Any sneaker experts out there?

[cruisnfamily]

Help me find DH a pair of sneakers!

He just needs some kind of "general purpose" sneakers as he wears them for his daily footwear, not for any specific purpose(like running, basketball, etc)

Anyway, he wears a 14 which is hard to find in the stores and I'd like to purchase something online where there is a better selection at a lower price. I brought him home a pair of Puma's today(leather, size 14) and while they fit fine as far as the length, they seemed to be a little narrow and gave him a problem right about where his baby toe is. The reason he needs new shoes is that his old sneakers(New Balance) also bother him in that same area.

So, can you recommend a general purpose sneaker that runs a little wider? Or should I just go for a 14W? Never bought him wide before. Any advice out there for my big footed DH with the tender baby toes that tend to rub on the side of the shoe?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hubby really needs to go and try on the shoes at a *real* shoe store that can order special sizes. He may consider a running store--if only to just find THE shoe that is right for him and they do know how to fit properly. If anything he could be educated on what to look for. Regular stores really don't offer that kind of service (which is pretty sad...I was in the wrong shoe for YEARS b/c regular stores really don't take all naunces of the feet into account).

What one shoe may fit perfectly for a person, may not work for the other, so I can't really recommend a brand.

If his toe is rubbing--he does need to go wider and that should do the trick. If not--a half size up can help. Some shoes are just designed with a more tapered toe box...so finding a shoe that has a more boxy toe box could help as well. My running shoes are one size larger than my regular shoes and I am (I think) a D-width...which is equivalent to a mens regular width, but is a wide for ladies.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Hubby really needs to go and try on the shoes at a *real* shoe store that can order special sizes. .

Where would one find a "real" shoe store? Last time he got sneakers(the ones that he wears every day which are fine when he puts them on but by the end of the day, the sides of his feet hurt) he went ALL over town, to many, many shoe stores and he doesn't want to play that game again, he just wants me to "buy him something" and try it on at home and hope we get lucky. My DH really does NOT like to shop.

 

[golfgal]

Try Foot Locker or similar store, call ahead to see if they carry 14-14 1/2's. It sounds like his shoes are too small if his toe is rubbing. A 1/2 size larger might make all the difference. Another option is to see if you have a running shoe store near you-one that specializes in running shoes. Generally they have well informed salespeople and they can help him get fit properly.

I think stores are starting to carry larger sizes since it seems like people's feet are getting bigger and bigger. Heck, my 11 DD wears an 8 1/2 already--I wear a 9. A lot of the boys in their class are wearing size 10 or bigger already.

If you buy the shoes online, try a store like Eastbay. Buy 3 different sizes and return the ones that don't fit.

 

[powellrj]

I have a family of large footed guys! DH and DS both wear 14 and DS wears a 13. They have the best luck at outlet type places like Famous Footwear. Most stores regular sizes end at 13 and they can usually find what they need at places like these. I know DS found a pair of Nike that he likes and has 4 pair of the same ones. DH has a pair of New Balance he likes and he has 3 of those. Once they find a style they like, they try to get more like that. I know DS orders from Eastbay a lot too.

 

[golfgal]

The thing about Eastbay is that you can try on various shoes in the store, find some you like and then order them from Eastbay. They are usually less expensive then retail stores.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Does anybody know if some particular brands run a little wider than others? I know some sneakers are known for running small or running a little more narrow but I don't know which is which.

The "length" of the puma 14 is fine, as is the length of the sneakers he has now, it's just they seem to hurt the side of his foot right.

 

[golfgal]

My experience is that New Balance and Nike tend to run a bit wider. Have him look into Tennis Shoes, those designed for playing tennis. They tend to have a more square toe box.

Again, a 1/2 size larger might solve the problem too.

 

[emmoms]

My daughter, a physical therapist, says that the pt's at her workplace recommend New Balance sneakers. They are engineered for better support. They usually come in larger and wider sizes. Some stores will order larger/wider sizes if you ask.

PS: She wears New Balance herself -- for work and play.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Try the New Balance stores. I have seen them up to size 22 there. Get the 700 and above series. They are the best ones for your feet.

 

[luvmyeor]

We both wear New Balance. They are one of the only brands that seem to make them wide enough for DH...he needs a EEEE. The only place that we can find his size in stock is at a family shoe store in the mall. We have also ordered them online since we know what size he needs.

 

[pozey]

You might try an "Outdoors" type of store. We buy a lot of our shoes at Academy Outdoors (I think they are nationwide).

Also look for "wide" sizes. That might help.

 

[lindakmonty]

my dh is a big guy w/a wide foot. He has found the greatest shoes he's ever owned. He also has bone spurs on both feet. He swears but the new Nike...the inside looks like it kind of has a sock type thing that fits snug on your foot... he swears by them. They're $80-$90 a pair...but he's never cared about shoes much until he found these. I think they're called Hourache or something like that...

there is a grey colored too, he has both...

 

[Jen_in_NH]

My Dsis works in a sporting goods store, and she recommended I get New Balance for DH. He doesn't wear wide shoes, but has always had trouble with sneakers. She had him try on about 50 different pairs, and NB were the widest, and most comfortable. She recommended staying away from Nike and Asics if you're looking for slightly wider shoes. She also recommended once you find a style that fits well and is comfortable, go back in a few weeks and buy another pair or 2, since they stop making models fairly quickly.

Good luck
Jen