Shoe Width Finder

Why Shoe Width Matters

Shoe width is one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of proper footwear fit. While most people know their length size, many are unaware that shoes come in multiple width options. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or too wide can lead to serious foot problems, discomfort, and even long-term structural issues.

Research from the American Podiatric Medical Association shows that over 70% of Americans wear shoes that don't fit properly, with incorrect width being a primary factor. Shoes that are too narrow compress toes, leading to bunions, hammertoes, corns, and nerve pain. Conversely, shoes that are too wide cause your foot to slide around, creating friction that results in blisters, calluses, and instability that can affect your gait and balance.

Understanding your correct shoe width is especially important for online shopping, where you can't try shoes on before purchase. Our shoe width finder helps you determine your precise width category, making online shoe shopping more successful and reducing costly returns.

How to Measure Your Foot Width Accurately

What You'll Need

Before measuring, gather these simple materials:

• Two sheets of blank paper (larger than your foot)
• A pen or pencil
• A ruler or tape measure (ideally one marked in both inches and centimeters)
• The socks you typically wear with shoes
• A friend to help (optional but helpful for accuracy)

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

Measure your feet in the late afternoon or evening. Feet naturally swell throughout the day due to standing, walking, and gravity pulling blood downward. Measuring in the morning may give you measurements that are half a size smaller than what you need for comfortable all-day wear. The difference can be as much as 5-8% in volume, which significantly affects width.

Step 2: Prepare Your Feet

Put on the type of socks you'll wear with the shoes you're shopping for. Thin dress socks, athletic socks, and thick winter socks all add different amounts of volume. If you plan to wear orthotics or insoles, have those ready too, as they affect the space available in the shoe.

Step 3: Measure Length First

Place the paper on a hard, flat floor against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall, distributing your weight evenly on both feet. Mark the tip of your longest toe (which isn't always the big toe). Measure from the wall to the mark in inches or centimeters. Repeat for the other foot and use the larger measurement.

Step 4: Measure Width

This is the critical measurement most people get wrong. While standing (not sitting—weight changes the spread of your foot), have someone mark the widest part of your foot on both sides. This is typically at the ball of the foot, where the base of your big toe meets the base of your pinky toe. The widest point should be perpendicular to your heel-to-toe line.

Measure straight across between the two marks. This width measurement, combined with your length, determines your width category. The ratio of width to length matters more than absolute width—a 4-inch wide foot might be narrow for a size 12 but wide for a size 7.

Step 5: Measure Both Feet

Most people have feet that differ slightly in size. Always measure both feet and use the measurements from the larger foot. The difference is usually small (1-3mm in width), but it's enough to affect comfort. If there's a significant difference (more than 5mm in width), you may need to consider custom footwear or use insoles to adapt shoes for the smaller foot.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring while sitting: This compresses the foot and gives inaccurate readings. Always stand with full weight on the measured foot.
• Using a soft measuring tape incorrectly: Tape measures can stretch or compress. Keep it level and taut but not tight.
• Measuring over shoes or thick socks: This adds bulk that isn't part of your actual foot dimensions.
• Only measuring one foot: Asymmetry is normal and common. Don't assume both feet are identical.
• Measuring the arch width: The width measurement should be at the ball of the foot, not the arch or instep.

Understanding Shoe Width Categories

The Letter System Explained

Shoe widths use a letter code system that differs between men's and women's shoes. This can be confusing because the same letter doesn't mean the same width across genders. The system developed historically from different sizing standards and has persisted despite its complexity.

Women's Width Categories

• AAAA/4A: Super slim, very rare. Only available from specialty manufacturers.
• AAA/3A: Extra narrow. Common in designer heels but rare in athletic or comfort shoes.
• AA/2A or N (Narrow): Narrow width. Becoming more available as brands recognize diverse foot shapes.
• A: Slightly narrow. Less common than AA but offered by brands focusing on fit.
• B or M (Medium): Standard women's width. What you get when a shoe doesn't specify width. Fits approximately 60% of women.
• C, D, or W (Wide): Wide width for women. Increasingly available from athletic and comfort brands.
• E, EE/2E, or WW: Extra wide. Available from specialty comfort brands and orthopedic shoe companies.
• EEE/3E+: Super wide. Primarily available through medical supply stores or custom shoe makers.

