Spoiler alert: this article isn’t just a sneaker width chart. I’m going to share everything I have to help you finally make sense of all those letters, how your sneakers actually feel on your feet, and which brands get width right.
Now, when was the last time you seriously thought about sneaker width before buying a pair?
If you’re like most people, probably never.
You just pick your size, try them on, and hope they feel good enough.
But here’s the thing: a lot of people are walking around in shoes that sort of fit, but not really. And it’s usually because the width is off.
One study from 2018 (Journal of Foot and Ankle Research) found that only about a third of people are wearing the right shoe size.
I’ve been there.
Your heel keeps slipping, or you have cramping in your toes, and you think, “Maybe I need a half size up.” But then your foot starts sliding around, and now you have a whole new issue.
So if you’re wondering why your sneakers never feel quite right, maybe it’s the width and not your size.
In this sneaker width chart and width guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through everything from what letters like “D” and “EE” refer to, to how different brands handle widths, to how to finally figure out what you actually need.
If you’re also a boot wearer, you might want to check out my complete boot width guide. I discuss the same sizing mysteries for boots, so you’ll know your fit for every type of footwear.
Sneaker Width Chart
A, B, C, D, EE, 4E, 6E, etc, simply tell you how wide your shoe is. But a men’s D is totally different from a women’s D.
Men’s & Women’s Sneaker Widths
| Width | Women’s | Men’s |
|---|---|---|
| 4A (AAAA) | Extra Narrow | – |
| 2A (AA) | Narrow | Extra Narrow |
| B | Medium | Narrow |
| D | Wide | Medium |
| 2E (EE) | Extra Wide | Wide |
| 4E (EEEE) | XX-Wide | Extra Wide |
| 6E (EEEEEE) | – | XX-Wide |
In men’s shoes, 6E and up is usually for medical or orthopedic needs. For women, 4E is very rare, but some brands carry them for specific foot conditions.
Kids’ Widths
Most kids’ shoes don’t come with all those letters. Instead, you’ll usually see:
- M = Medium
- W = Wide
- XW = Extra Wide
Some brands, like New Balance, offer multiple widths, so if your kid complains about their shoes feeling tight, you might need to try a wider option.
So,
- If your feet feel pinched in regular shoes, or your pinky toe’s always taking the hit, you probably need wide or extra wide.
- If your feet slide around and you’re always tightening the laces, you might be better off with a narrow option.
- If your sneakers feel just right, with no weird rubbing or pressure, you’re probably in the sweet spot with a standard width.
Now, here’s what each men’s and women’s width letter actually means in terms of ball girth, so you can get a rough idea of how much wider or narrower each size feels compared to a standard D or B.
| Men’s Widths (Ball Girth Difference Compared to D) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Label | Difference from D | |
| 2A | Extra Narrow | ~ -0.375″ | |
| A | Narrow | ~ -0.1875″ | |
| B | Slightly Narrow | ~ -0.09375″ | |
| D | Standard | Baseline | |
| E | Wide | ~ +0.1875 | |
| 4E | Extra Wide | ~ +0.375″ | |
| 6E | XX Wide | ~ +0.5625″ | |
Related:
If you’re looking at Thursday sneakers, I also have a Thursday sneaker sizing guide so you can see how they compare.
| Women’s Widths (Ball Girth Difference Compared to B) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | Label | Difference from B | |
| 2A | Extra Narrow | ~ -0.1875″ | |
| B | Standard | Baseline | |
| D | Wide | ~ +0.1875″ | |
| 2E | Extra Wide | ~ +0.375″ | |
| 4E | XX Wide | ~ +0.5625″ | |
To make things easier, here’s a list of major sneaker brands, the widths they offer for men and women, how they generally fit, and what you need to know before buying.
