I know. If the shoe fits, buy them in all the colours, right? I hear you loud and clear and I am guilty as charged!
I suffer from a little shoe obsession, and having wide feet does not stop me from buying shoes. What’s my secret to shopping for wide shoes and taking good care of my shoes?
- Invest in leather shoes, they are more stretchy, durable, comfortable and breathable
- Avoid thin straps that go across the foot or mule type shoes that cover the foot and are not stretchy enough
- Only wear comfortable shoes, don’t sacrifice your feet for cheap shoes. It’s not worth the pain or residual health problems they can cause
- Take care of your shoes! Use leather and shoe protectors, wear the right seasonal footwear, brush your suede and clean the inside (yes, the goop) and outside (rinse off salt stains right away).
- Stick to the brand that is right for you. Personally, I love Michael Kors shoes, Nine West and Louise et Cie. They are made for my feet and sell at a fair price point.
- Buy the right size and fit, and buy multiples or different colours if you have too
- Find a cobbler. I go to Moneysworth and Best at Billings Bridge (Ottawa). They do fantastic work!
- Pimp your shoes with leather insoles and gel padding when needed
Although buying your shoes in one size up is not always the solution, I am happy to report that there are brands like Jessica Simpson and Louise et Cie who pay close to attention to this very common issue “the wide shoe and wide calf boot“. We already know that heels are bad for our spine and feet, why must we feel the need to squeeze our feet in them too!
Worry not. I found a few wide style shoes, mules, booties, espadrilles, flats and heels to slowly help you build your shoe collection this Spring.
