At a specialty running store, we see a lot of feet—every shape, size, and arch height imaginable. The reality is that no two feet are the same, whether you’re comparing your own left and right foot or one person’s feet to another’s.
Beyond foot length, one of the most noticeable differences is width. In the running shoe world, manufacturers can produce shoes in several different widths for both men and women. We say can because not every brand or model is offered in multiple widths, and even when a width exists, it may not always be imported into every country.
The most common option is the standard width: a B width for women and a D width for men. Most runners fall into this category. The next most common is wide, which is a D width for women and 2E (EE) for men. Many brands produce their most popular models in wide fits and may simply label them as “wide,” rather than using the technical width designation.
Beyond these are the less common widths. On the narrower end, women’s narrow shoes are typically labelled 2A (AA), while men’s narrows are a B width—though some brands may simply call them “narrow.” On the wider end of the spectrum are extra-wide options: 2E (EE) for women and 4E (EEEE) for men, often labelled just as “extra wide.”
Thanks to Brooks Running for this easy to read chart!
It’s important to note that there’s no universal measurement for shoe widths. As a result, two shoes from different brands with the same length and width can feel very different. Some brands tend to run wider or have more overall volume, such as Mizuno, while others fit a bit narrower, like HOKA. Some brands, like Topo Athletic, may have a wider toe box or forefoot while remaining standard through the midfoot and heel.
Because every foot is unique, it’s important to consider how your foot is wide—or if width is even the issue. Is your foot wide from heel to toe, or just in the forefoot? Do you have higher volume rather than extra width? This is why trying shoes on is so important. Ultimately, fit comes down to feel and personal preference. You might have wide feet but prefer a snug fit, or the opposite—and that’s perfectly okay.
Have you got wide feet? For wide fitting men's shoes click HERE! Women's wide fit shoes click HERE!