Wide v. regular shoes: a question for everyone - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Wide v. regular shoes: a question for everyone

Carol

(website)

Veteran

When buying shoes, whether you are a wide fit, or a regular fit, would you ever consider the "wrong" fit, if you really wanted a shoe?

Would you do it with any shoe? With only a cheap shoe? NEVER with any shoe?

I see a cute kitten heel at Old Navy, with no wide fit, and I am a wide fit. Good sale. Probably won't get it, but if I really wanted it, I might. The better idea is to probably find a more quality shoe in a wide, in the same style. But I can be quite spontaneous...instead of planning for the long haul.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from Carol

DonnaF

Veteran

Cute shoes, but patent is very unforgiving. Suede can stretch. I always try to find reviews to see whether a style runs narrow or wide. My forefoot is wide-ish especially with bunions, but my heel is super super narrow. I always expect to make returns on footwear.

If those shoes are returnable, I would try them, including a half size up.

Irina

Veteran

I have narrow, low volume feet and I would never consider wide shoes since even regular shoes are often too wide in a vamp area on me. But I also know better than to trust any description. If shoes are easy to return, I would order them if they have some potential.

Sloper

Veteran

Wrong fit never works - in my experience! Too small hurts, too big = blisters, the wrong proportion.

And I’ve realized that if I catch myself figuring out “How can I make this work” - there’s a tipping point/ trade-off of time vs utility and I’m spending too much time (and money). Evidence of this is gathering dust in my closet, or has become someone else’s bargain at Goodwill or The RealReal!

I know people have had success with stretching shoes and boots, but doesn’t work for me.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have narrow feet but will try a lot of variations on my size because there are so many factors that go into foot comfort and it is much more than just the size.

Lisa

Veteran

The actual fit is more important to me than the size on the box. If a regular fit works because the shoe has a wide toe box then go for it. But if you're squeezing your foot into the shoe and it really needs a wide then I'd pass on it. I had foot surgery years ago and I do not settle for imperfect fitting footwear no matter how cute it is.

Star (Lise)

Veteran

Never. Good shoe fit is vital for me. It would be a wasted purchase because they will keep getting passed over if not that comfortable. I agree with LISA. Actual fit trumps numbers and dimensions. Oh and it is not a good bargain if it is cheap but not the right fit. It is called wearing Sales Goggles.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I agree with Star, but from bitter experience. I have bought many shoes in the past because they were cute and have not worn them enough for whatever reason. In the past 7 years or so I have done much better thanks to YLF and Angie’s principles. But 7 years ago I was already 57 years old so the lesson took me a long time to learn!

Dee

Veteran

Oh I'd take a pass on them. I've made that mistake before, believing I could overcome the discomfort but not anymore. Total waste of money even if they're cheap or on sale.

LJP

Veteran

Nope . “Cute” shoes that don’t fit properly and are of poor quality aren’t cute .

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shoes must fit properly and be comfortable! I don't believe in exceptions, personally.

That said, I also agree with Irina.

Val MN

The try-on is the ultimate decider. In my case I have slightly wide feet, and have learned that almost all the Wide shoes are too wide and a very few styles of Regular shoes are wide enough. I might try on a shoe that was *labeled* as either kind of width, but I definitely wouldn’t buy/keep it if it *felt* like the wrong width.

karen23

My feeling is that shoes have to fit, and I have to be able to walk in them. I might wear heavy socks in boots or casual shoes if I have to, or add green arch-support insoles, but I want my shoes to fit reasonably well. Occasions where I really have to dress up are hard enough without my feet hurting or my shoes falling off.

MsMary

Veteran

I have done the opposite -- bought shoes slightly too big because I loved them, and put insoles in. I'm not sorry but I don't wear them as often as I would if the fit really well. I would never in a million years buy a shoe that was too small because I don't like to have hurting feet!

Laurie

Veteran

Life time battle buying comfortable shoes for wide feet, I feel your pain, pun intended. I never buy shoes from clothing brands, and I almost never buy shoes now that do not come in wide. Sizing up a half size can help on a medium width, depending on the style, but then the heel often slips. The struggle is real!

Staysfit

Veteran

No. Never. No. Please be kind to yourself and your feet and find something that fits well.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Hi everyone, I have been super busy, and off YLF a few days. Thanks for your responses, and I have read them all. Consensus seems to be--be very choosy about the right footwear.