Shoe Width Explained: A Simple Guide to Understanding Sizes

Shoe width sounds like something only experts talk about, but it actually affects every step you take. Most people think shoe size is all that matters. The truth is, your shoes can be the right size and still feel wrong if the width is off.

Each letter you see on a shoe, like B or D or 2E, tells you how wide that shoe is meant to be. Choosing the right width gives your foot room to move comfortably.

In this guide, we will explain shoe width in detail. You’ll learn what those with letters mean. Plus, you’ll find out how to tell if your shoes are the wrong fit.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Shoe width is the side-to-side space your foot needs inside a shoe.

• The letter on your shoe, like B or D, shows how narrow or wide it is.

• B is regular width in women’s shoes, and D is regular in men’s shoes.

• Narrow feet may need sizes like AA or AAA, while wide feet need 2E or 4E.

• You can measure your foot width at home using paper and a ruler.

• Brands like New Balance, Brooks, and Orthofeet are great for wide and extra-wide feet.

How is shoe width different from shoe size?

Shoe width and shoe size are not the same thing. Shoe size only tells you how long the shoe is. It doesn't say anything about how wide or narrow it is. Two people can have the same shoe size, but one might need a wide fit and the other a narrow one.

Shoe width is about how much space your foot needs from side to side. It measures the distance across the widest part of your foot, which is usually the ball area. If you only look at length, your shoes might feel too tight on the sides.

For example, someone with a size 9 foot could need a wide (like EE) or narrow (like B), depending on their foot shape. Wearing the wrong width can lead to blisters or even balance issues.

You should always check both the size and width when buying shoes.

Here’s the shoe width chart:

What does AAA width mean in shoes?

AAA is one of the narrowest shoe widths available. It’s sometimes written as 3A. This width is designed for people who have very slim feet. You’ll usually see AAA width more often in women’s shoes than in men’s.

Shoes in AAA width are tighter across the ball of the foot. They offer less space inside. They’re unsupported in standard or even narrow shoes. If your foot moves around too much in your regular size, AAA might be the better fit.

A good clue that you may need AAA width is if your shoes always feel loose, no matter the size. People with narrow heels often deal with that. Sometimes, even adding insoles or heel grips doesn’t help much. That’s when a true narrow shoe like AAA makes a difference.

It can be tricky to find AAA shoes because not all brands offer them. Also, women’s shoes are more commonly made in AAA than men’s.

What does AA (2A) width mean in shoes?

AA width, also known as 2A, is considered a narrow shoe width. It’s made for people with slim feet who find standard shoes a bit too roomy. You’ll mostly see AA width in women’s shoes. For men, narrow sizes usually start at B.

If you always feel like your feet are sliding around inside your shoes, AA width could be what you need. It gives a snugger fit across the ball of the foot and around the heel. That tighter fit can really help if your feet are long and slim.

Shoes labeled AA are narrower than a B width, which is standard for women. They’re also wider than AAA.

Not every brand makes AA-width shoes, so they can be hard to find in regular stores.

What does A width mean in shoes?

“A” width in shoes is narrow. It’s between AA and B, depending on the brand. It’s designed for people with slim feet who don’t need an ultra-narrow fit like AAA. You’ll mostly see A width used in women’s shoes. For women, the standard width is B. So if B feels too roomy and your foot slips inside the shoe, A width might fit better. It hugs your foot more closely across the front and along the heel.

Some brands don’t label A width clearly. They may group it with AA or just mark it as “narrow.” That’s why trying shoes on or checking each brand’s width chart helps a lot.

What does B width mean in shoes?

B width is the standard or regular width for women’s shoes. For men, B is considered narrow. So the meaning of B width depends on whether the shoe is for women or men. In women’s shoes, B width is what most people wear. If your feet don’t feel too narrow or too wide, B is likely your ideal width. For men, B is narrower than the usual D width, so it’s meant for guys with slim feet.

It’s common for people to wear B width without even knowing it. Most standard shoes are made in B width for women and D width for men. So unless you’re buying specialty sizes, that’s what you’re usually getting.

Still, every brand is a little different. Some run narrow, others wide.

What does C width mean in shoes?

