Foot width is the horizontal distance across the ball of the foot. This measurement is distinct from foot length and is a major factor in comfortable shoe fitting. Many people struggle to find footwear that accommodates their foot’s width, leading to discomfort and foot problems. Understanding the reasons for a broad foot structure, whether inherited or acquired, is the first step toward finding relief and appropriate footwear.
Genetic and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Width
The primary determinant of foot width is heredity. An individual may simply be born with a naturally broader bone structure or with a lower arch height, a condition known as pes planus, which causes the foot to splay outward.
Weight gain and a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) also contribute significantly to increased foot width. The additional load placed on the feet causes the supportive ligaments and tendons to stretch, leading to a gradual flattening of the arch. As the arch collapses, the foot lengthens slightly and widens across the midfoot and forefoot.
Furthermore, the aging process itself affects foot dimensions due to natural physiological changes. Ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity and tensile strength. This ligamentous laxity allows the arch to fall progressively, causing the foot to spread and widen. For women, hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can also cause ligaments to relax, leading to a permanent increase in foot length and width.
Specific Medical Reasons for Increased Width
Several specific medical conditions can cause a noticeable increase in foot width. Acquired flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the posterior tibial tendon—a primary stabilizer of the arch—becomes dysfunctional or damaged. The subsequent collapse of the arch leads to the entire foot becoming longer and significantly wider. This acquired deformity is a common cause of widening in adulthood and often requires supportive interventions.
Another common cause of perceived width is the development of a bunion, which is a bony prominence at the base of the big toe joint. The big toe begins to drift toward the smaller toes, pushing the metatarsal bone outward and creating a protrusion. This structural deformity makes it challenging to fit into standard shoes, as the widest part of the foot is now positioned further out.
Temporary but significant increases in foot size are often due to edema, or swelling caused by fluid retention. Edema can result from localized issues like injury or poor circulation, or it may be a symptom of a systemic health condition affecting the heart or kidneys. The accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues dramatically increases the circumference and width of the foot, making shoes feel tight and uncomfortable until the underlying cause is addressed.
Other localized deformities, such as hammer toes or calluses, can also necessitate a wider toe box in footwear to prevent friction and pain. While these conditions do not structurally widen the foot itself, they create points of pressure that require additional space. Improperly fitting footwear, particularly shoes that are too narrow, can often contribute to the formation and worsening of these deformities.
Addressing Wide Feet in Daily Life
The first step in accommodating a wider foot is to determine its exact size using a standardized measuring device, such as a Brannock device, or by tracing the foot’s outline. Foot width is measured at the widest point, typically across the ball of the foot, and is assigned a letter or series of letters (e.g., B for narrow, D for medium, E or EE for wide). It is advisable to measure both feet, as asymmetry is common, and to measure late in the day when feet are naturally at their largest due to swelling and gravitational effects.
When selecting footwear, it is important to look for shoes specifically labeled with width sizes, not just length sizes. Many manufacturers offer wide and extra-wide options, which provide extra room in the toe box. Choosing a larger size for length simply to gain width is counterproductive, as an overly long shoe can cause tripping and other gait problems.
Prioritize shoes with a wide toe box that allows the toes to spread naturally without being compressed together. The width of the shoe should match the width of the foot at the metatarsal heads, allowing for comfortable movement throughout the day.