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Shopping for shoes that are wide enough is no easy feet.

If only wide shoes were as common as wide feet — they’d be front and center in the shoe aisle, and we wouldn’t have to hunt, dig, or ask the store assistant to check the stock room for our size. Adding insult to injury: Many “wide option” shoes are not actually designed for wide feet.

Time and again, I find myself spending money on flats and sneakers that don’t even last a year — sometimes not even a week — because they don’t stretch as we break them in. If you’re ready to break this frustrating cycle, the tips below will help you find the right shoes for wide feet.

Those shiny dress loafers might be tempting — they’re slip-on, low to the ground, and can withstand a little rain. But if they’re shiny, there’s a good chance they’re made with patent leather, which isn’t a great pick. True patent leather is a type of coated leather with a polished, water-resistant finish. (Nowadays, many products labeled patent leather are actually made of plastics.)

Whether it’s true patent leather or not, there’s a good chance that it has no give — a no-go for wide feet. The lack of “breathing room” can cause feet to become irritated and swell, making a tight space even tighter. Instead, choose loafers made with soft materials like leather, faux leather, and suede.

Some brands sell the same shoe in a men’s version and a women’s version, with the women’s style having a narrower toe and heel. You can therefore buy the men’s version in your size (men’s size 7 is usually women’s size 9), but this takes a little guess work. Not quite the same (but close): Look for brands that sell unisex shoes. You won’t have to guess your size, and because the shoes are made to fit everyone, you won’t have to deal with a narrow toe or heel.

If you aren’t ready to spend money on another pair of shoes (it’s a risk, after all), there’s nothing wrong with sprucing up the ones you already own. Here are a few ways to make your sneakers, boots, AND heels more comfortable:

If you’re looking to invest in a shoe for wide feet, these are our top brands.

Looking for more options? Check out our top 10 shoes for wide feet that have some pizzaz.

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