| Brand | Widths | General Fit | Worth Knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance | M: 2A, B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E W: 4A, 2A, B, D, 2E, 4E |
True to size, roomy toe box | Best selection for both wide and narrow feet |
| Nike | M: D, 2E (few models) W: B, D (few models) |
Snug midfoot, some roomy models | Limited width models; Pegasus fits wide |
| Adidas | Standard only | Narrow overall | Toe box runs tight; no official wide widths |
| ASICS | M: D, 2E, 4E W: B, D, 2E |
Balanced fit | Popular running models come in widths |
| Brooks | M: B, D, 2E, 4E W: 2A, B, D, 2E |
Secure, true to size | Most models offer multiple widths |
| HOKA | M: D, 2E (select models) W: B, D (select models) |
Roomy length, snug midfoot | Clifton, Bondi available in wide |
| Saucony | M: D, 2E W: B, D |
Slightly narrow toe box | Ride and Guide come in wide sizes |
| Altra | Standard only, but wide toe box | Foot-shaped fit | Designed for toe splay; zero-drop platform |
| Topo Athletic | Standard only, naturally wide toe box | Snug midfoot, roomy forefoot | Great for runners who like space in the toes |
| Reebok | Mostly standard (D) | Slim fit | Limited options; often narrow |
| Puma | Standard only | Runs small and narrow | Tapered fit; size up if wide-footed |
| Converse | Standard only | Narrow and flat | Runs tight; no width options |
| Vans | Standard only | Slim overall fit | Sizing up is common for wider feet |
| Mizuno | M: D, 2E (some models) W: B, D |
Snug heel, structured midfoot | Some models offer wide, but not all |
| Under Armour | M: D, 2E (few training shoes) W: B, D |
Narrow to regular | Some training models come in wide |
| On Running | Standard only | Narrow and high arch | Many find the fit restrictive in the forefoot |
| Skechers | M: D, 2E W: B, D |
Roomy fit, soft upper | Memory foam models can accommodate wider feet |
| Orthofeet | M: D, 2E, 4E, 6E W: B, D, 2E, 4E, 6E |
Wide and deep fit | Designed for foot conditions; not sporty-looking |
| Vivobarefoot | Standard only, wide toe box | Minimalist and roomy | Slightly roomier toe box; widths not widely available |
| 361° | M: Standard (D), some 2E W: Standard (B), some D |
Slightly narrow | Less common but width options exist in running line |
| Karhu | M: Standard (D) only W: Standard (B) only |
Narrow | Midfoot-focused design, tighter through arch |
| Newton | M: D, some 2E W: B, some D |
Snug fit | Lower volume midfoot fit |
| Salomon | M: D, 2E (some models) W: B, D |
Narrow to true | Trail-focused, some wide trail options |
| Inov-8 | M: D, 2E W: B, D |
Adjustable fit | Foot-shaped fit scale from 1 (narrow) to 5 (wide) |
| Lululemon | M: D only W: B only |
Narrow | Limited sneaker line, stylish fit |
| APL | M: D only W: B only |
Narrow | Fashion-forward, not for wide feet |
| Allbirds | M: D only W: B only |
Medium | May stretch slightly |
| Veja | M: D only W: B only |
Narrow | Break-in needed |
| Onitsuka Tiger | M: D only W: B only |
Very narrow | |
| Lems Shoes | M: D, 2E (wide toe box) W: B, D |
Foot-shaped | Roomy toe box even in standard width |
| Skora | M: D only W: B only |
Barefoot fit | Anatomical shape |
| Joe Nimble | M: D, 2E W: B, D |
Foot-shaped | Ultra-wide toe box |
| WHITIN | M: D only W: B only |
Foot-shaped | Decent width |
| Kuru Footwear | M: D, 2E W: B, D |
Medium | |
| SOM Footwear | M: D only W: B only |
Roomy fit, foot-shaped | Natural fit |
| Drew Shoes | M: D, 2E, 4E, 6E W: B, D, 2E, 4E |
Orthopedic fit | not athletic-focused |
| Hapad | Custom/Orthopedic | N/A | |
| Apex | M: D, 2E, 4E, 6E W: B, D, 2E, 4E |
Orthopedic fit | Barefoot-inspired; fits wider than most |
| Ryka | M: N/A W: B, D |
Slightly narrow | Built around narrower heel, wider forefoot |
How to Know What Sneaker Width You Need
So, how do you actually know if your sneakers are the wrong width? It’s not always obvious, but your feet can give you clues.
