Shoe width guide: what the letters mean
Shoe widths run narrow to extra wide as letters. D is standard for men; B is standard for women.
Width letters, narrow to wide
| Width | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| AAA / 4A | — | Extra narrow |
| AA / 2A | Extra narrow | Narrow |
| B | Narrow | Medium (standard) |
| D | Medium (standard) | Wide |
| 2E / EE | Wide | Extra wide |
| 4E / EEEE | Extra wide | — |
The same letter means a different width for men and women. A women's D is wide; a men's D is standard. Width also grows slightly with shoe length.
Do you need a wide?
Signs: pinching across the ball of the foot, the upper bulging over the sole, or your little toe pressing the edge. Most single-width brands sell D for men and B for women.
Frequently asked questions
What does D width mean in shoes?
D is the standard medium width for men's shoes, and a wide width for women's.
What does EE or 2E mean?
EE (2E) is a wide width for men and an extra-wide for women.
What does W mean in shoe size?
W means wide — usually a 2E/EE for men, a D for women.