November 27, 2023
If you've ever struggled to find comfortable shoes, you might have wondered about your foot type. Knowing your foot shape, particularly whether you have wide feet, can be a game-changer when choosing the proper footwear.
The good news is there are ways to determine your foot type at home with simple tests. It's important to note that your foot type refers to the entire shape of your foot, including your arch size (i.e.: whether you have flat feet or high arches). However, today, we're going to focus on foot width and tests to help you identify whether you have wide feet.
Understanding your foot width is the first step to ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit for your feet. While these tests are not the be-all-end-all for determining whether you have wide feet (after all, shoes sizes vary from brand-to-brand), they may provide useful information:
Three simple at-home tests to know whether you have wide feet
The wet foot test
The wet foot test is a simple DIY test that involves just a pool of water and a piece of paper. To perform a wet foot test:
Fill a shallow container, like a basin or a bucket, with water.
Wet the soles of both of your feet.
Step onto paper or cardboard, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed.
Step off and examine the wet imprint your feet left behind.
Based on the shape of the imprint, you can use the following guide to determine whether you have narrow, average, or wide feet.
Wide feet: If the imprint shows a wide forefoot with minimal curvature on the sides, you likely have wide feet. The width between the ball of your foot and your heel is noticeably broad.
Average or standard feet: If your footprint shows a slight curve inward at the arch area, your feet are considered to have an average width.
Your foot imprint can also be measured to see the exact width of your foot. Use the wet foot test to measure the width of your foot at its two widest points. Bonus tip: Do both feet. If one is wider than the other—which is common—then account for the wider of your two feet.
The shoe size test
The shoe size test is even simpler than the wet paper test. All you need is a current pair of shoes. Check the width size on your shoe label. Width sizes are typically marked as narrow (N), average (M or D), wide (W), or extra-wide (XW or E).
As a rough guideline, a regular foot width is less than half your size. For example, if you wear a size seven shoe, a regular foot width would be ~3.5 inches. For those who are a size seven and have wide feet, expect more like 3.75-4.25 inches. For more details, see our complete guide on determining whether you have wide feet.
Note: Your shoe size and your foot size are not the same. Different companies use different sizing for their shoes, so don't assume you're the same size in all shoe brands.
Comfort/fit test
The third test is more of a trial and error, but it is definitely the most accurate. Try on a few different pairs of shoes to determine which shoes fit best. Reflect on your experience with shoe shopping. If you frequently find shoes too tight in the forefoot, causing discomfort and sometimes requiring you to size up, this suggests you have wide(r) feet.
What are the benefits of knowing your foot type?
Now that you know the tests, it's important to understand why knowing your foot type is helpful. The shape and width of your feet can vary significantly from person to person. Identifying your foot type provides the following benefits:
Proper footwear. No one shoe fits all. Knowing your foot type allows you to hone in on choosing shoes with the best support and comfort.
Prevent discomfort. Reduce the risk of common foot issues by wearing shoes that match your foot width. Proper footwear for your foot type can help prevent discomfort, blisters, and other problems.
Enhance performance. Knowing your foot type can narrow your perfect sports footwear, improving your performance and reducing the risk of injuries.
Reduce foot and toe pain. If you have pre-existing foot conditions or pain, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis, understanding your foot type - specifically whether you have flat feet, normal arches or high arches, can help you find shoes that alleviate discomfort. With wider feet, opt for a shoe with a wider toe box for added room. Brands such as APEX, ASICS, Saucony, Anodyne and Clarks are known to have wider footwear options.
November 6, 2023
Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable sensation of numbness in your toes? It's a temporary disconnect between your brain and lower extremities and may leave you wondering, "What's going on?"
Numb toes range from a minor problem to a potentially severe issue, and understanding the reasons behind this unique sensation is the first step toward finding relief.
So, if you've ever wondered why your toes sometimes go on strike, keep reading to learn more about the leading causes of numb toes and when to seek medical attention.
Numb toes: The most common causes
There are several causes of numb toes. Below, you'll find some of the top contributors and their signs.
