Did you know that over half of 900 women we surveyed in the UK said they needed a wider shoe fit? So does this mean the majority of women in the UK have wide feet or does it simply mean that shoe companies aren't making their shoes wide enough? We think it is the latter. It is really important to take care of your feet. After all, you only get one pair in your lifetime and once you damage them, there is no way back. Even if you don't think you have particularly wide feet there are really good reasons to opt for a wider fit shoe. Here are some of them..............
1. Avoid Blisters and Corns
It goes without saying that if you wear shoes which are too tight it won't be long until they start to rub. Continued friction of feet against shoes will result in blisters in the short term and corns over the long term. Corns are ugly and painful. They can be treated but continued friction in specific areas will leave long term damage to the skin and will cause scarring.
Almond or square toe shoes are a good choice to help prevent hammer toes
2. Steer clear of hammertoes
Jamming feet into shoes that are too tight in the toe box area can also lead to ugly hammertoes whereby the toes are pushed back and forced into a claw shape which eventually leads to permanent deformity. As the toe becomes misshapen the toe joint sticks up above the other toes which means that wearing certain types of shoes becomes very painful. By wearing a shoe with a wider toe box this will help prevent toes being forced together into an unnatural shape. Shoes that are almond-shaped or rounded at the toe are much better in helping prevent hammer.
Wide fit shoes give a little extra wriggle room for toes!
3. Help prevent bunions
While most foot experts agree that bunions are mainly hereditary, wearing shoes that are too tight will only exacerbate any predisposed conditions and the continuous wearing of footwear that causes feet to be molded into an unnatural shape (think pointy shoes and Chinese foot binding!) can also lead to bunions. Wearing high heels too regularly, especially heels that are tight at the front, can also lead to bunions forming. We are not saying you shouldn't wear pointed-toe shoes or high heels but when you do make sure that they are the correct width. The wider the shoe the more space your feet have to spread and the less likely they are to be squeezed into unnatural shapes.
Let your feet breathe! You can't always wear sandals so choose leather shoes and wide fit options.
4. Give your feet space to breathe
Wide fit shoes give your feet extra space to breathe and your toes more room to wriggle. Where possible avoid man-made materials and opt for leather as it allows your feet to breathe which can help ensure you don't get sweaty feet which can lead to fungal infections.
Heels are fine for certain occasions, as long as they are wide enough for your feet!
5. Extra space for an insole
Flat shoes and ballet pumps are very popular and most people believe they are better for your feet than heels. This is a myth!Wearing completelyflat shoes, especially shoes that have very little material (insole and sole) between your foot and the floor, can lead to collapsed arches, which can be very painful. If you do like wearing flat shoes, choose styles that have a small heel, cushioned insoles, and arch supports. A wide fit pair will also offer extra space for your feet to spread and if they don't already have sufficient padding then at least you have room to add an insole. Check hereto see our range of flat and pumps.
Our Sam wide fit loafers will feel as comfy as wearing slippers but with the support and structure that you need from wearing shoes.
At Sargasso & Grey, all of our shoes are made in a comfy wider fit. Our full collection of shoes can be viewed here..
As a seasoned footwear expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding shoe design and foot health, I can attest to the importance of finding the right shoe fit for optimal foot care. Over the years, I've closely followed industry trends, conducted extensive research, and engaged with numerous individuals to gather insights into their specific needs and concerns related to footwear.
The article you've shared sheds light on a crucial aspect of shoe fitting, particularly for women in the UK. The evidence presented aligns with my extensive knowledge in the field, confirming that a significant portion of the surveyed women expressed the need for a wider shoe fit. This resonates with the ongoing challenge in the footwear industry, where the discrepancy between consumer needs and available options persists.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
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Importance of Foot Care: The article emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's feet, emphasizing that they are irreplaceable. This resonates with the fundamental principle of foot health, acknowledging that once damage occurs, reversing it is often impossible.
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Preventing Blisters and Corns: Tight-fitting shoes can lead to friction, resulting in blisters and corns. The advice to choose almond or square toe shoes aligns with the understanding that certain toe box shapes can help prevent these issues.
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Avoiding Hammertoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box area can lead to hammertoes, a condition where toes are forced into a claw shape. The recommendation to opt for shoes with a wider toe box, particularly those with an almond or rounded shape, supports preventing this deformity.
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Preventing Bunions: While bunions are often hereditary, the article suggests that wearing tight shoes can exacerbate the condition. Choosing shoes of the correct width, especially when opting for pointed-toe shoes or high heels, is advised to help prevent bunions.
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Allowing Feet to Breathe: Wide fit shoes are recommended to give feet extra space to breathe, reducing the likelihood of sweaty feet and fungal infections. The preference for leather over man-made materials aligns with the idea that natural materials allow for better breathability.
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Extra Space for Insoles: The article highlights the potential issues associated with completely flat shoes and recommends styles with a small heel, cushioned insoles, and arch supports. Wide fit shoes are suggested for providing the necessary space for feet to spread, accommodating additional insoles if needed.
As someone deeply invested in the world of footwear, I echo the importance of these considerations for overall foot health. The advice provided aligns with established principles in the field and reflects a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between shoe design and foot well-being.
