Shoe widths often confuse people when shopping, but understanding what the width codes mean, will help you choose the right footwear and will totally change how a pair of shoes feels. 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 width was off. Shoe width codes go way beyond just “narrow” or “wide,” and brands use specialized systems that might leave you scratching your head. I’ll break down what all those letters and codes actually mean, offer practical tips for finding your best fit, and talk about how dual fitting shoes with removable insoles can make a real difference for comfort and flexibility.
Getting to Know Shoe Widths
Shoe width is measured across the ball of the foot, not just at the toe or the heel. This width isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core part of fit. 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 shoe slide and rub, leading to all sorts of discomfort or even blisters over time. Knowing your foot’s shape helps you avoid these pitfalls and lets your feet move naturally.
Widths are usually marked by letters and sometimes by combinations of letters and numbers. For example, “B” and “M” are common, but you’ll also spot letters like “2E” and “4A” depending on the country and brand. Here’s where people often get tripped up: these size codes aren’t universal. What’s considered “wide” in one country might be quite different in another. So, knowing how different systems code their widths makes shoe shopping a whole lot easier, and can save you from having to return shoes that just don’t fit right.
Decoding Width Codes: UK, US, EU & Beyond
Across the world, wide shoe widths, letters and numbers can mean pretty different things. Here’s how some of the main systems match up:
- US System: In the United States, width sizes go from 4A (the narrowest) through to 6E (super wide). For women, widths are often AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E and EE. For women, B is usually the standard (medium), while D is standard for men’s width.
- UK System: The UK uses letters too, but they go from B (narrow) up to H (extra wide). For example, F is common as a standard fit in the UK, while G and H are extra wide options.
- EU (Continental Europe): European shoes (one of my favourites) are often made in a standard width, F and G,H,I and K though some brands offer widths marked by letters.
- Japan and Other Regions: In Japan, letters like D, 2E, 3E, and 4E are used, and these typically measure a bit tighter than their US equivalents. Australia usually follows UK sizing for both length and width.
This is a UK chart as a guide. In the EU comfort fit is F, wide fit is G, extra wide is H and ultra wide is K
| WIDTH FITTING | ||||
| 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. If possible, track down a sizing chart with specific foot measurements in millimeters for accuracy.
Shoe Width Code Reference Table
Clarks C fit is standard, D fit is a comfort fit, E is wide fit and EE is extra wide fit, German brands tend to use F as a standard fit, G as a wide fit and H and K as wider still. Some brands make things more complicated with labels like M for medium, or combine letters and numbers for even more options. When in doubt, check the brand’s sizing chart before you order, since brand-specific adjustments can really impact fit. Don’t be surprised if, for example, a “D” fits differently from one brand to the next.
Really the best thing to do is to choose a brand and explore their shoe with guide.
What Do Dual Fitting Shoes and Removable Insoles Do?
Dual fitting shoes are a pretty handy option if you aren’t sure which width feels best or if your feet swell throughout the day. These shoes come with two insoles, and one is removable, so you’ve got a bit of customization. Slide both insoles in for a snugger fit, or take out one insole if you need a little more room.
This setup is super useful for people whose feet change size slightly while they’re up and about. It’s also great for folks who can’t always predict which socks or stockings they’ll need. By popping the spare insole out, you create extra width and depth inside the shoe without having to hunt for a different shoe altogether. Dual fit shoes with removable insoles are especially popular with orthopedic brands, but you can find them in all sorts of casual and dressy shoes too. They can even help if you use custom orthotics or just want more control over your shoe’s interior space.
If you wear orthotics, removing the insole provides extra room to accommodate these. I have found that over time, the insoles can be put back, once the shoes have been worn in.
Recognising If You Need a Different Width
If your toes feel crushed at the end of a long day or your heels keep slipping, it could be more of a width issue than length. Here are some signs you might need to check the width code on your next pair:
- Toes feel squeezed or rub against each other.
- The top of your toes are sore (burning)
- The ball of your foot spills over the sole’s edge.
- Your heel slips or pops out even when laced tightly.
- You see red marks or pressure spots after you take your shoes off.
- Your feet go numb or tingle while wearing shoes.
- You have soreness under the arch
- you can’t wait to take your shoes off
Trying different width options, or shoes that offer dual fitting, can make a huge difference here. Your feet can also change shape over time, so don’t be shy about reassessing your width, especially after big life events like pregnancy, weight changes, or starting a new workout routine. Making time to check now can save you lots of aches and pains later.
Things That Make Shoe Widths Vary
Shoe widths aren’t just about codes. The actual cut and construction of the shoe, material, and even how you lace them all play a part. Leather shoes stretch a little over time, allowing your foot to settle in, while synthetic shoes generally keep their shape. Some brands design their standard width as a bit more generous (often for sneakers or athletic shoes), while others keep things tighter for a sleek look. Labeling varies quite a bit between dress shoes and athletic shoes too, which makes trying on before you buy a smart move whenever possible.
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, since they give you more flexibility and can 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. Many brands post these on their websites, and the dimensions can be different from the standard codes.
- If your foot is between widths, try shoes with removable insoles or dual fitting options for more wiggle room.
Personal experience helps too: I always measure my foot across the ball and check the brand’s sizing chart before clicking “buy.” This is my favorite way to avoid the hassle of returns and disappointment. Sometimes, sizes in UK or EU brands are different even if labeled as “wide,” so those size charts are definitely worth looking at. And remember, shoe size and width can change over time, so double checking now and then helps you keep your comfort in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shoe widths go by the same codes everywhere?
Not at all. The US, UK, and other regions each have their own codes. Always double-check what the letters and numbers mean for the brand or region you’re shopping from, as these can change more than you’d expect.
Are dual fitting shoes worth it?
Definitely. If you find that your shoes often feel tight some days and loose on others, or you want flexibility for adding insoles, they’re quite practical for anyone with changing foot needs. For people whose feet swell or shift sizes, these shoes can feel like a lifesaver. I particularly like these for holidays abroad or where the weather is likely to be hot and swelling can be excessive due to flying or climate.
Can I stretch my shoes if they feel a little too narrow?
Leather shoes will usually stretch a bit, especially with wear, but synthetic materials tend to stay the same. If your shoes are too narrow, though, switching to a wider fit or dual fitting shoe is usually a smarter and more comfortable bet in the long run.
Shoe stretching can be done at home using wooden stretchers and shoe stretching spray but remember, you are not increasing the width of the shoe at sole level, only the tops, so if the shoes need stretching because a toe is rubbing, this is ok, if however, there is insufficient room underfoot, it will not help.
There are special shoe stretchers that simply increase the depth of the toe box if this is a requirement.
Making Shoe Widths Work for You
Finding the right shoe width can take some patience, especially when you’re trying international brands or orthopaedic shoes. I’ve found that paying attention to width makes long days on my feet so much better. Dual fit shoes and removable insoles are genuinely helpful when you want extra flexibility, and knowing the codes helps make shoe shopping, especially online, much less of a guessing game. Check size charts and shoe width guides, try on shoes later in the day, and remember: comfort is always worth the effort. After all, shoes that fit well don’t just feel good—they let you do more and stay active, no matter where your day takes you.
If you need to check your width size read my article How To Measure Your Foot Width at Home