Extra Wide feet - Foot Problems Message Board

lbb87 · 04-17-2005, 10:52 PM

Just so there's no confusion, I'm asking this for my sister, not me.

My sister apparently has wide feet and can't find any shoes that fit her. She's looking for athletic shoes but can't find any in extra wide sizes such as 2E, 3E, or 4E. We've been in every store in the area that carries shoes and none have any that will fit her feet. She doesn't want to buy them online since they probably won't fit anyway and will have to be returned.

It was suggested that she try bigger shoe sizes (she wears a 7) but even a size 10 fits tightly on the sides and causes foot pain, plus it's way too big length wise. She tried men's shoes but she can't find any in small sizes such as a 7 or 8 and when she does, they don't come in extra wide.

The only thing that works is for her to wear used shoes. They usually don't feel quite right to her but they don't cause terrible pain.

Is it ok for her to wear used shoes? Does anyone know if this is a medical condition or something? Her feet don't seem that wide. I think it may be that her feet are sensitive or that there's a nerve problem in the foot. She didn't have this problem until a few years ago when she was 21 (she's 25 now).

Does anyone have any ideas on what she should do? Eventually, the shoes she has will wear out and I don't think that wearing paper bags on her feet will work.

eko · 04-18-2005, 06:21 AM

New Balance carries a lot of wider sizes, the problems is that they don't carry them in most stores. I don't know where you live, but if you can find a store, such as a running store or privately owned shoe store, they will often be willing to order the widths you need and see if they fit before selling them to your sister.

Good Luck!

sharonssorefoot · 04-18-2005, 08:43 AM

Go online and look for a gadget (sorry I don't know what it is called) you can buy to put in your shoe that stretches the shoe as much as you need. They really work and were recommended to me by an Ortho surgeon. It resembels what men buy to place in the dress shoes when they are not wearing them. Or you can go to a shoe store (would have to be an upscale shoe store) where they have machines that stretch shoes as well. I did that years ago for a pair of cowboy boots!!! And it worked!

foggy182 · 04-18-2005, 09:13 AM

Many shoe repair shops have these stretching machines as well.

Looby · 04-18-2005, 03:22 PM

I have the same problem. I see the shoes online, but not in the stores.
I went to Sears a few days ago and finally found a pair of New Balance in 2E. So far, they don't hurt. My toe is still sore from surgery, but other than that, they feel good.