Found out I've been wearing the wrong size shoes my whole life due to wide feet (and potentially a high instep?), so it's been a rabbit hole finding ones that actually fit properly.
1. A surprising number of well-established companies either don't bother making shoes in wider variants, or, if they do, usually in the most boring or repulsive colorways possible.
2. As much as I adore the visual appeal and cushioning of several "wide" Skechers slip-ons I've tried, they all dug uncomfortably into my instep. Why? I have no idea. Maybe years of kicking things during martial arts growing up?
3. Size charts won't save you from needing to return a pair of shoes. Apparently they're just a vague idea rather than the standardized form of measurement you'd think they were.
4. Adding to that: Asics sizing makes no sense. Is this normal for brands?
My feet measure 26.5cm long and 11cm wide with the type of ankle socks I enjoy wearing. In US measurements, this technically 8.5 and who knows how many E's worth of width. On certain (but not all) Asics size guide webpages, there's a tiny blurb about adding 1~1.5cm to your foot measurements to reveal your "true size." This disclaimer is only on SOME Asics sizing guidelines that I've found, not all of them. Why, Asics? Why!
Here's what I've learned:
-Jolt 4 in 8.5 Extra Wide was a bit snug. The upper on the right shoe crinkled ~uniquely~ and stabbed into my big toe every step I took. Returned.
***-Jolt 4 in 9 Extra Wide? Absolutely perfect. I love it. Roomy, comfortable. Maybe not the most padded shoe, but it seems absolutely solid for the price.
-Kayano 29 in 9 Extra Wide? No room for my pinky toe. Minor circulation loss.
-Kayano 29 in 9.5 Extra Wide? Same deal with the pinky toe.
-Kayano 29 in 10 Extra Wide? Once again, same. Only now I am swimming in space in front of my big toe, a reminder of the years I spent wearing 10.5 in normal width shoes like a clown.
-Nimbus 25 in 10 Extra Wide? Pinky toe is barely touching the side now, so it's workable with looser lacing. Any bigger, and the shoe would be too big. If I dig my heel all the way back, it might already be too big. But I don't think the pinky toe would survive a half size down, not with socks.
I've never been this frustrated (and slightly fascinated?) by shoes before. I don't know why the Jolt 4 fits so much better than the others in a smaller size??? And "9" is still bigger than what my actual shoe size should be based on the stupid charts! What does "true to size" even mean? Is this a completely different situation for every size? I just have so many questions!
At the end of the day, I think if you have similar foot measurements as mine, maybe just get the Jolt 4 in extra wide and be done with it. And definitely don't watch shoe review videos and read shoe tier lists and brainwash yourself into thinking you need $150+ running shoes with fancy foams that'll probably disintegrate after 6 months! Don't do it! You're just going to the grocery store, Becky!
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Reviews with images
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024
Size: 10Color: Carrier Grey/Bright OrangeVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Size: 11 X-WideColor: Deep Ocean/Illusion BlueVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Seems fine
Fit good
Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2024Size: 8.5Color: Black/Lime ZestVerified Purchase
NEV
Great shoe for walking.
Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2024Size: 9.5 X-WideColor: Black/BlackVerified Purchase
Très content de la table malgré un éclat sur le plateau dessus mais une fois le carton découpé pour déballer l'ensemble et ayant de gros problèmes physiques je n'ai pas pu refaire le colis et le renvoyer pour échanger (trop lourd pour moi)
Au top
Reviewed in France on November 4, 2023Size: 9.5Color: Bright Orange BlackVerified Purchase
a750labs
Estable, amortiguada y cómoda.
Reviewed in Spain on November 3, 2023Size: 9Color: Black Golden YellowVerified Purchase
After one full charge this has basically stopped working. Although it would be better if it stopped completely I still have half a head to shave after 12 hours. I’ve charged it 3 times and get around 10 seconds at a time. I’m away to find a hat
Size up!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2023Size: 10Color: Black Golden YellowVerified Purchase
