FAQ Wide feet & width H: Comfort width, materials & suitable models
Do you have wide feet and are looking for the right shoes? In our FAQ, you will find everything you need to know about comfort width H, suitable materials and tips for choosing comfortable yet fashionable shoes – clearly and concisely summarised.
Shoes/sandals in width H offer extra space in the forefoot area and are ideal for people with wider feet.
Width H in shoes stands for comfort width and refers to shoes that have been specially designed for slightly wider feet. The shoe width indicates how wide the shoe is in the ball area.
Width H corresponds to a ‘comfort width’, suitable for:
- wider feet,
- feet requiring extra space (e.g. hallux valgus),
- feet that are prone to swelling.
Width H compared to standard widths:
- Width F: Standard width for normal-width feet.
- Width G: Comfort width for those who need a little more space.
- Width H: Comfort width for wider feet.
- Width K or M: Extra width for very wide feet.
Shoes with width H offer more space in the forefoot area, ensure high wearing comfort and counteract discomfort that could be caused by shoes that are too tight.
Wide shoes are not automatically larger in length, but only in width and volume.
A shoe in width H has the same length as a shoe with standard width, but offers more space in the ball and instep area.
If you have wider feet, you should therefore stick to your usual shoe size but specifically choose a wider width. A wider shoe will feel more comfortable and spacious without being too long.
The following materials are particularly suitable for wide feet as they are flexible, soft and adaptable:
1. Genuine leather
Leather is elastic, breathable and adapts perfectly to the shape of your foot over time.
Smooth leather: Soft, stretchy, and moulds itself better to the foot with every wear.
Suede (velour leather): Particularly soft, supple and cosy, ideal for sensitive feet.
- Highly adaptable and flexible
- High wearing comfort
- Breathable, reduces perspiration
2. Nubuck leather
Nubuck leather is roughened smooth leather. It combines the adaptability of suede with the stability of smooth leather.
- Cuddly, soft
- Breathable
- High quality and durable
3. Textiles & stretch materials
Elastic materials such as stretch fabrics or textile materials with elastane adapt particularly well to the individual shape of the foot.
- Highly elastic and stretchy
- Reduces pressure points
- Lightweight, breathable
4. Mesh (breathable mesh fabric)
Often used in trainers, offers maximum breathability and flexible adjustment.
- Extremely elastic and breathable
- Reduces swelling and heat sensation
- Ideal for active feet
Unsuitable materials
- Rigid synthetic leather: not very flexible, not very breathable.
- Patent leather: Often stiff, not very stretchy or adaptable.
Recommended material combinations
- Leather combined with stretch inserts
- Suede combined with elastic elements
- Soft leathers with additional textile material
Conclusion: The best choice for wide feet is a shoe made of soft genuine leather, ideally complemented by stretch materials. Such shoes adapt individually to your foot, offer a high level of comfort and are comfortable and healthy in the long term.
Shoes can be stretched slightly if they are too tight, but only to a certain extent and ideally by a shoemaker you trust.
A professional shoemaker can stretch shoes using tools such as shoe lasts or shoe stretching machines. Stretching at a shoemaker's ensures precise and lasting results and offers the advantage of professional advice. It also eliminates the risk of damaging the shoe.
Suitable for leather and suede shoes. The higher the quality and the softer the material, the better the stretching works. Synthetic materials can usually only be stretched to a very limited extent and can be easily damaged in the process.
If you regularly need wider shoes, we recommend buying shoes in comfort width (width H) directly.
If an item does not fit or you do not like it, you can return it to us within 14 days of the delivery date.
What you should pay attention to:
- Wide fit (width H, H½, K, etc.)
- Footbed & cushioning
- Flexible materials
- Round or square toe area
- Adjustable elements
Absolutely! Comfort and fashionable design are not mutually exclusive. ara shoes skilfully combine comfort with trendy designs – even in wide shoes. So you can look fashionable and still enjoy the wonderful feeling of a perfectly fitting shoe.
Discover our wide selection of comfortable yet fashionable ara sandals, which offer plenty of space and an optimal fit for wide feet.