November 22, 2025Understanding Shoe Widths
Why Your Size Isn’t Always Your Size
One of the most common comments we hear in-store is: “I don’t know what my width or size is.”
You’re not alone — and there’s a good reason this happens.
Many people wear one size in dress shoes, another in casual shoes, and yet another in running shoes. Shoe sizing is not standardized, and that inconsistency can make shopping confusing. Just like clothing, every manufacturer uses slightly different lasts, measurements, and fit philosophies. Even within the same brand, your size can change from style to style.
Length vs. Width: Both Matter
When choosing footwear, most people focus on length, but width is often the key to a proper fit. Foot shapes vary widely — some people have very narrow heels, others have wide forefeet, and some require extra-wide room for swelling, bunions, or orthotics.
To make things more complicated:
- Brands do not use a universal width system.
- Some widths overlap or use different letters for the same measurement.
- Sub-categories exist within Narrow, Medium, and Wide.
This is why knowledgeable fitting — like you’ll find at Miller Shoes — makes such a difference.
Women’s Width Guide
Below is a basic structure of common women’s width indicators. Note that international or European sizing systems are not included here.
Extra Narrow (XN / Slim / Super Slim)
Labels: 4A, 3A, SS, Slim
Examples we carry: Munro Leighton, SAS Sporty Lux (in slimmer configurations)
Narrow (N)
Labels: N, 2A
Medium (Standard Width)
Labels: M, B
Wide (W)
Labels: D, E, W
Example we carry: Vaneli Pierot (available in wide widths)
Extra Wide (XW / WW)
Labels: 2E, 4E, XW, WW
Men’s Width Guide
Men’s width labeling is different from women’s and ranges from narrow to ultra-wide.
Narrow
Labels: B, N
Medium (Standard Width)
Labels: D, E, M
Example: Allen Edmonds Liverpool (available in standard and extended widths)
Wide & Extra Wide
Labels: 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E, 6E, 8E, WW, WWW
Example: Drew Marvel (available in extra-wide configurations) and other WWW shoes/boots
Why Knowing Your Width Matters
Wearing the wrong width can cause a range of issues, including:
- Foot fatigue or arch pain
- Heel slipping
- Toe crowding
- Pressure on bunions or hammertoes
- Premature wear inside the shoe
- Reduced stability
A proper width ensures your foot is supported, aligned, and comfortable. It also extends the life of your shoes — especially leather footwear, which molds to your foot over time.
How We Help at Miller Shoes
At Miller Shoes, we specialize in hard-to-find widths for both men and women. Our in-store experts:
- Measure both length and width
- Assess your arch, instep, and pressure points
- Recommend brands that naturally fit your foot shape
- Suggest styles that accommodate orthotics, bunions, or medical needs
- Offer narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide options across dozens of brands
If you’re unsure about your size or width, we’re here to make the process simple.
Call 905-1280
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Why Your Size Isn’t Always Your Size
One of the most common comments we hear in-store is: “I don’t know what my width or size is.”
You’re not alone — and there’s a good reason this happens.
Many people wear one size in dress shoes, another in casual shoes, and yet another in running shoes. Shoe sizing is not standardized, and that inconsistency can make shopping confusing. Just like clothing, every manufacturer uses slightly different lasts, measurements, and fit philosophies. Even within the same brand, your size can change from style to style.
Length vs. Width: Both Matter
When choosing footwear, most people focus on length, but width is often the key to a proper fit. Foot shapes vary widely — some people have very narrow heels, others have wide forefeet, and some require extra-wide room for swelling, bunions, or orthotics.
To make things more complicated:
- Brands do not use a universal width system.
- Some widths overlap or use different letters for the same measurement.
- Sub-categories exist within Narrow, Medium, and Wide.
This is why knowledgeable fitting — like you’ll find at Miller Shoes — makes such a difference.
Women’s Width Guide
Below is a basic structure of common women’s width indicators. Note that international or European sizing systems are not included here.
Extra Narrow (XN / Slim / Super Slim)
Labels: 4A, 3A, SS, Slim
Examples we carry: Munro Leighton, SAS Sporty Lux (in slimmer configurations)
Narrow (N)
Labels: N, 2A
Medium (Standard Width)
Labels: M, B
Wide (W)
Labels: D, E, W
Example we carry: Vaneli Pierot (available in wide widths)
Extra Wide (XW / WW)
Labels: 2E, 4E, XW, WW
Men’s Width Guide
Men’s width labeling is different from women’s and ranges from narrow to ultra-wide.
Narrow
Labels: B, N
Medium (Standard Width)
Labels: D, E, M
Example: Allen Edmonds Liverpool (available in standard and extended widths)
Wide & Extra Wide
Labels: 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E, 6E, 8E, WW, WWW
Example: Drew Marvel (available in extra-wide configurations) and other WWW shoes/boots
Why Knowing Your Width Matters
Wearing the wrong width can cause a range of issues, including:
- Foot fatigue or arch pain
- Heel slipping
- Toe crowding
- Pressure on bunions or hammertoes
- Premature wear inside the shoe
- Reduced stability
A proper width ensures your foot is supported, aligned, and comfortable. It also extends the life of your shoes — especially leather footwear, which molds to your foot over time.
How We Help at Miller Shoes
At Miller Shoes, we specialize in hard-to-find widths for both men and women. Our in-store experts:
- Measure both length and width
- Assess your arch, instep, and pressure points
- Recommend brands that naturally fit your foot shape
- Suggest styles that accommodate orthotics, bunions, or medical needs
- Offer narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide options across dozens of brands
If you’re unsure about your size or width, we’re here to make the process simple.
Call 905-1280