Wide-Width Shoes: Say Goodbye to the Nagging Pain in Your Feet
Walking around in shoes that hurt because they are too tight is one of the worse things. In addition to being painful, wearing shoes that aren't sufficiently wide can result in medical problems. For example, if diabetics get something as simple as a blister due to not wearing the right size shoes, it can become a major problem where medical intervention may be necessary. Save yourself blisters, bunions and more serious problems by buying shoes that fit right.
Shoes are measured both by size and width. Just because the size is correct, this doesn't mean the width is proper for your foot. If you got your number right but the shoes still fell tight, wide shoes may be the solution for you. Nowadays you can buy wide shoes in any size and style you may think of. Like any other shoe, they can be casual or dressy, made of canvas or leather, and be flat or elevated. This means there is no reason to buy and wear shoes that don't fit you comfortably. Here are some signs you may need to buy wide shoes.
Blisters
Blisters are a result of the materials of your shoes rubbing against your foot. When this happens, the top layers of the skin get rub away, leaving behind open wounds, which can become infected.
Bunions
This is a noticeable bump on the big toe where it joins the foot. It usually sensitive to pressure and can be triggered by wearing shoes that are too tight, too narrow or pointed. Untreated bunions can be very painful and surgery are often required to correct this problem.
Corns and Calluses
Calluses can appear anywhere in the foot where there is repeated friction. Corns are hard, thickened patches on the skin to sides and tops of feet that are caused when the skin between the bones and shoes is squeezed repeatedly. Shoes that are too tight are the main cause of these painful and annoying ailments.
Discoloration of Your Toes
Shoes that feature a small toe box can lead the top of the toes to become discolored. Friction from too-tight shoes will also lead toes discoloration over time. This condition can be addressed by wearing wider shoes.
Hammer Toes
When shoes are too narrow for the feet, the toes can start to buckle into a claw-like condition called hammer toes. This condition is formed at joints that can bend, leading your feet to become deformed.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, then you might need a wide shoe. To figure out which width you need you can use a tool called a Brannock Device. It can be found at any retail store and will help you determine the size and width shoe that will work best for you.
