Walking in Color: Haley’s Wide-Fit Footwear Journey

Head to toe, fashion helps tell the world who you are or who you’d like to be. Your outfit might make someone else smile. When you’re feeling down, you might get a compliment from a stranger that helps buoy your spirits. An outfit can be a self-fulfilling prophecy; when you dress like a force to be reckoned with, you start to embody that.

Whimsy on the Move: Why Liz’s Everyday Rotation Starts with Wydr Reading Walking in Color: Haley’s Wide-Fit Footwear Journey 6 minutes

Feb 23, 2026

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what your day-to-day life looks like?

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and I still live here with my husband, Jeff, and my gray tabby cat, Fig. My day job is working as an instructional designer at a software company, so I spend a lot of my work day at my desk. One of my favorite perks of my job is that there’s no dress code, so I can express myself through my outfits without limits.

How would you describe your personal style, and how do you express it through your footwear choices?

My outfits run the gamut from dopamine-dressing toddler to vintage siren, but the common thread in my style choices is COLOR! I love a matchy-matchy moment, so having footwear in a variety of colors is important to me.

What does a typical day in your life look like, and how does your footwear play a role in it?

Another perk of my job is that it’s located on an expansive and scenic plot of rural land. Even though my job is a "desk job", I do a lot of walking around to get to meetings and to take in the beautiful landscaping in the warmer months. My footwear has to support me on my mental health walks and not have me hobbling into my destination with fresh blisters.

What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced with finding footwear that fits in the past?

I came of age in the early 2000s so, of course, I love a pointed toe shoe. However, as someone with a wider foot, I had to choose between the look and my personal comfort. I’ve become less willing to cram my toes against tight shoes, but I still want to look fashionable.

Do you have any memorable stories or experiences tied to the footwear you’ve worn over the years?

In 2019, my husband and I were in Italy for our honeymoon. While out shopping, I tried on the most buttery soft black leather boots with silver buckles at a shop. I talked myself out of them, but couldn’t stop thinking of them. I hadn’t found a souvenir for myself yet– certainly nothing as cool as the sword my husband bought in Toledo the previous week. By the time I decided to go back for them, the shop was closed. We were set to leave the next day on a morning flight but rushed to the shop right before it opened to get me my souvenir boots.

What are the top three things you look for when choosing a pair of shoes?

Comfort is first and foremost. That doesn’t mean that I want to be stuck in sneakers every day, so style comes second. My third priority is the quality of the construction - I want to be able to wear my shoes for years to come.

How did you first come across Wydr Studios, and what made you decide to give it a try?

My introduction to Wydr shoes was a photo of the green metallic Dolly western boots on Instagram. I’ve grown accustomed to seeing advertisements for cute shoes that won’t work for my feet, so I couldn’t believe that such a fun shoe was available in wide widths. I decided to purchase the Shania boots to try out Wydr’s sizing and comfort, because they were still fun, but would be more versatile in my wardrobe.

How has wearing our shoes impacted your daily life or activities?

I get compliments from so many people when I wear a pair of Wydr shoes, to the point that my husband keeps a running mental tally when we’re out.

What are some of your favorite activities, and how does your choice of footwear support these?

I’m mostly an indoor cat. I love to go to the movies, go thrift and antique shopping, and go to craft fairs. With the exception of the movies, these activities all require a good deal of standing and walking. It’s critical that my shoes are comfortable for hours so they don’t cut my plans short.

What role does comfort and functionality play in your footwear decisions?

They’re among my top considerations. I have a lot of shoes, so a pair has to be really special to earn a spot in my closet. If they’re not practical and comfortable, they’ll be the first to get chopped during my next closet clean-out.

What advice would you give to someone who struggles with finding the right pair of shoes?

Don’t be afraid to shop online for shoes. I know that trying them on can be an important part of the process, but there are so many more options out there. Read the reviews thoroughly and give it a whirl.

How does the footwear you choose reflect your values, such as sustainability, quality, or fashion?

I am so aware of how much junk is available in the world; I see it all discarded when I go thrift shopping. It’s important to me to buy from responsible, quality companies when I buy new so I know I can wear my purchase for a long time and won’t contribute to the growing pile of forgotten fast fashion.

In what ways do you see footwear as more than just an accessory—perhaps as a reflection of identity or a means to tell your story?

What would you say to someone considering trying Wydr Studios for the first time?

I would encourage them to take the leap. The cute styles that are available are just half of it - once they try them on, they’ll be fully convinced.

What is your favorite pair of Wydr shoes till date and why?

I’ve got to give it to the green Shania western boots. They’re a style and color I haven’t seen elsewhere and they match a surprising number of things in my closet.