Footwear is an important apparel that not only determines the feet’s health but also the overall well-being. The correct footwear enhances your posture, gait, balance, and personality. Looking for well-fitting shoes can be exhausting, particularly for people with big feet. Regular shoes will be uncomfortable for them and cause blisters, bunions, and other foot problems. They can also cramp the toes by pinching and squeezing the feet. That’s where wide and extra-wide shoes come into the picture. As they let the toes wiggle around freely, they are more comfortable for the wearer.
Now, the question arises about the size difference between wide and extra wide shoes. Should you go for wide or extra wide shoes, and how do you make the right choice? Through this blog, we shall compare these shoe types in detail to facilitate your decision-making.
An Overview of the Shoe Width System
As a best practice, shoe widths are represented by the letters A and D.
Here, A stands for narrow and D stands for medium width.
Narrow: AA, A (less common)
Medium/Regular: D Med/Reg
Wide: 2E or EE
Extra Wide: 4E or EEEE
Extra Extra Wide: 6E or EEEEEE (men)
Note: These widths can vary according to brands and shoe styles.
That being said, let’s talk about wide shoes in further detail.
Wide Shoes
Wide shoes are designed for additional space in the forefoot area, especially around the toes and ball of the foot. They offer a comfy alternative for individuals who find standard-width shoes too snug.
Wide shoes are represented as ‘2E’ or ‘EE’ for men.
Salient Features of Wide Shoes
I. Wide shoes have enough forefoot space. They primarily address the width of the forefoot and offer more room for the toes to spread naturally.
ii. Wide footwear is engineered for a broader foot profile. These shoes have a somewhat larger overall circumference.
iii. Wide shoes prevent common foot problems by reducing pressure on the sides of the foot.
Use Cases of Wide Shoes
- People experiencing tightness or pinching in standard-width shoes, especially in the forefoot
- Individuals with mild swelling or bunions
- People whose toes feel restricted in standard shoes or their feet feel like they are spilling over the sides of the shoes
In the next section, we shall discuss extra-wide shoes for significantly broader feet.
Extra-Wide Shoes
Extra-wide shoes for men offer more room in comparison to wide shoes. They are the safest bet for people with significantly wider feet, severe swelling, or needing enough space to fit in the orthotics.
Extra wide shoes for men are represented by ‘4E’ or ‘EEEE’.
Salient Features of Extra Wide Shoes
i. Extra wide shoes have a considerably larger forefoot area, suitable for very wide feet.
ii. These shoes offer greater overall volume, accommodating the feet’ width and depth.
iii. Extra wide shoes offer sufficient space if you have to fit in orthotic inserts.
iv. They offer the best comfort to people with severe edema.
Use Cases of Extra-Wide Shoes
- Extra wide shoes are advisable for individuals with naturally big and extremely wide feet.
- Extra wide shoes are the best bet if your feet feel too tight even in wide shoes
- People with severe swelling, edema, bunions, or other foot disorders should buy a good pair of extra-wide shoes.
- Individuals who use thick orthotic inserts would need extra wide shoes offering sufficient room.
Points to Remember While Buying Wide or Extra-Wide Shoes
- Brand Differences
Shoe widths can differ according to the brands and within different styles from the same brand. For example, Generally, athletic shoes offer wide and extra-wide options, while dress shoes may have less consistent width sizing. Therefore, you must always try on the shoes before buying. At XLFeet.com, you will get different brands like New Balance, Dunham, Avenger, Drew Shoe, Spira, and Hoss boots - Sizes
Selecting the right shoe length is as important as the width. Even if the width is appropriate, it will still be uncomfortable if you pick shoes that are too long or too short - Foot Measurement
Get your feet professionally measured to determine the accurate shoe width. It will help you choose the right pair of shoes. - Sock Thickness
The shoe fit also relies on the thickness of the socks. You should try on the shoes considering the type of socks you usually wear. - Shoe Style
Dress shoes run a bit narrower when compared to athletic shoes. So, choose the shoe size according to the style.
Tips to Find the Right Shoes
- Go for footwear shopping later in the day
Your feet tend to swell throughout the day. Therefore, you must try on shoes in the afternoon or evening to find the right fit. - Walk around in the shoes
Assess the comfort and fit of the shoes by walking around rather than standing still. - Look for footwear with adjustable closures
Shoes with laces, straps, or Velcro closures are better as they can accommodate varying foot widths. - Check the material of the shoes
If you are looking for flexible and comfortable footwear for your wide feet, the best materials are soft leather, mesh, or knit. - Seek advice from a podiatrist
It is recommended you get help from a podiatrist if you are experiencing persistent foot problems or difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
Conclusion: An Overview of Wide Shoes vs. Extra Wide Shoes
Let’s sum up all the differences between wide and extra wide shoes through the table below:
| Feature | Wide Shoes | Extra Wide Shoes |
| Forefoot Width | Increased | Significantly increased |
| Overall Volume | Slightly larger | Much larger |
| Accommodation for Orthotics | Moderate | Excellent |
| Ideal for | Mild to moderate width requirements | Significant width requirements, severe swelling, or large orthotics |
| Typical Men's Width | 2E or EE | 4E or EEEE |