Choosing the right width for your sandals to avoid pain and chafing

The right width makes all the difference.

If your sandals hurt, leave red marks, or cause blisters, the problem is often less about the size than the fit: too narrow (compression) or too wide (slippage = friction). In this article, you will learn how to measure the width of your feet, spot the warning signs, and choose sandals that suit your foot shape—so you can walk for long periods without pain or irritation.

Why width is crucial (and not just size)

A foot is not just a “size”: it is a shape. Two people who wear size 39 may have very different forefoot shapes (the metatarsal area). Friction and pain occur when:

• the sandal is too narrow: it compresses the forefoot, pushes the toes together, creates pressure points (corns, calluses), and causes chafing;
• the sandal is too wide: the foot “swims,” slides forward or backward, and the skin rubs against the edges or straps.

This is no minor issue: a literature review (2018) reported that 63 to 72% of participants wore shoes that did not fit the length or width of their feet, and this was associated with pain and conditions such as corns and calluses. Source: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2018.

What “width” means on a sandal: 3 areas to check

1) Forefoot width (the widest part of the foot)

The most useful width to measure is generally the forefoot, at the metatarsal heads (where the foot widens). This is also where a lot of friction occurs when straps are poorly positioned.

2) The “useful” width of the sole (the foot overhang)

On a sandal, you can immediately see if the foot overhangs. A slight occasional overhang may occur depending on your movements, but if your foot constantly “hangs over” the side, the base is too narrow (or the straps do not hold it properly).

3) Strap width and placement (what holds the foot)

Two sandals with the same sole width can behave very differently depending on:

• the position of the straps (closer to the toes or the instep),
• their width (thin = more localized pressure; wide = better pressure distribution),
• their adjustability (buckle / laces / Velcro: valuable if your foot swells).

Measuring your foot width at home (simple and reliable)

Feet change: they widen when bearing weight, may swell during the day, and the width can vary between the right and left foot. A study (1997) found that when bearing weight (body weight), the length and width of the foot increased by an average of approximately 3.1% to 4.8%, depending on age. Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 1997.

When to measure?

• At the end of the day (or after walking): your measurements will be closer to real-world conditions.
• Standing up, with your weight evenly distributed: the foot naturally spreads out.
• Both feet: use the wider one as your guide.

Materials

• 1 sheet of A4 paper (or more),
• 1 pencil,
• 1 ruler or tape measure,
• optional: 1 flexible tape (like a sewing tape) for the forefoot “circumference.”

Steps (the template method)

1. Place the paper on a hard floor, with your heel against a wall.
2. Stand up, distribute your weight evenly, and trace the outline of your foot.
3. Measure the maximum width of the outline (usually at the forefoot).
4. Repeat with the other foot and keep the larger measurement.

A useful reference: the Mondopoint (length + width in mm)

There is a standardized shoe size system based on foot measurements in millimeters: the Mondopoint, which is based on length and can also incorporate foot width. Reference: ISO 9407:2019. In everyday life, not all brands display width in mm, but this system highlights the essentials: two dimensions matter.

Recognizing sandals that are too narrow or too wide (before blisters appear)

Table: quickly diagnosing pain and friction related to width

Symptom	Probable cause	What you can do
Red marks on the sides of the forefoot	Sandal is too narrow / straps are too tight	Choose a wider base, opt for adjustable straps, and avoid thin straps that “cut in”
Toes are compressed or overlapping	Lack of space at the front (inappropriate width/shape)	Choose a more “square/rounded” shape and straps that do not push the toes
Foot slides forward, backward, or sideways	Sandal is too wide or does not provide enough support	Look for better support (instep / ankle strap), adjust the tightness, and avoid a sole that is too “flat” if your foot moves
Blister on the heel or side of the foot	Friction caused by instability + repetition	Improve support, check the inner edges (seams/ridges), and protect the area as a “preventive” measure during the first few wears
Burning/chafing under a strap	Localized pressure (strap is too thin or too tight)	Opt for wider/softer straps, adjust them, and choose soft, well-finished leather

Choosing the right sandal width for your foot

If you have wide feet (broad forefoot, hallux valgus, “bunions”)

• Prioritize adjustable support: an adjustable instep strap helps stabilize the foot without compressing the forefoot.
• Avoid “compensating” by choosing a longer size: a review (2018) highlights that some people choose longer shoes to gain width, which can impair stability and create other friction points. Source: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2018.
• Watch where the strap falls: if it sits directly over a prominent area, friction is almost guaranteed.

If you have narrow feet (narrow foot, thin heel)

• The risk is not compression, but slippage: this is what causes blisters.
• Aim for a sandal that secures the foot (with at least one adjustable area) to avoid gripping with your toes.
• Be careful with very smooth soles: they can increase foot movement.

