Where do I measure foot width?

Measure the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball (the joint behind your toes). Use a flexible tape or string around that point and read the circumference in cm.

How do I know if I need narrow or wide shoes?

If standard shoes feel tight across the ball or cause rubbing, you may need wide. If they feel loose and slip, you may need narrow. Use our Foot Width Calculator with your length and ball circumference for a recommendation.

Which brands offer wide or narrow widths?

Many athletic and work brands (e.g. New Balance, ASICS) offer multiple widths. Check our Brand Sizing Guides and individual brand pages for fit tendencies and width availability.

Foot Width Guide

Quick answer:

How to measure foot width, narrow vs wide fit, and which shoe brands suit wide or narrow feet. Diagrams and conversion tips.

Foot width affects fit as much as length. This guide explains where to measure width, how to tell if you need narrow or wide shoes, and how to use our measurement tools for the best fit.

Where to measure foot width

Measure the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball (the joint behind your toes). Use a tape measure or wrap a string and measure against a ruler.

Measure the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball.

Step-by-step: measure foot width

Stand on a piece of paper with weight even on both feet.
Wrap a flexible tape (or string) around the widest part of your foot—across the ball.
Mark where the tape overlaps, or measure the string length; read the circumference in cm.
Alternatively, trace both feet and measure the widest point of each trace in cm. Use the larger value.
Compare to brand size charts: many list width (e.g. narrow, standard, wide / D, 2E, 4E in US).

Narrow vs wide feet

If standard shoes feel tight across the ball or you get rubbing, you may need wide widths. If shoes feel loose and slip, you may need narrow. Many brands offer width options (e.g. New Balance, ASICS). Use our Shoe Fit Guide for fit tips by style.

Printable and conversion tools

Foot Measuring Sheet — measure length; note width on your own if needed
Printable Size Guides — all printables
Shoe Size Converter — convert length to size; check brand charts for width
Measurement Assistant — foot and body measurements

Conversion examples

Length (cm) drives numeric size; width is often separate (e.g. US D vs 2E). Use length to get your base size, then choose narrow/wide from the brand:

CM to US Shoe Size — base size from foot length
Shoe Size Converter — US, UK, EU from cm or size

Related guides

Common questions

How should I use this converter?

Pick your region and size, then read the equivalents. When in doubt, measure in centimeters and compare to the brand chart.

Why do sizes differ between countries?

Each region uses its own scale; mapping through foot length (cm) reduces error.

More on Foot Width Guide

See linked guides on this site for measurement tips and regional differences.

Data sources

ISO and regional footwear sizing references (length-based mapping)
Published brand size charts (e.g. Nike, Adidas) for cross-checks—not endorsements
International measurement and apparel sizing studies (public summaries)

Why Sizes May Vary

Shoe and clothing sizes can vary between brands due to manufacturing differences, materials, and regional sizing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EU 42 in US shoe size?

EU 42 typically converts to US men's size 9 and US women's size 10.5, depending on brand and width. Use any converter on this page when available.

Are EU and US shoe sizes the same?

No. The EU sizing system and US shoe sizing scale use different scales. International shoe size conversion is most reliable when you anchor to foot length in cm.