The Reason For Using a Shoe Widener

Shoes are an essential part of our daily lives, and it’s essential that they fit well and provide the necessary comfort and support. However, if you have wide feet, finding the right pair of shoes can be a challenge. Shoes that are too narrow can cause pain, discomfort, and even long-term foot problems.

shoe widener

After researching, testing and evaluating different shoe wideners, we consider Houndsbay Shoe Wideners to be the best product on the market right now.

That’s where shoe wideners come in. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of wide feet, the benefits of using shoe wideners, who should use them, the different types of shoe wideners, how to use them, and more.

Advantages of Using Shoe Wideners

Shoe wideners are an excellent solution for people with wide feet. They can help you achieve the perfect fit, ensuring maximum comfort and support. Here are some of the advantages of using shoe wideners:

Comfort and Fit

The primary benefit of using shoe wideners is that they can provide a comfortable and proper fit. They can make shoes feel more spacious, allowing your feet to breathe and reducing pressure points.

Increased Lifespan of Shoes

If your shoes are too tight, you’ll end up constantly having to adjust them, which can cause them to wear out faster. Shoe wideners can help extend the life of your shoes by providing a proper fit.

Cost-effective Solution

Instead of having to buy new shoes every time your feet change or your current shoes wear out, shoe wideners can be a cost-effective solution. They’re a one-time investment that can make all the difference in your footwear.

Who Should Use Shoe Wideners?

Shoe wideners can be beneficial for several groups of people, including:

People with Wide Feet

People with wide feet often have trouble finding shoes that fit properly, leading to discomfort and pain. This can also cause a lack of confidence and make it difficult to participate in physical activities. Shoe wideners can help people with wide feet adjust the shoes so that they fit comfortably, and provide the necessary support and comfort for their feet. With the extra space created by shoe wideners, people with wide feet can enjoy a better fit and improved comfort in their shoes.

People with Foot Conditions Such as Bunions and Hammertoes

Foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes can be incredibly painful and make it difficult to wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too tight can put pressure on the affected area and worsen the pain. Shoe wideners can provide a more spacious fit, alleviating the pressure and discomfort caused by foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes. If you have a foot condition, it’s important to consult your doctor before using shoe wideners, as they can provide a safe and effective solution for those with foot pain.

People who Wear Orthotics

Orthotics can provide significant relief for those with foot conditions and injuries, but they can be uncomfortable to wear in shoes that are too tight. Shoe wideners can provide extra space in your shoes, allowing you to use your orthotics more comfortably. With a more spacious fit, orthotics can be more effective, providing the necessary support and comfort for your feet. Whether you are recovering from an injury or have a foot condition, shoe wideners can be an effective solution for those who wear orthotics.

Best Shoe Widener You Can Buy Online

After carefully testing and reviewing, these are our favourites:

HOUNDSBAY Bulldog Premium Shoe Widener

Widen your shoes into the perfect fit with this premium shoe widener from Houndsbay. With 8 hours of widening and 6 steel bunion plugs, you can target multiple pressure points for ultimate comfort. Plus, you can count on a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service, so it’ll be the last shoe widener you ever buy!

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KUPNOS Shoe Wideners

Don’t let uncomfortable shoes ruin your day – put on a pair that fits perfectly with this handy shoe widener! These lightweight, durable expanders are designed with non-slip silicone and adjustable contour knobs to help relieve foot pain and blisters while expanding shoe width. No more suffering in narrow, tight-fitting shoes – with a shoe widener, you can get a perfect fit every time.

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EACHWAY Shoe Widener

These Eachway shoe wideners are the perfect solution for anyone looking to improve the fit of their favorite shoes! Made from premium materials and designed to fit a variety of shoes, they’re sure to work wonders and make a great gift for birthdays, holidays, and more. They even come with a canvas shoe bag to keep your footwear safe from dust and moisture. So if you’re looking to widen your shoes, this is the way to go!

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Types of Shoe Wideners

There are two main types of shoe wideners: fixed shoe wideners and adjustable shoe wideners.

Fixed Shoe Wideners

Fixed shoe wideners are pre-made shoe inserts that are designed to fit specific shoe sizes and styles. They are typically made of wood or plastic and are designed to provide a permanent increase in the width of the shoe.

Adjustable Shoe Wideners

Adjustable shoe wideners, also known as shoe trees, are similar to fixed shoe wideners, but they offer greater versatility. They typically have adjustable components that allow you to increase the width of the shoe in specific areas, such as the toe box or the arch.

