Wide-fit shoes: a buying guide

Comfortable wide-fitting shoes: they can be found in many styles and models, for both men and women.
We can talk about both a wide-sole heel and a shoe with a wide-sole internal sole: both are two valid solutions for foot comfort for every day.

What is important is comfort without losing the style and beauty of the shoes.

A natural comfortable stride also helps in the elegance of the person, since the walk is more relaxed and natural.
It is possible to find some shoe brands that indicate precisely the width of the shoes, using a classification system with letters. However, just as for the size of the shoes there are several different sizing codes that do not correspond to each other (for example European, UK, US, French sizes... etc), so for the width of the shoes there are different classification systems. You can find for example the symbol M (for medium width, medium) or W (for wide, wide). Or you can find widths indicated by the letter AAA (minimum width) to AEE (maximum width). Extra wide shoes are generally marked with E or F. Unfortunately, it is not a universal system and above all it is not used by all shoe factories.
This is why it is advisable to contact your trusted store and get help in choosing wide and comfortable shoes.
Also because foot width does not only mean wide foot but can mean high instep or even wide heel. So it is better to ask to your trusted shop and specify the characteristics or problems of your foot so we can recommend the most comfortable and suitable wide shoes for you.
In our Valentina shoe store we always have a selection of wide-fitting shoes, to meet the needs of our customers. Whether you are looking for leisure and informal shoes, or more elegant or sophisticated shoes.

Wide shoes can be dress shoes or less formal shoes, for walking or for leisure. Some useful tips for your shopping:

• Choose shoes with very soft leather so that it takes the shape of the foot and also widens a little, such as suede or nappa leather.
• Avoid sandals with thin straps. The best sandals for wide soles have wider straps that hug the foot more without creating indentations
• It is preferable to pick open shoes such as ballet flats and moccasins
• Aesthetically, it is recommended to favor a rounded toe top that makes the wide sole of the shoe less evident.

As for comfortable wide shoes for women they can be:

• pumps with a wide shape at the top or with a wide heel, comfortable, stable and ... uneven floor proof. For the convenience of the cleavage shoe, you must always consider the height of the heel, especially if you have problems with hallux valgus: the more the foot is "bent" the more likely it is going to be sore. Therefore, always check for the presence of a plateau or platform that decreases the height difference in the heel without taking away from the overall height. Heeled and comfortable shoes exist! Pumps also exist in different types, in addition to the classic closed decolleté there are also slingbacks, that is open behind and stopped with a strap (chanel type). These pumps are more likely to have a wide, comfortable sole and a stable medium heel.
• walking shoes like sneakers: these are the classic sneakers, with wider shape to accommodate the foot without forcing it. The lacing also plays its part: a long lacing allows greater adjustment of the width of the shoe. Comfortable sneakers with a wide fit often have a velcro strap closure. Two brands that deal a lot with wide-fit sneakers are Skechers and Enval, available in our Valentina shoe store
• flats: the simplest and most famous women's shoes, also exist with a wide plant, to avoid the annoying effect of the "flare". Flared shoes are certainly not beautiful to look at and they are not comfortable either. The wide-fit ballet flats adapt well to the shape of the foot and contain it, improving both comfort and the look.
• boots: a rounded top shape generally promises a wider width plant, such as our handmade and made in Italy Bouu boots: they are generous in width. Attention must be paid to the shape of the foot: the more slender or pointed it is, the less likely it is for the sole to be wide. It is advisable to prefer round shapes. You can always ask us if the shoes you like have a wide plant: we will give you the information and in case we will also propose valid alternatives.
• sandals: especially platform sandals are very comfortable. Of course, the kind of closure (with buckle or velcro), the type of material, especially if it is soft suede, and the shape of the upper matter. We have several sandals designed for comfort and wide feet. Avoid sandals with thin straps; even better if they are closed toe sandals.

Some women's shoe brands have lines or articles dedicated to comfort and a wide plant: the brands are Legero, Enval, Benvado, Jose Saenz, Tamaris, Cinzia Soft, at least for the moment. Our shoe shop is always up to date with fashion and news, so the brands change often too. Just ask and we'll get back to you!

Wide fit shoes for men. Also for men there are systems that indicate the width of the shoes, but the same goes as for women: not all shoe brands use it and they are not universal.
The brands, Italian or foreign, that have lines or articles dedicated to shoes with a wide fit for men are, at least at the moment, Enval Soft, Dude, Skechers, Mercanti Fiorentini, which cover very different types of footwear, always guaranteeing comfort and style wide-fit shoes both more formal and casual for free time.
The same principle applies to wide and comfortable men's shoes: for comfort, you don't necessarily need sports shoes. Let's review the various types of men's shoes:

1. Sneakers: sports shoes for walking, available with wide fit feature. Skechers also have shoes with wider fit. For example, Enval Soft shoes combine a look that can also be suitable for the office, offering all the comfort of classic sneakers, with memory foam in addition to the wide sole. There are also moccasin or slip-on sneakers, or even closed with velcro.
2. Casual shoes: like the Dude, which are casual fashion shoes, and in addition to the wide shape they also have extreme lightness and flexibility to give the greatest possible comfort.
3. Elegant shoes: these too can have a comfortable wide sole. This is the case of Mercanti Fiorentini shoes, which have a double inner sole: if the shoe is tight you can remove one insole and so buy room for the foot. Pay attention to the type of lacing, if you have a high instep, a derby shoe is better, because it is more adjustable than an oxford
4. Loafers: our most comfortable loafers are by Frau, with tubular construction (meaning that there are no internal seams, which can cause discomfort) and the extra light Dude with a generous wide shape. The instep also makes its difference, and in this case it is necessary to see if the loafers is very closed (and then it is less comfortable for those with high instep) or more open.

For any other questions or doubts ... contact us!