Did you know that more than half of the women we surveyed stated that they needed a wider shoe fit? So, does this mean that the majority of women have wide feet, or that shoe companies aren't making shoes wide enough? We believe it is the latter. It is critical to take care of your feet. After all, you only get one pair in your lifetime, and once they're ruined, there's no turning back. Even if you don't believe you have particularly wide feet, there are several compelling reasons to choose a wider-fit shoe. Here are a few examples.

1. Prevent Blisters and Corns

It goes without saying that if you wear shoes that are too tight, they will rub quickly. Foot friction against shoes will cause blisters in the short term and corns in the long term. Corns are both ugly and painful. They can be treated, but continued friction in specific areas will cause long-term skin damage and scarring.

2. Avoid Hammertoes At All Costs

Foot jamming in shoes that are too tight in the toe box area can also result in ugly hammertoes, in which the toes are pushed back and forced into a claw shape, eventually leading to permanent deformity. When a toe becomes misshapen, the toe joint sticks out above the other toes, making wearing certain types of shoes extremely painful. Wearing a shoe with a wider toe box can help prevent toes from being forced together into an unnatural shape. Shoes with almond-shaped or rounded toes are much better at preventing hammer.

3. Aid in the prevention of bunions

While most foot experts agree that bunions are mostly hereditary, wearing shoes that are too tight will exasperate any predisposed conditions, and wearing footwear that causes feet to be moulded into an unnatural shape (think pointy shoes and Chinese foot binding!) can also cause bunions. Wearing high heels on a regular basis, especially heels that are too tight in the front, can also cause bunions to form. We're not saying you shouldn't wear pointed-toe shoes or high heels, but make sure they're the right width. The more space your feet have to spread in a shoe, the less likely they are to be squeezed into unnatural shapes.

4. Allow Your Feet to Breathe

Shoes with a wide fit give your feet more room to breathe and your toes more room to wiggle. Wherever possible, avoid man-made materials in favour of leather, which allows your feet to breathe and can help prevent sweaty feet, which can lead to fungal infections.

5. Additional room for an insole

Flat shoes and ballet pumps are extremely popular, and the majority of people believe they are better for your feet than heels. This is a legend! Wearing completely flat shoes, particularly those with very little material (insole and sole) between your foot and the floor, can result in collapsed arches, which can be extremely painful. If you prefer flat shoes, look for styles with a small heel, cushioned insoles, and arch supports. A wide-fit pair will also give you more room for your feet to spread, and if they don't already have enough padding, you'll have room to add an insole. View our selection of flats and pumps here.