Shoe width refers to the horizontal measurement of your foot, taken at its widest point and it plays a crucial role in how shoes fit and feel. While people often focus more on shoe length, width is just as important for comfort, stability and long-term foot health. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or too wide can lead to pressure points, poor support and fatigue throughout the day.
This article explains men’s shoe width charts and how width is measured, so you can make more accurate sizing decisions with confidence.
Men’s Shoe Width Chart
Men’s shoe width charts show how foot width corresponds to shoe sizes and width categories. While exact values may vary slightly by brand or shoe type, the charts below provide a general reference for you to make a better decision.
Shoe Width In Inches
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Narrow (B) | Medium (D) | Wide (E) | Extra Wide (EE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 37.5 | 3.1" | 3.3" | 3.5" | 3.7" |
| 6 | 5 | 39 | 3.2" | 3.4" | 3.6" | 3.8" |
| 7 | 6 | 40.5 | 3.3" | 3.5" | 3.7" | 3.9" |
| 8 | 7 | 42 | 3.4" | 3.6" | 3.8" | 4.0" |
| 9 | 8 | 43 | 3.5" | 3.7" | 3.9" | 4.1" |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 3.6" | 3.8" | 4.0" | 4.2" |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 3.7" | 3.9" | 4.1" | 4.3" |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 3.8" | 4.0" | 4.2" | 4.4" |
| 13 | 12 | 47 | 3.9" | 4.1" | 4.3" | 4.5" |
Shoe Width In Centimeters
| US Size | UK Size | EU Size | Narrow (B) | Medium (D) | Wide (E) | Extra Wide (EE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 37.5 | 7.9 cm | 8.4 cm | 8.9 cm | 9.4 cm |
| 6 | 5 | 39 | 8.1 cm | 8.6 cm | 9.1 cm | 9.6 cm |
| 7 | 6 | 40.5 | 8.4 cm | 8.9 cm | 9.4 cm | 9.9 cm |
| 8 | 7 | 42 | 8.6 cm | 9.1 cm | 9.7 cm | 10.2 cm |
| 9 | 8 | 43 | 8.9 cm | 9.4 cm | 9.9 cm | 10.4 cm |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 9.1 cm | 9.6 cm | 10.2 cm | 10.7 cm |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 9.4 cm | 9.9 cm | 10.4 cm | 10.9 cm |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 9.6 cm | 10.1 cm | 10.7 cm | 11.2 cm |
| 13 | 12 | 47 | 9.9 cm | 10.4 cm | 10.9 cm | 11.4 cm |
Also looking for a perfect suit? Check out our Suit Size Chart
Shoe Width Calculator
The shoe size calculator is available at Hockerty, helping us determine shoe sizes accurately and easily based on both shoe width and length. All you need to do is adding your results of measurement to the calculator, and it will provide a matching shoe size for you.
Shoe Width Codes Explained
As you can see in the charts, shoe brands commonly use letter codes to describe shoe width, which indicate how narrow or wide a shoe is relative to its length. It’s important to know what each code is and how we can interpret it while choosing shoes.
Common Shoe Width Codes
In men’s shoes, width codes generally follow a standardized progression from narrow to wide. The most commonly used codes are:
- B – Narrow
- D – Medium (standard width for men)
- E – Wide
Among these, D is considered the default men’s shoe width and is what most brands offer unless otherwise specified. Shoes labeled B are designed for slimmer feet, while those labeled E provide additional room across the forefoot.
It’s worth noting that women’s shoe width codes are different. For example, “D” is often considered wide to women, whereas “D” is standard to men. This is why shoe width codes should always be interpreted within the correct gender sizing system.
What is Shoe Width EE?
EE (2E) is commonly referred to as extra wide, offering more space than standard (D) and wide (E) widths. It is designed for men with broader forefeet, higher volume feet or those who experience pressure on the sides of standard-width shoes.
However, the meaning of EE can vary slightly by brand. In some brands, EE shoes are treated as clearly extra wide, while in others, they may function closer to a standard “wide” fit. This variation makes it especially important to check the brand’s width chart alongside a general shoe width chart.
You may also encounter:
- EEE (3E) – Wider than EE, intended for very wide feet, usually adding another 3–5 mm across the forefoot.
- EEEE (4E) – the widest commonly available option, offering maximum forefoot room.
These options are less popular and typically available only from brands that specialize in wide or custom-fit footwear.
How to Measure Foot Width
Even the best shoe width chart is only useful if your measurements are correct. Taking a few minutes to measure your foot properly can prevent discomfort, pressure points and unnecessary returns.
