Shoe Widths: What You Need For A Good Fit

Downloadable Version of Shoe Width Conversion Chart

When you try on a new pair of shoes, you usually consider its length. However, a well-fitting shoe should not pinch or rub in any direction. Since feet come in all shapes and sizes, selecting a shoe that is the proper width as well as the proper length is essential to comfort.

In the United States, a “D” is considered a medium width for men’s shoes, and a “B” width is medium for women. Although those widths are standard, American shoes can come in a variety of widths depending on the shoe manufacturer. Some shoe manufacturers only make medium and wide widths while others, usually those that specialize in orthopedic shoes can make more narrow and wider widths. Shoe labels and shoeboxes usually do not note standard widths, but they do identify the other widths.

In order from the narrowest to the widest, U.S. shoe width classifications are:  AAAA (4A), AA (2A), A, B, C, D, E, EE (2E), EEE (3E), EEEE (4E), EEEEEE (6E), 9E, 10E, 14E. You will note that only the A and E sizes are divided into sub-sizes with additional letters indicating a narrower width for the A’s and a wider width for the E’s. Some manufacturers make certain shoes as wide as 10E and 14E for men and women to accommodate for edema or swelling feet.

Contrary to what many people think, going up or down in shoe size will not help to accommodate a wide or a narrow foot. Additionally, some people have the misconception that wearing a wider shoe will make their feet look chunky or boxy. However, each shoe width increases by approximately 1/2 inch per width, so the appearance may not seem as clunky as expected.

How do you know when you need a different width?

If your current shoes show indications of stretching or bulging on the outsides of the forefoot material, you probably are wearing shoes that are not wide enough for your feet. If you are experiencing pain as a result of foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, diabetes or edema, wearing a wider shoe may offer considerable comfort.

On the other hand, if your foot is sliding around in your shoe, possibly causing blisters or even slipping, you probably need a narrower shoe.

Here is a basic run-down of shoe width classifications:

Women’s Narrow, AA or AAA / Men’s Narrow or C – These widths accommodate thin feet with high arches and narrow heels.

Women’s Average, Medium or B / Men’s Average, Medium or D – If a width is not marked, it is likely to be a medium width. These width shoes are the ones retailers most frequently stock.

Women’s Wide, C or D / Men’s Wide or E – These shoes are for feet that are wider at the toe box area and can often help accommodate wearers with bunions and hammertoes. If you have bunions or hammertoes, consider shoes with stretch knit fabric uppers.

Women’s Extra-Wide or EE (2E) / Men’s Extra-Wide, EE or EEE (2E or 3E) -- Extra wide shoes can accommodate feet that are swollen due to medical conditions such as diabetes or edema, and they usually have more depth to allow for orthotics and for an adjustable fit.

 How to find the right fit

For proper fit, it is a good idea to have your foot measured by a pedorthist or knowledgeable shoe salesperson. Adult feet can change through the years due to weight fluctuations, foot injuries, or foot deformities. Additionally, different brands and shoe styles fit differently, so we cannot assume we wear the same width in all shoes.

You can use our shoe width measurement chart as a guide to finding the right shoe width. Keep in mind the measurements are approximate and shoe styles may vary.

A properly fitting shoe should offer enough – but not too much -- space in the toe box. Your toes should be able to spread out naturally. Try wiggling your toes inside the shoe to ensure there is adequate room. The back of the shoe should not cause any discomfort against the heel of your foot. No matter what the shoe style you are considering, the arch support should be adequate with a deep heel cup that cradles the foot for proper lower body alignment.

If your foot seems to be “in between” width sizes, it is best to go with the wider width. If necessary, you can adjust the fit with insoles or by wearing heavier socks.

Sizing Tips

Here are some additional sizing tips to consider when choosing the right width shoes

•        Don’t buy shoes that are too tight, thinking they will stretch out as you wear them. They may not stretch at all, and your feet will suffer.
•        Toe cramping, your feet “fall asleep” and the formation of blisters or calluses can all be signs that your shoe width is not right.
•        You should have enough room in the shoe toe box to wiggle your toes. If you cannot move your toes, the shoes are too tight.
•        The instep should feel snug but not tight. Consider a extra depth or double depth shoe if you have a high instep.
•        Women's feet can become wider after pregnancy. Have your feet measured about six weeks after baby is born.
•        Our feet can change in size as we age. Have your feet measured on an annual basis.
•        Your right and left foot may differ in width. Be sure to measure both feet and buy shoes to fit the wider foot. 

In the end, the number or the letter on the shoebox does not matter, it is the way the shoes fit your particular feet. Try on your shoes and walk around in them to determine the correct fit. Compare different widths to see which one feels most comfortable.

Also, having a wide or narrow foot does not mean you need to compromise on fashion. While some shoe stores do not carry a large selection of widths, there are both brick and mortar stores and online retailers that specialize in hard-to-find narrow and wide styles. If you do order your shoes online, take careful measurements of your feet and then follow the sizing chart on the website.

**It is advisable to consult a health-care professional such as a doctor or podiatrist before taking action based on any information found on our website. Our goal is to provide information and educate others on a number of issues relating to foot health, not give medical instruction.

About author:

Derek Roach is a foot health specialist and has worked in the foot health industry for over 10 years. He is knowledgeable in various foot conditions and shoe features to help with those conditions. Also, he has been quoted on CNN, The Penny Hoarder, HuffPost, Dapper Confidential and other popular publications for foot and shoe-related topics.