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Original poster

End of tether with endless shoe/foot problems

91 replies

Maria53 · 22/05/2021 22:23

I've had foot issues since I was 21, I'm now 29. It became a chronic problem for years and I was in what felt like endless hospital appointments with no sure diagnosis. Getting shoes that fit is next to impossible.

I've mainly been wearing Red or Dead shoes which have been so comfy for my wide feet. They now appear to have discontinued them and I need a new pair!

For hill walking I have Salomon trainers and boots. Again not perfect but close due to wider foot box. But they don't look good with summer dresses and skirts!

Last week I had my feet measured. They told me I over pronate and am quite flat footed - podiatrist told me this before. They also said I'm a size 3 - just no way!! I'm size 5 usually, sometimes 4 1/2.

After looking through some threads here I ordered 2 new pairs of shoes - a pair of rocket dogs and a pair of fit flops. The size 4 fit flops are slightly too small and i had blood on my third toe from where the pinky was rubbing today.

The size 5 rocket dogs are massive on me! So I feel I'm back to square one again. My dreams of finally wearing good looking trainers with summer dresses are fast disappearing

OP posts:

WandaD · 22/05/2021 23:46

My feet are 4 inches across too. No bunions though. I never measured length before but mine are measuring exactly the length for a 5 which is the size I wear.

Original poster

Maria53 · 23/05/2021 00:03

@catanddogmake6 just to give you a laugh - a few years back, I had tried 'almost every shoe in the shop' according to the assistant. He joked that I must be German because of my wide feet.

About a year later, my grandad told us all that we had some German ancestry. He has now died but I'm in touch with some of them! I should ask them where they shop...

OP posts:

Original poster

Maria53 · 23/05/2021 00:06

@WandaD I'm bunion free as well (for now!). When I measured I saw that my foot length is just beyond a size 4 but less than a size 5 - which explains why 4 1/2 sometimes fits me and sometimes 5 is the better but not perfect fit.

I have just ordered some nice Vionics in the sale - wide fit, 4.5. I'll see how I get on with those and try a size down in the rocket dogs in the meantime. I need to carry on trying to find shoes that fit or I'll be barefoot/wearing birkenstocks in winter.

OP posts:

Nat6999 · 23/05/2021 00:11

I have H fitting feet, if you are a small enough size, I recommend either Clark's children's shoes & trainers that come in Width fittings or for trainers Adidas Superstars which have a broad toe on them, I can easily get in to the Adidas, I buy the next size up.

Silverstreaks · 23/05/2021 09:14

I agree @Miasicarisatia about Altra and Keen shoes, they have a lovely wide toe box and properly supportive.
Rocket Dog Jazzin sneakers are wide too but very flat. I'd say they would be roomy enough to put an insert in. The have a rounded retro look.

tentosix · 23/05/2021 09:45

I also have very wide feet and a 3-3.1/2, and can't wear heels or anything low cut. I pronate and have hardly any arches. Nightmare to find comfy shoes.

Don't waste time buying shoes online. Sent so many pairs back, it's only shops now.

I use an insert in trainers to help with the arch and pronation. I stick to boring shoes like trainers, boots and sandals. All flattish. I did buy some nice boots and sandals at Hotter (I know) but they are comfortable I've just come to the decision comfort is more important.

I do ice skate and had some custom inserts which have helped with the pronation (cost £70). It's important not to allow the pronation to take over or you end up with bunions!

TheTeenageYears · 23/05/2021 10:03

I have had foot problems since I was in single digits so completely feel your pain. Several operations as a teen which was absolutely too soon and have lived with the consequences ever since. I've had various orthotics over the years but they are so limiting in terms of what you can put them in so I use when I can and otherwise go with the theory that if i'm not in pain my shoes are fine.

I've found fit flop allegra are a great option for the summer when you really want to not have to wear trainer type shoes all the time. I don't know if birkenstocks would fall under the same footwear type as flip flops but shoes which necessitate gripping with toes to stay on are really bad for your feet. From a size point of view, much like clothes, there is no standard size in shoes so size with very between brands and styles. The other issue is that a size 4 shoe is not the same width as a size 5. If you have been wearing shoes too long for you the widest point on the shoe will be at a different point on your foot than if they fit you in the length. Take a tape measure shopping with you and physically measure the inside of the shoe for length and width. You'll get to learn what will and won't work for your feet.