Signs Your Sneakers Are Too Narrow
- Your pinky toe always feels squished
- You see bulging on the sides of the shoe
- The upper is squeezing your foot
- You get numbness, tingling, or pressure points
- Your toenails are taking a beating (especially on runs)
If that sounds familiar, it usually means your foot needs more room across the forefoot and possibly the midfoot too.
Signs Your Sneakers Are Too Wide
- Your foot slides around inside the shoe
- You have to crank the laces extra tight just to keep your heel down
- You get hot spots on the bottom or blisters on your heel
- You feel like you’re losing stability with every step
How Width Affects Different Parts of the Fit
- Toe box:
This is where you feel tightness the fastest. If your toes are pressing against the sides or can’t spread out, it’s too narrow.
- Midfoot/arch:
If the arch support feels like it’s in the wrong place, or if the shoe feels sloppy here, the width might be off.
- Heel:
A heel that slips constantly usually means the shoe is too wide for your foot’s volume, even if the length is right.
Related:
If you’re specifically looking at Air Force 1s, I’ve made a Nike Air Force 1 size chart and sizing guide so you can find the right fit for that model.
How to Measure Your Foot Width at Home
You don’t need any fancy tools to figure out your foot width. But some methods are more helpful than others.
Here are some simple methods:
Pen & Paper
This is the most common method. It works fine if you’re just trying to get a rough idea.
- Grab a sheet of paper, a pen, and a ruler
- Stand on a sheet of paper with your full weight on your feet
- Trace around your foot with a pen held straight up
- Measure the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball of your foot
- Write down the number in inches or millimeters
Then compare your measurements to standard sneaker width charts. It’s not perfect, but it gives you a solid starting point.
But here’s the catch: the pen & paper method doesn’t account for volume. You’re only measuring from one edge to the other, and that leaves out how your foot actually fills a shoe.
So,
Use a Soft Tape Measure
This is my go-to method because it gives you a full picture of your foot’s girth, which is kind of like how brands actually define width internally.
- Sit down with your foot flat on the ground
- Wrap a soft tape measure (the fabric kind) around the ball of your foot, the widest part, just behind the toes
- Make sure the tape is snug but not tight
- Take the measurement where the tape overlaps
- Do both feet, and go with the larger number
That number gives you your foot circumference, which is super useful when comparing against brand charts that list actual foot girth for D, E, EE widths, etc.
It also helps explain why some people need wide shoes even if their flat foot outline doesn’t look that wide on paper.
If you don’t have a soft tape, a piece of string works too. Wrap it around your foot, mark it, then measure the string.
Related:
Measuring Width with a Brannock Device
If you’ve ever had your foot sized in a proper shoe store, you’ve probably seen the Brannock Device.
The Brannock Device gives you your true foot length, arch length, and width.
Here’s how it works:
- Stand on the device with your heel against the back cup
- The big slider measures length
- The arch pointer shows your arch length, which helps determine the right size based on your arch
- The small sliding bar across the ball of your foot measures width, based on your foot’s length
That’s where the width letter comes from. If it lines up with the “D,” that’s your standard width. If it lands at “2E,” then you probably need wide shoes.
You can sometimes find these used online, or just visit a running store and ask to get measured. It takes two minutes, and you’ll walk away with way more confidence in what your feet actually need.
When to Go Wide vs. When to Go Up a Size
When should you go wider instead of longer?
- Your toes feel cramped, but your heel stays locked in
- The length feels spot-on, but it’s tight across the ball of your foot
- Your foot looks like it’s spilling over the edge of the sole
When might it make sense to size up instead of going wider?
- You’re right on the edge of a size, and the shoe feels a touch short
- A wider size makes the heel too sloppy
- You wear thick socks or orthotics and need a little more overall space
The sweet spot is when you don’t have to trade off one part of the fit to fix another. If your forefoot, arch, and heel feel dialed in, you’ve nailed it.
Now, does going up half a size make the shoe wider?
Do Half Sizes Change the Width?
Technically, A 9D and a 9.5D have the same width. But what changes is the length of the shoe.
If you need more width in your sneakers, you may assume that sizing up is going to give you more width.
But while going up half a size can sometimes feel roomier, you’re mainly adding length, which can throw off the fit in other areas of your sneakers.