What You Need to Measure Your Foot Width
You don’t need special tools to measure foot width at home. A few simple items are enough:
- A sheet of paper (larger than your foot)
- A pencil or pen
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A flat wall and hard floor
For the most accurate result, measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly wider than the other.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Foot Width at Home
Follow these steps carefully to get a reliable measurement:
- Place the paper on the floor against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel lightly touching the wall and your weight evenly distributed.
- Use the pencil to mark the widest points of your foot, usually across the ball of the foot.
- Step off the paper and measure the distance between the two marks.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, then repeat the process for the other foot.
- Use the wider measurement when referencing a shoe width chart.
Avoid sitting while measuring, as this reduces foot spread and can lead to choosing shoes that are too narrow.
When to Measure Your Feet for the Most Accurate Results
Feet naturally change size throughout the day. For best results, measure your feet:
- In the evening, when feet are slightly swollen.
- While wearing the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes.
- On a hard, flat surface.
Foot width can also change over time due to age, weight changes and activity levels, so measuring periodically is recommended, even if your shoe size hasn’t changed.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shoe by the Shoe Width Chart
A shoe width chart is a powerful reference, but it should never be used in isolation as shoe width varies by shoe type and brand. Therefore, it’s useful for you to know the following tips for the best shoe purchase.
Differences in Shoe Type
- Dress shoes tend to have a narrower, more structured fit. When measuring the width for dress shoes, prioritize the exact width measurement, especially across the ball of the foot. If your measurement sits between two widths, choosing the wider option often results in better long-term comfort.
- Sneakers often allow more flexibility and forgiveness in width. In this case, the width chart serves as a baseline reference and feet that fall slightly between widths may still feel comfortable in the narrower option due to material stretch.
- Boots may feel tighter due to stiffer materials and added structure. When selecting boots using a width chart, allow extra room, particularly if you plan to wear thicker socks or use insoles.
Explore The Best Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men
How to Know If Your Shoes Fit Properly
Signs of a good width fit include:
- No pinching or pressure at the sides of the forefoot.
- Toes lying flat without crowding.
- Secure fit without excessive slipping.
- Comfort when walking, standing and bending the foot.
Custom Shoes Are the Best Solution
If standard widths consistently feel too narrow or too loose, custom-made shoes are often the most reliable solution. Customisation allows both length and width to be adjusted to your exact foot measurements, eliminating common fit compromises.
Custom footwear is especially valuable if:
- You need EE or wider shoes.
- One foot is noticeably wider than the other.
- You wear dress shoes regularly and value long-term comfort.
Hockerty customised shoes are designed to address these fit challenges by allowing width adjustments, including EE wide options, while maintaining clean proportions and proper support. This approach ensures the shoe adapts to your foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shoe Width?
Shoe width refers to the horizontal measurement of your foot at its widest point, usually across the ball of the foot and indicates how much space a shoe provides from side to side. It is typically expressed using letter codes such as B (narrow), D (medium), E (wide) and EE (extra wide). Choosing the correct shoe width is essential for comfort, stability and foot health, as shoes that are too narrow or too wide can cause pressure, poor support and fatigue, even if the length is correct.
What are UK shoe widths?
UK shoe sizing mainly refers to shoe length, while width is usually indicated by letter codes such as B (narrow), D (medium), E (wide) and EE (extra wide). Unlike US sizing, the UK system does not use a universally standardized width chart, so width availability and fit can vary by brand. To choose the right width, it’s best to measure your foot width and compare it with both a general shoe width chart and the brand’s own size guide.
How do I know what shoe width to get?
To determine the correct shoe width, measure your foot at its widest point while standing, then compare the measurement to a men’s shoe width chart that matches your shoe size. Signs you need a wider shoe include pressure or pinching across the forefoot, while excess slipping may indicate the shoe is too wide. Properly fitting shoes should feel comfortable immediately, without relying on stretching over time.
Which is wide, E fit or EEE fit?
EEE (3E) is wider than E. In men’s shoes, E indicates wide, EE (2E) indicates extra wide and EEE (3E) provides even more room across the forefoot. Each additional “E” represents a progressive increase in width, not length and is intended for men whose feet still feel tight in standard wide or extra-wide shoes.
What size is a 2E-width shoe?
A 2E width shoe is the same as EE, which is commonly classified as extra wide in men’s footwear. The length of the shoe (US, UK or EU size) remains the same, but the shoe provides more space across the ball of the foot. Because width measurements can vary slightly by brand, it’s important to check both the shoe width chart and the brand’s specific sizing guide.
What do D and M mean in shoe size?
In men’s shoes, D and M both mean medium width, which is the standard default offered by most brands. The two labels are often used interchangeably, although some manufacturers prefer one over the other. To avoid confusion, always confirm width using the brand’s width chart, especially if you are between widths or shopping across different brands.
