Shoe Fit: What If One Side Fits Bigger than the Other?

[Sartorially Challenged]

What ought one to do if one shoe fitted bigger than the other?

Some folks seem to suggest using an insert only in the one shoe that is too loose, but wouldn't that throw off gait/balance?

Also, is this problem pretty common?

 

[Artisan Fan]

I think it is common for feet to be of different sizes. Mine are.

 

[odoreater]

My right foot is pretty significantly wider than my left. For example, in AE a 10.5EEE fits my right foot perfectly but is too wide for my left foot. A 10.5E fits my left foot perfectly but is way too narrow for my right foot. Usually, if I feel that the right shoe can be easily stretched, I go with the narrower size, but if I feel that it can't I just go with the wider size and tighten the left shoe more. In AE, this means that I usually go with a size 10.5EEE. In some brands that have an EE I'll go with that even though it means it's a tad tight on my right foot and a tad loose on my left foot.

In all honesty though, it kind of sucks because shoes never really fit both feet just right. I just learn to live with it.

 

[whoopee]

You can try special order programs like those offered by EG, Weston, the Italian makers. Or bespoke, of course.

 

[Stax]

My left is bigger than my right. It sucks. Tongue pads (which I put in one shoe only) help me a lot. One day I will go bespoke and curse myself for not doing it sooner.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

What is a "tongue pad" and how does it work?

 

[Stax]

Originally Posted by Sartorially Challenged

What is a "tongue pad" and how does it work?

It is an adhesive pad that sticks to the underside of the shoe's tongue. I suppose it works by filling up the shoe, making my heel rest closer to the heel and preventing unwanted slippage. Sometimes I use heel pads. The draw back of either is that they need occassional replacement (they are inexpensive) and they leave an adhesive film when removed. Insoles don't work as well for me, but it seems they do for others.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

Sometimes I use heel pads.

Only on one side? What well does that work? Doesn't that make you feel unbalanced?

 

[Bic Pentameter]

My right is wider than my left. I lace the left shoe more tighly than the right, and find that derbies provide ease in managing the problem.

I also find that wholecuts are better at molding to the shape of my foot, and therefore are more forgiving than cap toes.


Bic

 

[Stax]

Originally Posted by Sartorially Challenged

Only on one side? What well does that work? Doesn't that make you feel unbalanced?

well, now that you ask, the one pair that I use heel pads with has them on both shoes. I only use a tongue pad on the right foot, however. I don't notice it at all.

 

[kitonbrioni]

My left foot is somewhat bigger than my right. It's takes some adjustment to laces, straps or pads if necessary.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

I don't notice my asymmetry nearly as much when I wear athletic shoes or Blüchers. But I notice it quite a bit when I wear Balmorals.

 

[Vintage Gent]

My feet are a full size and a half different: the right a 9.5D and the left an 8E, the result of actions to correct a club foot throughout the first five years of my life. I've had luck with Nordstrom's. As long as your feet are at least a size and half different, they'll sell you the correct size shoe for each foot, at the cost of a single pair of shoes.

Otherwise, I've just dealt with it. Because my feet are roughly the same width, the left foot will fill out the 9.5 lengthwise.

 

[Stax]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

I've had luck with Nordstrom's. As long as your feet are at least a size and half different, they'll sell you the correct size shoe for each foot, at the cost of a single pair of shoes.

Wow. That's a good program. I can't take advantage of it, but good to know, nonetheless.

 

[Man In Space]

Originally Posted by Stax

It is an adhesive pad that sticks to the underside of the shoe's tongue. I suppose it works by filling up the shoe, making my heel rest closer to the heel and preventing unwanted slippage.

Hello All -

My first post... Where on the tongue do you place the pads (how far "down")?
The AE saleswoman gave me a few to try out but I forgot to ask exactly where they go. My left foot is smaller than my right.

Thanks!