The Science Of Foot Width: Why Some Feet Need Wide Shoe
Footwear is an essential staple in a man’s wardrobe, and it is vital that we discover the correct size to ensure comfortable wear. As a general rule, we overly focus on standard sizes and the overall length. However, the width plays a crucial part in performance and the health of your feet in the long term. In my latest article, I will explain the physics behind foot width and why it is important. Continue reading for more.
For decades, buying shoes has typically been all about the length, which has left many individuals (particularly guys with wider feet) trapped in shoes that don’t fit, often causing more issues than they solve.
Understanding Foot Anatomy: Why Width Matters
There are an amazing 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in each foot, which work together to hold up your whole body.
The overall breadth of your foot is controlled by the shape of your bones, the distribution of soft tissue and even your genes.
- Forefoot Width: the most crucial measurement for shoe fit is the distance across the ball of the foot, where the metatarsal heads are located.
- Arch Shape: If you have flat feet or collapsed arches, it is more common to experience “spreading,” which significantly increases the functional width.
- Toe Splay: During a run or when walking, your toes will naturally extend outwards. If your shoe is overly tight, this type of splay is limited, which may cause pain and problems in the long run.
Foot width is not solely about the appearance; it’s also for biomechanics. If your shoes are the incorrect width, they can negatively impact your stride, posture and even the alignment of your bones (which can cause severe issues over time).
The Genetics And Lifestyle Connection
A combination of genetics and the environment is what creates a situation where specific individuals require wider fit footwear. For example –
- Genetics: Many families pass on wide feet via bone structure.
- Ethnicity: research has shown that several ethic groups (such as Native Americans and South Asians) often possess wider feet.
- Lifestyle: If you choose to live barefoot or wear shoes which do not support your feet (especially over the course of many years), it can result in them becoming wider, particularly as an adult.
- Health Conditions: a variety of conditions, like diabetes (that cause oedema), bunions and hammertoes often cause the functional width of the foot to become larger. This factor can force guys with “normal-length” feet to have trouble fitting into the typical footwear styles and widths.
What Happens When You Ignore Width?
If your shoes are too tight, the common practice is to size up. However, this doesn’t alleviate the issue (a longer shoe doesn’t mean that it is wider), and the end result can cause several additional problems.
- Blisters & Calluses: Friction happens when your foot continuously brushes against the sides of the shoe.
- Toe Deformities: Footwear that is too tight can often cause bunions, hammertoes and even overlapping toes.
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain: Shoes with a narrow shape can change how your heel and arch absorb shock when walking and running.
- Knee, Hip, and Back Problems: When your foot is incorrectly aligned, it can start a kinetic chain of problems. More often than not, many men deal with these problems for years, believing that it is “normal discomfort” when, in fact, it is simply due to their shoes not fitting their feet.
The Wide Shoe Solution
Fortunately, your feet no longer have to suffer in silence; there are a variety of wide sneakers for men that are built to fit the shape and form of your foot.
- Adds extra width to the front of the foot without making it longer.
- Provides you more depth so the top of your foot isn’t compressed.
- Offers you a sturdy surface to walk, run, or work on your feet all day long.
There are many brands on the market, such as FitVille, that offer wide shoes which are both stylish and comfortable (similar to those used in medical settings). These manufacturers design footwear for wider feet from the ground up (rather than alter their existing models – the common tactic with most brands).
Why Men Need Wide Options
The first point of call for a shoe designer is to create footwear that looks good, but they also have to offer a functional quality. For example, many men will require shoes for fitness activity, lengthy commutes or even sturdy boots to protect their feet (if they work in manufacturing or the building trade). In this situation, a small shoe is far more than simply unpleasant; it can also be highly dangerous.
- Workplace Safety: Wider-fitting shoes that conform to the shape of your foot help you avoid slips and falls.
- Athletic Performance: Choosing a trainer that fits perfectly and is comfortable will give you a much-needed boost to your agility and endurance on the track or in the gym.
- Daily Comfort: Investing in wider shoes will defend you against painful feet – whether you are walking the dog or mowing the lawn.
How To Know If You Need Wide Shoes
All it takes is a little common sense (rather than a podiatry degree!) to figure out if you need wider fitting footwear. Here are a few common indicators –
- Your feet and ankles show the telltale signs of indentations.
- Blood stains on the heel of your shoes/trainers after taking them off.
- Your feet are highly constricted (particularly your little toe).
- You cannot wear shoes for a prolonged period of time due to the pain.
If you can say “yes” to any of these points, then it is time to invest in wide-fitting footwear.
The Science Of Sizing: Width Codes And What They Mean
For wider fit shoes, there is an additional letter added to the traditional sizing.
For men, they are –
- B: Narrow
- D: Standard/Medium
- 2E: Wide
- 4E: Extra-Wide
Most retailers only stock the standard “D”, which means that guys with wider feet (who would typically require a “2E“ or “4E“ will struggle to find shoes which fit correctly.
The Wide Shoe Revolution
There has been an influx of new businesses on the market that are transforming the footwear sector by introducing wider fit shoes for men with cushioned midsoles, big toe boxes and supporting arches.
- Athletic Models: for running, jogging, gym work-outs or playing sports.
- Casual Options: sneakers for everyday wear that will pair with your street style ensembles.
- Therapeutic Designs: for guys with foot problems, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis.
FAQs: Wide Shoes And Foot Health
- Do wide shoes look bulky? Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Many modern designs preserve stylish looks while expanding the space where it matters.
- Can wearing wide shoes if I don’t need them cause problems? If your foot is a standard size (or thinner), a wide fit shoe can feel loose and unstable, potentially causing a trip or a fall.
- Are wide shoes only for older men? This is false information – many younger guys, sports enthusiasts, and professionals all benefit from excellent-fitting footwear.
- How do I measure my foot width at home? Stand on your feet, and use a ruler or tape measure to discover the width across the ball of your foot. Refer to the sizing charts provided by wide-fit stockists.
- Do wide sneakers help with flat feet? Wearing sports shoes with a broader design can lower the pressure on your feet (also allowing for extra space for orthotic inserts).
- Where can I buy reliable wide sneakers? There are a number of retailers available on the market that offer specialised models for men (I have even interviewed a footwear brand discussing the lack of wider fitting shoes in the UK).
Respect Your Feet
It is important to note that there is never a “one size fits all“ for shoes. Length is only one part of the structure; breadth is the other half. If you ignore the width requirements of your feet, it can cause pain, injuries and even long-term health problems down the line.
By fully understanding the needs of your feet, you can make much better decisions when purchasing new shoes, ensuring that you have comfortable footwear that offers pain-free mobility, no matter your career and fitness activities.
Thanks for reading my latest lifestyle article. Please share your thoughts and feelings below.
