FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: HOW TO MEASURE YOUR FEET FOR WIDE FIT SHOES.

Image of the side of the foot with the front of foot being measured

We’ve all been there - excitedly buying a new pair of shoes, rushing to get them on our feet, only to find they pinch and squeeze our feet. Not a great feeling.

Finding shoes that fit just right can be a challenging process, and more so if you have wide feet. The problem is most shoes only come in standard widths, which are often too narrow for those with wide feet. This can lead to some serious pain points like blisters, bunions, and just plain ole discomfort.

The good news? Making sure you buy shoes in the proper width for your feet isn’t too tough. It just takes measuring your feet at home before buying. By understanding your true foot size, you can wave goodbye to blisters, aches and pains.

Close up on foot with a tape measured around the forefoot

WHY FOOT WIDTH MATTERS

Most shoe size charts focus on length only - they have you measure from heel to toe which gives your standard shoe size. But let’s be real, your feet aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither should your shoes. Width is just as critical in finding great-fitting shoes, especially if you have wide feet. Shoes that are too narrow put pressure on the sides of the feet which is a big no-no. This can cause painful issues like:

· Blisters and calluses from rubbing against the shoe
· Bunions that bulge out on the big toe joint
· General discomfort even just standing or walking short distances

No one wants to deal with all that. Checking your foot width before buying shoes will help avoid these problems.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED WIDE FIT SHOES

Pay attention to how your current shoes feel. Are they squeezing your feet?

If your standard shoe size feels right in terms of length but around the toe box feels a little too cramped and you need extra space, it’s time to consider switching to wide-fitting shoes.

Close up on a foot being measured across the width

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR SHOE SIZE: LENGTH AND WIDTH

Measuring your feet isn’t rocket science, but it’s crucial for ensuring your footwear provides optimal comfort and support.

Don't just wing it with guesswork - taking a few minutes to properly measure your feet sets you up for footwear success. After all, your feet work hard carrying you through life's hustle and bustle, so they deserve kicks that fit like a dream.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR FOOT LENGTH

Tip: Measure your feet at the end of the day, when they’re slightly swollen for the most accurate results.

· Grab a ruler (or measuring tape), place it flat on the floor and measure from your heel to the longest toe.
· Alternatively, you can use you can use a piece of paper. Stand with your heel against a wall and draw a line on the paper where your heel meets the wall, followed by a line in front of your longest toe. Measure between the two points and you now have your foot length.
· Repeat this for your other foot as one might be slightly larger (don’t worry, it’s normal). If you are between sizes, choose the larger size.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR FOOT WIDTH

This one’s a bit trickier… but we’ve got you! To get your shoe width you need to measure the circumference of your foot.

· Wrap a measuring tape around the widest point of your foot. This is usually the ball of your foot. Make sure the tape is firm but not too tight and note down the measurement where one end of the tape measure meets the other.
· Alternatively, grab a ruler and place it on the ground. Stand on it and measure the distance from one side of your foot to the other, and voila. Now you’ve got your width.

Write down your length and width measurements for quick reference when shopping. This info is key to zeroing in on shoes that give your wide feet some breathing room.

Close up on a foot in a sock with the large toe being measured

HOW TO FIND YOUR SHOE SIZE

With your foot measurements locked and loaded, you’re halfway to finding the right fit.

Use our size chart below as a reference but remember it’s always best to consult the specific brand’s size chart when making your final purchase decision, as each size and fit may vary.

Show size guide
Show size guide

COMFORT IS KING

Don’t settle for stiff, cramped shoes just because you have wide feet. Remember these golden rules and your feet will thank you.

· Shop for wide-fit options: Look for brands known for catering to wider feet. At Jacamo we have a whole selection of wide fitting shoes, built for comfort.
· Try on both shoes: Don’t just stick to one foot! Walk around and feel for any pressure points.
· Socks matter: Choose socks made from breathable materials like cotton or wool. Avoid tight socks that restrict your toes.
· Consider inserts: If you have specific foot concerns, like arch pain or heel discomfort, investing in supportive inserts can make a world of difference.
· Don’t be afraid to return: If a shoe doesn’t feel right after trying it on properly, don’t hesitate to return it for a better fit. Comfort shouldn’t be a compromise.
 

READY TO FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT

Head over to Jacamo and shop our selection of shoes. With your measurements in hand, you’ll be stepping out in no time. Shop from a range of wide and extra wide-fit footwear.