What Is The Average Shoe Width
About 90% of the popular is of a normal width. That means that if youre not sure of your foot width, you probably wear a normal width shoe, which would be a B for women and a D for men.
Usually, shoes will only note their width if it is outside of the standard. In other words, most shoes will not be marked with a B or D to indicate that they are standard width. If a shoe is not marked with a width at all, it is probably a standard width.
However, non-standard widths will usually be identified on boxes, and within the shoes on the label that is underneath the tongue of the shoe.
Your Guide To The Complex World Of Width Sizing
Width is an incredibly complex topic for the pedorthic community. Pedorthists – the professionals who fit shoes for a living – are often very hesitant to make sweeping statements regarding what shoe width a person should or should not wear. This is because most people don’t know that there is no standard width system used by shoe manufacturers to determine the measurements of a narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide shoe. Shoe designers use their best judgment when deciding how wide to make a wide shoe and don’t consult with one another before labeling the widths of their shoes.Please understand, the only truly accurate way to determine if a shoe is the proper width for your foot is to try it on. That’s why HealthyFeetStore.com has a free exchanges policy that allows you to order a shoe, try it on in your home like you would in a shoe store, and send it back to us to be exchanged for a different size or width without having to pay the cost of shipping.Because we understand that the exchange process isnt always as easy as being in the store, we have provided the width sizing chart derived from averages and approximations. Scroll past the width sizing chart for tips on how to buy shoes in the correct width.
Find Your Shoe Size & Width
Make sure you are looking in the proper column, either men’s or women’s, when determining your size. The standard width for women is B. The standard width for men is D. *Note: This chart is here to give you a general idea on sizing and widths. Tennis Warehouse is not responsible for mismeasurements or ordering the wrong size. We recommend that you order the size that you normally wear in other shoes.
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Signs You Need A Wide Shoe Size
Knowing the causes of wide feet goes a long way in helping you know if you need wide shoes since measuring is not the only clear sign that you have wide feet.
For example, you can usually tell the difference between wide and medium shoes by the comfort level of the fit.
Carry on reading for the five signs that you need a wide shoe size.
How To Tell If You Need Wide Shoes By Measuring Your Feet

Pinpointing the cause of broad feet is a crucial part of figuring out your footwear needs. Since some conditions, such as swelling, are more temporary than others, youll have a better idea of your long-term needs for wide shoes.
With that said, the best way to determine your correct size is by measuring your feet. Most people have never measured their feet and arent sure exactly where to begin, but Vionic has you covered. Heres the steps to follow:
1. Measure at Night
First off, the time of day is important. Youre probably aware that when you weigh yourself at night, youll usually be a pound or two heavier than in the morning. Similarly, your feet expand throughout the day, so expect yours to be ever so slightly larger in the evening. For this reason, we recommend waiting until night to get the best accuracy with your measurement.
2. Get Your Measuring Materials and Ground Your Feet
Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and a tape measure or measuring stick. If you tend to wear thick socks with shoes, we suggest putting some on before you measure your feet. Start by setting the paper on the floor.
3. Trace Your Feet
Standing on the paper, trace an outline around the perimeter of each foot. You can use this outline to measure and record the length and width of your feet. To get the width, measure between the broadest part of your foot. The length is measured from your longest toe down to the end of your heel.
4. Dont Forget Both Feet
5. Review Your Measurements
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What Size Snowshoes Do I Get
Getting the right snowshoe size will make all the difference in your experience. Just like with other outdoor equipment, snowshoes can be designed with a different purposes and the number of different options may seem overwhelming at first. Snowshoes can all look the same from a distance but there are some differences.
You first need to figure out how much you weigh and what size foot you have. It helps to know if you are going to snowshoe on a packed trail or in deep snow. Some companies also make models specifically for women so you may appreciate the difference in size. Not all snowshoes are going to be priced alike. There is usually a good reason for one brand being priced cheaper than others. Its not all about price and there may features missing from the cheaper ones.
