What Do the Letters in Shoe Sizes Mean

What Do the Letters in Shoe Sizes Mean?

Those letters next to your shoe size aren’t random. They tell you the width of the shoe. A “D” is standard for men, and a “B” is standard for women. Getting the right width matters just as much as the length for comfort and foot health.

The Width Scale: From Narrow to Extra Wide

Shoe width letters run from very narrow to extra wide. The scale is slightly different for men and women, which causes confusion. Here is the basic breakdown for both.

For men: The scale goes from B (narrow) to C (regular) to D (wide) to E (extra wide). Most men wear a D width. If you have wider feet, you will need an E or EE.

For women: The scale goes from AA (narrow) to B (regular) to C (wide) to D (extra wide). Most women wear a B width. If you need more room, look for a C or D.

You will also see AAA and EEE on some shoes. AAA is extremely narrow, and EEE is extremely wide. These are less common and usually require specialty brands.

How to Measure Your Foot Width at Home

You can measure your width at home with simple tools. You need a piece of paper, a pencil, and a ruler. Do this at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.

1. Place the paper on a hard floor against a wall.
2. Stand on the paper with your heel against the wall.
3. Trace the outline of your foot with the pencil.
4. Measure the widest part of the tracing in inches.
5. Compare that number to a width chart online.

If you are between widths, size up. A shoe that is too narrow can cause blisters, bunions, and nerve pain. A shoe that is too wide will cause your foot to slide and lead to instability.

Why Width Letters Matter for Different Shoe Types

Dress shoes and boots are usually available in multiple widths. Athletic shoes are often only sold in standard width, which is D for men and B for women. If you need a wide athletic shoe, you will need to shop at specialty stores or look for brands that offer wide options.

For leather shoes, width is less forgiving. Leather stretches a little, but not enough to fix a shoe that is two widths too narrow. Suede stretches more than leather. Canvas shoes stretch the most, but they offer the least support.

If you wear orthotics, you almost always need a wider shoe. The orthotic takes up space inside the shoe. Buying a wider width keeps your foot from feeling cramped.

European and UK Shoe Sizing: No Letters

European sizing does not use width letters at all. They use a different scale for length, and width is rarely listed. UK sizing uses the same letter system as the US, but the length numbers are different.

When buying European shoes, your only option is to try them on. A brand like Clarks or Ecco may fit differently than a brand like Gabor or Geox. The shape of the last, which is the mold the shoe is built on, affects how the shoe fits your foot.

If you buy European shoes online, order from a retailer with a good return policy. You will likely need to try a few sizes and widths to find your match.

Common Width Letter Mistakes People Make

The most common mistake is ignoring width entirely. People buy a longer shoe to compensate for a narrow fit. This causes heel slippage and blisters. You should always match the length to your longest toe and the width to the widest part of your foot.

Another mistake is assuming that all brands size the same. A D width in one brand may feel like a C in another. This is because brands use different lasts. Always try on shoes from a new brand before committing.

Also, your foot size changes over time. Your feet flatten and spread with age. You may need a wider shoe at 40 than you did at 20. Re-measure your feet every year or two.

How to Care for Wide and Narrow Shoes

If you finally find shoes that fit your width, take care of them. For leather shoes, use a shoe tree to maintain the shape. A cedar shoe tree also absorbs moisture and prevents odor.

For suede shoes, use a suede brush to keep the nap looking fresh. A suede eraser removes scuffs and dirt. For smooth leather, use a quality conditioner like mink oil or saddle soap to keep the leather supple.

Rotate your shoes. Wearing the same pair every day breaks them down faster. Giving them a day off lets the materials recover and keeps the width from stretching out too quickly.