How to measure width
Stand on paper with your weight on the foot. Mark both sides at the widest point — usually across the ball of the foot, just behind the toes — and measure the distance between the marks in centimetres.
What the result means
The calculator compares width to length, because a 10 cm-wide foot is wide for a short foot but normal for a long one. Width letters used by many brands:
- Men: B (narrow), D (regular), 2E (wide), 4E (extra wide)
- Women: 2A (narrow), B (regular), D (wide), 2E (extra wide)
Indian brands rarely label widths. If you have wide feet, look for shoes described as “wide fit”, a roomy toe box, or brands that publish width options, and try knit or soft-leather uppers.
Signs your shoes are too narrow
- Pressure on the little toe or the joint of the big toe.
- The upper bulges over the sole at the sides.
- Pain only after a few hours of wear.
Questions people ask
Should I size up instead of buying wide shoes?
Sizing up adds length more than width, so the shoe may slip at the heel. A true wide fit is better.
Do feet get wider with age?
Often, yes, along with flattening arches. Measure again every few years.
Are my two feet the same width?
Not always. Buy for the wider foot.
Sources
- Brannock-style width grading used by shoe makers (approximate)
Width categories are approximate guides; brands grade widths differently. Last reviewed: November 2026.