How to tell if you need wide shoes

1 | Your toes don’t have enough space

If your toes are overlapping, rubbing against each other, or constantly forming blisters, it’s a big red flag. Your feet naturally expand when you walk, and if there’s no wiggle room, discomfort is inevitable. Your toes need space to stay comfortable. A wide-fit shoe provides extra space, reducing friction and allowing your toes to breathe.

2 | Bunions, calluses, and corns

Ever notice a painful bump on the side of your foot near your big toe? That’s likely a bunion, and it thrives in tight shoes. Calluses and corns are also telltale signs that your shoes are too narrow. These foot woes are often the result of constant pressure on the sides of your feet – something that a wider shoe can easily help with.

Tip: Check out our shoes for bunions.

3 | A feeling of numbness or tingling

Feet falling asleep while you walk (or stand still, or sit down, or …)? Numbness and tingling can be signs of compressed nerves due to tight footwear. When your shoes are too narrow, they can restrict circulation, leading to an uncomfortable pins-and-needles sensation.

4 | Your shoes always feel too tight – even when they’re the ‘right’ size

You buy a pair of shoes in your usual size, but they still feel snug. The problem? Not all brands account for different foot widths, so even if the length is right, the width might not be. To be fair, Wolky’s shoes are not specially made in different width sizes. However, we do offer shoes for feet that need a bit more space – enter our XW-collection! A wide-fit option ensures you get both the right length and enough room for your foot to spread naturally.

5 | You take your shoes off first thing at home

Let’s be real – if the first thing you do when you get home is kick off your shoes with a sigh of relief, there’s a problem. Your shoes should feel comfortable all day long, not just for the first 10 minutes. This is a sure sign that you need wide shoes!

6 | Stretching them out didn’t work

If you’ve resorted to hacks like stuffing your shoes with socks, using a shoe stretcher, or wearing them around the house to “break them in”, chances are they’re just too narrow. The right shoes shouldn’t need breaking in – they should feel great from the get-go.