Whyyyyyy can’t I find flat wide for lace up ankle boots?!

[Shantotto]

Help! I’ve looked everywhere I can think of. I’m already a quite big 8. I have to wear custom orthotics which take up space, so I’m struggling! I’ve tried obvious places, and I just can’t get anything that’s right. I want flat, lace up as I need to be able to tighten the shoe well enough so my foot doesn’t move on the orthotic, and of course wide enough to fit!

I just sent back some DMs, even though I got the same size as my broken ones - they were far too small. Size 9 was too big in length and barely wide enough.

Tried Clark’s, M&S, ASOS, Yours, Hotter etc and they are just hideous or they zip up or aren’t wide enough or are hideous. I’m gutted the DMs didn’t work as I was really looking forward to a new pair! I had a look at some Josef Seibels in a shop and the biggest they came in was a 7! That’s not very comfortable!

What / where am I missing?

Have a look at:
Keen
Rocket Dog
Fly London (some styles, but not all)
Oxygen
Merrell

I don't have the orthotics, but other than that I'm similar to you and have very wide toes. These are the brands that have worked best for me, though you won't always get fashiony styles (e.g. Merrells are more hiking or snow boot style, but they are my most comfy).

I tend to look for free returns deals and buy online, then return if necessary. Going shopping in shoe shops is just frustrating because they so rarely have my size and often have a limited range.

I find Deichmann shoes and boots very roomy - I'm usually a big 8 but their 7 often fits me. I don't know, but it may be because they are wider.

You said you returned some DM's but were those boots the DM pascal boot? If they were then they aren't as wide as the classic DM. The 1460 smooth, vintage and hardlife all have a larger toe box and wider footbed than the 1460 Pascal.

I too wear an orthotic and I can't wear Pascals but absolutely can wear the classics.

I got mine from next

@eraofthegrey They were the pascals! I really liked the colour. I did try on a pair of patent ones like my old faithfuls but those were tiny too. But maybe these were patent pascals? What a minefield! I tried the pascal as they were reduced, I can’t believe how expensive they are now!

Dr Martens do have a patent pascal so that would explain why they were too narrow.

Dr Martens do have sales on throughout the year but unfortunately the pascals always seem to be on sale. Keep an eye out on Black Friday or in January sales. Store staff are usually really helpful and don't mind you trying on boots with your orthotics.

I've got the DM Flora chelsea boots and they are really really wide OP. I know they're not lace up but some styles are wider.

Also Rieker are a good wide fit.

Simply be and or fashion world. Great wide shoes there.

I have small, mega-wide feet, and found the DM Floras really narrow. I had to eBay mine in the end. I got some DM Cynthia this year - they are a bit orthopaedic looking, but I am wearing them with wide leg crops and owning it. They are really soft leather and super comfy.

My josef siebels are my love.... they're not cheap but theyre going 3 years now. I also would maybe look at DLX walking boots - if you're wearing with trousers

Just buy men’s shoes. They look nicer anyway. Clarke’s do different widths btw

Try THESE
They company has a very good customer service . A flat rate of £5 for up to 3 pairs of shoes and returns and re-ordering .
I don’t know if this style will appeal but I thought it worth a try .

I love these vivobarefoot boots. They're expensive but super comfy. www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/womens/everyday/gobi-hi-2$30-leather-womens?colour=Brown

Cheaney do some flat boots in a wider fit - they are more expensive but they are fab boots. You may be ok with their standard fit boots which would give more choice, but def worth a look.

These are from a specialist wider fit shoe manufacturer. All their shoes and boots have removable insoles so that your orthotics can fit in. They do up to size 9.

Don't go up a size in length with these guys, just go for your actual length. I'd recommend a 2v fitting to start. Try them with your orthotics and their insole in, then out. If you can't get the width that way, return them for a 6E width fitting.

These are some great lace up's, but have a look at their other boots too. Some are ugly, others a bit meh. But some are nice too.

www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/sp+ladies-ladies-boots-glanmore+glan8

You really need to go to an independent shoe retailer who has experience in wide fittings and orthotics. If you are in NW I can recommend someone.

I've just noticed the link from @Trumpton is to the same website. They really are great and they expect customers to order a few pairs to try and then return those that don't fit.

Do you have a pavers near you?

They specialise in wide fitting shoes and boots and aren't hideous.

They have a website too.

@RussellTheRaven
Widerfit shoes are great . I think I exhausted every other shoe place trying to get suitable shoes .
Wonderful sale service too.

@Trumpton yes I totally agree!

I know way too much about shoes because of my job.

I've seen many people who think they have bad feet, can't walk far anymore etc completely transformed once they have the right size, width and style that supports their feet. And no one has ever heard of them!!

RussellTheRaven
Unsung heroes of the toebox world !