Bodell's Blog
UNDERSTANDING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
The name of the condition actually tells you what it is. Peripheral means beyond as in beyond the brain and spinal cord. Nero, is related to nerves and pathy as in disease. Such concepts fused together provide the meaning of peripheral neuropathy. That is, the …
DISCUSSION ON MORTON’S NEUROMA
Our feet are a complex system of 28 bones, 33 joints and 100 plus muscles in each foot. Such is the structure of each foot to keep us humans vertical.
Without proper shoe structure and support, the problem of Morton’s Neuroma increase. Without proper weight distribution, thickening of the outer coating of tissue surrounds the nerve between the toes thickens. Such thickening results when two bones repeatedly rub together, usually between the third and fourth toes. Occasionally the irritation can affect in between the second and third toes.
Nerve problems can be exacerbated by diabetes and/or alcoholism. Indeed, other risk factors considered are bunions, hammertoes and arch abnormalities. Other mitigating circumstances are high impact athletics like running, track and field. Such repetitiveness can cause trauma to the feet.
Please refer to the schematic diagram of the foot illustrating the location of Morton’s neuroma occurring in the location between the third and fourth toes.
DIAGRAM OF MORTON’S NEUROMA
Treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma really is correlation of degrees in pain and symptoms. Grading symptoms is in relation to the following:
- Structured shoes with emphasis to high profile lateral arch support, pronounced metatarsal support. Must include good counter support, lasting board and shank. Perhaps suggest a moderate rocker as well. Hence keep you centered and weight transferred off the ball of foot.
- Custom made orthotics, are always an option. However, I am of the opinion that proper footwear will negate the need for orthotics.
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgery by cutting nearby strictures to remove the nerve causing pain. However, a cautionary tale, the damaged nerve can grow back.
The best option is well-structured footwear that fits properly.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
The concise definition of PLANTAR FASCIITIS is consistent pain located on the plantar (bottom) of the heel. Additionally on the medial (inside) along the middle of the entire foot. Specifically, the plantar fascia is a series of fibrosis bands or rather tendon-like structure that extends …
A LOOK AT MEN’S COMBINATION LASTS
Combination Last Definition A shoe mold/form/last for a designed shoe that has features width forefoot (ball of foot), yet a heel twice as narrow as forefoot. As such, for superior fit and comfort, such lasts remain the standard for generations. Width structure of lasts is …
Understanding Women’s Shoe Widths: A Guide to Getting the Perfect Fit
Why Width Matters More Than You Think
At our store, we’ve built our reputation on selling footwear made on a combination last. This means the heel is two widths narrower than the ball of the foot — a design that mirrors the natural shape of most women’s feet. When the heel and forefoot are shaped correctly, the shoe fits better, feels better, and supports your foot the way it should.
The Standard Women’s Width Scale
Here’s the industry‑standard width chart for women’s footwear:
- 4A/6A — Super Slim
- 3A/5A — Slim
- 2A/4A — Narrow
- A/3A — Narrow/Medium
- B/2A — Medium
- C/A — Medium/Wide
- D/B — Wide
These pairings represent the width of the ball of the foot (top letter) and the heel (bottom letter).
Where Things Get Confusing: Extra Wide Widths
This is where manufacturers often take creative liberties. While the industry has standards, brands may define “extra wide” differently.
Common examples include:
- E/C = WW
- 2E/D = WW
- 3E/E = 3Wide
- 4E/2E = 3Wide
And here’s an important note: 4E is the widest women’s width produced in the footwear industry.
These pairings represent the width of the ball of the foot (top letter) and the heel (bottom letter).
Where Things Get Confusing: Extra Wide Widths
This is where manufacturers often take creative liberties. While the industry has standards, brands may define “extra wide” differently.
Common examples include:
- E/C = WW
- 2E/D = WW
- 3E/E = 3Wide
- 4E/2E = 3Wide
And here’s an important note: 4E is the widest women’s width produced in the footwear industry.
Brand Variations: Why Sizes Don’t Always Match
Beyond the standard Medium width, brands may interpret Slim, Super Slim, Wide, or Extra Wide differently. These variations are why two shoes labeled the same width can feel completely different.
This is also why we strongly recommend visiting a true sit‑and‑fit shoe store. Independent footwear stores specialize in understanding lasts, brand quirks, and width variations — and that expertise makes all the difference.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
Knowing the ins and outs of different manufacturers’ sizing is part of what we do every day. Our goal is simple: to help you find the perfect fit so you can enjoy long‑term comfort and foot health.
When you shop at an independent footwear store, you’re not just buying shoes — you’re benefiting from decades of knowledge, hands‑on experience, and personalized service
The Bottom Line
We hope this guide brings clarity to women’s width sizing and helps you feel more confident when choosing your next pair of shoes. And when in doubt, visit a sit‑and‑fit footwear store. Your feet will thank you.
A New Approach: Strength and Hope for the Homeless, Addiction, and Mental Illness
A NEW APPROACH: STRENGTH AND HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS, ADDICTION AND MENTAL ILLNESS Author Richard Bodell Just as a child questions about the calling of our existence and purpose. Such inquiries are often checked by a weary disciple who has lost all hope of imperfect …
Remembering Lewis Grant Bodell
Beloved, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Lewis Grant Bodell, 92, passed away September 1, 2020 at his daughters’ home in Templeton, California. He lived a full life of over 92 years, and as we hoped and prayed, passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.
How to Measure Feet When Buying Shoes Online
When buying shoes online it can be difficult to determine which size you should purchase since you are not able to try them on. Most people know their size, or think they know, but sizing for different brands can run differently.
First thing to do is to refer the the brand’s size chart. Some brands will provide a chart which converts sizes from European, China, and UK to United States sizing. Second thing to do is look at is the good reviews. Most good reviews will not simply state, “they feel good”, but will state whether the styles run small or large, narrow or wide, etc. Those items can be very helpful in the decision making. If you happen to have a Brannock device or measuring stick, you can do it yourself, although we recommend visiting a shoe store like Bodell’s Shoes to get a more accurate measurement.
Here is is a short video that shows how to properly measure feet at home. Knowing how to properly measure your feet will relieve your worry as to whether you are buying the right size or not.
POST-POLIO SYNDROME
Post-Polio Syndrome is a condition that occurs in people who contracted polio at an early age. Although recovery took place, after decades, an average of 30 to 40 years, symptoms reoccur. SYMPTOMS progressive muscle, joint weakness and pain general lack of energy while active atrophy …