There are many Men, Women, and even Children who need extra-large, long, or wide shoe insoles. Those with large feet often need more foot support due to the larger bone & weight structure. As with anything else, finding shoe insoles that fit extra-large and wide feet can be difficult. Often, one sacrifices their feet due to difficulty finding a good-fitting shoe; however, a good shoe insert can provide extra cushioning or orthotic support that aligns the foot for proper support and pain relief.

What Are Wide Feet?

Wide feet are different from average-sized ones because they're broader, especially at the front and middle of your foot. Shoe companies recognize this difference and often label shoes as "wide" (usually a D for women, an E for men, and sometimes even wider sizes). If you have wide feet, you might notice your toes spread out more, the bones in the middle of your foot (your metatarsals) feel wider, and your arch might be lower than average. Because your foot is shaped differently, your weight might not be distributed evenly. This can cause your foot to roll inwards too much (overpronation) or put extra pressure on the outside of your foot. You might even notice your shoes wearing out faster on the sides. Wide feet can also change how you walk. Your hips, knees, and ankles might try to compensate for the wider foot, which can affect your stride. Over time, these changes can lead to problems like calluses, bunions, and heel pain(plantar fasciitis).

How Can I Determine My Foot Width at Home?

Measuring your foot width is simpler than it sounds, and yes, you can absolutely do it yourself with just a few household items. Here’s how:

1. Set the stage: Grab a sheet of paper, a pen, and a measuring tape or ruler.
2. Trace and measure: Stand on the paper and trace around your foot with the pen held straight, not angled inwards. Focus on getting a clean outline.
3. Find the widest point: Measure across the widest part of your tracing, typically right across the ball of your foot.
4. Compare both feet: Since feet are rarely the exact same size, make sure to measure both and go by the measurements of the larger foot when picking shoes.

This simple DIY fit-check not only helps you buy the right shoes but also avoids common issues with new footwear. There's nothing like the comfort of shoes that feel custom-made for you.

How to Tell If You Need Extra-Wide Shoes

• Sometimes, wide shoes aren’t enough. Here are some signs you might need extra wide instead:
• Your feet feel cramped even in wide shoes.
• You notice pressure marks or irritation on the sides of your feet.
• You have persistent pain in your toes, arch, or heel after wearing shoes.
• You use custom orthotics and need extra room for a proper fit.

To know your ideal shoe width, you can measure your foot width at home using a ruler or Brannock device. However, getting professionally fitted at a specialized footwear store ensures the most accurate size.

Can You Correct Wide Feet?

Wearing insoles for wide feet can help benefit the anatomical structure of your feet, but they won’t change the overall shape. Instead, insoles raise the arch to give you better position and support which can make wide feet appear smaller and feel better. Along with a wide shoe, you can use insoles to improve comfort, relieve pain, and prevent conditions like flat feet, bunions, and plantar fasciitis.

The Best Shoes for Wide Feet

If you have wide feet, always buy the right size and width of shoes. The best way to pick the right shoes is to try them on before buying. With your foot in the shoe, there should be about one finger’s width of empty space between your toes and the top of the shoe. If you can, bring your insoles with you to ensure a perfect fit.Many brands and retailers offer wide versions of the same shoes. Search online or ask a store associate to check their catalog for this option. The best types of shoes for wide feet can include:Therapeutic Sneakers: Casual sneakers or therapeutic shoes usually have a wide fit option. They’re ideal for those who need all day support and cushion during regular and athletic activity.Adjustable Sandals & Slides: Sandals with wide, adjustable straps provide more breathing room so wide feet can expand. Avoid flip flops and instead choose orthotic slides for men and slides for women that can adjust to wider widths.Round or Square Toe Shape: Deep, wide toe boxes on boots, booties, and heels give the balls of your feet and toes more room. If you can, avoid high heels unless they have a wide toe box.

PCSsole Insoles Relieve & Prevent Pain from Wide Feet

It's important to be familiar with your feet, their size, and their health needs. Having wide feet does not have to be painful or stressful, and you should never have to compromise on support. To make any wide fit shoe the best possible, PCSsole Universal Arch Support insoles can provide support, comfort, and relief.They feature deep heel cups, essential for stabilizing the heel and ankle, and are designed to improve foot alignment. Constructed from high-density plastic and durable PU foam, PCSsole Universal Arch Support insoles are designed to withstand constant use while maintaining their shape and support.