Shoe Width Guide
Complete guide to understanding narrow, standard, and wide shoe widths with measurement charts and brand recommendations
What is Shoe Width?
Shoe width measures the girth or circumference of your foot at its widest point, typically across the ball of your foot where your toes meet the arch. While most people focus solely on shoe length, width is equally important for comfort, proper support, and preventing foot problems.
Shoes that are too narrow can cause bunions, blisters, corns, and pinched nerves. Shoes that are too wide lead to heel slipping, blisters from excess movement, and lack of proper support. Finding the correct width ensures your shoes fit properly and support healthy foot development.
Standard Widths by Gender: The "standard" or "medium" width differs between men and women. Women's standard width is labeled B (sometimes M for Medium), while men's standard width is labeled D. This is why the same shoe model often comes in different widths for men and women.
Understanding Width Letters
Shoe width is designated by letters, with each letter representing approximately 3/16 inch (4.8mm) difference in width at the ball of the foot. The system can seem confusing at first, but it follows a logical progression.
Women's Width Scale
- AAAA or 4A: Super narrow (very rare, specialty order)
- AAA or 3A: Extra narrow
- AA or 2A or SS: Narrow
- A: Slightly narrow
- B or M: Standard/Medium width (most common)
- C or D: Wide
- E or 2E: Extra wide
- EE or 3E: Extra extra wide
Men's Width Scale
- B: Narrow
- C: Slightly narrow
- D or M: Standard/Medium width (most common)
- E or 2E: Wide
- EE or 3E: Extra wide
- EEE or 4E: Extra extra wide
- EEEE or 6E: Maximum wide (rare, specialty brands)
How to Measure Your Foot Width
Measuring your foot width follows a similar process to measuring length. You'll need paper, a pen, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Trace your foot: Stand on paper and trace around your foot while bearing full weight
- Mark the widest points: Find the widest part of your foot tracing, typically across the ball of your foot
- Measure across: Use a ruler to measure the distance between these widest points
- Record in inches: Width is typically measured in inches in the US system
- Compare to chart: Use your foot length and width to determine your width letter
- Measure both feet: Use the larger measurement if they differ
Width Measurement Reference Chart
| US Size | Narrow (inches) | Standard (inches) | Wide (inches) | Extra Wide (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 3.2" | 3.5" | 3.8" | 4.1" |
| 8 | 3.3" | 3.6" | 3.9" | 4.2" |
| 9 | 3.4" | 3.7" | 4.0" | 4.3" |
| 10 | 3.5" | 3.8" | 4.1" | 4.4" |
| 11 | 3.6" | 3.9" | 4.2" | 4.5" |
| 12 | 3.7" | 4.0" | 4.3" | 4.6" |
Signs Your Shoes Are the Wrong Width
Too Narrow Signs
- Pinching sensation: Sides of feet feel squeezed or compressed
- Red marks: Visible indentations on sides of feet after removing shoes
- Blisters: Especially on sides of feet, pinky toe, or bunion area
- Numbness: Toes or ball of foot feels numb or tingly
- Bunion pain: Existing bunions hurt more, or bunions developing
- Ball pain: Pain across the ball of your foot (metatarsalgia)
- Corns developing: On sides of toes from pressure
Too Wide Signs
- Heel slipping: Heel lifts out of shoe while walking
- Side-to-side movement: Foot slides laterally inside shoe
- Laces too tight: Need to tie laces extremely tight, but still loose
- Movement blisters: Blisters from foot sliding around
- Lack of support: Shoes don't feel secure or supportive
- Walking difficulty: Hard to walk in straight line
- Ankle rolling: Increased risk of ankle sprains
Width Differences Between Brands
Brands That Run Narrow
Nike: Known for running narrow, especially in athletic shoes. The Air Max and Pegasus lines are particularly narrow. Good for narrow to medium feet, but wide-footed people should look elsewhere or size up (though this doesn't truly solve width issues).
Converse: Chuck Taylors and most Converse styles run very narrow. The toe box is slim and not suitable for wide feet.
Vans: Classic Vans slip-ons and Old Skool styles run narrow to medium width.
Most Dress Shoes: Traditional dress shoes, especially women's heels and men's oxfords, tend toward narrow fits for a sleek appearance.
Brands That Run Wide or Offer Wide Widths
New Balance: The gold standard for wide width shoes. Offers 2E, 4E, and even 6E in many models. Their running and walking shoes are excellent for wide feet. New Balance actively markets to people with wider feet.
Adidas: Standard width runs wider than most brands, making them great for people with medium to wide feet. Ultra Boost, NMD, and Superstar lines accommodate wider feet well. Check our Adidas sizing guide for details.
Brooks Running: Offers 2E and 4E widths in most running shoe models. Known for accommodating wider feet with proper support.
ASICS: Provides wide width options (2E, 4E) in many running shoes. The Gel-Kayano and GT-2000 series come in multiple widths.
Skechers: Generally runs wide even in standard width. Good option for people with wider feet who don't want to special order.
Hoka One One: Known for wide toe boxes that accommodate wider feet naturally.
Find Your Perfect Shoe Size
Once you know your width, use our converter to find your size in any international sizing system.
Use Size Converter Tool →The Sizing Up Mistake
One of the most common mistakes people with wide feet make is sizing up in length when they actually need more width. This seems logical - a larger shoe should be roomier - but it creates more problems than it solves.
Proper Solution: Find brands that offer your correct length in a wider width option (2E, 4E, etc.), or choose brands known to run wide in their standard sizes.
Finding and Buying Wide Width Shoes
Where to Buy Wide Widths
- New Balance stores/website: Largest selection of wide and extra wide shoes
- Zappos: Excellent wide width selection with filters and free returns
- Amazon: Search "wide width shoes" or "2E shoes" for many options
- Orthopedic shoe stores: Specialize in non-standard widths
- Department stores: Some locations carry 2E in popular styles
- Brand websites: ASICS, Brooks, and New Balance all sell wide widths directly
Online Shopping Tips for Width
- Use width filters: Most shoe sites have width filter options
- Read reviews: Look for comments mentioning "runs wide" or "good for wide feet"
- Check return policies: Ensure free returns in case width doesn't work
- Look in product titles: Wide width shoes often say "Wide" or "2E" in the title
- Order multiple widths: If unsure, order both D and 2E to compare
Athletic Shoes and Width
Running Shoes: Width is crucial for proper running gait. Too narrow causes overpronation as your foot compensates. Too wide allows excess movement. Most serious running shoe brands (Brooks, ASICS, New Balance, Saucony) offer wide options.
Basketball Shoes: Often designed narrower for performance and "lockdown" feel. This is intentional for quick cuts and movements. Those with wide feet may struggle with basketball shoes.
Training Shoes: Usually available in standard to wide widths. Stability matters more than lockdown, so wider options are common.
Walking Shoes: Almost always available in wide widths. Walking shoe customers frequently need wider fits for all-day comfort.
Dress Shoes and Width
Men's Dress Shoes: More commonly offer width options than women's shoes. Allen Edmonds, Johnston & Murphy, and other quality dress shoe brands provide multiple widths. Look for shoes marked with width letters.
Women's Heels: Unfortunately, most women's heels run narrow and don't offer wide options. Wide-footed women often need to look for specific brands (Naturalizer, Trotters, Easy Spirit) that cater to wider feet.
Loafers and Flats: More likely to have wide options than heels. Penny loafers and boat shoes from traditional brands often come in multiple widths.