Chapter 7 - Widths

Before I start this week's blog I have to add a little story.  I pretty sure that my now you know that most places that sell shoes only carry Medium Widths.  Why you ask?  Because most people think they wear Mediums.  YES, that is correct - most people think they wear Mediums.  I, on the other hand, wear Slims.

Twice a year I like to go to the most expensive, exclusive Department Store's Shoe Department and pick out the most beautiful and expensive style in the place.  I casually walk up to the Salesperson and ask for an 8 Slim.  I love to look at that person's face as they tell me they don't carry Slims.  I shake my head as disappointed and then say "alright, how about a 7 /12 Narrow (knowing full well they don't carry it either).  I know, it's mean but it's just the way I get my jollies.

Let's get to the subject at hand now - Widths.  It is true that most people do wear Mediums but there are a lot of us out there also that do not.  Shoe Widths used to be available in A, B, C, D, E, EE and EEE, but today most manufacturers have opted to use Slim, Narrow, Medium, Wide, Wide Wide and X-Wide.  Men's widths vary from Women's widths.  A Men's Medium is actually a D.  A Women's Medium is a B.

Below is a Conversion Chart:

Again, I have to say that none of this is an exact science.  It is only a beginning point to finding the proper fit.  Some shoes run Narrow.  Some shoes run Wide.  Some people have high insteps. Some shoes run Short, and on and on and on.  That is why it is important to find an EXPERT when it comes to footwear.  An EXPERT will know which of their styles run which way and what styles will work for you.

Next week we start talking about what to look for in shoes.  As always, thanks for stopping by and reading my blogs. 

Chapter 6 - SO, How Did Things Really Measure Up?

I could probably write an entire book on this subject but I doubt I could hold any one's interest for that long.  So, I'm breaking this down hopefully just enough to put enough detail to make it more easy to understand.

 I would like to mention at this point that your personal comfort is the most important thing and that measuring your feet is only the starting point in the process of getting the best fit.  None of what you read here is an exact science - it's just the beginning.  So here are the basics that we go by:

1.  The ball of your foot should fit in the widest part of the shoe.  This should put your arch and the break of the shoe in the proper place.  I recommend going by your arch measurement to assure this.

2.  The width of the shoe should be determined by the the length you choose. The shoe should fit snug enough at the ball of the foot and the heel to be comfortable but not to tight.  The width is also determined by the length you  choose.  If you choose a longer shoe you will most likely go narrower.  If you choose a shorter shoe you will most likely go wider. 

3.  There should be 1/2 inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.  This gives you plenty of room and helps avoid sore toes.

I always like to take into consideration what my customer is telling me when it is determined that maybe they are not in the correct size, but I also like to explain to them exactly what I am seeing too.  Somewhere along the way we meet to get that perfect fit.

As far as what measurement I start with it is always the arch measurement and the width that coordinates with it and then go from there.  I also measure my customers feet in a standing position.  As I stated in my last blog - there are so many variables in helping a customer get the proper fit, comfort and support they are seeking.  A high instep may increase the width, large bunions will most likely do the same thing.  All these things must be taken into consideration.

Remember, your personal comfort is always the most important thing.  Do not let your salesperson bully you into buying a size or pair of shoes that you are not comfortable in or with.  Instead of wearing new shoes out the door try wearing them at home on the carpet for a few hours.  That way if there is a problem you should be able to return them or exchange for another size or style. Most stores will not take back worn shoes.



I think in next week's blog I will go into detail about widths - so I'm not ready yet to send you out shoe shopping.  Stay tuned.