How To · Fashion · Build
Find Your Shoe Width: The Measurement That Actually Matters
Most people ignore shoe width entirely—then wonder why their feet hurt by 3 p.m. Here's how to measure yours and use that number to shop smarter.
5 min read · IrisWidth is the horizontal measurement across your foot at its widest point—usually the ball of your foot. It's expressed as a letter (A, B, C, D, E, EE, EEEE) or sometimes as a number (1–5). Ignoring it means buying shoes that either pinch your toes or slip off your heel, neither of which improves with time.
The good news: measuring your width takes ten minutes and costs nothing. Once you know your number, you can shop with actual confidence instead of returning half your purchases.
Width is the horizontal measurement across your foot at its widest point—usually the ball of your foot.
What you'll need.
- 01Soft measuring tape (sewing tape)
- 02Pen and paper
- 03Ruler (if using string instead of tape)
- 04Your everyday socks or hosiery
Step one · 2 minutes
Gather your tools
You need a soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing), a pen, and a piece of paper. If you don't have a soft tape, use a string and measure it against a ruler. Wear the socks or hosiery you typically wear with shoes—thickness matters. Stand barefoot on a hard, flat surface. Avoid measuring while sitting; gravity changes foot width.
Measure both feet. Most people have one foot slightly wider than the other. Always buy for your wider foot.
Step two · 1 minute
Locate the widest point of your foot
This is almost always across the ball of your foot—the padded area just behind your toes where your foot is widest. Some people's widest point sits slightly higher or lower depending on foot shape, so gently press your fingers across your foot to confirm. Mark this spot mentally or with a light pen mark on your skin.
The widest point is rarely at your toes or heel. Trust the ball of your foot.
Step three · 2 minutes
Measure across the ball of your foot
Wrap the soft tape snugly (not tightly) around the widest part of your foot, keeping it parallel to the ground. The tape should sit flat without twisting. Write down the measurement in inches. Repeat this three times to ensure accuracy. If your measurements vary, use the largest number.
Snug means the tape touches your skin without leaving an indent. You should be able to slide one finger under it.
Step four · 2 minutes
Convert your measurement to a width letter
Use this standard conversion: 3.125–3.375 inches = A (narrow), 3.375–3.625 = B (standard), 3.625–3.875 = C (medium), 3.875–4.125 = D (wide), 4.125–4.375 = E (extra wide), 4.375–4.625 = EE (double extra wide). These ranges assume a women's shoe size 7–8; widths shift slightly for smaller or larger sizes. If you're between sizes, round up.
Some brands use numbers instead of letters (Nordstrom, Zappos). D = 1, E = 2, EE = 3. Know both systems.
Step five · 2 minutes
Test your width at a fitting
Visit a shoe store (or order multiple widths online) and try on the same shoe style in your measured width and one width narrower and wider. Pay attention to where the shoe pinches, where it gapes, and how your toes sit. Your correct width should feel snug across the ball without pinching, with roughly a thumb's width of room at the toe. Your heel should not slip.
Always try shoes on in the afternoon; feet swell throughout the day. This is when you'll wear them most.
Step six · Ongoing
Use your width when shopping
Bookmark the width guides for brands you love—they vary wildly. Clarks, New Balance, and Naturalizer typically stock full width ranges. Fast-fashion brands often skip wide widths entirely. When ordering online, filter by width before browsing. Save your measurement and width letter in your phone's notes for quick reference at stores.
Width is brand-dependent. A D in one brand might feel different in another. Always check the specific brand's width guide.
How to know it works
The right width means your foot sits centered in the shoe with no pinching across the ball, no gapping at the heel, and room to wiggle your toes. You should forget you're wearing shoes within thirty minutes.
Questions at the mirror.
My measurements put me between two widths. Which do I choose?
Round up to the wider size. A shoe that's slightly too wide can be managed with thicker socks or insoles. A shoe that's too narrow will hurt no matter what you do.
I measured myself but shoes in that width still don't fit. What's wrong?
Width alone doesn't account for arch height, toe box shape, or heel cup depth—all of which vary by brand. You may need to try different brands or styles, not just different widths. Some shoes are simply cut narrow in the toe even if the width size is wide.
Do I need to remeasure my feet regularly?
Foot size can change with age, pregnancy, weight gain, and certain medical conditions. Remeasure every 2–3 years or if you notice your usual size suddenly feels different.
Why do some brands not offer wide widths?
Cost and inventory. Wider sizes require different molds and take up shelf space. Smaller brands and fast-fashion retailers often skip them. This is why specialty retailers like Zappos and Nordstrom are valuable—they stock the full range.