Wide shoe widths often confuse people when shopping, but understanding what the shoe width codes mean will help you choose the right footwear and totally change how a pair of shoes feels. Whether you’re looking at shoe width sizes in the UK, US, or EU, knowing the basics will save you time and sore feet.
I hope that this shoe width guide will help.
If you’ve ever tried on shoes that were the right length but still didn’t feel great, chances are the shoe width was off. It’s one of the most overlooked aspects of shoe fitting — and yet it’s the one thing that can make the difference between walking with ease and hobbling in pain.
Getting to Know Shoe Widths
Shoe width is measured across the ball of the foot, not just at the toe or the heel. This isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core part of the fit. If you’re wondering what is considered a wide foot, it often means your foot measures broader across this key area than average for your shoe size.
When buying shoes, especially for adults who wear them all day, picking the correct width keeps feet feeling happy and healthy. Too narrow can feel pinchy, and too wide might make the shoes width loose and unstable, causing rubbing, blisters, or fatigue over time.
Understanding wide shoe widths specifically is key if you want shoes that support your foot properly, especially for long days on your feet.
Decoding Width Codes: UK, US, EU & Beyond
Shoe width codes go way beyond just “narrow” or “wide,” and brands use specialized systems that might leave you scratching your head. So, let’s break them down.
- US System: In the United States, width sizes go from 4A (the narrowest) through to 6E (super wide). For women, widths include AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, and EE. Shoe width B meaning typically refers to a standard or medium width for women.
- UK System: The UK uses letters too, usually from B (narrow) up to H (extra wide). Here, shoe width sizes like F are standard, G is wide, and H is extra wide.
- EU System: European shoes are often made in one standard width, though brands may label widths as F (comfort fit), G (wide), H (extra wide), and K (ultra wide).
Here’s a UK sizing chart as a reference:
| UK SHOE SIZE | COMFORT FIT (D) | WIDE FIT (E) | EXTRA WIDE FIT (EE) | ULTRA WIDE FIT (EEE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 210–215mm | 216–221mm | 228–233mm | 241–246mm |
| 4 | 216–221mm | 222–227mm | 234–240mm | 247–253mm |
| 5 | 222–227mm | 228–233mm | 241–246mm | 254–259mm |
| 6 | 228–233mm | 234–240mm | 247–253mm | 260–265mm |
| 7 | 234–240mm | 241–246mm | 254–259mm | 266–271mm |
| 8 | 241–246mm | 247–253mm | 260–265mm | 272–277mm |
| 9 | 247–253mm | 254–259mm | 266–271mm | 278–283mm |
The main thing to remember is that these letters are guidelines, not strict standards. Wide shoe widths from one region could fit more like standard in another, so it’s always smart to check actual width measurements, especially when buying from brands outside your home country.
Shoe Width Code Reference Table
Clarks, for instance, uses “C” for standard, “D” for comfort, “E” for wide, and “EE” for extra wide. German brands tend to go with “F” for standard. Some labels will even just say what are wide shoes, or “extra room.”
When in doubt, don’t guess. Get specific, check sizing charts, and look up the shoe width codes your favourite brand uses.
What Do Dual Fitting Shoes and Removable Insoles Do?
If you’ve ever struggled between two widths or if your feet swell throughout the day, dual fitting shoes are your best mate. These allow for a bit of in-shoe adjustment by using or removing an extra insole. That’s ideal for travel or warmer weather, when your shoe widths might need to flex a bit.
It’s also helpful if you wear orthotics or have one foot wider than the other (which is surprisingly common).
Recognising If You Need a Different Width
If your toes are sore, or your foot spills over the edge of the sole, it’s often a width issue rather than length. Shoes too narrow or too wide just won’t feel right — and if you’re wondering what is considered a wide foot, it may be time to remeasure your feet and compare with shoe width sizes online.
Some red flags:
- Toes feel squeezed or rub.
- The top of the toes are sore or red.
- Your heels pop out even with laces tight.
- You feel burning or numbness under the arch.
Things That Make Shoe Widths Vary
It’s not all about shoe width codes. Shoe material, design, and construction style all play a part. Leather tends to stretch a little, whereas synthetic materials hold their shape. Athletic brands may build shoes with more generous width even in their standard sizes — but that’s not a guarantee.
Also, remember that wide shoe widths can feel different depending on arch support and insole structure. A shoe that feels “just right” in one brand might feel too snug in another.
If you wear orthotics or need extra supportive insoles, you may want to go up a width or look for wide fit shoes, since those inserts take up extra room. Removable insoles and dual fitting designs come in handy here and help you make adjustments for the perfect fit without hunting down an entirely new pair.
Tips for Getting the Right Fit
- Measure your feet at the end of the day; feet swell and you want shoes to fit when they’re at their biggest.
- Wear the same type of socks when trying on shoes as you’ll wear regularly.
- Check if your favorite brand has its own width chart.
- If your foot is between widths, try shoes with removable insoles or dual fitting options.
From my own experience, I always double-check my shoe width using a millimetre ruler across the ball of the foot — then I compare it with the brand’s chart. Doing this has saved me money and a load of frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are wide shoes?
A: Wide shoes are designed with extra space across the ball of the foot. They often have additional room in the toe box and midfoot areas, which helps avoid pinching or rubbing if your feet are broader than average.
Q: What does B mean in shoe width?
A: In women’s shoes, a “B” width usually means a standard or medium fit. For men, B is often considered narrow. It’s always best to check the brand’s chart, as interpretations can vary.
Q: How do I know if I need wide fit shoes?
A: If your feet feel tight, tingly, or rub at the sides even when the length is correct, you may need a wide fit. Red pressure marks, numb toes, or “spilling” over the sole edge are also signs.
Whether you’re shopping for fashion or comfort, getting familiar with wide shoe widths and how they’re labelled will help you find shoes that truly fit.
If you need to check your width size, read my article How To Measure Foot Width at Home.