Foot width is measured at the widest point—usually the ball of the foot—by tracing or marking it, then comparing that number to the brand’s own width chart.
Most people size shoes by length alone, and that’s exactly why shoes feel pinched. Extra wide shoes start where standard sizing ends, but you can’t find your fit by guessing. Here’s how to get it right the first time.
What Exactly Counts As “Extra Wide” In Shoe Sizing?
There is no universal width standard. Each manufacturer applies its own thresholds, so a “wide” in one brand can feel snug in another. The labels—Narrow, Standard, Wide, 2E, and 4E—are relative to each maker’s last (the mold a shoe is built on).
Because standards differ by brand, your measurement is only half the equation. The other half is comparing it against the specific manufacturer’s width chart.
The Right Way To Measure Foot Width At Home
Capture the foot at its widest point while bearing your full weight. The ball of the foot—just behind the toes—is where most measure widest, though bunions can push that point toward the big toe joint. Two reliable methods work at home.
The Trace Method
Use a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil, and the socks you plan to wear. Stand with full weight on the paper, then trace the outline with the pencil held upright—an angled pencil distorts the line. Measure across the widest part of the outline with a ruler. Trace both feet; most people have one broader than the other, so fit to the larger measurement.
The Tape Measure Method
Wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of the foot while standing normally. Keep the tape snug but not tight enough to compress soft tissue. Record the number, repeat on the other foot, and use the larger one.
If you wear orthotics or an AFO, measure with them on—they change your foot’s shape inside the shoe. Wear your intended socks for the same reason. New Balance’s printable sizing guide uses the same approach: heel against a wall, full weight on the foot, measure the widest horizontal point of each foot, and go with the larger.
Measuring Tips That Change The Result
- Measure in the afternoon or evening. Feet swell through the day; shoes bought on a morning measurement often feel tight by dinner.
- Match your socks. The socks you plan to wear should be on while measuring, as thick athletic socks add meaningful width.
- Check the fit, not just the number. For sandals, your foot should sit flush with the footbed edges without overhang. Width numbers don’t capture instep height or toe-box depth.
- Use the brand’s chart. A generic online chart can point you wrong, since every maker’s sizing runs differently.
How To Translate Your Measurement Into The Right Shoe Size
Find your widest measurement on the brand’s width chart for your shoe size and length. If it’s at or above the wide threshold, look for Wide, Extra Wide, 2E, or 4E. The “E” designations track increasing width within a single length, so 2E is wider than standard and 4E wider still.
If your measurement lands on the edge between widths, size up to the wider option when comfort is the priority—especially for all-day wear. For sandals, ensure your foot doesn’t spill past the footbed’s edges, which signals a fit too narrow.
For women’s extra wide shoes, our tested picks for extra wide women’s shoes cover styles that hold up through long days.
If every shoe still feels cramped despite measuring wide, a specialty fitter or clinician can help. Bunions, swelling, and other foot conditions can change what shape you need, and a brand’s width chart alone can’t solve that.
FAQs
What is the widest part of the foot to measure?
Usually the ball of the foot, located just behind the toes across the metatarsal heads. If you have bunions, the widest point may sit further toward the big toe joint, so trace the whole foot and measure the broadest line you see rather than assuming one spot.
Can I measure foot width with a regular ruler?
Yes, if you trace the foot on paper first. A ruler works for the widest part of the outline. For the wrap-around method, a flexible tape measure gives a true circumference; a rigid ruler alone can’t capture that curved measurement accurately.
Is foot width the same in every shoe brand?
No. Width standards are brand-specific and even vary between models from the same maker. A foot that measures “wide” for New Balance might fit a standard width in another brand, which is why the manufacturer’s own chart matters more than a generic one.
References & Sources
- New Balance. “Printable Sizing Tool.” Official instructions for measuring the widest part of each foot and using the larger measurement.
- Adidas. “How to Measure Shoe Size.” Provides example U.S. width thresholds for men’s and women’s size 9.
- Healthline. “Wide Feet.” Covers measuring with intended socks and common width-fit mistakes.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.