How to Measure Your Foot Width: The Complete Guide
Most people know their shoe length — size 8, 10, 12 — but ask about width and you'll likely get a blank stare. This is a problem because foot width varies significantly between individuals, and getting it wrong means living with shoes that don't fit.
Measuring your foot width is the single most important step in finding properly fitting wide toe box shoes. A few minutes with simple household tools can save you from months of discomfort, wasted returns, and potential foot problems.
What You'll Need
- A piece of paper larger than your foot (printer paper works; tape two sheets together for larger feet)
- A pencil or pen (held vertically)
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A hard, flat floor surface
- Socks you plan to wear with the shoes (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Foot
Sit in a chair with your foot flat on the paper. For the most accurate measurement, stand up — your feet lengthen and widen under body weight. If you're measuring barefoot, that's fine. If you plan to wear specific socks with your shoes, wear those during measurement.
Step 2: Trace Your Foot
Hold the pencil vertically (not angled) and trace the outline of your foot. Keep the pencil touching your foot throughout the tracing. Go slowly around the entire circumference.
Pro tip: Have someone else trace your foot if possible. It's difficult to trace your own foot accurately.
Step 3: Mark the Key Points
On your tracing, mark:
- Length line — From the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel
- Width line — Across the widest part of your forefoot (the metatarsal heads, about 1–2cm below the base of your toes)
Step 4: Measure Length
Using your ruler, measure the distance between the two length marks. Record to the nearest 1/8 inch or millimeter. Repeat for both feet — most people have one foot slightly larger than the other.
Step 5: Measure Width
Measure the distance across the width line at its widest point. This is your foot width. Record to the nearest 1/8 inch or millimeter.
Step 6: Repeat for the Other Foot
Always measure both feet. Fit your shoes to your larger foot.
Foot Width Reference Chart
Use these measurements to determine your width category. Note that these are general guidelines — different brands use different lasts and sizing.
| Men's Width | Letter Size | Width (inches) | Width (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow | B | 3.3 – 3.5" | 8.4 – 8.9 cm |
| Standard | D | 3.5 – 3.9" | 8.9 – 9.9 cm |
| Wide | 2E | 3.9 – 4.3" | 9.9 – 10.9 cm |
| Extra Wide | 4E | 4.3 – 4.7" | 10.9 – 11.9 cm |
| Ultra Wide | 6E | 4.7 – 5.1" | 11.9 – 13.0 cm |
| Women's Width | Letter Size | Width (inches) | Width (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow | AA | 3.0 – 3.2" | 7.6 – 8.1 cm |
| Standard | B | 3.2 – 3.6" | 8.1 – 9.1 cm |
| Wide | D | 3.6 – 4.0" | 9.1 – 10.2 cm |
| Extra Wide | 2E | 4.0 – 4.4" | 10.2 – 11.2 cm |
Important: These charts are approximate. A "D" width in one brand may feel different from a "D" in another. Always consult each brand's specific sizing guide.
Beyond Width: Other Fit Factors
Arch Length vs. Toe Length
Some people have long toes relative to their foot length, or short toes relative to their foot length. Measuring from the heel to the ball of the foot (arch length) can be more useful than total foot length for finding the right size. If your arch length suggests a size 9 but your toe length suggests a size 10, try the size that matches your arch length — it often provides a better fit.
Foot Volume
Width is a two-dimensional measurement, but feet are three-dimensional. Two people with the same foot width can have very different volume (thickness from top to bottom). High-volume feet need more vertical space; low-volume feet need less. Look for:
- High-volume feet — Shoes with stretchy knit uppers or adjustable lacing systems
- Low-volume feet — Shoes with structured uppers and lower-profile insoles
Heel Width
Many people who need a wide toe box also have narrow heels. This is one of the most common fit challenges. Measure the width of your heel at its widest point (about an inch above the bottom of your heel). Compare this to the shoe's heel measurement or look for brands with narrower heel pockets.
How to Use Your Measurements When Shopping
- Start with your length measurement — Use this to find your base size on the brand's size chart.
- Check the width chart — Compare your width measurement to the brand's width sizing. Remember that different brands define widths differently.
- Read for shape, not just width — A brand might list a shoe as "wide," but if the toe box is tapered, it still won't fit properly. Look for "foot-shaped" or "anatomical" descriptions.
- Check the return policy — When buying online, make sure the retailer accepts returns on footwear. Even with accurate measurements, some shoes won't fit perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I measure my feet in the morning or evening?
Measure at the end of the day. Feet swell throughout the day due to gravity and activity. Evening measurements (your largest size) ensure your shoes won't feel tight later in the day.
What if my feet are two different sizes?
This is normal. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always fit your shoes to your larger foot. If the difference is significant (more than half a size), consider buying two different sizes — some brands offer split sizing.
Can I measure foot width from my old shoes?
Not reliably. Old shoes stretch and conform to your feet over time, and the insole may not accurately represent your foot dimensions. Always measure your actual foot.
How often should I remeasure my feet?
Remeasure every 1–2 years. Feet change size with age, weight changes, pregnancy, and other factors. What fit you three years ago may not fit today.