Shoe Width Calculator

Shoe width fitting is one of the most overlooked aspects of footwear. An incorrectly fitted width causes bunions, blisters, numbness and long-term joint problems, even when the length is perfect.

Width measurement method:

1. Trace your foot on paper while standing (weight-bearing)
2. Measure the widest part across the ball of the foot in inches
3. Compare to your shoe length size using the width chart

US shoe width designations (narrowest to widest): 2A (AA) → A → B → C/D → E → 2E (EE) → 3E → 4E → 5E → 6E

For women: B = standard / medium For men: D = standard / medium

Width to measurement guide (men’s, size 10 reference):

Width to measurement guide (women’s, size 8 reference):

Note the letters mean different things on the two charts. A D is the standard men’s width and a wide women’s width, which is why a woman told she needs a D and handed a men’s D ends up in a shoe that is far too big. Both charts shift by about 0.04" per size up or down from their reference.

Worked example: A man with a size 10 length and a 4.5" ball-of-foot width:

• D (medium) is cut for 4.0", so it is half an inch too narrow
• 2E (wide) is cut for 4.4" and covers 4.20 to 4.60", so 4.5" lands here
• 4E (extra wide) is cut for 4.8", roomier than he needs

He is a 2E. If it pinches across the ball, 4E is the next stop, and that is the direction to err in: shoes give a little with wear and feet do not.

Signs your width is wrong:

• Shoe bulges or wrinkles on the side (too wide)
• Toes feel numb or cramped sideways (too narrow)
• Heel slips despite correct length (too wide overall)
• Laces won’t close without pulling (too narrow)

European and UK shoes typically do not use width codes at all. They use last shapes instead, described as slim, regular or wide, and most brands only make the regular one. When ordering internationally, check the brand’s own width grading rather than assuming a letter carries across.