WIDE FEET! PLEASE HELP!

Hi,
I have a size 5.5 wide, possibly extra wide foot. I also have hardly any arches on my feet, a skinny heel and a high instep. Any thoughts on where I can find shoes that fit?
Thanks!

Keara

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Dear Keara-

Mary Jane style shoes are your new BFF, Best Feet Friend!  There are lots of styles and heel heights.  You want a shoe that will stay on your feet.

I also suggest you try on size 5WW shoes.  You may be buying shoes too long just to get the width your feet need.  With a narrow heel, this will make your feet more likely to slip out of the heel.   Donna brown patent mary jane style by Samanta
PUHLEEZ!  Read my article on wide size shoes:  http://www.designershoes.com/about-size/width
Thanks,
The Shoe Lady

 

 

Sandals for a High Instep

Dear Shoe Lady,
Can you suggest some sandals that accommodate a high instep? I am traveling to Florida this winter and desperately need a new pair. I’m looking for sandals that are slightly dressy (1-2 inch heel) but also comfortable to walk in. I have good luck with Sofft shoes but they don’t always accommodate a high instep. I also have a wide toe area so I prefer either a wide width or a thong style.

Dear Lu,
Have you tried our shoes by Aerosoles? The brand is known for it’s comfort and most styles come in wide. I recommended the Aerosoles Chlose Encounter. They are slip-on style with a .75 inch heel, cushioned footbed and comfortable wide bands.

Aerosoles Chlose Encounter Nickel Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Chlose Encounter by Aerosoles is a Low Heel Casual Sandal

For a thong style sandal I would recommend the Naturalizer Brand. Widths range from medium, wide and extra wide. The cushioned footbed with a 1.25 inch heel is fantastic for a high instep.

Naturalizer Havaro Coral Kiss at DesignerShoes.com

Havaro by Naturalizer is a Low Heel Casual Sandal

Finally, since you love Sofft brand shoes I thought you might this youthful cute sandal with a 1.25 inch heel. Perfect for a summer dress.

Sofft Lynsey All Spice Leather at DesignerShoes.com

Lynsey by Sofft is a Low Heel Sandal

Enjoy your trip to Florida!
The Shoe Lady

Wedding Choice for Women’s Size 12 Wide

Dear Shoe Lady,
My daughter is getting married in August and I would like your advice on the best shoe style for her feet. She is not used to wearing heels so the following styles would all be okay. Ros Hommerson Bono in White: Trotters Dora in White: Special Occasions Hillary in White. Her foot measurements are Length 10.7 inches and width 4.50 inches. She also has quite a high instep. I look forward to your advice.

Dear Shiona,
Anything for an Aussie! I’ll give you my best suggestions. Let’s deal with size first, then with style.

Given her foot measurements, I recommend a size women’s size 12 wide. Size 11.5 would work but there are virtually no wedding shoes in this size. The width measurement suggests a Wide edging toward the “extra wide”. But since you’ll get a size 12 , it will probably be slightly wider than the 11.5 would be . If her feet are thick (top to sole) and if it will be hot so they might swell (how hot is it there in August?) you may want to consider a 12WW. But I think a 12W should do.

I am going to suggest that you look at the fabric shoes designed for brides. They are easy to spot stretch if she needs a little more width. And, this is the big one, after the wedding she can have them dyed a different color, like hot pink (a personal favorite).

Now for the style. Attitudes toward wedding shoes are going through changes. My FAVORITE daughter in law, Victoria, got married in baby blue pumps and a white wedding dress. We are seeing more people opt for colored shoes with their white dresses. Just an option. This is her wedding and she should have fun with her apparel choices!

I’ve used the “Shop For” section at DesignerShoes.com to find Bridal/ Dyeable Collection shoes in size 12W.

You will see over 130 choices. You can narrow this list down still further by heel height (you said she wasn’t comfortable with a higher heel. But a low heel may be too low. Mid heels start at 2.5 CM. She may want to limit is to a sandal, like Alana by Special Occasions;

Special Occasions Alana White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Alana by Special Occasions is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

a pump, like Betty by Touch Ups,

Touch Ups Betty White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Betty by Touch Ups is a Low Heel Dressy Pump

a flat, like Felicity by Special Occasions,

Special Occasions Felicity White at AskTheShoeLady.com

Felicity by Special Occasions is a Low Heel Dressy Flat

or a sling back like Shelley by Dyeables,

Dyeables Shelly White Satin at AskTheShoeLady.com

Shelly by Dyeables is a Mid Heel Dressy Sandal

Whatever she picks, I hope you will have her post some wedding photos, including her shoes!, on our Facebook page

Best to the Bride!
The Shoe Lady