What Is Shoe Depth: A Guide to Finding the Right Fit for Foot Conditions

When people think about shoe fit, they usually focus on length and width. But there’s another important dimension that often gets overlooked: shoe depth. The depth of a shoe refers to how much vertical space is inside, especially around the instep and toe box. For people with certain foot conditions like swelling, hammertoes, bunions, or who wear orthotics, this feature can make all the difference between discomfort and relief.

In this guide, we’ll explain what shoe depth is, who it helps, and how to choose the right amount of depth for your needs. Whether you're managing a foot condition or simply struggling to find a comfortable shoe, understanding depth can help you make a better buying decision.

What Does Shoe Depth Mean?

Shoe depth is the vertical space inside the shoe from the sole to the upper. Standard shoes are made with a regular depth designed for average feet. Extra depth and double depth shoes provide more space, especially in the toe box and vamp area, to accommodate foot irregularities, orthotics, or foot braces.

This feature is especially important when the top of the foot needs more room. If your shoe feels tight over the instep or your toes feel squeezed even when the shoe is the right length and width, lack of depth may be the issue.

You might see terms like "therapeutic depth" or "orthopedic depth" used by specialty footwear brands. These usually indicate shoes that are deeper than standard styles and designed with medical needs in mind.

Extra Depth vs. Double Depth Shoes: What’s the Difference?

Though the terms sound similar, extra depth and double depth shoes are not the same:

• Extra depth shoes add around 1/4 inch of space compared to regular shoes. This is enough for many people who use orthotics, have mild hammertoes, or experience light swelling.
• Double depth shoes go further, often with 1/2 inch or more additional depth. These shoes often have two or more removable inserts, so you can customize the inside space. They are ideal for people who wear ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), have severe foot deformities, or need to fit foot braces.

For example, someone with diabetes and severe foot swelling might need double depth shoes to reduce pressure and prevent ulcers. A person who just needs room for custom orthotics or who has a high instep may be fine with extra depth.

Shoes with extra or double depth often look bulkier, but brands like Propét and Drew Shoe are designing them in more modern styles. They can come in a variety of shoe types, from athletics sneakers, boots, casual shoes and more.

Adjustable Depth through Spacer Inserts

The adjustable depth in a shoe is permitted through spacer inserts. These are thin foam inserts (typically 3mm thick) that fit underneath the main shoe insole or orthotic.

Depending on the manufacturer, the spacer inserts may be already inside the shoe beneath the main insole or placed outside the shoe in the retail shoe box. If the shoe is feeling tight at the top of your foot or at the toe box area, try removing the main insole to see if there are additional inserts that can be removed to adjust the depth of the shoe.

Pro tip: You may need a long, thin object like a butter knife or pencil to assist in removing the spacer inside the shoe. Carefully slide the object along the side of the spacer insert and lift up to remove.

Why Shoe Depth Matters for Foot Comfort

Shoe depth helps prevent pressure points and rubbing on the top of the foot and toes. Being able to adjust the depth of the shoe to your foot shape allows you to get a perfect fit and reduce foot discomfort. Without enough depth, your toes may be cramped or the shoe upper may rub on bunions or other sensitive areas.

This pressure can lead to:

• Blisters or corns
• Toenail damage
• Ulcer formation (from friction) in diabetic feet
• Pain when walking or standing for long periods

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, ill-fitting shoes are one of the top causes of foot problems source. Depth is one of the most commonly ignored parts of the fit.

If your shoes feel tight on the top but not the sides, or if your feet feel better after removing the insole, it may be time to try a deeper shoe.

Foot Conditions That Benefit from Extra or Double Depth

Certain foot issues make standard shoes too shallow. Here are some examples where deeper shoes can help:

• Edema (Swollen Feet): Swelling from standing, medications, or medical conditions can cause your feet to grow a full size or more in volume. Deep shoes provide the vertical space to relieve pressure.
• Hammertoes or Claw Toes: These conditions cause the toes to curl upward or downward. Extra space keeps the toes from rubbing against the top of the shoe.
• Bunions and High Insteps: These raise the profile of the foot in the vamp and toe box areas and often cause tightness in regular shoes.
• Diabetic Neuropathy: Double depth shoes help protect feet from pressure and friction that could cause wounds or ulcers.
• Orthotics and AFOs: Devices need added internal room to fit properly without crowding the foot. Being able to adjust the shoe make it easier to fit braces and orthotics inside the shoe.

Many of these conditions require more than just wide shoes. People often assume a wide width will help, but if the pressure is on top of the foot or toes, it's depth—not width—that matters.

How to Tell If You Need Deeper Shoes

Here are some signs that you might benefit from shoes with more depth:

• You remove the insole to make the shoe more comfortable
• Your toes feel pushed up or curled inside the shoe
• Your instep feels tight even in wide sizes
• You feel pressure on the top of your feet or toes.

If you experience any of these, try a shoe labeled "extra depth" or "double depth." Many orthopedic shoe brands clearly mark their depth options.

The spacer inserts allow you to adjust the depth of the shoe as needed.

Choosing the Right Shoe Depth: Features to Look For

When shopping for deeper shoes, look for these features:

• Removable insoles: Allow customization or room for orthotics
• Stretchable uppers: Materials like Lycra® and knit-mesh material allow some give to help reduce pressure on sensitive areas
• Wide toe box: Gives toes freedom to spread out naturally for better foot positioning and even distribution of weight across the foot.
• Padded collars and tongues: Improve comfort without tightness at the instep.

Some shoe brands that offer adjustable depth shoes include:

• Apis Footwear: Styles with adjustable depth options and wider widths available (up to 14E widths on select styles).
• Drew Shoes: Stylish orthopedic shoes with adjustable depth and 6E width options.
• Orthofeet: Most styles offer two or more layers (1/16” and 1/8” spacer) of removable inserts to adjust the depth of the shoe.
• Propét: Affordable and available in wide/deep sizes including straight-last styles. Look for styles with Extra Depth or Double Depth designation.

Visit a local shoe fitter or specialty shoe store if you're unsure what depth is best. If ordering online, you can use our online shoe calculator to help determine the suggested shoe size and width for your feet.

Shoe depth plays a big role in overall foot comfort, especially for people with foot conditions like swelling, hammertoes, bunions, or those who use orthotics. Choosing the right depth can prevent pressure, reduce pain, and give your feet the space they need to move comfortably.

If you’ve been struggling with foot pain or shoes that don’t quite feel right, consider whether shoe depth is the missing piece. A deeper shoe might be the small change that makes a big difference in how you move through your day.

About author:

Derek Roach is a foot health expert with over a decade of experience in the orthopedic shoe industry. He has helped thousands of customers find the right footwear for their unique foot conditions. His expertise has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Women's Health Mag, HuffPost, and Healthline. Passionate about foot health and comfort, Derek provides practical advice to help people improve mobility and reduce foot pain through proper footwear choices.