Shoe Width Guide

Shoe Width Guide

What Width Do I Need?

Not sure whether you need 2E, 4E or 6E? Answer four quick questions and we'll recommend the right width, so your shoes fit first time.

Find your width

Takes under a minute. Questions 1 and 2 are all we need to get started.

1What width do you usually wear?
2How do those shoes feel?
3Where are your feet widest?
4Anything else? Tick all that apply
?

Your recommended width

Answer questions 1 and 2 above to see your width.

Shop wide fit shoes

Check it at home: the insole test

The quickest way to confirm your width. No tape measure needed.

  1. Take the insole out of the shoes you wear most.
  2. Stand on it with your full weight, in the socks you normally wear. Try this in the afternoon, when feet are at their largest.
  3. Look at the widest part of your foot, across the ball and toes, against the edge of the insole.
Foot sits insideThat width fits. Buy the same again.
Spills over a littleGo up one width, e.g. 2E to 4E.
Spills over a lotGo up two widths, e.g. 2E to 6E.

What the width letters mean

Length and width are measured separately, so your size stays the same and only the width changes. More E's means a wider shoe. 4E is the same as EEEE.

Width Also called Who it suits
D Standard Typical high street men's fit
2E EE, Wide The best first step up if standard shoes feel tight
4E EEEE, Extra wide Swelling, orthotics, or 2E still feels snug
6E EEEEEE, Extra extra wide Maximum room for very wide or deep feet

Widths in green are the ones we stock in most styles. Available widths vary by style, so check the options on each product page.

Fit questions

I'm between two widths. Which should I choose?

Go for the wider one. A slightly roomy shoe can be fine-tuned with lacing or a thicker insole. A shoe that's too narrow can't be fixed.

Should I go up a size to get more width?

No. Keep your usual length size and choose a wider width. Going up a size makes the shoe too long and can cause heel slip.

Do all brands fit the same?

Widths are close across brands but not identical. For example, New Balance styles such as the 624 and 608 come in 2E, 4E and 6E, while Tredd Well leather shoes and boots come in 4E and 6E. Leather softens a little with wear; trainer mesh gives less, so be more generous with width.

I wear orthotics. Which width do I need?

Orthotics take up space inside the shoe, so most people need one width wider than usual. Choose a style with removable insoles and put your orthotic in its place.

My feet swell during the day

Try shoes on in the afternoon or evening. 4E is a good starting point, and Velcro or lace-up fastenings adjust as swelling changes.

Can women wear these widths?

Yes. Our women's styles use the same width letters. If women's "wide fit" shoes have always felt tight, a 2E or 4E will give you noticeably more room.

What if the width isn't right?

Try new shoes on indoors first, on carpet. If they don't fit, you can exchange unworn shoes in their original box within 30 days. See Refunds & Exchanges.

Still not sure?

Use the live chat on any page – we're available 7 days a week – or email us your usual size, width and the shoe you're looking at, and we'll recommend a width before you order.

Email info@widefitshoes.co.uk