Poor Circulation
Reduced blood flow to the toes can lead to numbness. This can occur due to sitting or standing in one position for too long, wearing tight shoes, or sitting with your legs crossed. In these cases, the numbness is usually temporary and goes away once you change your position or remove any constricting clothing or footwear.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes and feet.
Nerve Compression
Conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc in the lower back can compress the nerves that supply sensation to the legs and feet, causing numbness and tingling in the toes.
Frostbite or Frostnip
Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Your skin becomes cold and red, then numb, followed by hardening and paleness. Depending on the severity, you may experience frostnip (the early onset of frostbite or superficial frost bite) or deep frostbite, which involves more severe stages of nerve damage.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Like carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, leading to numbness and tingling in the toes. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle next to the ankle bones, through which the tibial nerve runs. A thick ligament covers the tunnel and helps contain its inner workings – veins, arteries, tendons, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the most common kind of nerve compression in the ankle. Underlying causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include direct trauma to the tarsal tunnel, flat feet, fallen arches, growths in the tarsal tunnel, and varicose veins.
Morton's Neuroma
Another type of nerve compression, Morton’s neuroma, may lead to numbness in your toes. The most common site is at the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. As this nerve is thicker than its surroundings, it’s at a greater risk of being blocked, which can cause numbness in the toes. You may feel a numbing sensation or like you have a pebble in your shoe.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can lead to numbness and discoloration of the affected digits.
Injuries
Trauma to the foot or toes, such as fractures or compression injuries, can cause temporary numbness. For instance, ankle or Achilles heel injuries can directly or indirectly impact the tarsal tunnel region.
Infections or Abcesses
Toe or foot infections can lead to numbness, mainly if they spread to the nerves.
Circulatory Disorders
Conditions like atherosclerosis or blood clot formation can reduce blood flow to the toes, causing numbness.
Tight Footwear
Shoes that are too narrow in width or too small in length can compress your toes and reduce blood circulation. Ensure you are correctly fitted with the right pair of footwear to allow enough space for your toes to move. You can even do a shoe sizing and fitting session here at Feet First Clinic, choosing from leading footwear.
When should you seek medical help for numb toes?
We recommend that you seek help for numb toes if any of the following apply:
The numbness in your toes is persistent, recurring, or unexplained.
You have diabetes - Numbness in the feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which requires proper management.
You experience numbness, weakness, coordination loss, or other neurological symptoms.
There is a sudden onset of numbness, especially after an injury or in combination with other concerning symptoms.
It's crucial to remember that numbness in the toes can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider can be helpful when treating and ruling out any serious underlying issues.
October 30, 2023
Sometimes your foot health depends on orthopedic shoes. For people with bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, arthritis, and other foot deformities, orthopedic footwear can make the difference between a painful day and a day where you can manage simple activities. Let’s take a look at the benefits of orthopedic shoes, the best practice for selecting orthopedic shoes, and how to use them.
Photo by iStock
Benefits of Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes come with a wide array of qualities that promote foot health and tackle foot conditions. Here are some of the most notable:
Studies show that orthopedic footwear can improve the ability to maintain continuous walking in people with chronic foot and ankle injuries.
Many patients report their foot pain diminished after using orthopedic shoes for 1-2 years.
Orthopedic shoes can help you manage bunions so they don’t get worse and require surgery later.
They can help with proper foot alignment for people with plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
They usually provide extra heel cushioning and arch support.
To accommodate wide feet, orthopedic shoes often come with features like adjustable straps, extra wide toe boxes, and flexible fabric.
Photo by iStock
Selecting Orthopedic Shoes
Since choosing orthopedic shoes can be difficult, you should schedule a foot assessment with your chiropodist who will then prescribe orthopedic footwear. That said, here are three of the most important tips for finding the right orthopedic shoes for you:
Since your foot size can over time, especially with age, you should always triple check that your shoes fit snugly.
Make sure your new shoes are designed to best support your specific concern. For example, shoes with adjustable straps are good for wide bunions.