Both fixed and adjustable shoe wideners have their advantages and disadvantages. Fixed shoe wideners are a cost-effective solution for those who need a permanent increase in the width of their shoes, while adjustable shoe wideners offer greater versatility and are better for people with more specific width needs. When choosing between the two types of shoe wideners, consider your specific needs and budget to determine the best option for you.

Understanding Why Your Feet Are Wide

Wide feet refer to feet that are wider than the average size, and it can make finding the right pair of shoes a real struggle. There are several causes of wide feet:

Wide Feet Due to Genetics

For some people, wide feet are simply a result of genetics. Just like other physical characteristics, foot size and shape can be passed down from generation to generation. If you have wide feet and a parent or grandparent also has wide feet, it’s likely that genetics is the cause.

Wide Feet Due to Weight Gain

Another cause of wide feet is weight gain. As our weight increases, so does the pressure on our feet, causing them to widen over time. This is especially true for those who carry most of their weight in their lower half, as the extra weight can cause the feet to stretch and widen.

wide feet problems

Wide Feet Due to Pregnancy

Pregnancy can also cause wide feet. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormones are released that relax the ligaments in the feet, causing them to stretch and become wider. This is a temporary change, but it can make it difficult to find shoes that fit properly during pregnancy.

Wide Feet Due to Aging

As we age, our feet can change shape, becoming wider and flatter. This is due to a loss of the fatty padding that helps to cushion our feet and a natural loss of muscle tone and elasticity in the feet. Aging can also cause arthritic changes in the feet, which can make them wider and more difficult to fit into narrow shoes.

How to Use Shoe Wideners

Using shoe wideners is straightforward, and here’s how to use both fixed and adjustable shoe wideners

Steps for Using Fixed Shoe Wideners

Simply place the fixed widener inside your shoe and adjust until you achieve the desired level of width.

Steps for Using Adjustable Shoe Wideners

Place the adjustable widener inside your shoe and adjust until you achieve the desired level of width. Then, use the screw or other mechanism to lock the widener in place. Keep it in place overnight for best results. You may have to repeat this procedure a couple of times.

Precautions to Take While Using Shoe Wideners

Here are some precautions to take while using shoe wideners:

use a shoe widener
  • Always make sure that the widener fits inside your shoe comfortably and doesn’t cause any discomfort.
  • Avoid overusing shoe wideners as they can cause your shoes to wear out faster.
  • If you have foot conditions like bunions or hammertoes, consult your doctor before using shoe wideners.
  • Make sure to adjust the widener to the desired level of width slowly and carefully to avoid causing any damage to your shoes.

To Sum Up

If you have wide feet, we highly recommend trying shoe wideners. With the benefits they provide and the ability to use them easily and safely, shoe wideners can make a big difference in your footwear. Make sure to choose the right type of widener for your needs, and adjust it carefully and slowly to avoid causing any damage to your shoes.

Want more shoe care stories from Footweardrobe? You can also read more about shoe crease protectors, shoe stretchers, shoe trees and shoe trees for sneakers.

Patricia Merken

Interior design blogger

Neat freak and shoe lover. American expat in Switzerland.
Blogger and mom. Blogs at Footweardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoe Wideners

Do shoe wideners work?

Shoe wideners can work for some people, but the effectiveness of a shoe widener depends on several factors, such as the type of shoe widener, the material it’s made of, and the size and shape of your feet.
Fixed shoe wideners can provide a permanent increase in the width of your shoes, while adjustable shoe wideners allow you to customize the width of your shoes to your specific needs. In general, shoe wideners are a cost-effective solution for those with wide feet who struggle to find shoes that fit properly.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that shoe wideners may not work for everyone and may not be suitable for all types of shoes. Before using a shoe widener, it’s important to consider the shape and size of your feet, the material of your shoes, and any specific width needs you may have. Additionally, you should seek the advice of a foot specialist if you have any foot conditions or concerns.

Can shoes be widened?

Yes, shoes can be widened through the use of shoe wideners. Shoe wideners are inserts or devices that are designed to increase the width of shoes. They come in different forms, including fixed shoe wideners, which are pre-made shoe inserts, and adjustable shoe wideners, which are similar to fixed shoe wideners but offer greater versatility.
Shoe wideners can provide a permanent increase in the width of shoes and can be a cost-effective solution for those with wide feet who struggle to find shoes that fit properly.