C width is slightly wider than standard for women’s shoes. It’s in between B and D. For men, C is still considered narrow, since men’s standard is D. If women’s shoes in B width feel just a bit tight, especially across the ball of your foot, then C width might be a better fit. It offers a little more room without being too loose or sloppy.

For men, a C width would usually only be needed if you have slim feet. It’s not a common width in men’s shoes, though. Most brands don’t offer it regularly.

C width is not super common in stores, but it’s available from some comfort or specialty brands.

What does D width mean in shoes?

D width is the standard size for men’s shoes. For women, D is considered wide. Shoes in D width have more space across the ball of the foot and the toes. They’re designed to prevent tightness and rubbing. If you feel sore spots on the sides of your feet after wearing shoes all day, you might need a wider fit, like D.

Not every shoe store stocks D width for women, but many do for men. Online stores usually have more width options available. It’s worth checking if your usual shoes always feel tight, even when the length is right.

What does E width mean in shoes?

E width means wide. For men, it’s the first level above the standard D width. For women, E is considered extra wide since most women’s standard is B. Shoes with an E width have more room across the ball of the foot and the toe box. They’re made for feet that feel cramped in regular shoes.

Some brands don’t label E width as “E” directly. You might just see them marked as wide. The letter E is more commonly used in men’s sizing, especially in work boots. Women’s shoes often skip the E and go straight from D to EE.

Not all shoes are made in E width, but many athletic and comfort brands offer them. You can also find them more easily online than in physical stores.

What does 2E width mean in shoes?

2E width, also written as EE, is considered extra wide. It’s one step wider than E. It is often used in men’s shoes. For women, 2E is very wide and not as commonly made. Shoes with a 2E width offer more space across the forefoot and toe box. They’re designed for feet that are noticeably wider than average.

In most men’s shoe brands, 2E is the standard "wide" size. So if you’re shopping for wide shoes and you see “EE,” it’s the same as 2E. For women, this width is harder to find in stores.

What does 3E width mean in shoes?

3E width is a very wide shoe size. It offers even more space than 2E. For women, 3E is extremely wide and rarely available in regular shoe stores. Shoes in 3E width give your foot more room from side to side, especially across the ball of the foot and toe area. If 2E still feels tight, 3E could be the better fit.

You might also see 3E in some work boots or diabetic shoes where extra space is needed for comfort. Some brands call it “extra extra wide,” but the exact fit can vary.

Most 3E width options are easier to find online. In stores, you’ll likely need to ask for help or special order them. Some athletic brands and orthopedic lines do offer 3E sizes regularly.

What does 4E width mean in shoes?

4E width is often labeled as extra extra wide. It’s one of the widest standard widths available in footwear, especially in men’s shoes. For women, 4E is extremely wide. It not easy to find unless you shop specialty brands.

Shoes in 4E width are built for feet that are much wider than average. They give maximum room across the forefoot and toe area. This width is often chosen by people with medical foot conditions, wide bone structure.

If your feet feel squeezed even in 2E or 3E shoes, 4E could be the right fit. It allows your toes to spread out and reduces pressure on the sides of your feet. It can also help if you use thick insoles or orthotics.

4E is commonly found in:

• Athletic shoes

• Diabetic shoes

• Work boots.

Some well-known brands like New Balance and Propet carry 4E sizes regularly.

What does 6E width mean in shoes?

6E width means ultra wide. It’s wider than 4E. People with very large or swollen feet often need this size. You mostly see 6E in medical or orthopedic shoes because they are designed for serious foot problems like edema.

A 6E shoe gives your foot a lot more room. It also has extra depth, so your toes and the top of your foot don’t feel squeezed. This helps reduce pain, pressure, and rubbing. You usually won’t find 6E in normal stores because it’s a special width.

If you struggle to fit your foot into regular shoes or you have to stretch them just to wear them, a 6E shoe can finally feel comfortable. It lets your foot sit in a natural, relaxed position.

Many people try fixing width problems by going up a size, but that doesn’t work. A longer shoe can make you trip or cause your heel to slip. Width and length are two different things.

Most 6E shoes come from brands that focus on foot health. They often include adjustable straps and extra room for swelling or orthotics.

What does 8E width mean in shoes?

8E width is one of the widest shoe sizes you can get. It gives your foot a huge amount of space, both in width and sometimes in depth. People who have severe swelling or foot deformities use this size.

