Articles > Wide Width Shoe Shopping
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Wide Width Shoe Shopping:
If you have an extra wide foot and require a very wide width shoe, we have some shoe buying tips. People often buy their shoes too long so as to compensate for the width. Today many manufacturers offer extra wide width shoes, such as 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E and even 6E wide shoes for men. For women wider fittings are available in D, E, 2E, 3E and even 4E.
Shoes made from leather will always stretch, but never buy your shoes with the expectation of them stretching so that they eventually fit. The wide width shoe must accommodate the ball of your foot; this is the widest part of your foot.
Wide feet generally mean a high instep. Men should gravitate to a blucher (a shoe having the vamp and tongue made of one piece and the quarters lapping over the vamp) construction in a lace or a slip on with adequate elastic goring. Women with extra wide widths should also wear a blucher. When wearing pumps often a higher vamp works better than a low vamp. This will help to avoid gaping and provide a better heel fit.
Narrow Fittings:
Women who have a narrow width such as 2A, 3A and even 4A should always look for certain characteristics in a shoe. Is the last long or short? Generally speaking a longer last works better because your toes have more room. Never wear a shoe to short just to avoid heel slipping. Better shoes are available in combination widths. The heel should be at least 2 widths narrower than the ball. Narrow and slim widths are not available from all manufactures and some do a much better job than others. Higher vamp shoes will aid in heel fittings and not gape as much as low cut shoes.
Large Sizes:
Men's large sizes are classified as 13 and larger. Today, bigger sizes are available in sizes 14,15,16,17,18 and even larger. The largest shoe we carry is a Nike in size 24. A large size is what it is; never wear your shoes too short. It is important to have a thumbnail of extra toe room. Always make sure that the structure of the shoe will support your weight.
A large shoe size can sometimes not wear the same shoes that a small size can wear. The sole must be substantial enough to provide support for day in and out use. If your large size is a cosmetic concern certain toe treatments can alter the appearance. A toecap cuts the length. Women with a large size such as 11,12 and even 13 are often concerned that certain shoes look too large on them. A low vamp or toe treatments often cuts the length of a shoe. The heel and sole must be substantial enough to provide support. Avoid wearing shoes that are short. Large shoe sizes and bigger feet are a fact of life. The average shoe size has increased in the last 40 years a full size and a half. Today the average men's size is 9 1/2 and for women 8 1/2. It is also my opinion that many shoes fit smaller. Athletic shoes often fit smaller than regular quality shoes.
Summary:
Wide and narrow width shoes, as well as large sizes should be comfortable fitting on the foot. Miller Shoes provides an outstanding selection of wide, narrow and large sizes including; Munro, Rockport and New Balance, to name a few.
If you have a question regarding any of the following;
- Wide widths
- Extra wide widths
- Wide shoes
- Large shoes
- Narrow width shoes
- Orthotics
- Orthopaedic shoes
- Comfortable shoes
- Hard to find sizes