Men's Width Categories

• A, AA: Narrow for men, relatively uncommon. Some European brands offer these.
• B: Narrow to medium for men. Limited availability in standard stores.
• C: Medium for men, but uncommon as a specific offering.
• D or M (Medium): Standard men's width. Default for unlabeled men's shoes. Fits about 70% of men.
• E, EE/2E, or W (Wide): Wide for men. Commonly available from athletic brands and comfort shoe lines.
• EEE/3E, EEEE/4E, or XW: Extra wide to super wide. Available from New Balance, Brooks, and specialty comfort brands.

Why Gender Matters in Width Sizing

The different letter systems for men and women exist because average foot proportions differ by gender. Women's feet are typically narrower in the heel relative to the ball width, with higher arches and different volume distribution. Men's feet tend to be wider overall with broader heels. A women's B and a men's D are considered "standard" because they represent the median width for each gender, even though they're different letters.

This is why simply buying smaller men's shoes rarely works well for women with wide feet, and vice versa. The shape and proportions differ, not just the width. The heel counter, arch placement, and toe box shape are all designed differently.

Finding Shoes in Your Width

Brands Known for Width Options

Narrow Width Specialists

If you need narrow widths (AA or AAA for women, B for men), these brands consistently offer options:

• Naturalizer: Women's dress and casual shoes in narrow widths, known for stylish options.
• Sam Edelman: Trendy women's shoes with narrow options in select styles.
• Munro: American-made comfort shoes with extensive width range including very narrow.
• Trotters: Classic women's footwear in narrow through extra wide.

Wide Width Champions

For wide and extra-wide feet, these brands excel:

• New Balance: Athletic shoes in widths from narrow to 6E (men's). The gold standard for width variety.
• Brooks: Running shoes offering narrow through extra wide in most models.
• ASICS: Athletic footwear with wide options in many popular models.
• Clarks: Casual and dress shoes in wide widths for both genders.
• Propét: Comfort walking shoes specializing in wide and diabetic-friendly options.
• Drew Shoes: Therapeutic footwear in widths up to 6E.
• Orthofeet: Medical-grade comfort shoes in extra wide options.

Brands with Comprehensive Width Ranges

These brands offer multiple widths across their lines:

• Allen Edmonds: Men's dress shoes in A through EEE.
• Birkenstock: Sandals and clogs in narrow and wide versions.
• Vionic: Podiatrist-designed comfort shoes with width options.
• SAS: San Antonio Shoemakers offers hand-crafted shoes in slim through triple wide.

Shopping Strategies by Width

For Narrow Feet

The Challenge: Most shoes will be too wide, causing your foot to slide forward, creating friction and blisters. You may size down to achieve better width fit, but this creates toe cramping and other problems.

Solutions:

• Prioritize brands that explicitly offer narrow widths rather than trying to make standard widths work.
• Look for lace-up shoes which allow you to cinch the midfoot area tighter.
• Use heel grips, tongue pads, or insoles to reduce excess space (but these are compromises, not ideal solutions).
• Avoid slip-on styles like loafers and mules unless specifically designed for narrow feet.
• Consider European brands, which often run narrower than American brands.
• Try adjustable strap sandals where you can tighten for better security.

For Wide Feet

The Challenge: Standard width shoes compress your foot, leading to bunions, corns, and nerve issues. You might be tempted to size up in length, but this creates heel slippage and toe blisters.

Solutions:

• Always buy shoes explicitly marked as wide rather than sizing up in length.
• Look for shoes with deeper toe boxes that accommodate width without length.
• Seek styles with stretch materials or soft uppers that accommodate width.
• Avoid pointed-toe shoes which compress the forefoot regardless of width designation.
• Consider shoes with removable insoles, giving you more vertical space if needed.
• Try athletic brands first, as they're most likely to offer wide options.
• Look for "extra depth" shoes if you also need height accommodation.