Running Shoe Fit Tips
Measure your feet each year, as they can change size as you age | The foot arch may lower over time, resulting in a longer foot, or a stronger foot may cause the arch to rise, resulting in a shorter size. Weight changes and activity level can also influence foot size. |
Women’s feet may become larger during and after pregnancy | Weight gain during pregnancy may cause permanent lowering of the foot arch resulting in a longer foot. |
Your standard running shoe size is typically a half size larger than your casual shoe | In general, running in shoes that are a tad too large is preferable to running in shoes that are too small. |
Fit your larger foot | Your left foot and your right foot may differ by as much as a full size. A shoe that is too small is more likely to cause issues than one that is too big. |
Faster running means you want a snugger fit | A tighter fit means you’ll stay better connected to the shoes when picking up the pace, so it might be worth giving up some wiggle room for a more secure fit. Many racing and performance shoes have a tighter overall fit than everyday training shoes. |
Sock thickness can affect shoe fit, so try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear | You can change the thickness of your sock to fine-tune your fit. For example, use a thinner sock to create more space or a thicker sock to make the fit snugger. |
Different lacing techniques can also affect fit | For more information, watch the video below. |
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How Do I Know If I Need Wide Fit Shoes
Are you struggling to fit your feet in your shoes? Finding shoes that properly fit your feet is a tricky business, however, there are a few ways you can give your feet the best chance of achieving complete comfort.
- Dont rely on the stretch If the shoe is initially too tight for you, dont expect them to stretch to fit your feet. Try on a different size!
- These shoes are made for walking Take your shoes for a test run around the room, flex your feet often. If you find the shoe is causing any discomfort , chances are they arent the perfect fit for you.
- Keep your eye on the ball Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the shoe, as this is the widest part of your foot.
- Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle Make sure your toes have enough room to move. This prevents the onset of problems like hammertoe.
Unfortunately, many people are totally unaware of their optimum shoe size because they havent had their feet measured up for years.
Click here to read more about why finding the perfect fit is key.
Width And Barefoot Shoes
In a barefoot shoe you are not looking to ‘hug’ the width of the foot as in conventional shoe fitting but allow sufficient room for little toes to spread out and for the natural expansion and growth of hot, active little feet. Childrens feet can expand by up to 20% when hot and active and barefoot shoes allow for this.
However, this often means that shoes can look a little wider than traditional shoe fitting would allow. This is absolutely fine and normal, you need space across the width just as you need space in the length to allow feet to expand and grow. Our philosophy is to allow as much space across the toes as you possibly can without causing the foot to slip around in the shoe.
If the foot is visibly slipping around within the shoe or the child is not walking naturally, the shoe is likely too wide and shouldnt be worn.
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Heres To Many More Years Of Foot Care
At Feet First Clinic, were always excited to welcome new clients! After a successful 12 years of treating our amazing patients, were ready to continue offering only the best foot care services and products. Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!
Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!
When Can You Take Advantage Of Guaranteed Fit
Buy your cycling shoes on Mantel.com/uk and take them for a test ride. Dont fit as well as youd hoped? A bit too tight or too spacious, or are they narrower than you thought theyd be? No Problem!
With Mantel Guaranteed Fit you can just return your cycling shoes, and it applies to all brands. Youll get the full purchase price back and can then buy other cycling shoes from our webshop.
The only condition is that the cycling shoes that you send back should be in a wearable and saleable state. A splash of mud or marking on the mounted cleats is no big deal, so you can mount cleats and ride with them. But we advise you not to take them out on a rainy day or to go cyclo-crossing with them through a sopping wet forest.
A good yardstick for determining whats acceptable is to ask yourself if youd buy them yourself if you saw them on sale. If the answer is yes, then the chance is good that youll get your money back for the ill-fitting cycling shoes.
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The Right Shoe Size For A Perfect Fit
Basically, working out your shoe size is perfectly simple. To measure it, you need a sheet of paper, the correct mathematical formula, a tape measure/ruler, a pocket calculator and, of course, your feet.
Make sure that you wait until early afternoon/evening before measuring your feet, as they only attain full length at this time. Feet swell over the course of the day due to increased circulation, which explains the difference in size. As most people exhibit minimum size differences between their feet, it is important to always base the measurement on the larger foot.
Why Do My Shoes Not Fit

UK shoe widths vary between men, women and children. The style of footwear can play a big role too- fittings that may apply to one style may not apply to another.
The shape of your feet can also impact how a pair of shoes fit. Broad feet require a wide fit shoe, while those with a high arch need flexible fastenings in order to comfortably wear them.
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Basic Kids’ Shoe Shopping Principles
- Everything we said about how to measure adult feet on the Online Shoe Store Shoe Fitting Guide is also true of children’s feet – except squirmier with more whining and fussing.
- Children’s feet grow at different rates. Because of this, you should regularly measure your childs feet every few months to make sure they are always wearing a properly fit shoe.