Let’s simplify it:
Shoe Size vs. Volume vs Width
- Shoe size is based on how long your foot is from heel to toe (length).
- Width is the measurement across the widest part of your foot, usually the ball.
- Volume is how much space there is inside the shoe.
So yeah, sizing up can relieve pressure, but if your foot still feels squeezed on the sides or spills off the midsole, you’re not solving the real problem.
Sneaker Brands and Their Width Offerings
Now that you know how width works, which brands actually offer multiple widths?
Spoiler: not all sneaker brands care about width the same way. Here’s what you should know about each one.
New Balance:
If you have wide or extra wide feet, NB is your safest bet.
Instead of just releasing a few wide models here and there, New Balance offers multiple widths across most of their running shoes.
That means you’ll find 2A, B, D, 2E, 4E, and even 6E in some styles. They also make wide kids’ shoes and narrower options for people with slim feet.
Nike:
Nike is not width-friendly across the board because most of their sneakers come in a standard width only (D for men, B for women).
Some of their running shoes fit wider, like the Pegasus, than expected, especially in the toe box, but you’ll have to dig for them.
If you want to know more about how Nike sneakers fit, see my Nike sizing guide. It covers length, width, and which models feel tighter or roomier.
Adidas:
If you have wide feet, Adidas might not be the best brand for you. Most of their shoes run on the narrower side, and they don’t officially offer multiple width options in most of their lineup.
The shape of the last is snug, and the toe box can feel tight. Some people size up half a size to get more room, but that doesn’t solve everything.
You can read my Adidas sizing guide for more on how their sneakers fit and which models feel narrow or roomy.
ASICS: Solid Choice for Width Options
A solid middle ground. Sneakers like the Gel-Kayano, GT-2000, and Nimbus often come in 2E and 4E.
You can check my ASICS sizing guide to see how their sneakers fit and which models feel roomier or more snug.
Brooks: Built for All Foot Types
Brooks takes the fit seriously. Many of their models, like the Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, and Glycerin, come in narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide for both men and women
HOKA:
Some models offer wide (like the Bondi, Clifton, and Arahi). But even then, some runners say the “wide” still feels more like a roomy regular fit. So if you need serious width, double-check before you order.
Saucony: Decent Width Range
Saucony offers wide widths (D for women, 2E for men) in models like the Ride, Guide, and Triumph. Their shoes tend to have a more forgiving fit overall, so even the regular width can work for slightly wider feet.
Reebok, Puma, Converse, Vans: Mostly Narrow, Limited Options
These brands don’t really offer multiple widths. Most of their shoes run narrow to average, and they rarely release wide or extra wide versions.
If you have a wide foot, especially if you’re looking for everyday or lifestyle sneakers, you’ll probably need to size up, or consider a different brand.
Why Toe Box Shape Matters More Than You Think
Some sneakers have a more squared-off toe box and are friendly to wide feet, while others are pointy and tend to taper in quickly. It all comes down to the last that the brand uses (aka the mold the shoe is built on), which affects how the toe box fits your forefoot.
So if you have a wider forefoot or your toes tend to splay out, look for shoes with a rounded toe box. That one little detail might matter more than whether you size up or down.
What To Do If Your Favorite Brand Doesn’t Offer Wide Widths?
We’ve all been there. You find a sneaker you love, but there’s no wide-width option. Do you ditch it? Not yet.
Here’s what you can try:
- Check the shape
Some D or B-width shoes are surprisingly generous in the toe box, but you’ll need to dig around a bit, and some brands let you filter by toebox fit on their website.
Adidas, for example, doesn’t label shoes as “wide”, but some of their models still fit roomy. Look for words like “roomy,” “natural,” or “relaxed” in the description.
- Go up half a size
This doesn’t magically give you more width through the midfoot or heel, but it might give your toes some breathing room to spread out.
Just don’t go too big or your foot might start sliding around.
- Try men’s sizes (for women)
Men’s shoes are naturally wider through the midfoot and heel. If you’re a woman with wide feet, this might be your secret weapon. Just subtract one full US size to convert. If you’re a women’s 8, try a men’s 7.