Consider your lifestyle and daily needs. Search for orthopedic sneakers if you’re trying to be more active, or orthopedic dress shoes if you need something for work.
Ensure any accessories like socks or custom orthotics fit properly with your shoes.
Usage of Orthopedic Shoes
You should use orthopedic shoes for activities they are designed for. For instance, if you have orthopedic dress shoes, use them for work and special occasions.
Furthermore, after wearing your shoes for some time, schedule a check up with your chiropodist so they can assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments or recommendations.
Photo by iStock
October 26, 2023
Do you need wide shoes for fall? If you have bunions, hammertoes or another condition, or you’re getting older or experiencing a life changing event like pregnancy, your feet can change in size and often become wider. That’s why it’s important to measure your feet or attend a proper shoe fitting and update your shoe size — don’t just assume you were the size you were when you were a teen or young adult!
Luckily, fall footwear trends are considering people with wide feet and there are several comfortable shoes and fashionable footwear choices available this fall season! Let’s explore your top options. And don't forget to keep reading (you'll find some tips for finding wide shoes at the end!).
APEX Sierra Trail Runner
For both your adventure and wide shoe needs, the APEX Sierra Trail Runner has men and women covered. It has a high, wide toe box and provides increased stability control for those who overpronate, or in other words, those with flat feet who walk with their arch collapsing downward or inward. Overpronation can put avid hikers at serious risk of sustaining a foot injury. Other features for this shoe include a rubber outsole for traction on slippery surfaces, a breathable open air mesh and leather upper, and 5/16” removable depth in two layers for fitting flexibility.
APEX Sierra Trail Runner for men. Source: APEX
Clarks Wave Range AP
This wide shoe is designed with weatherproofing materials, making it a waterproof shoe which is highly valuable during the fall months. Like the APEX trail runner, it’s designed for excursions and exploring. It also features smart WaveWalk technology (rocker sole) which uses a heel kicker to ensure smooth forward motions and a concave heel for excellent shock absorption to prevent the impact of the ground from damaging your joints.
Clarks Wave Range for women. Source: Clarks
Clarks Wave 2.0
For strolling around the city on brisk fall days, the lightweight yet sturdy and protective Wave 2 gives you the pedestrian power you need. The waterproof dark brown oil leather and textile upper keeps your feet dry and safe from the cold rain, and the removable footbed absorbs impact and shock, but also allows you to replace it with prescribed orthotics. Other notable features include the EVA midsole, and the internal full-grain leather sock that provides extra comfort.
Clarks Wave 2.0 for men. Source: Clarks
Anodyne No. 55 and No. 56
The Anodyne 55 (for women) and 56 (for men) trail boots keep your feet from feeling fatigued during hiking adventures. They are also intentionally designed to accommodate widening issues like swelling, bunions, hammertoes, and more. Compared to standard shoes, Anodyne trail shoes run half a size to a full size bigger. Other features include a protective toe box and easy-to-use hook and loop closure.
Anodyne No. 55. Source: Anodyne
Tips for Finding Wide Shoes
Get a Shoe Fitting: Get fitted by a professional at a foot clinic. Your feet might not be the same size, and the width can vary too. Sizes also vary from brand-to-brand, so don't just go by measurements.
Understand Shoe Sizing: Shoe width is indicated by letters. For instance, "W" may indicate wide, and "N" may indicate narrow for the same shoe style (this may vary so double check). Don't accidentally buy a narrow version of a shoe!
Adjustable Features: Look for shoes with adjustable features like straps, laces, or buckles. These allow you to customize the fit according to the width of your feet.
Consider Materials: Choose shoes made with soft, flexible materials that can stretch a bit to accommodate wider feet.
Visit Your Chiropodist: They can offer personalized advice and might be able to recommend specific shoes.
October 22, 2023
Seasonal foot health is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for fall footwear. It’s not just about replacing your sandals with boots — it’s about ensuring your feet are protected with high quality materials, and investing in brands that use effective technologies to prevent painful foot conditions.
Ara Debbie. Source: Ara
Autumn Shoe Trends: Healthy Footwear Meets Style
So, what exactly do you need for fall? Take a look below for what you should be on the hunt for when revamping your fall shoe collection.
