when buying new shoes. Width sizes vary between shoe manufacturers, meaning there is no universal standard. When the time comes to buy a new pair of shoes, you’ll need to find the width size chart for the manufacturer and shoes you’re interested in and use it to find the right size.
Understanding Your Foot Width
Your foot width is the widest point of your foot when it is bearing weight. The width of your foot determines how wide your shoes need to be to provide a comfortable fit.
Numbered shoe sizes can come in a range of widths to accommodate people with different shaped feet.
How to Measure Wide Fitting Shoes
Measuring wide fitting shoes is a case of checking the box or the shoe itself for an indication of its width size, and making sure this matches your size.
If you don’t know your width size or the size of the shoe, you can use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the inside of the shoe at the widest point and make sure it’s big enough to fit your feet.
When buying wide fitting shoes, it’s also worth checking whether the width can be adjusted: for example, by loosening laces or straps. This is a good option if your feet are prone to swell during the day, or during hot weather. By adjusting the shoe as required you can avoid discomfort and pain associated with rubbing, chafing, and so on.
Choose Your Perfect Wide Fitting Shoes
At Pavers, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair of shoes that provide a comfortable and precise fit. Our collection of wide and extra wide fitting shoes for both men and women offers a variety of styles, from casual slip-ons to water-resistant walking trainers. Each shoe is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting comfort.
Investing in shoes that fit well is a step towards a more comfortable and confident day, helping you avoid the discomfort and potential health issues that come with ill-fitting footwear.
Explore our extensive range of wide fit shoes for men and women today to find your ideal match. If you need more information, check out our wide fit shoes guide or reach out to our team – we’re always here to help!