So in 2004 I started exercising at 253 pounds and lost a bunch of weight and got down to 192 by exercising and quitting drinking. I wore New Balance shoes that were not even any extra width - well, over the course of the next 4 years (went back to school) I gained all the weight back and then some and am now sitting at 269 pounds.

Over the course of the last 2 years I have started exercise and running programs to no avail because I simply cannot find a shoe that feels normal while exercising. I just got back from walking (little to no exercise for the last few months) and I am wearing an 11 1/2 6E shoe and its still not big enough. I can feel the pressure in the side of the shoe and its uncomfortable walking in them, I sort of got used to it and walked for 1/2 hour, but what I am supposed to do, they dont make shoes any bigger than 6E.

I never even wore any extra widths shoes 4 years ago and now the widest of widths available are not comfortable. Is it that my feet have gained weight with the rest of my body? If I keep exercising with the shoes i have now will it go away? Are there shoes with wider widths than this? Is it my feet hurting because they are not used to exercising?

I dont know what to do or think lol, please help!

I don't know about other sizes, but your feet will gain and lose weight just like the rest of you - they're not exempt from weight gain. I lost a shoe size and a half when I lost 80 lbs ... and I have to admit it took me by surprise as well.

AS far as soreness from exercising, yeah, that will happen too. Good shoes are important to help prevent that (as well as to help stabilize your ankles, knees, and hips, and prevent injury) but it's not uncommon for your feet to be sore, just like the rest of your body is, after you start a new exercise routine.

Good luck to you in finding some shoes that work for you.'

Edited to say: I just looked at Zappos, which is where I buy a lot of my shoes, and they have athletic shoes in men's and women's sizes that go as high as a 9E. http://www.zappos.com/wide-shoes

It's pretty rare, though certainly possible, for your feet to change size that much. To go froom normal width to 6E+ would be really unusual.

More likely, although I cannot say for sure, that you just need the right kind of shoe. For instance, there is a good chance you are over-pronating when you walk, which could well lead to the feeling that your shoes are too tight.

I suggest going to a specialty running store and have then take a look at your feet and gait. Those shops tend to have people working there who genuinely know a lot about shoes and feet. You might need a stability or motion control shoe.
Another option is going to a chiropractor or PT that does orthotics or gait analysis, but that costs money and the shoe store guys will give advice for free.

Oh .. duh. I just noticed the part about not ever needing extra widths before. Yeah, your feet will gain and lose weight, but to go from a regular width to a 6E+ is not probable.

I agree with Cort - it sounds like you've got some poorly fitted shoes and/or shoes that aren't right for the way you walk.

I'd go to a proper shoe store and have your feet measured and your stride monitored.