Sneakers by Width Type
Sneakers for Narrow Feet
If you have narrow feet, you already know the struggle, especially since most sneakers are built for average or wide feet.
But here’s the good news: some brands do make narrow-specific models, which means the shoe is shaped on a slimmer last from the ground up to fit a slimmer foot.
Look for:
- A or AA widths in women’s shoes
- B widths in men’s
On average, narrow shoes give you about a quarter inch less room than standard widths, which is often just enough to eliminate that sloppy, side-to-side movement that can lead to blisters or discomfort.
Some brands even take it a step further. Nike, for example, makes narrow models that are around 1 cm slimmer than their regular versions, especially in the heel and forefoot.
But keep in mind that not all brands use the same labels. Some might call them slim or skinny instead of narrow, so don’t let the wording throw you off.
| Sneakers For Narrow Feet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Narrow Sneakers | ||
| Asics | Asics Novablast Asics Gel Nimbus Asics Magic Speed Asics Gel Excite 10 Asics Glideride Max Asics Gel-Cumulus Asics Superblast Asics Metaspeed Sky & Paris ASICS Gel Kayano |
||
| Nike | Nike Vomero Nike Zoom Fly Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit Nike Invincible Nike Zegama Nike Winflo Nike Vaporfly Nike Alphafly Nike Blazer Mid |
||
| Adidas | Adidas Adizero SL Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung Adidas Ultraboost 5X Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Adidas Supernova Rise Adidas Samba |
||
| New Balance | NB FuelCell SuperComp Elite NB Fresh Foam 860 NB FuelCell RC Elite NB FuelCell Rebel NB 2002R NB 877 |
||
| Hoka | Hoka Bondi Hoka Rocket Hoka Mach Hoka Clifton Hoka Arahi Hoka Skyward X Hoka Cielo X1 |
||
| Saucony | Saucony Endorphin Pro Saucony Endorphin Pro+ Saucony Tempus |
||
| Brooks | Brooks Ghost Brooks Adrenaline GTS Brooks Glycerin Max Brooks Hyperion Max |
||
| Altra | Altra Lone Peak Altra Experience Flow Altra Escalante |
||
| Mizuno | Mizuno Neo Vista Mizuno Neo Zen Mizuno Wave Rider Mizuno Wave Inspire |
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| ON | On Cloudeclipse On Cloudmonster |
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| Salomon | Salomon Speedcross Salomon Aero Glide Salomon Sense Ride |
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| Puma | PUMA ForeverRun Nitro Puma Deviate Nitro |
||
| 365 | 365 Futura | ||
| Saysh | Saysh The Evelyn Runner | ||
| Craft | Craft Pure Trail X | ||
Sneakers for Wide Feet
If you have wide feet, you already know the drill: a shoe that feels “fine” at first can end up pinching, rubbing, or cutting off circulation by the end of the day.
The good news is that some sneakers are specifically designed for wide-footed people. In men’s sizing, wide shoes are typically labeled as 2E or EE, while in women’s, D usually marks a wide fit.
On average, wide sneakers give you about a quarter inch more room than standard D or B widths, and half an inch more than narrow options, especially through the ball of the foot and toe box.
Pro tip for women: Again, switching to the men’s version of the same shoe can give you a slightly roomier fit. Just go down one full US size (so a women’s 8 = men’s 7).
And one more thing: materials matter. Knit uppers, mesh panels, and soft foam tend to expand and flex with your foot better than stiff leather or tight overlays.
