It may be a hard pill to swallow, but an individual can have two feet that are different in shape and size. And even though you claim yours to be perfectly identical, they will not necessarily remain that way. Our feet can change their size during different times of the day. Additionally, there are many other long-term changes. Our feet broaden with age, and at times, women's feet grow after they give birth.

Regardless of the size of your feet, it's essential to buy the right footwear. The proper shoes will fit correctly and will provide your ankles and feet with the necessary support.

If you have wider feet than most people, remember to inquire if your chosen style comes in a wide or extra-wide fit. Luckily, comfort just happens to be fashion's latest trend, and shoe companies are just now paying attention to the fact that not all of us have a medium-width foot. However, several manufacturers have been making footwear as wide as triple-E for a long time, focusing on extra-wide shoes for women.

Most individuals have the idea that trying on footwear is about the feel of the shoes on your feet. And they're not far from the truth. Surely, if you don't feel good in a shoe, you shouldn't get them. Though you need to judge footwear based on some other factors as well:

The Toe Box

First off, there should be enough room around your toes for them to rest comfortably. Extra room can cause feet to slide inside shoes and lead to irritation or calluses. Another common issue is when the toe box is extra tight. Someone with wide feet will probably confirm that the toe box is their biggest shoe problem. Additionally, you should also have room in front of the toes, around 3/8" to 1/2" between while you're standing. To ensure your new shoes fit the above criteria, see if you can wiggle your toes around the toe box.

A Shoe's Upper

It is the fabric or material on the top of a shoe which should fit the shape of your feet. An upper provides not only support but also facilitates movement. Search for a shoe upper made of something porous, breathable, and nonirritating like our extra-wide women's shoes. Vinyl is less likely than leather to possess these characteristics. Frequent polishing can help the uppers of leather shoes to remain soft and flexible.

Your footwear should offer enough cushioning to absorb shock on foot muscles and bones when you are walking. You'll require said cushioning in three major areas: the front, the arch, and the heel. Having an absorbent insole may help reduce heat inside shoes, any chances of rashes or infection.

Soles

You should receive proper traction from your soles to avoid slipping on any surfaces you expect to be walking on while wearing the shoes.

Heels

Your shoes' heels should offer some elevation, around 3/4" and 1" for each foot, regardless if there's a thicker sole at the end of the shoes or a heel.

The counter

It is the area of the shoe that curves around the back. The counter must be amply stiff to prevent ankle sprains and strains. Your foot's back should be cosy in the heel of the shoe instead of sliding around inside it.

A few more tips:

If both feet have a different size, you should go for shoes that fit the bigger foot. You can always add support inserts or pads to the other shoe. Also, don't ever purchase shoes that feel too tight or too stiff while expecting that you can eventually break them in. You will most likely be miserable for much longer than you thought.

Though all this implies that you have to be patient and sophisticated while shoe shopping, you shouldn't worry since most fashionable shoes on the market meet all of these requirements.

As consumers of the footwear industry are becoming increasingly health-conscious, shoe companies have started focusing on developing good-looking shoes that aren't going to hurt your feet, such as extra-wide width heels.