Finding the right shoe fit can be tricky. I've seen so many people struggle with narrow shoes that squeeze their feet. If you have wide feet, you know the pain of trying to fit into regular shoes.

Today, I want to help you understand exactly how much wider wide shoes are and why this matters for your comfort. At Ardur, we believe everyone deserves shoes that fit perfectly. You can explore our wide width shoe collection to see the difference proper fit makes.

What Are Wide Shoes?

Wide shoes are specially made footwear designed for people with broader feet. These shoes have extra room across the width of your foot. The main difference is in the toe box and forefoot area.

Regular shoes come in standard widths that work for most people. But if your feet are wider than average, you need shoes with more space. Wide shoes give you that extra room without making you go up in length.

Most shoe brands use letter codes to show width. For men, "D" is regular width and "2E" is wide. For women, "B" is regular and "D" is wide. Check out our men's shoes and women's shoes to see these sizing options in action.

What's Considered A Wide Foot?

You have wide feet if your foot width is bigger than the standard measurements for your shoe size. This is pretty common - about 20% of people have feet that are wider than normal.

Wide feet can happen for many reasons. Some people are born with naturally wide feet. Others develop wider feet as they age. Pregnancy, weight changes, and health conditions can also make feet wider.

Your foot shape matters too. Some people have wide forefeet but narrow heels. Others have wide feet all around. The key is knowing your foot shape so you can find the right shoe fit.

How To Know If You Have Wide Feet?

There are several signs that tell you if you need wide shoes. Here's what I look for when helping customers at Ardur Shoes:

Your shoes feel tight across the sides of your feet. You might see bulging or stretching on the shoe sides. Your feet hang over the edges of your shoe insoles.

Blisters and calluses often form on the sides of your feet. Your toes feel cramped even when the shoe length is right. You get foot pain after wearing shoes for a short time.

Another clear sign is when you have to buy shoes a size bigger just to get width. This leaves extra length that you don't need.

The best way to know for sure is to measure your feet. You can do this at home or visit us at Ardur Shoes for a professional fitting.

How Is Width Measured?

Shoe width is measured across the widest part of your foot. This is usually right behind your toes at the ball of your foot. The measurement goes from one side of your foot to the other.

To measure at home, place your foot on paper and trace around it. Then measure the widest part of the tracing. Compare this to a shoe width chart for your size.

Shoe companies use different systems, but most use letters. Each letter represents about 1/8 inch difference in width. So a "D" width is about 1/8 inch wider than a "C" width.

Professional fittings use special tools called Brannock devices. These give exact measurements for both length and width. We use these at Ardur Shoes to make sure you get the perfect fit. You can also browse our shoe sizing guide for detailed measurements.

How Much Wider Are Wide Shoes Compared to Regular Shoes?

This is the big question everyone asks. Wide shoes are typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch wider than regular shoes. The exact amount depends on your shoe size and the brand.

For most sizes, wide shoes add about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of extra width. Extra wide shoes can add up to 1/2 inch or more. This might not sound like much, but it makes a huge difference in comfort.

Here's how it breaks down:

• Regular to Wide: About 1/8 to 1/4 inch wider
• Wide to Extra Wide: Another 1/8 to 1/4 inch wider
• Some brands offer even wider options with more space

The width difference stays consistent across all shoe sizes. So a size 8 wide shoe has the same width increase as a size 10 wide shoe.

Understanding Wide Shoe Sizing for Men and Women

Men's and women's wide shoe sizing works differently. This can be confusing, so let me break it down.

For men:

• D = Regular width
• 2E or EE = Wide
• 4E or EEEE = Extra Wide

For women:

• B = Regular width
• D = Wide
• 2E or EE = Extra Wide

This means a men's regular shoe (D width) is the same as a women's wide shoe. Women's feet are typically narrower, so the sizing reflects this.

Some brands offer even wider options like 6E for men or 4E for women. These are great for people with very wide feet or foot conditions. The extra wide shoes collection includes these specialty sizes for maximum comfort.

How to Choose Between Wide and Extra Wide Shoes

Choosing between wide and extra wide depends on how much extra room you need. If regular shoes feel tight but not painful, wide might be enough.

Try wide shoes first if you're not sure. Many people find that wide gives them the perfect fit. You want snug comfort, not loose or tight.

Extra wide is better if wide shoes still feel tight. People with medical conditions like diabetes or swelling often need extra wide shoes.

Consider your activities too. If you walk or stand a lot, you might want extra room for your feet to spread naturally.

Do Wide Shoes Affect Shoe Length?

Wide shoes don't change the length of the shoe. A size 9 wide shoe is the same length as a size 9 regular shoe. The only difference is the width.