If you are between two sizes

The length should leave a little room in front of the toes (feet “lengthen” slightly when walking). For closed-toe shoes, NHS podiatry services often recommend about 1 cm of space in front of the longest toe. Source: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. On an open sandal, this guideline mainly means: do not be right at the edge (at the front or back) and do not hang over the sides.

Reducing pain and friction: the details that make a difference

1) The right tightness (neither too tight nor too loose)

A well-adjusted sandal holds the foot in place without leaving any “play.” The goal: for the foot to move as little as possible with each step, while still allowing free circulation.

2) The quality of the finish (edges, seams, contact points)

Friction often comes from a small detail: a slightly sharp edge, an inner seam, or a strap that is too stiff. Before going out, do a mini-test: walk around your home for 2 minutes, then check if an area turns red.

3) Gradual adaptation

Even with the right width, the skin sometimes needs a few outings to get used to it. Start with short periods, especially in hot weather.

4) Preventing blisters (when you feel a “hot spot”)

Blisters are most often caused by friction: comfortable, well-fitting shoes help prevent them. NHS (page reviewed November 22, 2023).

• Protect the blister before it forms: use a hydrocolloid dressing or protective tape on the area that is heating up.
• Keep your foot dry (sweat = increased friction). If you are walking for a long time, a “ventilation” break helps.
• If a blister becomes infected (spreading redness, heat, pus, severe pain), seek medical advice.

Foot width: what can change over time

Feet widen with age (especially at the front)

A study on foot shape in women (2016) observed an increase in forefoot width (ball width) of approximately 3.1 to 4.0 mm per decade. Source: Age-related differences in women’s foot shape, 2016. In practical terms: a “perfect” sandal from 8 years ago may be a little narrow today.

Swollen feet: heat, walking, standing

If your feet swell easily, opt for sandals with adjustments (buckles/laces) and avoid “rigid” styles that leave no room. Measuring at the end of the day becomes even more important.

Difference between the right and left foot

This is common. Choose the sandal for the wider foot, then adjust the tightness on the other side if the style allows.

The NOUSS case: craftsmanship, Italian leather, and custom options

When looking for the right width, materials and construction matter: high-quality, well-crafted leather and meticulous finishing can improve how it feels against the skin (without replacing a good fit, of course).

• NOUSS offers handcrafted sandals for women, made with materials from Italy and assembled in France: discover them on the NOUSS website and the Brand page.
• If your difficulty is due to very narrow, very wide, or “non-standard” feet, NOUSS offers customization (colors/textures, engraving, and the option of a custom size depending on the project). Learn more about customization.
• For advice before choosing, you can visit the Contact page.

To explore the styles, you can also browse the selection of women’s leather sandals. And if you are buying online, remember to check the returns and refunds policy before ordering.

FAQ: sandal width, pain, and friction

How do I know if my sandals are too narrow?

The clearest signs are red marks on the sides of the forefoot, a feeling of compression (like a “vice”), toes coming together, or localized pain under a strap. On an open sandal, also check if your foot regularly hangs over the sole. If you need to loosen them as the day goes on, this is often an indication that they lack width or are not accommodating of changes in volume.

My foot hangs over a little: is that serious?

A tiny overhang may occur during movement, but if the edge of the sole visually “cuts off” the foot and the skin rubs against the outside, the risk of chafing and blisters increases. Overhang is particularly problematic if you feel the foot “crushes” on the side with every step. In this case, look for a wider base or better-positioned support (instep strap) to prevent the foot from spreading as it slides.

Why do I get blisters when the size is right?

Because the size (length) may be correct while the width or support is not. A sandal that is too wide allows the foot to move: repeated friction creates a blister. A sandal that is too narrow compresses: the skin heats up and becomes irritated, sometimes in the same place. Sweat and heat amplify the effect. As soon as you feel a “hot spot,” protect the area: prevention is better than cure.

Does leather “stretch” and solve the width problem?

High-quality leather may soften slightly over time, which improves comfort. But you should not rely on it “stretching” to correct a sandal that is clearly too narrow: pressure and friction are likely to cause pain (and sometimes mark the skin) before the material adapts. Ideally, the sandal should be comfortable from the first few wears, with adjustable fit if your volume varies during the day.

I wear size 39 but have wide feet: should I take 40?

Not necessarily. Choosing a longer size to gain width can make walking less stable and increase friction (foot sliding forward/backward). It is better to aim for a sandal that offers more room in the forefoot and adjustable support at the instep. If your foot is truly non-standard, the most relevant option is often custom-made or personalized fit, rather than simply changing sizes.

What now?

If you want to move from theory to a pair that truly suits your foot shape, discover the world of NOUSS, explore the leather sandals, and if you need an atypical width or precise fit, customization can be an excellent option. If in doubt, the easiest thing to do is to contact the team via the Contact page.