Warm and Waterproof Materials
Many high-quality manufacturers are using Gore-TEX membrane in their shoes to protect your feet from unwanted moisture, which can be a real issue in the fall. The material works by grouping together billions of miniscule pores that make it impossible for water to get through. Shoes made with Gore-TEX are also good for blocking the cold air from the wind while maintaining breathability.
You can hold off on highly insulated boots and features like shearling lining til the winter rolls around, but it’s still important to keep your toes cozy in the fall. Look for boots and shoes with good seam sealing and leather or suede waterproof uppers. High-quality rubber outsoles can also help trap warmth.
Image Credit: iStock
Comfort
Your shoes should always allow for a pleasant walking experience. With proper fall footwear, your feet won’t feel painful at the end of a long day. Look for comfortable boots and runners with a good amount of shock absorption and cushioning to protect your joints, muscles and bones from the ground’s impact. You can also find shoes with removable footbeds so you can easily wear them with your own custom orthotics or inserts.
Traction
A solid grip on slippery, wet pavement is crucial all year long. However, this is extra important in the fall when it gets colder and black ice starts to form. Search for shoes with molded rubber outsoles and high traction rubber to avoid a painful foot injury. As a bonus, high traction can also enhance your running performance.
Saucony Excursion with traction-ready grip. Source: Saucony
Not Sure What to Buy? Try These Stylish Examples
Need some fall footwear inspiration for comfortable boots and shoes? We’ve got you covered!
Light, stylish fall boots and booties are a must for many women. Try the Sorel Lennox Chelsea WP and Ara Debbie for combined comfort and style.
For hiking adventures and excursions, the Mephisto Nigata-TEX for women and Canyon TEX for men are highly protective choices and keep you on your feet for long hours and help you navigate unpredictable terrain and weather. The ASICS Gel-Sonoma is also designed for outdoor exploration, and the Saucony Excursion is great for trail running in colder temperatures.
Mephisto Nigata Tex Red. Source: Mephisto Canada
September 21, 2023
Polydactyly is a rare genetic foot condition that causes a sixth toe (and toenail) to grow as the last toe on the foot, next to the pinky toe. However, the sixth toe can sometimes be in the center of the toes or next to the big toe. The sixth toe is often called a digit (dactyl), with “poly” referring to “many.”
Today we’re going to answer all your questions regarding this rare condition, including:
What are the causes of polydactyly?
How does polydactyly affect foot health?
How can you manage polydactyly?
Photo by Daisy Laparra on Pexels
Causes of Polydactyly
Polydactyly is more common in children. This is because many adults will have had the sixth digit removed during their toddler years. Outside of genetics and genetic diseases, there are no known causes. A child can also be born with a sixth digit for no reason.
How Does Polydactyly Affect Foot Health?
Polydactyly does not usually cause foot pain.
As far as toe conditions go, the main issue is finding accommodating footwear. Patients may need to search for specialized shoes and medical shoes. The emotional toll a condition like polydactyly can take on a person may be more pressing than the physical toll, and can lead to self-esteem issues.
Photo by FreePik
How to Manage Polydactyly
Managing polydactyly often involves simply removing a child’s sixth toe.
Many sixth digits develop poorly and don’t look the same as other toes and fingers. These are generally removed via in-office excision (more common for extra fingers) or surgery under anesthesia (more common for extra toes).
If parents of children with a sixth digit wish to remove it, they should seek surgical intervention when the child is around one or two years old. This allows the bone to grow to the point where the cosmetic outcome is more favourable. This is also a good age since your child will likely not recall having this problem later in life and, according to Boston Children’s Hospital, can tolerate anesthesia more than an infant.
Children who've had a sixth toe removed should get regular chiropody care after they recover from surgery. If you’ve had a sixth toe removed as a child, you should also seek regular chiropody care into your adult years. Services like gait analyses, custom orthotic fittings, callus and skin care, and more can ensure foot health is on the right track.
Photo by jcomp from Freepik
