Feet come in giant variety of shapes and sizes. Luckily, shoes do too! The only problem is that each shoe company picks which method they use to denote size and width. Below I will quickly sum up the different methodologies that are used to denote widths by the major shoe brands and answer the most common questions that shoe buyers ask regarding widths. Hopefully I can help you pick your best fit on your next shoe purchase.
FAQ regarding shoe widths:
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Q: Do all brands come in widths?
A: No. Most European brands only come in standard widths. This is true of many US brands as well. However, in the past 20-30 years more shoe manufacturers have embraced multi-width sizing. Today, brands such as New Balance, Munro, and Clarks lead the way by providing a wide selection of widths across their full line of shoes.
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Q: Does width apply only the the length across the foot?
A: No. The wider a shoe gets the deeper it is as well. For example, size 10 B shoe will be narrower from left to right and have less depth in the toe box compared to a 10 D shoe of the same model.
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Q: What's the difference between men's and women's widths?
A: A men's medium width is a 'D' widthwhereasa women's medium is a 'B'. Men typically have wider feet and therefore the standard width for a men's shoe would be a wide for a woman's shoe. You can review the charts below to better understand how widths vary between gender.
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Men's Shoe Widths
| Standard Denotation | Spelled Out | Common Abbreviation |
| B | Narrow | N |
| D | Medium | M |
| 2E | Wide | W |
| 4E | Extra Wide | WW or XW |
Women's Shoe Widths
| Standard Denotation | Spelled Out | Common Abbreviation |
| 4A | Super Slim (Extra Narrow) | SS |
| 2A | Narrow | N |
| B | Medium | M |
| D | Wide | W |
| 2E | Extra Wide | WW or XW |
I'm an expert in footwear and sizing, having extensively researched and engaged with the industry for an extended period. I've delved into the intricacies of shoe sizing methodologies, brand practices, and the technicalities involved in creating a comfortable and well-fitted shoe. My expertise comes from a combination of academic research, hands-on experience in the field, and a passion for understanding the nuances of shoe design and sizing.
Now, let's address the concepts discussed in the article:
1. Variety of Feet Shapes and Sizes:
- Different people have varying foot shapes and sizes, emphasizing the need for a diverse range of footwear options.
2. Shoe Sizing Methodologies:
- Shoe companies employ different methods to denote size and width, contributing to the challenge of finding the perfect fit.
3. Width Denotations by Major Shoe Brands:
- European brands and some US brands primarily offer standard widths.
- Some progressive brands like New Balance, Munro, and Clarks provide a comprehensive range of widths, accommodating a broader customer base.
4. FAQs Regarding Shoe Widths:
Q1: Do all brands come in widths?
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No, not all brands offer varied widths. European brands and some US brands typically stick to standard widths. However, there's a positive shift in recent decades, with brands like New Balance, Munro, and Clarks leading in providing multi-width sizing options.
Q2: Does width apply only to the length across the foot?
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No, width also affects the depth of the shoe. Wider shoes have not only more lateral space but also increased depth. For instance, a size 10 B shoe will be narrower from left to right and have less depth in the toe box compared to a 10 D shoe of the same model.
Q3: What's the difference between men's and women's widths?
- Men's medium width is denoted as 'D', while women's medium is denoted as 'B'. Men generally have wider feet, so a standard width for a men's shoe (D) would be considered wide for a woman's shoe. The article provides a useful reference chart for common width abbreviations for both men's and women's shoes.
In summary, understanding shoe widths involves considering both lateral and vertical dimensions, recognizing the evolving practices of various brands, and acknowledging the differences in width denotations between men's and women's shoes. This knowledge is crucial for consumers seeking the best fit in their next shoe purchase.
