Foot width refers to the horizontal measurement across the broadest part of the forefoot, typically spanning the first and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints, often called the ball of the foot. An ill-fitting shoe can lead to foot deformities, friction injuries, such as bunions or hammertoes. Measuring your foot width helps ensure proper alignment and support for the skeletal structure, which is beneficial when selecting footwear from online retailers where physical try-on is impossible. Accurate sizing prevents the compression of toes and nerves that can occur with shoes that are too narrow.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Before beginning the measurement process, gather a few supplies, including a sheet of paper large enough to accommodate your entire foot, a pencil or a fine-tipped pen, and a flexible measuring tape or a rigid ruler. A hard floor surface is ideal for stability during the measurement, and a piece of tape can be used to secure the paper.
It is beneficial to measure your feet later in the afternoon or evening because feet naturally swell throughout the day due to gravity and activity. It is necessary to measure your foot while you are standing and bearing your full body weight, as this naturally spreads the foot and increases its true width dimension. Always measure both feet, since it is common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. You should always size your shoes to the longer or wider foot.
Step-by-Step Technique for Measuring Foot Width
Place the sheet of paper flat against the hard surface and step onto it while wearing the type of sock you would normally wear with the shoe being purchased. The foot must be planted firmly with the heel against a wall or other vertical surface to ensure the foot is correctly aligned and the arch is fully loaded.
While maintaining full body weight on the foot, use the pencil or pen to trace the outline of your foot. Keep the writing instrument perpendicular to the floor throughout the tracing process; tilting it inward or outward can distort the final outline and skew the measurement. Move slowly around the perimeter of the foot, ensuring the tracing line touches the skin without pushing it.
After stepping off the paper, identify the two widest points on the traced outline. These points correspond to the bony protrusions on either side of the foot known as the first and fifth metatarsal heads, which together form the ball of the foot. These joints represent the standard location for measuring shoe width.
Draw a straight line that connects these two identified widest points across the forefoot tracing. Using your ruler or tape measure, determine the length of this newly drawn line, noting the measurement down to the nearest millimeter or sixteenth of an inch. This number represents your foot’s maximum width dimension for sizing conversion.
Converting Your Measurement to Shoe Width Codes
The numerical measurement you recorded must be translated into a standardized shoe size code used by footwear manufacturers. This system uses letters to denote width variations relative to a standard medium size, which is typically labeled as D width for men’s shoes and B or C width for women’s shoes.
Width codes progress alphabetically, where sizes labeled A, AA, or AAA indicate narrower fits than the standard medium. Conversely, sizes designated E, EE, EEE, or 2E, 4E, etc., signify extra-wide fitting. Each additional letter typically represents an increase in width of approximately 3/16 of an inch.
A single width measurement, such as 3.5 inches, does not universally correspond to one letter code across all shoe sizes. The difference in width between a size 6 D and a size 12 D is substantial, as the width dimension is proportional to the overall length of the foot. To accurately convert your measurement, you should always consult the official size and width conversion charts provided by the shoe manufacturer, as standards can vary between brands.