Bunions, hammer toes and wide feet often make ordinary shoes uncomfortable. The problem is not only shoe size; it is shoe shape. A shoe can be long enough but still too shallow over the toes or too narrow across the forefoot. This creates rubbing, redness and pressure.
Extra depth shoes give more vertical room, especially around toe deformities. Extra width helps reduce side pressure around bunions and forefoot swelling. For people with diabetes, this extra space is even more important because rubbing can become a skin risk.
Custom diabetic shoes can be shaped around the foot instead of forcing the foot into a standard pattern. The interior should be smooth, the toe box should allow movement, and the insole should support the foot without lifting it into pressure against the upper.
Flexi Feet assesses bunions, hammer toes, wide feet and diabetic foot needs before recommending footwear. Sometimes the answer is custom shoes; sometimes a custom insole inside the right shoe can help. The decision depends on skin risk, deformity, pain and daily use.
If your toes press against the top of the shoe, if bunion areas become red, or if you keep sizing up just to gain width, it may be time for an extra-depth custom footwear assessment.