6 tips for finding the best shoes for wide feet

It can be hard to find comfortable, flattering shoes if you have wide feet. Here are some tips for shopping for the perfect shoes.

Looking for shoes in the wide section of a shoe store is a good place to start.

• If you’re lucky, you can find the same style shoes as in the regular section, just built to accommodate wider feet.
• It’s also worthwhile to ask an employee to check the back to see if the style you like comes in a wide version.

Vintage shops can be a treasure trove of options for those with wide feet.

• Look for unisex-style brogues and oxfords, which can be ideal for people with wider feet.
• Lace up shoes are also a good choice because they can often allow for wider feet comfortably when laced up more loosely.

Shoes with too many straps can be constricting for those with wider feet.

• T-strap shoes, or shoes with only one or two straps, are much more comfortable for ladies with wide feet.
• There’s nothing pretty about straps digging into your feet, making them look swollen.

• Adjustable buckles, elastic and straps on shoes are your friend because they will allow you to adjust your shoes to best fit your wider feet, making them more comfortable to wear throughout the day.

The toe shape of a shoe can make a big different in terms of feet real estate.

• A pointed toe will be more constricting, whereas a round toe will allow more space for your feet.
• A wider, stacked heel provides more support and balance, which will add to the comfort factor, too.

Certain fabrics will offer more give than others.

• Suede and soft leathers will conform to your feet better than patent leathers, because the coating applied to patent leathers prevents it from stretching.
• If you’re still having trouble getting your shoes to stretch, try a shoe stretching spray.
• Make sure to patch test first to check that it wont affect the colour of your shoes.
• After you spray your shoes, wear them around the house for a few hours to stretch them out.

If you have wide feet, you understand the struggle to find the right pair of shoes. Usually if they’re comfortable, they’re not stylish and if they’re fashionable, they hurt. Just remember that if you have wide feet, you don't have to miss out on beautiful, comfortable shoes.