Shoe width chart
The letter after your size is the width. The same letter means different things in men's and women's shoes.
| Width | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow | N, 2B | N, 2A |
| Standard | M, D | M, B |
| Wide | W, 2E | W, D |
| Extra wide | XW, 4E | XW, 2E |
| Extra-extra wide | XXW, 6E | XXW, 4E |
Brands vary. These conversions follow Nike's width chart. Another label can run half a size (or a whole size) different, so if the store publishes its own chart, trust that first. All sources
How widths step
Widths run from narrow A through B, C, D and then E, 2E, 4E and 6E. Standard is D for men and B for women, so a women's D and a men's 2E are both "wide". Each step adds a few millimetres across the ball of the foot. The exact amount depends on the brand and the size, which is why width letters are best used within one brand.
Measuring width at home
- Stand on paper with full weight on the foot.
- Mark both sides of the widest part of the forefoot, usually across the big and little toe joints.
- Measure between the marks. Compare against the brand's width guide for your length.
If you sit on the line, try the standard width in a model with a roomy toe box, or step up one width rather than a full size. Going up in length to gain width moves the flex point of the shoe away from your toe joints.
Questions shoppers ask
What does 2E mean in shoes?
2E (also written EE) is a wide width in men's shoes and extra wide in women's. Men's standard is D; women's standard is B.
Is a men's D the same as a women's D?
Not in name only. D is standard for men but wide for women, because women's shoes are cut narrower at the same length.
How do I know if I need a wide shoe?
Measure across the widest part of your forefoot, standing. adidas gives about 3.8 inches (9.7 cm) as standard for a women's size 9, with anything above about 3.9 inches counting as wide.