How to Prevent Overhanging Toes in Open Toed Shoes

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Open-toe shoes are a definite trend right now, especially in the summertime. But this style has a specific downside- toes are showing, and they tend to make feet look bigger or “overhanging” if you wish.

How to Prevent Overhanging Toes in Open Toed Shoes

Have your feet measured? 

Many women make the mistake of assuming their shoe size is the same as their clothing size. But this is not true. While there might be a correlation, you should always go to a specialist store and measure your feet to know which shoe size will suit you best.

Fit your shoes to the larger foot. 

When you try on shoes, always fit them to your larger foot. This way, when your feet swell during the day, they won’t push against the smaller side of the shoe in an attempt to create more space–which could lead to overhanging toes.

Get measured at the end of the day when your feet are the largest. 

Since your feet tend to swell during the day, it’s best to get measured at the end of it. You can also go online and measure your feet yourself with a ruler or tape measure. Be sure that you’re standing when you do this; sitting tends to give smaller measurements.

Avoid shoes that are too small or too large. 

No matter what size you are, avoid shoes that are either too small or too large. This will help to prevent overhanging toes.

Don’t rely on shoe size alone.

You might buy your shoes in a size that seems to fit according to the shoe sizing chart, but there’s no guarantee this will be true. To ensure that your shoes fit perfectly, try them on for at least five minutes and walk around before you decide.

Avoid heels and pointed toes. 

Heels and pointed toe styles tend to accentuate your feet and can lead to overhanging toes. Try rounded toe styles instead.

Avoid square-toed shoes. 

Similarly, square-toed shoes tend to broaden the look of your feet. Try rounded or almond-shaped toes instead to avoid this problem.

Look at the shape of the shoe. 

Consider the shape of your shoe in addition to its size. If you have short or wide feet, try a rounder silhouette style for more flexibility. For narrow feet, try a straighter shoe with a block heel.

Don’t plan on shoes stretching over time. 

No matter how much you spend on them, shoes are not destined to stretch. If the fit seems too tight at first, it will only get worse with time.

Check the width of the shoe. 

Just as with the length of a shoe, your shoe width might feel a little tight at first. But if it’s too narrow, you’ll soon begin to suffer from pain and blisters. For the best fit, allow for enough room in front of your toes to not touch the tip of your shoes.

Consider curling your toes to fit. 

Sometimes the only way to make a shoe feel comfortable is to curl your toes inward. This can be uncomfortable at first, but after time it becomes second nature.

Check the depth of the shoe. 

The last thing you want is to finally find a pair of gorgeous shoes in your size only to realize they aren’t deep enough for your feet. Try them on and walk around with them; if there is any possibility that they’re too short, put the shoes back on the rack.

Check the space at the end of the shoe. 

Space at the end of the shoe is vital. Try to get a little “wiggle room” so that your toes aren’t squished. This will prevent overhanging toes and other foot problems.

Don’t worry about shoes “breaking in.” 

Shoes don’t stretch out with wear; if they feel tight when you first buy them, they won’t magically become comfortable later on. Instead, consider the other tips here to help you find shoes that fit better right out of the box.

FAQs 

Do shoes stretch over time?

No, unfortunately, they don’t. This is why it’s so important to find a pair that fits well right away. If you have to “break them in,” avoid this problem by choosing a looser shoe style–it will stretch out more easily than a tighter one.

Will my feet shrink if I lose weight?

No, your feet will not shrink simply because you’ve lost weight. It’s a myth that people losing weight should buy new shoes to compensate, as this won’t work at all. You might need a different shoe size if the rest of your body shape changes dramatically–in this case, go to a shoe store and have your feet measured.

Do shoes stretch?

No, they don’t. This is why it’s so important to find a pair that fits well right away. If they feel tight when you first buy them, they won’t magically become comfortable later on. Instead, consider the other tips here to help you find shoes that fit better right out of the box.

Conclusion

Taking your time when you’re shopping for open-toed shoes is the best way to prevent overhanging toes. If you buy the first pair that fits, it’s possible that they won’t fit well in a few weeks or months—and this could lead to severe foot pain and problems. Dressy occasions are often among the few situations that call for open-toed shoes, so it’s worth the effort to find some that fit just right.