| Sneakers For Wide Feet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Wide Sneakers | ||
| Asics | Asics Glideride Max Asics Novablast |
||
| Nike | Nike Zoom Vomero Nike V2K Run Nike Air Max DN Nike Flex Experience Run |
||
| Adidas | Adidas Ozweego Adidas Campus 00S adidas EVO SL |
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| New Balance | NB 574 Core NB 990 NB 9060 NB 993 Core NB 880 NB 1080 NB Fresh Foam More NB FuelCell Rebel NB SC Elite |
||
| Hoka | Hoka Clifton Hoka Gaviota |
||
| Saucony | Saucony Hurricane Saucony Guide |
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| Brooks | Brooks Ghost Max Brooks Glycerin Max |
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| Altra | Altra Experience Flow Altra Lone Peak Altra Torin Altra Via Olympus |
||
| ON | On Cloudstratus On Cloudboom |
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| Mizuno | Mizuno Neo Zen Mizuno Neo Vista |
||
| Topo | Topo Atmos Topo Cyclone |
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| Puma | Puma Magnify Nitro | ||
| Vans | Vans Knu Skool Vans Classic Slip-On |
||
| Converse | Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops | ||
| Skechers | D’Lites Fresh Start | ||
| Everlane | The Court Sneaker | ||
| Cole Haan | Grand Crosscourt | ||
| Taos | Taos Plim Soul Lux | ||
| Rothy’s | RS02 Sneaker | ||
| Keds | Champion Canvas Lace-Up | ||
| Carium | Catiba Low Suede Accent | ||
| 361 | 361 Eleos | ||
How to Spot Sneakers for Wide Feet
Let’s say you’re shopping online, or in store, and the shoe doesn’t say “wide.” How can you tell if it still might work for you?
Here’s what to look for:
Roomy toe box: If the front of the shoe looks rounded and wide rather than pointy or narrow, that’s a good start. Your toes should have space to splay out naturally.
Straight silhouette: Shoes with a straighter shape (instead of curving in dramatically toward the arch) usually have a wider fit through the midfoot.
Stiffness matters: If you can barely bend or squeeze the shoe, it probably won’t give you much room, no matter the label. Look for flexible uppers or knit materials that adapt to your foot shape.
Brand patterns: Some brands just run roomier by default. New Balance, Brooks, Altra, and Topo Athletic are known for it. Even their standard-width models often feel more forgiving than others.
Others make wide-fit versions of popular styles, but you have to know where to look.
Try them on late in the day: Your feet swell a bit as the day goes on. If a sneaker still fits comfortably at 6 p.m., it’ll probably work all day.
Common Myths About Sneaker Width
Let’s debunk a few common myths floating around the sneaker world.
“Wide shoes are ugly”
Used to be. Not anymore.
Now, brands like New Balance, Brooks, and even HOKA are making wide-width shoes that look exactly the same as the standard ones. Unless you’re staring at the size tag, you’d never know.
So if you’re holding off because you think they’ll look like clunky orthopedic clogs… relax. Brands have stepped up.
“I have to size up to get width”
Half-true at best.
Yes, going up half a size can give you a little more room. But it’s mostly length, not true width. If you’re bumping up for width and your toes are still squished while your heel’s slipping around, that’s not a win.
If your foot needs more room across, not more space at the toes, you’re better off getting the same size in a wider width. For example, go for a 9 2E instead of a 9D.
“Width doesn’t matter in sneakers”
Tell that to your blisters.
If you’ve ever had numb toes, burning arches, black toenails, or heel slippage, you know this isn’t true. On the flip side, a sneaker that’s too wide can leave your foot sliding all over the place and wreck your stability.
“All brands use the same widths”
Definitely not.
A D in Brooks might feel totally different than a D in Nike. Some brands, like Topo and Atra, are naturally generous, while others run super narrow, even in their so-called “wide” models.
It comes down to last shape, toe box design, and overall volume. That’s why it’s totally possible to be a 9D in one brand and feel like you need a 9 2E in another.
FAQs: Sneaker Widths, Answered
What does D mean in sneakers?
D is the standard width for men’s sneakers. For women, it is usually B. So if you see a men’s 9D, that just means it’s a regular-width size 9 for men.
Is EE the same as Wide?
Yes, EE or 2E both mean “Wide” in men’s sizing. Some brands call it “W” or just “Wide,” but EE and 2E both mean you’re getting more space across the forefoot. In women’s sizing, D is considered Wide.
Can I wear wide sneakers with regular feet?
Technically, yes. But you probably shouldn’t unless you want to accommodate some custom-made orthotics or you love or have to wear thicker socks. Wide shoes might feel sloppy or loose if your foot doesn’t actually need that extra room. You’ll lose support, especially around the arch and heel.
What’s the real difference between D and EE widths in sneakers?
