https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:05:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go/page/2#post-2106029 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 01:59:14 +0000 hereforthecake 2106029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fixed the link on my last post. </p> <p>The boots are Birkenstock Stalons! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go/page/2#post-2106025 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 00:49:42 +0000 April 2106025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HFTC -- can't get your link to work, would you mind re-posting?&nbsp; (Sometimes the "link" button on YLF adds a redundant http to a URL) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105846 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:16:09 +0000 CarolS 2105846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the suggestion, hereforthecake (love that!). Will add them to my search list! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105843 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:52:14 +0000 hereforthecake 2105843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have SUPER WIDE toes and narrow heels and last year I found <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.birkenstock.com/us/stalon-natural-leather/stalon-workers-naturalleather-0-thermorubber-w.html?dwvar_stalon-workers-naturalleather-0-thermorubber-w_color=1">Birkenstock booties </a>and they are honestly a bit too wide for me. </p> <p>I find the look to be somewhat similar to Doc Martens, so maybe they'll be right for you?  </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105817 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 02:30:10 +0000 cindysmith 2105817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wide feet and extremely high arches here. I've had to really search for shoes I like that my feet also like. It hasn't been fun.<br /> Naturalizer, aerosoles, ariat, bella vita, walking cradles, have all worked pretty well for me.<br /> Good luck in the hunt for shoes that work for you and your feet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105697 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:37:05 +0000 Bijou 2105697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, I hope the Docs work for you. I always go a bit bigger with Docs and find that using socks and insoles keeps my feet very comfy and able to walk long distances.</p> <p>Favourite brands for me include Paul Green - they are beautifully constructed and have good foot support. I think PG boots are likely to be more comfortable than Doc Martens, unfortunately they are very expensive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105681 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:42:05 +0000 rachylou 2105681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do wear men’s shoes all the time. I have various foot issues and appreciate the higher toe box. I think it’s worth a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105622 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:42:01 +0000 CarolS 2105622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thanks, Shevia. -- sizing up is definitely on my list of things I will try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105619 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:39:12 +0000 CarolS 2105619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Lisa. Yeah. I'm due for another visit to Canadian Footwear (probably this weekend) but I have been on their website constantly. Not much speaking to me in wide widths -- mostly athletic shoes. (That's where I found my current gym shoes and hikers, but so far, not a nice, casual shoe or fashionable sneaker.)</p> <p>I haven't been to European Shoe Shop in a while. Based on their web inventory they seem to specialize more in narrow to medium widths. I'll pop in someday to check, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105611 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:30:17 +0000 Jaime 2105611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am lucky that my feet are pretty reasonable so far, but I do tend to go for a bigger size + insole with boots. Sorry for the frustration and good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105610 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:14:15 +0000 Anonymous 2105610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol - I assume you’ve tried European Footwear on Academy and Cdn Footwear on Adelaide ? If not - go ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105593 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 01:49:36 +0000 CarolS 2105593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, DonnaF -- It is true that things can surprise you. I found a pair of Keen winter boots purely by chance this fall, and they fit and feel good. (Not exactly the daily footwear I'm looking for, but still....)</p> <p>Generally, though, I'm finding the whole EE width thing to be a significant challenge. I love your line about kissing more frogs than you think is humanly possible!! That's what it feels like. And I guess I will just keep kissing!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105574 Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:11:27 +0000 DonnaF 2105574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I have a wide forefoot (probably C) with bunions and quad A heels. Some whole sized shoes work, and others don't -- depending on where my feet fall within their sizing. For example, I am between sizes in ECCO and Allbirds. I have learned that I need lace-up shoes and boots to hold my feet in place and to use a variety of insoles. Half-soles work best because they lift my tiny heels up to fill out the heels, and they don't make the front of the footwear too tight. I think I use the ones for PF. Sadly, I don't know the brand of my favorites, and they won't last forever.