Getting Comfortable with Wide Feet
Just like the length of your feet is quantified with a numbered shoe size, the width is sized as well. Do you know yours? B is average. C and D are considered wide sizes and E is extra-wide.
Some babies are born with naturally wide feet. Other men and women find that their feet change over time for a variety of reasons including aging, obesity, pregnancy, and jobs that require them to stand for long periods day after day, year after year. People with bunions are likely to notice that their feet have become atypically wide as well.
The good news is that there are more footwear options for people with wide feet than ever before.
Here are some tips from podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopolous to help you make good choices:
- Head to the shoe store, rather than purchasing online. It’s fine to replace a worn-out pair with a replacement you buy on the internet, but when it comes to new shoes, nothing is better than trying them on to assess the fit.
- If you have orthotics, be sure to bring them with you when you try on shoes. This will ensure a proper fit.
- Ask your salesperson to pull out the Brannock device and actually measure your feet. Foot size changes with age and many other factors. Be sure you’re buying the correct size each time.
- Avoid loafers and other slip-on styles. Choose a pair of shoes with laces or straps instead to allow you to adjust the fit for maximum comfort.
No matter what your shoe size, the best thing you can do for your feet is to visit your foot doctor regularly. With years of specialized training and experience, a board-certified podiatrist like Stavros Alexopolous, DPM is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat all injuries and illnesses of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Schedule a convenient appointment in our Chicago office today. Call us at (773) 561-8100 or request an appointment online to get started.