D and EE are both width labels, but they’re not even close in terms of how they feel. D is what most brands call their “standard” or “regular” width for men. It works for average feet.
EE, on the other hand, is for wider feet. You get noticeably more room through the forefoot and toe box. If you’ve ever felt your foot spilling over the edge of the sole or your pinky toe getting crushed, you might be a better match for EE.
What does “medium width” actually mean?
Think of medium width as the “default” setting that brands assume will fit the average foot. For men, this is usually labeled as D. For women, it’s B. You’ll sometimes see it listed as just “M” or not labeled at all.
If you’ve never had issues with shoes feeling too tight or too loose, there’s a good chance medium width works for you. But if your shoes always feel off and your foot’s floating or getting squeezed, it might be worth looking into narrow or wide options instead.
Are wide sneakers better for flat feet?
Not always, but they can help. Flat feet sometimes spread out more under pressure, which can make standard-width shoes feel tight. But the real fix is arch support and structure, not just width. Some flat-footed runners do best in regular-width stability shoes.
Is there a universal sneaker width standard?
Sadly, no, and that’s part of the problem. A D from Nike might feel totally different from a D from New Balance. And “Wide” in one shoe can feel kind of wider in another.
Are there extra wide sneakers for women?
Look for 2E or 4E widths from brands like New Balance, Brooks, or ASICS. Most stores don’t carry them in-store, but they’re usually available online.
Yes, but they’re not always easy to find. 2E and 4E exist in women’s sizing, mostly from brands like New Balance, Brooks, and ASICS. Most stores don’t carry them in-store, but they’re usually available online.
How do I know if I have wide feet?
Here’s the quick test:
- Your feet feel squeezed in regular sneakers
- Your pinky toe is always squished
- You get side bulging over the sole
If that sounds familiar, you probably have wide feet and you need wide shoes. You can also measure your foot’s circumference with a soft tape and compare it to brand width charts.
Is sizing up the same as going wider?
Not really. Sizing up gives you more length, which slightly increases volume, but it doesn’t fix tightness across the ball of your foot. If width is your issue, go for the same size in a wider width and switch from 9D to 9 2E.
Can narrow feet wear standard sneakers?
Sometimes! If your heel stays secure and you don’t have too much wiggle room in the forefoot, you might be fine in standard width. But if you constantly feel that your shoes are loose or your heel is slipping, look into narrow (B or A) options, especially in running models that offer multiple widths.
Final Tips for Getting the Right Width
Before you go all-in on a new pair of sneakers, here are a few things that can make the whole width-fitting process way easier (and less frustrating).
Try Shoes On Later in the Day
Try sneakers on later in the day to get a true feel for the width you actually need. Your feet swell throughout the day. It’s totally normal. So that perfect fit at 9 a.m. might feel tight by 6 p.m.
Use Insoles to Fine-Tune the Fit
If a shoe feels slightly too wide but everything else is on point, try using an insole. It can fill a bit of volume, support your arch better, and give you a snugger fit without having to size down or switch widths. Just don’t force it. If the shoe’s way too wide, no insole is going to save it.
Take Advantage of Return Policies
If you’re not sure if D or 2E is right, order both and return the one that doesn’t work. A lot of brands (especially running-focused ones) offer free returns or risk-free trial periods. Brooks and New Balance both let you run in the shoes for a bit before deciding. Don’t be afraid to use that.
Trust the Feel, Not Just the Numbers
You can measure your foot, check every chart, and still find a shoe that doesn’t work. The most important thing is how it feels on your foot. If it’s comfortable, secure, and you’re not fighting with hot spots or heel slippage, that’s your shoe, whether it’s labeled wide, narrow, or standard.
Final Thoughts: Width Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Not all feet are made the same, and sneaker widths shouldn’t be either. Whether you’ve always had trouble with narrow fits or you just realized your toes have been crammed for years, getting the width right can make a huge difference.
I’ve done my best to break down the details in this sneaker width chart and width guide, but if you have any questions or you want to share what’s worked for you, feel free to drop a comment.
You can also check out these guides if you want to go deeper:
→ How Sneakers Should Fit
→ Complete Boot Width Guide
I’ll see you in the next one.