</p> <p>Believe it or not, my best fitting footwear have been Steve Madden combat boots, Jeffrey Campbell rain/fog boots, Topshop combat boots, Franco Sarto oxfords, and Marc Fisher oxfords. My new Alegrias seem to be pretty good. I am still trying to figure out the best combo of insoles for my Docs. After 67 years, I am finally learning that my key to foot happiness is half insoles, arch cookies, tongue pads, generally (but not always -- see Marc Fishers) big toe boxes, and ESPECIALLY laces. Also, due to an inflexible toe (hallux rigidus), I need a stiff sole.</p> <p>So as you can see, Alegria is the only comfort brand in the bunch. You just have to be willing to kiss more frogs than seems humanly possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105566 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 23:10:16 +0000 CarolS 2105566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, sorry to post and run, but I now that I'm back from work I have had a chance to absorb your very kind and supportive comments. Thank you so much for understanding how challenging and frustrating this is. I think the best way for me to respond might be to address some of the different categories of suggestions:</p> <p><b>Have I tried wide shoes?</b> Yes. My gym shoes are New Balance EE width. I have a fabulous pair of Merrell hikers that are a mere D, but built wide enough to work. My winter boots are an EE width. But here's the challenge -- many brands that offer "wide" shoes only go to a D, and that may not be enough. My foot apparently flattens like a pancake when I step on it. I just looked at wide shoes available on The Bay's website for fun. Of 64 styles, 55 were heels or loafer styles that have never worked for my narrow heels. Of the remainder, most are nursing shoes. I'm working on adjusting my eye, but I don't think I can go that far.</p> <p><b>Orthopaedic and specialty shoe stores?</b> Yes. We have one store locally that truly specializes in widths. They have 99 EE shoes. Mostly athletic shoes, some very unappealing winter type boots, black loafers, some SAS sandals and lace ups like my late mother-in-law used to wear. The selection of D widths is broader, but not much more appealing, and experience tells me most won't be wide enough. But I will be making a stop there soon to see what I can find.</p> <p><b>What about stretching them?</b> My podiatrist's advice is that when I step, no part of my foot should extend over the sole of the shoe. Stretching might help the leather feel more comfortable across the top of my foot, but it won't address her recommendation to make sure my whole foot is supported by the sole. That said, it is something I could consider for the odd pair of "sitting shoes" if needed. I appreciate the suggestion!</p> <p><b>Suggested brands</b> Thank you for so many thoughtful suggestions. Some of the brands aren't available here at retail, and given the issue above with D width often not being enough, I don't see myself starting to order online from untested brands -- too much returning. That said, I WILL keep trying the ones that are available here and keep my eyes open for the other brands when I travel (assuming the world resumes normal travel planning at some point). I think I have to make shoe shopping a deliberate part of my vacation activities. As <b>JoyceB</b> said, I think I always have to be on the lookout and buy almost anything that fits. (There's no option to go out on Friday expecting to find shoes to wear to an event on Saturday.)&nbsp;<br /><b><br />Using insoles in larger sizes&nbsp;</b>Yes, that's something I've considered. My winter boot is technically too large and was actually quite uncomfortable last winter, despite being the correct width. This year I added a Sole insole and it has made a world of difference. </p> <p>I did look at using an insole in the larger size of Docs, and that's what I will reexamine now, with fingers crossed. The might still be too narrow for my foot, but if they are close I might just accept that they will be work shoes but not "on my feet all day" shoes.</p> <p><b>Perseverance and next steps</b> I am trying to think outside the (shoe) box here. Saw a post in the forum a while back about a pair of lovely cowboy boots with turquoise inserts, which got me thinking -- I may have to plan a trip to Calgary to see if Lammle's has anything -- even in a men's size -- that might add some variety to my closet. </p> <p>I know I can get the SAS Freetimes locally and in widths, so might at least look into them as an additional summer sneaker to wear with crops and dresses. I'd rather have Eccos or Adidas, but if those are not options, I'm going to need something. I also have thoughts about a couple of summer sandals to at least try. </p> <p>I try to remember that Blundstones fit me reasonably well, and they are not marketed as "wide" -- so I'll keep examining the cut of shoes that cross my path, just in case a winner pops up unexpectedly. I can pretty much tell by looking now if something has even a snowball's chance of working.<br />&nbsp;<br />Again, many, many thanks for the kind words and understanding of the challenge! I know we each have different frustrations and challenges to pull our wardrobes tother, and I appreciate your generosity in offering ideas to help me address one of mine!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105485 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:27:46 +0000 Angie 2105485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you try putting an insole in the the Docs that were a little big? I do this ALL THE TIME because I have narrow feet and long toes. Often I use TWO insoles.