For Standard Width Feet

Even with average width, proper fit matters:

• Don't assume all "medium" or "standard" shoes fit the same. Width varies by brand and style.
• The shoe's toe box shape affects perceived width. Try before buying when possible.
• Your width needs may change with age, pregnancy, weight changes, or medical conditions.
• Different shoe types may require different widths (dress shoes vs. running shoes vs. sandals).

Width and Shoe Types

Athletic Shoes

Running and walking shoes typically offer the most width variety. Because foot swelling during exercise can be significant (feet can expand up to a half size during a long run), athletic brands have invested heavily in width options. New Balance leads with options from 2A through 6E in many models.

When buying athletic shoes in your width, remember to allow a thumb's width of space beyond your longest toe. Combined with proper width, this prevents toenail loss and provides room for foot expansion during activity.

Dress Shoes

Dress shoes historically have offered fewer width options, though this is changing. Men's dress shoes from quality brands (Allen Edmonds, Alden, Church's) have long offered multiple widths. Women's dress shoes are catching up, with brands like Naturalizer and Cole Haan expanding their width ranges.

For dress shoes, precise width fit is even more critical because you typically wear them for extended periods without the cushioning of athletic shoes. A too-narrow dress shoe can become painful within hours.

Boots

Boot width is more complex because it includes the calf circumference in addition to foot width. A person with wide feet may have narrow calves or vice versa. Look for brands offering both foot width options and calf size variations (regular, wide calf, extra-wide calf).

Boot width at the foot should match your regular shoe width. However, boots often feel tighter initially because of the ankle support and will break in slightly. Don't size up in width hoping for instant comfort—you'll end up with sloppy-fitting boots.

Sandals

Sandals present unique width challenges. Open-toe styles may accommodate width better than closed shoes, but straps can dig into wide feet. Adjustable strap sandals work well across width ranges. Brands like Birkenstock offer narrow and wide footbeds to match your arch and width needs.

Special Width Considerations

Pregnancy and Width Changes

During pregnancy, many women experience permanent foot width increases due to the hormone relaxin softening ligaments. Studies show that 60-70% of women have wider feet after pregnancy, with the change averaging half a width size. This is permanent—feet don't return to pre-pregnancy width even years later.

If you're pregnant or planning to be, consider buying fewer shoes before pregnancy and being prepared to resize your entire collection afterward. The investment in properly fitting shoes is worthwhile for long-term foot health.

Age-Related Width Changes

As we age, feet tend to widen and flatten. The tendons and ligaments supporting the arch weaken, allowing the foot to spread. Many people who wore B width in their 20s need C or D by their 60s. Re-measure your feet every few years, especially if shoes that once fit comfortably now feel tight.

Medical Conditions Affecting Width

Several conditions require special width consideration:

• Diabetes: Proper width prevents pressure points that can lead to ulcers. Diabetic shoes often come in extra widths with extra depth.
• Arthritis: Swollen joints need accommodation. Look for stretchable uppers and adjustable closures.
• Bunions and hammertoes: These deformities require wider toe boxes even if your overall foot isn't wide.
• Lymphedema: Fluid retention requires shoes that accommodate swelling, often necessitating extra-wide options.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Loss of sensation means you won't feel tight shoes. Err on the side of wider rather than risk injury.

Athletic Performance and Width

For athletes, proper width affects performance. Shoes too narrow restrict blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery to muscles. Shoes too wide cause the foot to slide, wasting energy and creating instability. Runners in particular should prioritize width fit—studies show that improper width contributes to plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and IT band syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just size up in length instead of buying wide shoes?

No, this is one of the most common and problematic fitting mistakes. Sizing up in length to get more width creates excess space in front of your toes and around your heel. This causes your foot to slide forward with every step, leading to blisters on your toes, heel slippage, and an unstable gait that can contribute to ankle injuries. Additionally, the widest part of the shoe (the ball area) won't align with the widest part of your foot, defeating the purpose. Always buy shoes in your correct length and the appropriate width designation.

Do all shoe brands use the same width measurements?