- Regardless of your child’s age, never let a child wear a shoe that is too small for their feet! Children’s feet are still growing and developing and many adult foot problems have their origins in poor-fitting shoes during childhood.
- Young children tend to curl their toes which can be misleading when fitting shoes. Always be sure to check that the foot is fully flat before fitting.
- Never put your child in a shoe that is more than a size too big or the child is likely to trip when walking.
- If you are buying a children’s shoe that uses the U.S. or U.K. sizing system , be sure to remember that the notation system starts over at around age 6. At age five your child may wear a children’s size 13 and at age 6 your child may wear a youth size 1.
- If you are buying a children’s shoe that uses the European sizing system the notation system is the same for babies, children, and adults.
- A youth size 5.5 is equivalent to an adult women’s size 7 and an adult men’s size 6. For older children and teenagers please use our Men’s & Women’s Shoe Sizing U.S & European Shoe Sizing Guide
Does Shoe Width Matter
Choosing the right shoes width is key to your foot health.
Shoes that are too narrow can cause sores, cramps and bunions. Theyre also likely to be too tight, increasing the chance of sweating and the risk of bacterial infection.
Shoes that are too wide wont secure your foot properly, causing friction while walking, potentially leading to sores and blisters. To walk properly, your toes need to be gripped. If theyre not, it can lead to issues such as hammer toe and nail problems.
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What If I Have Narrow Feet And Bunions
If you have narrow feet, youll still need to accommodate for Bunions as shoes need to account for the width. Ironically, bunions can be partly attributed to slim-fitting shoes. Over time, ill-fitting footwear can cause your toe joints to shift, causing a bunion. Or, if you already have a bunion, constant aggravation from small shoes can exacerbate the condition.
How To Measure Shoe Width Yourself
If you cant visit a shoe store, you can measure your shoe width yourself. Take off your socks, and make sure you measure both feet one can be wider than the other.
1. Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your foot. Do not tighten it too much. Put your foot on the ground, and distribute your weight as you normally would when standing.2. Next, mark on the tape measure how many millimeters wide your foot is.3. Look up your width on the above shoe tables.
Dont have a tape measure? You can use a length of string. Just mark the string, and then use a ruler to identify its width!
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Tips On Shopping For Infant Shoes
Everyone knows that children’s feet grow fast, but infant feet grow the fastest of all. In the first year of a child’s life their feet will grow to be almost half their adult shoe size. Other than taking your child to see a podiatrist if foot development seems to be abnormal, the best thing a parent can do for their infant’s foot health is to interfere as little as possible. Before a child has started walking, shoes are unnecessary. During the winter months your child can wear soft booties to stay warm, but all foot coverings should be as non-restricting as possible. After your toddler has begun to walk , you can introduce him or her to a sneaker with a flexible outsole with good traction. This should be worn outdoors only. Inside the house barefoot is still best for toddlers. Just be sure their play area is free of debris that might hurt their little feet. Remember to check your child’s feet for blisters and other signs that their shoes no longer fit. Toddler’s feet tend to grow a shoe size larger every three months or so. Feel free to buy shoes slightly larger than what your child needs. 1/2 an inch clearance at the toe provides some growing room.
How To Measure Your Shoe Size
There are a handful of ways to find your foot measurement. You can get it done professionally by a podiatrist, use a Brannock device at a store or even measure from home.
When measuring your shoe size at home, youll need the following items:
- Two pieces of paper larger than your foot
- Tape
- Writing utensil
- Ruler
Before taking your measurement, put on the socks you plan on wearing with your shoes. If youre finding a size for hiking boots, you may want thicker socks than if youre measuring for running shoes. Its also recommended to wait until the end of the day, when your foot is at its widest point.
1. Tape the paper on the floor with one end against a wall. Its important that it doesnt slip so that youre able to get the proper measurement.
2. Plant one foot on the paper with your heel against the wall.
3. Trace the outline of your foot. Its easiest to have someone help you with this step. Try not to hold the pencil at an angle, as that can cause an improper measurement.
4. Using your ruler, measure the longest and widest parts of your outline.
5. Repeat with your other foot.
Take down your measurements in both inches and centimeters. Charts may vary in the units used. When comparing your results with a shoe size chart, youll want to use the measurement of your larger foot.
Keep in mind that if youre purchasing a shoe for a child, it may be helpful to buy a larger size to allow them room to grow.
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