I normally buy my shoes at Payless, so usually they don't last terribly long (but long enough.) I usually buy 10.5 wide. However, I have been looking in other shoe stores (not many, but a few) and cannot find the 'wide' sizes. I tried buying some 11's but they were too tight.....is this normal for places to sell wides? if not, do those shoe wideners work very well?

We must have clone feet. My real size is 10 or 10.5 but I'm often lucky if I can find an 11 that is wide enough. The only place I've found that reliably stocks wide shoes is Nordstroms. They have great service and high quality shoes but you'll pay for it.

For something cheaper I sometimes have luck at DSW (Discount Shoe Warehouse). I don't know if they are a national chain or not. Sometimes I get lucky and find a wide model in my size or at least they have enough selection that I find something I like that is comfortable.

For casual shoes, my brand of choice is Merrell. They usually fit well even in standard width.

I'm also a size 10.5 wide. New Balance makes wide sneakers. When I go to the store I just ask what New Balance sneakers do you sell the wide version for.

As for dress shoes, I get them at "The Shoe Station" not sure if it's a local store or chain.

I have the exact opposite problem. I have narrow feet and un-width'd shoes flop around on me.

I wear an 9.5EEE, which is wider than "wide", so some of these comments may not apply. You are probably an E or EE, or somewhere in between. I've struggled with this my entire life and become kind of a "shoe snob".

It is NOT normal for places to sell wide shoes, because the vast majority of shoe companys simply don't make them. This really sucks. For example, there a few Cole Hann shoes that I really like, but that company does not make wide shoes.

Shoe wideners do NOT work. What happens is that shoe upper is stretched, but the sole remains the same size, and fails to support the foot and the upper. You will "walk over" these shoes, which means that you will have a big blob of shoe over the outside (usually) of the sole. This looks horrible and the shoes don't last. It is also not good for your feet.

You shouldn't buy shoes that come in "wide". You should buy shoes that come in the proper width for your foot, which will be E, EE, or EEE most likely. The designation "wide" usually means you are buying a lower quality shoe, and shoes that are made on lasts almost always use the A-EEEE designation. Similarly, ignore people when they say that a shoe "runs wide". Maybe, but not wide enough for you and me.

Buying the next size up is not the answer. Its true that these shoes will be slightly wider, but they will be too long and the arch support will be in the wrong place. Usually you'll be getting shoes 2 or more sizes too large to accomodate the width. These are uncomfortable and bad for your feet.

If you buy a pair of high-quality men's shoes, they will last 7-10 years with care. High quality shoes are somewhat expensive, but they are definitely worth the price. You will actually save quite a significant amount of money in the long run when you buy more expensive shoes. Note that expensive doesn't mean high quality, but high quality usually means expensive. Avoid designer shoes. Also, shoes made in an "Italian style" are always narrow shoes, which is too bad, because some of them are very high quality. Ferragamo is the one exception. They make some excellent shoes and a few of their styles come as wide as EE.

Avoid glued soles; stiched soles are much better. Avoid rubber soles except for winter shoes. Glued soles and rubber soles usually can not be replaced when they wear out. If you buy a high quality pair of leather shoes, you can have it re-soled several times, saving even more money. Leather also breathes, and conforms to your foot, making them much more comfortable.

Allen Edmunds are considered one of the best shoes made, and they are very reasonably priced given the quality. Allen Edmunds shoes have a cork foot bed, which conforms to the foot and makes them a semi-orthopedic design. Allen Edmunds offers shoe rebuilding services which can make a 5 year old pair like new. I think these shoes are the best value in the clothing world.

Fortunately, Allen Edmunds also makes the widest range of sizes of any shoe company I know. Some of their casual shoes are only available to a EE, but that should work for you with most styles if you're able to squeeze in to a wide.

Expect to pay about $200-$250 for a pair, less for the casual designs. Their top of the line shoe, the Leeds Codovan, is about $400, which is less expensive than most of the good quality designer shoes. It is an amazing shoe, by the way, and can be worn with jeans or a suit.

Other companies that make shoes that will fit are Johnston & Murphy, White Boot Company (custom), New Balance. In fact, for athletic shoes our only option is New Balance, so forget about even trying anything else.

Once you get a pair of shoes that fits properly, you won't be able to wear anything else. It seems outrageous to spend $200 on a pair of shoes at first, but definitely try the Allen Edmunds.

Nordstrom was initially a shoe company and they have the best selection. They carry the full line of Allen Edmunds. Try on a pair of Leeds Cordovan if you want to see how a shoe should feel.

FWIW,

Jim

PS: If you can afford it, the best thing to do is to get 2 pairs, use cedar shoe trees, and wear the pairs on alternate days. This gives the leather a chance to dry from perspiration. 2 pairs of the same shoe worn on alternate days will last 3-5x longer than shoes worn every day.

Outside of work I wear the same pair of Adidas trainers (sneakers!) for 99% of the time - the last pair was an impulse purchase from a sale Foot Locker in Covent Garden - was £69.99 down to £19.99 and they are actually still in pretty good nick.

I was recommended Merrell shoes by somebody recently - can anyone tell me about the Merrell "Chameleon Slam" shoe? It's on offer here for £45, or on ebay here for £40 (not sure about the red highlights though). Actually I've just seen they sell them for £60 at Cotswold and they have a store not too far from here - I might check the sizing first

Gareth

All this talk of shoes finally reminded me to check the Sketchers web site. In the past they offered a slipon sneaker called the Gator. Comfortable, finished inside, and can be worn without socks. It's a seasonal style. They don't have Gators right now. Instead they have something called STAMINA - CHECKERS. They are basically the same except they have a much wider weave in the uppers. I bought two pair black and tan.