You won’t usually find 8E shoes in normal stores. They mostly come from medical or custom shoe brands. The extra room helps your foot relax without feeling squeezed or pinched. This lowers the chance of pain or skin problems.

If 4E or 6E still feel tight on you, 8E might finally fit. Many 8E shoes use soft, stretchable materials and thick cushioning. Some also have adjustable straps or Velcro, so you can control the fit easily.

Wearing narrow shoes for too long can cause real foot issues. That’s why people with very wide or swollen feet often need this extreme width. It lets the foot move naturally and removes a lot of pressure.

Most 8E shoes are made for orthotics or medical needs. If you think this size could help you, it’s smart to talk to a foot specialist. They can guide you toward the right fit so walking becomes comfortable again.

What is medium width in shoes?

Medium width is the standard shoe width most people wear. For women, this is labeled as B width. For men, the medium width is D. Most people wear it without even knowing. If you’ve never seen a width letter on your shoes, you are probably already wearing medium width.

Medium-width shoes are made for average-shaped feet.. If your shoes usually feel comfortable and your feet don’t feel squeezed on the sides, medium width is likely the right match for you.

What is wide width in shoes?

Wide width in shoes means there’s more space across the ball of the foot and the toe box. It’s made for people whose feet are broader than average. For women, wide shoes usually start at D width. For men, the standard width is D, so wide shoes start at E or 2E.

You may need wide shoes if you have bunions or just naturally wider feet. Some people also need wide shoes when they use thick orthotics or inserts.

What is the extra-wide width in shoes?

Extra-wide shoes are made for feet that need much more space than regular or wide shoes. They give your toes extra room to spread out. They also give the front of your foot more space so you do not feel squeezed. This extra room helps your feet relax instead of fighting the shoe.

For men, extra-wide usually starts at 4E. For women, it often starts at 2E. These widths help lower pressure on your foot. They also help stop rubbing that can cause pain. Many people choose extra-wide shoes when they have bunions.

Some people try to fix tight shoes by buying a bigger size. This does not work well. Longer shoes make your heel slip. They can also change the way you walk. Extra-wide shoes keep your true size but give you the space you actually need.

You can find extra-wide sizes in orthopedic shoes. You can also find them in comfort and diabetic shoes. Many athletic and casual brands make extra-wide shoes now too. Some pairs even have deeper footbeds to fit orthotics or thick insoles.

You may need extra-wide shoes if wide shoes still feel tight. You may need them if your feet hurt on the sides. Shoes that bulge or stretch out are another sign. If you wear loose or stretchy shoes just to feel okay, extra-wide can help.

What is the difference between D width and 2E width?

D width and 2E width are both common shoe sizes, but they’re made for very different foot types. D width is the standard for men’s shoes. It’s meant to fit average feet that aren’t too wide or too narrow. If your shoes usually feel okay, you’re probably wearing a D width.

2E width, also called EE, is wider. It’s made for people who need more space across the ball of the foot. This extra room helps reduce foot pain and blisters. It’s a great option if D width shoes feel snug.

For women, D is considered a wide width. 2E is extra wide. So while both sizes exist for men and women, the way they’re used is different. A woman who wears a D width has a wide foot. A man who wears a D width has a normal foot.

How do I know if I need wide shoes?

You might need wide shoes if:

• Your shoes feel tight on the sides of your feet.

• Your toes don’t have enough room to move comfortably.

• You notice red marks after taking your shoes off.

• Your shoes bulge out near the front or middle.

• You feel rubbing or pressure along the edges of your feet.

• You get blisters in the same spots again and again.

• Wide shoes feel more comfortable the moment you try them on.

One of the easiest ways to check is to take off your shoes after a few hours of wear. Look for pressure marks or sores. If you see those signs often, your shoes are likely too narrow for your feet.

Another big clue is if you keep sizing up just to get more comfort. Going from a size 9 to a size 10 might make the shoe feel wider, but it can cause other issues like heel slippage and foot fatigue. Instead of going longer, switch to a wider width in your actual size.

What happens if my shoes are too wide?

If your shoes are too wide, your feet move around too much inside them. That can cause heel slipping. You may also notice listers and a lack of support. Shoes that are too roomy make walking uncomfortable and may even affect your balance. Over time, wearing wide shoes can lead to soreness and poor posture.

