How to Measure Shoe Width? 5 Easy Methods for You

Want to know how to measure shoe width? Well, it’s easy. To measure, stand on paper with your heel against a wall, trace your foot, and measure the widest part. Repeat for both feet and use the larger number for sizing.

Simple, right?

But what if we tell you there are five different proven ways to measure your shoe width? It’s true. Keep reading, and we’ll show you everything here.

Key Points

How to Measure Shoe Width? (5 Ways)

To measure shoe width, place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall. Stand on it with your heel touching the wall and trace your foot’s outline. Measure across the widest part, usually the ball of your foot, using a ruler. Repeat for the other foot and use the larger measurement.

For extra accuracy, have your feet measured with a Brannock device in a shoe store. You can also use a flexible tape to measure foot circumference.

Method 1: Paper & Ruler (Standard Home Method)

A “Paper and Ruler method” is the simplest way to measure shoe width at home. It only takes a few minutes and works well for most people buying shoes online. The aim is to measure the widest part of your foot while standing, because your feet spread under weight.

What you need:

• A blank piece of paper

• A pencil or pen

• A ruler or measuring tape

• Socks you’ll wear with the shoes

• A hard, flat floor

Here’s how to measure shoe width:

1. Place the paper on the floor with one edge touching the wall.

2. Stand on the paper with your heel gently pressed to the wall.

3. Stand straight so your full weight is on your foot.

4. Hold the pencil upright and trace your foot’s outline.

5. Measure across the widest part with the ruler.

6. Write down the width in inches or centimeters.

7. Repeat for the other foot and use the larger number.

We’ve used this method many times when shopping online, and it’s accurate as long as you measure while standing. Wearing the same socks you’ll use with the shoes also helps get the truest reading.

Method 2: Brannock Device (Professional Method)

A Brannock device is the official tool used in shoe stores to measure both length and width. It gives the most accurate results and also shows your width code, from very narrow (AAA) to extra wide (EEEE).

How it works in a store:

1. Place your foot on the device with your heel in the back cup.

2. The fitter moves the width bar until it touches your foot’s widest point.

3. The width size is read directly from the scale.

4. The process is repeated for the other foot.

5. You stand for the final check, as feet spread when bearing weight.

Method 3: Tape Measure Around Foot (Volume Method)

People often ask, How to measure shoe width with tape? Well, simply follow these steps:

Steps:

1. Sit down with your foot flat on the floor.

2. Wrap the tape around the ball of your foot, the widest part just below your toes.

3. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

4. Write down the measurement in inches or centimeters.

Compare it to these ranges:

Method 4: Use a Foot Scanner or App

Foot scanners and shoe-fitting apps are becoming a quick and accurate way to measure shoe width. These tools can scan your foot in seconds and provide exact measurements, including length, width, and even arch height.

Common options include:

• Nike Fit feature inside the Nike app

• Fleet Feet Fit ID scanner in running stores

• Dr. Scholl’s foot analyzer kiosks in major retailers

• 3D foot scanners in sports shoe shops

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Stand on the scanner platform or follow the app’s instructions to photograph your feet.

2. The tool captures width, length, and sometimes pressure points.

3. Results are shown instantly, often with shoe size and width recommendations.

Method 5: Try-On Fit Test

The try-on fit test is an old-school but still reliable way to check shoe width. It’s more about how shoes feel than exact numbers, and it’s a good final confirmation before buying.

These are the signs your shoes are too narrow:

• Toes feel cramped or overlap

• Sides of the foot bulge over the sole

• Tingling or numbness after a short time

Here are the signs your shoes are too wide:

• Heel lifts when you walk

• Foot slides inside the shoe

• Laces must be pulled very tight to stay secure

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Shoe Width

Common mistakes when measuring shoe width are:

• Sitting instead of standing, which makes your measurement too small.

• Measuring only one foot is another mistake, since one foot is usually bigger.

• Wearing the wrong socks or none at all can also change the result.

• Not placing your heel against a wall can make the outline smaller.

• Finally, using only one measuring method.

Mistake 1: Measuring While Sitting

If you measure your foot while sitting, you’re not getting the true width. When you stand, your foot spreads out under your weight. This extra width is what your shoes need to fit comfortably. If you skip this and measure while sitting, your number will almost always be smaller. 

The best way is to stand tall with your weight on the foot you’re measuring. This is how shoe fitters do it, because they want your shoes to match your real standing width. You should aim to copy that process at home.

If you’ve been measuring while sitting, try again while standing. You might be surprised by how much wider your foot reads.

Mistake 2: Measuring Only One Foot

You might think both your feet are the same size, but most people have one that’s slightly bigger or wider. If you measure only one foot, you could end up buying shoes that fit the smaller one but feel tight on the larger one. That can cause discomfort every time you wear them.

Here’s what we suggest: Always measure both feet. When you compare the numbers, you’ll likely see a small difference. Use the larger measurement when you check a shoe size chart. That way, you’ll be sure both feet fit comfortably.

If you already have shoes that fit narrowly, don’t get sad. We’ve got you. Find out how you can make a narrow fit wider just by doing simple things.

Mistake 3: Wearing the Wrong Socks or None at All

What you wear on your feet when measuring your size is very important. If you measure barefoot but usually wear thick socks, the shoes can feel too tight. If you measure with thick socks but normally wear thin ones, the shoes can feel too loose. Even small changes in socks can affect how the shoe fits.

The right way is to measure your feet while wearing the socks you plan to use. If you are buying running shoes, wear running socks when you measure. If you want dress shoes, measure in thin dress socks. If you need boots, measure in the thick socks you use in cold weather. Got our point?

Mistake 4: Not Aligning Your Heel to the Wall

If your heel isn’t pressed against a wall during measurement, your numbers can be off. Your foot might slide forward slightly, making your outline smaller than it should be. That can lead you to choose a shoe that’s too narrow.

Always put the paper against the wall and stand with your heel firmly touching it. This keeps your foot steady so you can trace it more accurately. It also makes sure the widest part is measured in the right place.

Mistake 5: Using Only One Measurement Method

If you rely on only one way to measure your shoe width, you might not get the full picture. The paper-and-ruler method gives you a flat width, but a tape measure around your foot shows circumference. A Brannock device measures both, but charts vary between brands.

You’ll get the best results if you confirm your size with at least two methods. For example, measure at home using paper and a ruler, then check with a Brannock device in a store. If the numbers match, you can be confident.

We’ve found that double-checking this way can prevent a lot of sizing mistakes.

Bottom Line

Measuring your shoe width isn’t hard. One way is to place your foot on a sheet of paper and trace around it. Then, use a ruler to measure the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball. You can also use a tape measure for more accuracy.

Another option is a Brannock device, the metal tool you often see in shoe stores, which measures both length and width at the same time.

When measuring, always wear the type of socks you plan to use with those shoes, because socks can change the fit.

Once you have the measurement, you can buy shoes confidently.

And if you love reading interesting footwear articles, we’ve got a great one for you. Check out - Can Men Wear Women's Shoes?