Do your shoes pinch at the sides even though the length is right? Do you get red marks on your little toe after a day? That is often the sign of wide feet. Here is how to find out in two minutes, with no special equipment, and what to wear next.
The essentials
- The most reliable sign: the length is fine, but the shoe pinches at the widest part of the foot.
- The paper test compares your foot with the insole of the shoes you usually wear.
- Do it at the end of the day, when your foot is at its widest.
- Look for adjustments (buckle, straps), a rounded front and a soft material, rather than going two sizes up.
5 signs of wide feet
- The shoe pinches at the sides, at the base of the toes, even though your toes don't touch the end.
- Red marks appear on your little toe or on the bump at the base of your big toe.
- Your shoes lose their shape quickly: the upper bulges over the sole at the sides.
- You always go one size up to feel comfortable, and your heel slips.
- Pointed or narrow styles become uncomfortable after an hour.
The paper test, in 2 minutes
- Place a white sheet of paper on the floor against a wall. At the end of the day, stand on it barefoot, with your weight evenly spread.
- Have someone trace the outline of your foot, holding the pencil upright.
- Take out the insole of a pair you wear often, or place the shoe next to it, and lay it over the outline.
- If your outline goes past the insole at the sides at the widest point, while the length matches, your foot is wider than your shoes. It's not the size you need to change, it's the shape.
Use the sheet to measure the length too: our method is in how to measure your foot and find your size.
Wide feet or swollen feet?
Feet naturally swell during the day, in the heat or after standing for a long time. A shoe that is perfect in the morning can pinch in the evening. If the discomfort only appears at the end of the day, choose adjustable styles. If you have pain, a deformity or unusual swelling, ask a podiatrist or your doctor for advice.
Which shoes for wide feet?
- Adjustments: a buckle or straps that adapt the width to your foot.
- A rounded front that lets your toes lie flat.
- A soft material that follows the foot instead of squeezing it.
- An open shape (mule, clog, sandal) when possible: less pressure on the sides.
At Breya, the Sienna clog and the lined Bormio clog have a fully adjustable metal buckle, the Ravello sandal has two separately adjustable straps, and the Merano slipper gives a little after the first wears. The full selection is in shoes for wide feet. If you also have big feet: men's up to EU 47 and women's EU 42 to 47.
Mistakes to avoid
- Going two sizes up: you gain little width, and your foot slides around lengthwise.
- Trying shoes on in the morning, when your foot is at its slimmest.
- Counting on a stiff shoe to "break in": if it hurts at the first try, it will hurt for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
Should you go a size up if you have wide feet?
Not necessarily. On an adjustable style, keep your usual size. If you are between two sizes, take the larger one.
Can feet get wider over time?
Yes, feet sometimes get wider with age or over the years. Repeating the paper test from time to time stops you sticking with a size that no longer fits.
Are clogs good for wide feet?
Often very good: the heel is free, and an adjustable buckle lets you adapt the width. That's the case with our Sienna and Bormio clogs.
What if the size doesn't fit?
You have 60 days to change your mind, and size exchanges are free.
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