This is important because many people buy longer shoes to get more width. This creates other problems like your heel slipping or tripping on extra length.

With wide shoes, you can keep your normal shoe size for length and just get the extra width you need. Your toes will have proper room without extra length.

Some people worry that wide shoes look bigger. Modern wide shoes are designed to look proportional. At Ardur Shoes, our wide shoes maintain a stylish appearance.

Common Sizing Differences Between Men's and Women's Wide Shoes

The biggest difference is in the width codes. Men's wide starts at 2E while women's wide starts at D. This reflects the natural difference in foot shape between men and women.

Women's wide shoes often have more variety in heel heights and styles. Men's wide shoes focus more on athletic and casual styles.

The actual width measurements are different too. A men's size 9 wide shoe is wider than a women's size 9 wide shoe. Always check the specific measurements for your gender.

Some unisex shoe styles use men's sizing for both genders. Make sure you know which system the brand uses before ordering.

Where Is The Width Added In Wide Shoes: Toe Box, Heel, or Throughout?

Most of the extra width goes into the forefoot and toe box area. This is where your foot is naturally widest and where you need the most room.

The toe box gets expanded to give your toes space to spread naturally. The forefoot area also gets wider to accommodate the ball of your foot.

Some width is added through the midfoot, but not as much. The heel area usually stays about the same width as regular shoes.

Different brands have different approaches. Some add width more evenly throughout the shoe. Others focus mainly on the toe box. At Ardur Shoes, we carry brands that distribute width where it's needed most.

The Impact of Shoe Fit on Performance and Stability During Runs

Proper shoe width is crucial for runners and active people. Narrow shoes can cause serious problems during exercise.

When your shoes are too narrow, your feet can't move naturally. This affects your stride and can lead to injuries. Your feet might slide around in the shoe, causing blisters.

Wide shoes give your feet room to spread on impact. This improves stability and reduces pressure points. Your toes can grip properly for better push-off. Check out our leather shoes designed specifically for active lifestyles.

Blood flow is better in properly fitted wide shoes. This means less numbness and fatigue during long activities. Your feet stay more comfortable throughout your workout.

Who Should Wear Wide Shoes?

Several groups of people benefit from wide shoes. If you have naturally wide feet, wide shoes are essential for comfort.

People with foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis often need wide shoes. The extra room reduces pressure on sensitive areas. Therapeutic wide shoes are specially designed for foot health conditions.

As we age, our feet often get wider and flatter. Many older adults find they need wide shoes even if they never did before.

Pregnant women frequently need wide shoes as their feet swell. People who stand or walk all day at work also benefit from the extra room. Our comfortable work shoes are perfect for long days on your feet.

If you've ever had foot surgery, wide shoes might be necessary during recovery and beyond.

Who Should Wear Extra Wide Shoes?

Extra wide shoes are for people who need even more room than regular wide shoes provide. This includes people with severe foot deformities or medical conditions.

Diabetics often need extra wide shoes to prevent pressure sores and improve circulation. People with severe swelling also benefit from the additional space. Our diabetic-friendly wide shoes are designed with these specific health needs in mind.

Some occupations require extra wide shoes for safety. Workers who wear thick socks or protective gear might need this extra room.

If wide shoes still feel tight across your feet, extra wide is the next step to try.

How to Find the Best Fit

Getting the right fit starts with proper measurement. Have both feet measured since they're often different sizes. Always fit for your larger foot.

Shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen. This gives you a more accurate fit for how your feet will feel during normal wear.

Try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear. Thick socks need more room than thin ones.

Walk around in the shoes before buying. They should feel comfortable immediately, not tight with the hope they'll stretch.

At Ardur Shoes, we offer professional fittings to ensure you get the perfect size and width. Our experts can help you find the ideal shoe for your foot shape and needs.

Finding Your Perfect Wide Shoes at Ardur Shoes

Don't let uncomfortable shoes hold you back from the activities you love. Wide shoes can transform your daily comfort and foot health.

The difference between regular and wide shoes might seem small, but it makes a huge impact on how your feet feel. Whether you need wide or extra wide shoes, the right fit is out there.

Remember, every foot is unique. What works for others might not work for you. Take time to find your perfect fit and don't settle for shoes that cause pain or discomfort.

Ready to experience the comfort of properly fitted wide shoes? Visit Ardur shoes today to explore our extensive collection of wide width footwear. Our shoe fitting experts are here to help you find the perfect pair that fits your feet and your lifestyle.

Shop our complete shoe collection now and feel the difference proper fit makes. Your feet deserve the comfort they've been waiting for.

Don't forget to check out our customer reviews to see how wide shoes have transformed other customers' comfort and daily lives.