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>CarolS</b>, don't despair! It's all going to be fine You simply have to look a little longer, harder, and be patient. I get challenging feet more than most fashion professionals because 80% of my clientele have challenging feet! And the challenges are diverse. Ask the questions and together we will find solutions.&nbsp;</p> <p>There are many with wide feet on this forum. Have you tried wide sizes?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105475 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:54:48 +0000 Bee 2105475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much wisdom to offer, but just wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through this. It must be so discouraging to not be able to wear footwear that you see in stores, in magazines, on the blogs. Shoes can feel really integral to the styling of the entire outfit, so inability to find the perfect pair can feel like it's thwarting your efforts to be creative with your style. It's probably even more difficult in Canada, where selection is more limited, prices higher, and return policies not as generous. <br />Do you have any orthopedic shoe stores in your area? Even if you don't like their selection, they might be able to offer some tips or inserts that may make standard shoes more fitted and wearable. They sometimes carry brands that aren't very well known, so maybe trying them out you may discover one or two that are more suitable for your foot shape. In general, I probably find 1 pair that fits for every 20 pairs I try on. The key is to not give up and to keep on trying, but it's also okay to take a break if you're feeling overwhelmed.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105474 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:51:21 +0000 JAileen 2105474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you thought about visiting a shoe repair shop to see if the Doc Martens can be stretched? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105460 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:41:00 +0000 Joyce B 2105460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have wide feet. Some PG styles have worked nicely for me.<br /> I had the same issue you are having with Docs. I returned and forgot about them because no shoe is worth tolerating blisters and calluses.<br /> Naturalizer has wide widths but even their regular sizes are huge so you need to try your smaller size in regular and wide plus the same in half a size smaller to see if something fits.<br /> I love shoes but my main reason for always being on the lookout is that I have a very hard time finding a good fit.<br /> Keep on looking and trying and then some more. Persistence is key. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105449 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:15:04 +0000 Suz 2105449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Naturalizer also makes wide widths. Worth checking out?&nbsp;</p> <p>Echoing what <b>Inge</b> said re Eccos. I don't have a wide foot but do have fit issues, and some Eccos work for me (with insoles) while others manifestly do not.&nbsp;</p> <p>Nodding also that Fitflop might be worth a try. I can wear (some) of rhe sandals (if they have adjustable straps) but most of the shoes are far too wide for me even in their regular widths -- and I have friends with wide feet who swear by them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105397 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:22:29 +0000 RobinF 2105397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's really a bummer. I love shoes and would be so disappointed if I couldn't indulge. My sister has very wide, short feet and I have been shopping with her, it is very difficult. Sorry no advice but I do commiserate.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105383 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:55:02 +0000 Anonymous 2105383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the opposite problem- AA width + AAAA heels, which I didn't know till measuring. Did you have the width of your feet measured? I think wide is normally C or D but if you know specifically you can search by width.<br /> Outside of regular width though, options are very limited </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105380 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:48:30 +0000 Inge 2105380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm sorry, Carol, it really is frustrating, isn't it. I have a wide-ish foot, and need to wear orthotics, so lots of brands don't fit well anymore. I've had luck with Ecco (I know you mentioned they didn't work for you, they don't always work for me either, but some styles do, and they have some styles in a wider fit), Gabor (same remark as Ecco), and I also recommend checking out Mephisto.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still holding thumbs for your cute yellow Docs!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105375 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:14:47 +0000 Christina F. 2105375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bear in mind that they do need breaking in, no matter what size you get. There are directions online for softening Docs up and stretching them a little - this can be done with a focus on certain places on the shoe. It involves buying their leather balm and using a blow dryer. They also do need a long breaking in period. I had to wear mine for increasingly long periods around my house. Good luck with whatever you decide! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105372 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:55:51 +0000 April 2105372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My feet are absolutely horrible (neuromas on both feet, a huge bunion on one, a long second toe), CS, and I can tell you what has and has not worked for me.</p> <p>While my feet are not wide all over, I need generous width to accommodate the bunion and to keep the neuromas from screaming at me.&nbsp; This means most socks are a no-go, which is a problem because my heels (not wide) already slide around in most shoes.</p> <p>None of the brands you mentioned have worked for me either, nor have Danskos or many of the brands reviewed on Barking Dog.&nbsp; If they feel great, they look awful and vice versa.&nbsp; God bless the Barking Dog blogger but her style and mine are different.</p> <p>Lately I have had success with Softinos (a line from Fly London); Oesh (a woman-owned shoe company); Fit Flop; and some Ugg styles.&nbsp; I have not had success with anything I've tried from M Gemi (too narrow); Blackstone (the sneakers lined in fleece -- the fleece makes them too tight); Aeroboost; Cariuma sneakers.&nbsp; I sometimes have success using a shoe stretcher at home, but please watch a video about how to do this properly or it won't work.</p> <p>Materials that have some give to them (suede, leather, fabric shoes like espadrilles) are best.&nbsp; Patent leather has zero stretch and cannot be stretched even by a cobbler.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Also note that most retail sites report incorrect information about European size conversions.&nbsp; A 37 is not an American 7, it's an American 6.5, and so on.&nbsp; If you wear a 7, you need a European 38 -- might be a little big but a 37 will usually be too small.&nbsp; And very few retailers carry European half-sizes -- who knows why.</p> <p>Lastly, and I apologize for going on and on, to complicate things further, price is not a good predictor of comfort.&nbsp; I have had some rather expensive shoes that were absolute hell to wear, and vice versa. </p> <p>ETA: one more that works for me - Allbirds wool runners, sized up once.&nbsp; The width is fine but the shoes run a little short.</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105369 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:26:42 +0000 Staysfit 2105369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CarolS, I appreciate your frustration. &nbsp;My SIL wears men’s shoes. &nbsp;My foot is not wide, but is also hard to fit. &nbsp;I have adjusted my expectations for stylish shoes&nbsp;since my aspirations vs. what fits are different. &nbsp;My heel is narrower than my forefoot, I have high arches. I have been prone to neuromas, plantar fasciitis, and blisters, and a good fit is elusive. I prefer heels and dainty sleek shoes, but my feet do not. &nbsp;I also have had to pay more for shoes than any other item in my wardrobe although prices run the gamut. &nbsp;I have had success in finding shoes that are both comfortable and stylish (although not sleek and dainty). &nbsp;There have been more failures than successes, and I believe you can have success if you persist. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105363 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:44:40 +0000 kkards 2105363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>if these are leather, and you have a good&nbsp;cobbler in town, you can try having them&nbsp;stretch them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105361 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:23:48 +0000 Kathie 2105361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried Dansko or Fly London? Birkenstock? I’ve just dropped two pairs of leather shoes off with my cobbler for a bit of stretching. I don’t have them back yet, but am hoping it works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105355 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:05:07 +0000 Zaeobi 2105355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about Fitflop? I have wide feet but a narrow heel, &amp; find they fit me well with enough cushioning to be comfortable (even in their D'orsay &amp; lace-up derby styles). </p> <p>They have a range of chunkier &amp; more polished styles of booties, but with details that still make them a little more edgy (I've got my eye on their 'knot' range personally - shoes &amp; booties with a flatly folded origami knot on the side for some minimalistic edge, rather than a girly ribbon or bow). </p> <p>But they also have the usual studded &amp; buckled styles too - you may like the 'Glace' specifically, since it's a knitted boot (meaning more stretch for your feet) with what looks like leather mixed media &amp; chunky lug soles (I admit I haven't tried them myself yet): <a href="https://www.fitflop.com/eu/en/shop/glace-knit-ankle-boots-p-Y23#001" rel="nofollow">https://www.fitflop.com/eu/en/.....-p-Y23#001</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105344 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:16:40 +0000 Jane 2105344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about Paul Green? </p> <p>Docs take alot of breaking in - and so irritating when it has to be admitted that the breaking in won’t be sufficient (I’ve been in the same position as you). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wide-foot-woes-the-docs-might-have-to-go#post-2105339 Wed, 11 Mar 2020 04:35:20 +0000 CarolS 2105339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Suz. I have tried wide widths -- not a lot available (here at least) in terms of variety. My gym shoes and hiking shoes are wides (okay, extra wides tbh.) Most of what comes in wide is pretty mopey. </p> <p>And yes, I've checked out barking dogs too -- I saw it come up on the forum.</p> <p></p>