While finding the proper width shoe can be difficult it is an absolute necessity if you want to have the most comfortable and healthful fit possible. Wearing shoes that are overly tight or narrow can crowd the toes and can lead to discomfort or even worse. Many foot ailments such as hammer toes and bunions are caused, at least in part, by shoes that are either poorly designed or poorly fitted.

Many manufacturers offer shoe styles that come in a full range of widths to accommodate feet of all sizes and shapes. For many individuals choosing the right style shoe with an accommodating last may forgo the need to choose a large width. Lasts that are designed with wide toe boxes and a roomy fit can accommodate the needs of many slightly wider than normal feet.

If you do require a wide width there are a number of width designation systems in place. A common system is to use the letters A-E along with numerical designation. A full range of sizes according to this system may look like this 4A, 3A, 2A, A, B, C, D, E, 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E, 6E. In this system 4A represents the narrowest size and 6E the widest. For men's shoes D is considered medium or regular. Although by no means a standardized system many manufacturers move up and down the scale in 1/16" increments between letters. Other manufacturers simply designate their widths as narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. In rare instances an F or G will be used for wide sizes that are approximately equivalent to 5 and 6 E respectively. Unfortunately the world of shoe widths is largely unstandardized and as a result can often be quite confusing. If you ever have questions or concerns about choosing the right width please give us a call and a representative will be happy to assist you.