Unfortunately, no. While the letter codes (A, B, C, D, E, etc.) are standardized in theory, actual measurements can vary by brand and even by shoe model within a brand. A "wide" (D) from one manufacturer might fit differently than a "wide" from another. This is similar to how clothing sizes vary across brands. This is why measuring your feet and understanding your measurements in both inches and centimeters is valuable—you can compare against brand-specific sizing charts when available.

How often should I re-measure my foot width?

Re-measure your feet every 1-2 years, or whenever you experience significant life changes. Weight fluctuations of more than 10-15 pounds, pregnancy, major injuries, new exercise routines, and aging all affect foot width. Also re-measure if shoes that previously fit well now feel uncomfortable. Your feet are living tissue that changes over time, and staying current with your measurements ensures optimal fit and comfort.

Why do my feet measure as wide but narrow shoes feel better?

This seems contradictory but can happen for a few reasons. First, you may have wide forefeet but narrow heels—a common foot shape requiring specialty sizing. Second, if you've worn too-narrow shoes for years, your feet may have adapted (compressed), and wider shoes initially feel unstable. Third, some people confuse firm support with proper fit. A narrow shoe may feel more "snug" and supportive, but this often leads to problems over time. Give proper-width shoes a break-in period of a few wearings before deciding they don't fit.

Are there width differences between running shoes and dress shoes?

Yes, significantly. Athletic shoes are designed with more internal volume to accommodate foot swelling during exercise and thicker athletic socks. A D-width running shoe typically has more interior space than a D-width dress shoe. This is intentional—your feet swell substantially during prolonged activity. You might wear a D width in running shoes but only need a C in dress shoes, even though your actual foot measurements haven't changed. The difference is in the intended use and internal shoe construction.

Can orthotics or insoles change the width I need?

Yes, substantially. Orthotics and aftermarket insoles take up space inside the shoe that would otherwise accommodate your foot. If you wear custom orthotics, you typically need to go up half a width size or sometimes a full width size, depending on the orthotic's thickness. This is why podiatrists often measure your feet while you're wearing or holding your orthotics. If you use over-the-counter arch supports or cushioning insoles, you may also need slightly wider shoes. Many athletic shoes have removable insoles specifically to make room for orthotics.

Do children's shoes come in different widths?

Yes, though width options are less common in children's shoes than adults'. Brands like Stride Rite, New Balance, and Pediped offer some styles in narrow, medium, and wide. Children's foot width is particularly important because growing feet in too-narrow shoes can cause permanent deformities. Children also can't always articulate that shoes are too tight, so parents should pay close attention to fit and look for these signs: reluctance to wear certain shoes, toe overlap in closed-toe shoes, red marks on the feet after shoe removal, or complaints about foot pain.

What if I need different widths for different feet?

Having differently-sized feet is extremely common—estimates suggest 60% of people have measurable asymmetry. If the difference is minor (one width category), buy shoes in the width needed for your wider foot and use an insole or padding in the shoe for the narrower foot. If the difference is more than one width (for example, one foot is B and the other is D), you may need to buy two pairs of shoes and donate or sell the extras, or investigate brands that allow split sizing (buying different sizes for each foot). Some specialty retailers and online companies offer this service for people with significant asymmetry.

Professional Fitting Advice

Podiatrists and professional shoe fitters universally recommend knowing your width and buying shoes accordingly. The American Podiatric Medical Association emphasizes that improper width is a leading cause of preventable foot problems. Many common foot issues—bunions, Morton's neuroma, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis—are exacerbated or even caused by wearing shoes that don't match your width needs.

If you have chronic foot pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, or conditions like diabetes that require special attention to footwear, consider visiting a pedorthist (a professional shoe fitter trained in foot anatomy) or a podiatrist for a professional measurement and fitting. They can identify subtle fit issues that may not be apparent through self-measurement and recommend specific brands and styles for your foot shape.

Remember that our width finder provides a general guideline based on industry-standard measurements. Individual shoe fit depends on many factors beyond width—volume (how thick or thin your foot is), arch height, heel width, toe box shape, and material stretch all play roles. Use your width measurement as a starting point, but always try shoes on when possible and pay attention to how they feel across the entire foot, not just width.