Heel slipping and blisters

When your shoes are too wide, your heel often lifts with every step you take. That small movement may not seem like a big deal at first, but it quickly leads to rubbing. After a short walk, your skin starts to feel irritated and sore. By the end of the day, you might notice painful blisters forming on the back of your foot.

You might try to fix the problem by wearing thicker socks or sticking in heel grips. These tricks sometimes help, but they are not long-term solutions. If the shoe is too big, nothing will stop your foot from moving around. That constant friction keeps happening.

Eventually, this makes walking uncomfortable.

Lack of support

When your shoes are too wide, your foot doesn't sit where it should inside the shoe. That affects how much support you get, especially under your arch. If your foot is sliding around, the built-in support will not hit the right spots. You may start feeling strain in your arches or even your knees.

This is especially true with walking and running shoes. Your foot needs to stay centered to stay supported.

Over time, this lack of support can lead to tired feet and even lower back pain. Many people think they need better insoles, but the real fix is often getting the right shoe width.

Instability and tripping

When shoes are too wide, they can feel loose and floppy. Your feet do not feel secure, and that can make walking feel awkward.

You may not notice it right away, but this kind of movement throws off your balance. Your toes and arches may start working overtime just to keep the shoe in place.

How can I measure my foot width at home?

Here is how you can measure your foot width step by step:

1. Place a blank sheet of paper on a flat, hard surface. You can use the floor, but avoid carpet.

2. Put on the socks you normally wear with shoes. This helps you get a more accurate fit.

3. Stand on the paper and make sure your weight is evenly spread on both feet.

4. Trace the outline of your foot using a pen or pencil. Keep the pen straight up and close to your foot.

5. Mark the widest part of your foot. This is usually across the ball of the foot.

6. Use a ruler to measure the distance between those two points. Write down the number in inches or centimeters.

7. Repeat the steps for your other foot. It’s normal if one foot is slightly wider than the other. Always go with the larger measurement.

8. Compare your foot width to an online shoe width chart. Most brand websites have size guides that show which width you need.

Do Nike shoes run narrow?

Nike shoes often run narrow, especially in their standard sizes. If your feet are slightly wider than average, you may find Nike shoes feel a bit tight. This is a common issue for many people who try Nike for the first time.

Nike designs many of its shoes with a close, performance-style fit. This works well if you have slim feet. But if your foot needs more space, the snug design can lead to discomfort. You might feel pressure around your toes or along the sides of your foot.

Some people try to fix this by going up half a size. While that gives you more room, it can also cause your heel to slip.

Do Adidas shoes run wide or narrow?

Adidas shoes are known to fit true to size, but they can feel a bit narrow depending on the style. Many people with regular-width feet find Adidas shoes comfortable. But if you have wide feet, some models might feel snug, especially in the toe area.

Some Adidas shoes are more flexible. Styles with mesh or Primeknit uppers tend to stretch and adjust to your foot. That makes them a little more forgiving, even if the base fit is narrow. If your foot is only slightly wide, those materials might still work for you.

Are New Balance shoes good for wide feet?

New Balance is one of the best brands for wide feet. If you have struggled to find shoes that feel roomy and supportive, New Balance could be the right fit for you. They offer more width options than most brands, and they do it across many types of shoes.

One thing that makes New Balance stand out is how they shape their shoes. Many styles have a wider toe box and extra depth. That means your toes have space to spread naturally.

If you have bunions, New Balance gives you enough room to move without pressure. You do not need to size up just to make the shoe feel better. You can stay in your actual size and choose the right width instead.

Which brands are best for extra-wide feet?

Is D width normal or wide?

D width is considered the normal or standard width for men’s shoes, but it is wide for women’s shoes. The meaning of D width really depends on whether the shoe is made for men or women. If you wear men’s shoes and they feel just right, you’re probably wearing a D width already. Most men’s shoes are made in this width by default.

Knowing this can really help when you're shopping. You may be wearing the right length, but if your pinky toes get sore, width could be the problem.

Final Words

Now that you have had shoe width explained clearly, you can stop wondering why some shoes feel great in the store but hurt after an hour of walking. The problem is often not the length but the width.

When you get the right width, your foot sits where it should. It takes just a few minutes to check your foot width at home. And once you know it, choosing the right shoes becomes so much easier.