I had a pair of boots made a few years ago somewhere you give your measurements and they tailor the calf size to you. I was concerned about the width and depth of the shoe, gave them my foot measurements and they were supposed to be within their normal range for the size. They fit beautifully at the calf but are so uncomfortable because they aren't wide enough and are too shallow. I would second the Gabor suggestion, they have a generous toe box and they are the most comfortable knee high boots i've bough in years. Orthotics take away some of the width and depth in a shoe too so that also needs to be factored into sizing.

jakalaka · 23/05/2021 10:11

I have mine made. There are (relatively) affordable places where you draw round your foot and send it off to them. Or there might be one local to you. Prices usually start around £100.

costco · 23/05/2021 10:20

Have you tried vivo barefoot shoes? They do nice summer styles, although you’ll need the insoles that you have as they are very flat. Also look at allbirds, they look lovely although don’t know about fit width. In terms of running trainers, look at inov8, they have a lot of proper wide ones .
Surprised that Salomon work for you, I can’t get on with them at all, although my feet are wide across the bunion rather than toes. I have in the past year bought two pairs of trainers that I might as well chuck out now!

PermanentTemporary · 23/05/2021 10:23

I know it's not fair to suggest a brand for old people when you're so young but I have only bought Hotter shoes now for about 5 years because they are the only shoes that are comfortable from day 1. I had no idea that it was even possible to have pain free feet every day. I buy their Whisper boots all the time in very wide fitting, and have found a couple of other styles I like. People with normal feet have no idea what seriously weird feet are like.

imayhavelostmymarbles · 23/05/2021 10:25

Skechers are very cushioned but tend to collapse and if you pronate they will make it worse when they do.
Simply B do larger size clothes and their shoes are generally wider in the toe too

PermanentTemporary · 23/05/2021 10:26

Oh - the other thing is that I have stopped trying to buy unfamiliar shoes online (unless a perfect returns policy). It's pointless. Once I know a style and fitting works I can buy online, but I have to try the real thing on first.

Workyticket · 23/05/2021 10:29

Op I'm an eee fit because if Lymphedema

I bought old skool Vans last month and if anything they're overly wide! Worth a shot.

I too cried in Clarks. I was a normal size 5 pre pregnancy. During pregnancy I went to a 7eee. I've since settled to a 6eee

Snog · 23/05/2021 10:33

Have you looked at Ecco?

Cookies2523 · 23/05/2021 10:37

I know that Fashion World do EEE fittings on their shoes, sandals, trainers & boots. Not sure if they will be any good for you but just thought I would suggest them. Good luck in your search.

Sickoffamilydrama · 23/05/2021 10:40

Everytime one of these threads pop up I alway say ECCO they are so comfortable and whilst can lean to boring also have a quirky more fashionable lines as well.

Mumof1andacat · 23/05/2021 10:41

There is a company called pavers. Mainly online but they do have a few shops around the UK. Might be worth a look.

EversoDelighted · 23/05/2021 10:49

I have wide feet, high insteps/arches which need support and narrow heels which make even lace up shoes flop off, it's a bad combination. I tend to wear Birkenstock sandals in summer, Brooks trainers for running and i can fit into Adidas Gazelles for dress wearing.

When I had plantar fasciitis a few years ago my podiatrist specifically warned me off Skechers too because I need firmer support and they are soft (Crocs set off my PF again too for the same reason).

Erictheavocado · 23/05/2021 10:55

I am reading with interest. I have size 9, EEEEE feet. I despair if ever finding a nice looking pair of shoes. I have always struggled to find shoes to fit, and nowadays I mostly wear trousers so my ugly shoes are hidden. I have a wedding to attend next year and I'm dreading looking for an outfit, but especially shoes.

Cocolapew · 23/05/2021 10:55

Ecco shoes are excellent, expensive but last forever.
Trainers wise I love Stan Smiths, as long as you can wear flat trainers. I'm a 5 and can wear a 5 with my insoles in them no problem, I also find them quite wide

Cocolapew · 23/05/2021 10:58

Evans and Simply Be do extra wide fit.

Newnormal99 · 23/05/2021 11:04

@Erictheavocado

Evans do pretty large size shoes. My sister used to buy from there.

Next also go up to a 9. Some of their shoes come up narrow but I have some forever comfort boots that fit my fat feet.

averythinline · 23/05/2021 11:14

Feel your pain...my feet are also nightmare wide/bunion/high instep and also skin that blisters in seconds... have crocs, keen walking shoes and birkenstocks...have a pair of heavenly feet boots and am trying to find the same
So am watching..
No addidas/new balance come near my podiatrist equally not keen on sketchers she said OK when feet in trauma as soft but not supportive enough

notagainohno · 23/05/2021 11:29

Could you find a big podiatrist who makes shows? There is one near us who does and the shoes (according to my SIL) aren't too expensive.

northernstars · 23/05/2021 11:37

@Newnormal99 have you tried ASOS? I'm a 9 wide and have bought some of their shoes. They have some extra wide too. Last week I gave in and bought a pair of men's 9s in Clarks.

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