Shopping for shoes is fun for most women, provided that they have an average sized foot. For women who have large feet or wide feet; however, the task of shopping for shoes can be daunting and embarrassing. Far too frequently, many women discover they are not able to find women's wide shoes in many retail shoe shops. When they are able to find women's Large Size Shoes, the variety of styles are frequently limited and not very attractive. This is because very few retail shoe stores carry extended size shoes or wide shoe sizes.

Finding the right size shoe is not only a matter of style and comfort but it can also be a matter of health as well. Medical studies have discovered that many people suffer from foot problems at some point in their lives. It is estimated that at least 70% of all elderly people are affected by food problems. Nearly 40% of those affected by foot problems find the problems to be so severe they consult their physician about the matter. In some cases, foot problems can be eased by ensuring the individual is wearing a shoe that fits correctly.

Shoes that do not fit correctly can lead to a number of problems as well as make existing problems even worse. There is a common misconception that shoes need to be broken in before they fit comfortably. This is completely untrue. Shoes that fit properly should be comfortable to wear on day one without any time needed to break them in.

When a shoe is too narrow it can cause a number of different problems. One of the most serious problems that it can cause is the fact that a narrow shoe will shove the balls of the feet together. This can result in the nerves between the balls of the feet being pinched and cause 'neuromas.' A neuroma can be quite painful and may even require injections or surgery to correct. If left untreated, this problem can cause a loss of sensation not to mention extreme pain. Even when neuromas are corrected they can return if the individual returns to wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Poorly fitting shoes can also result in other problems such as calluses and corns. Calluses and corns are generally caused by friction or pressure on the skin. In response to the pressure, the skin begins to harden and thicken. In most cases, corns measure approximately ¼" to ½" in diameter. They also usually have a hard center. Most corns develop on the sides and tops of the toes. When pressure is applied, they can be quite painful and even result in a dull ache.

Calluses are not necessarily painful; however, they can certainly be unsightly. Calluses also appear as a rough, thick layer of skin. They can commonly measure about an inch or even more in diameter.

Bunions can also be very painful. They are commonly caused by pressure and abnormal motion on the joint of the big toe. One of the most common underlying causes of this problem is shoes that do not fit properly.

One of the easiest ways to avoid these types of problems is to make sure you are wearing shoes that fit. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can wear longer shoes in order to acquire a wide enough fit. This is not the case and can even cause further problems. The best way to prevent corns, calluses, bunions and other problems is to wear a shoe that fits properly. If you already have calluses or corns, you will frequently find they will go away once the friction and rubbing that causes them is eliminated.