When I first began shopping for shoes online, all those letters after shoe sizes boggled me. What does B refer to in shoe size? Does it apply to men and women alike? After years of assisting customers on how to find their ideal fit at Ardur, here is everything you need to know about shoe width sizing.

Understanding Shoe Width: What Does B Mean

The letter B in shoe size is for width measurement, not length. In women's shoes, B is medium or regular width - it's the comfort sweet spot that's neither too tight nor too loose. Consider it the "regular" width that the majority of women's feet comfortably fit.

For men's shoes, B refers to narrow width, whereas D is their regular medium width. This distinction comes as a surprise to new shoe buyers, but only when you realize that men's feet are usually broader than women's feet, does it seem logical.

What Does B Mean in Men's Shoe Sizes

If you're a male shopper buying shoes from our men's collection, a B width is narrow-fitting shoes. D is the men's medium width, as men's feet tend to be proportionally wider. Not every man will require the B width unless he has very narrow feet. If you have narrow feet and you're a man, B width shoes may fit far better than regular D width shoes.

Here's what men's width letters are:

• B: Men's narrow width
• D: Men's medium/standard width
• E: Men's wide width
• EE: Men's extra wide width

What Does B Represent in Women's Shoe Sizes?

For women browsing our women's shoe collection, the B width is your standard option. B refers to women's standard width shoes, meaning if you have standard-width feet, this is probably your ideal fit.

If you don't notice any width letters on a woman's shoe, you're typically viewing medium B-width shoes. Most shoe manufacturers do not always label the standard width, thinking it is the default.

Women's width breakdown:

• AA: Extra narrow width
• A: Narrow width
• B: Medium/standard width
• D: Wide width
• E: Extra wide width

What Does B Mean in Boot Size?

Boot sizing follows the same width rules as regular shoes. For women's boots, B means medium width, while for men's boots, B indicates narrow width.

However, boots can feel different than regular shoes even in the same width. This happens because boots cover more of your foot and ankle. When shopping for B width boots, consider:

• The boot height affects fit around your calf
• Thick socks might make B width feel tighter
• Boot leathers tend to stretch less than shoe leathers
• Ankle boots vs. knee-high boots fit differently

If you typically wear B width shoes, begin with B width boots but be prepared to go up a size if necessary.

Is B Standard Size for Women?

Yes, B width is definitely the standard size for women's footwear. The women's standard medium width is B, and shoe boxes and tags typically only name widths other than standard.

This implies whenever you look at women's shoes with no width designation, they're probably B width. A total of around 80% of women are well-fitted in B width shoes, so it's the most prevalent width produced.

If you've been purchasing shoes without considering width and they fit well overall, chances are you have B width feet.

How to Measure Your Foot Width at Home

Measuring your foot width ensures that you check whether B width is appropriate for you. Below is my easy technique that I suggest to all Ardur Shoes clients:

What you'll need:

• A piece of paper bigger than your foot
• A pencil or pen
• A ruler or measuring tape

Step-by-step process:

1. Put the paper on a hard floor
2. Position your foot on the paper with your heel leaning against a wall
3. Trace around your whole foot with the pencil held upright straight
4. Mark the widest areas on each side of your foot
5. Measure between these widest areas
6. Compare your measurement with a width chart

Take the measurement in the evening when your feet feel slightly swollen from daily wear. This provides you with the most accurate size for all-day comfort.

Width measurements for B width:

• Size 6: 3.3 inches
• Size 7: 3.4 inches
• Size 8: 3.5 inches
• Size 9: 3.6 inches
• Size 10: 3.7 inches

Gender Distinctions in B Width Sizing

The largest misunderstanding regarding B width is due to gender distinctions. D or DM typically refers to medium width for men, whereas B or BM refers to medium width for females.

Why there is a difference

The feet of females are usually smaller and narrower compared to men's feet. Shoe manufacturers developed various width standards to suit these natural differences. A woman's B width is approximately the same as a man's narrow width.

Cross-gender shopping

Occasionally women with broader feet shop in men's shoes for more width choices. If you are a woman considering men's shoes from our men's collection, you'd usually search for B width in men's sizes, which would be comparable to a D width in women's shoes.

Where to Buy B Width Shoes

Getting B width shoes was once difficult, but nowadays, many stores carry them on a regular basis. Browse our complete shoe collection for the best selection of width-specific footwear.

Online stores

• Ardur Shoes (our specialty!)
• Large shoe websites that allow width selection
• Brand direct stores

Brick and mortar stores

• Shoe stores with large inventories
• Large department stores with big shoe departments
• Specialty comfort shoe stores

What to check for

• Clear width labeling (B, B(M), or Medium)
• Return policies for exchanging width
• Customer reviews that specifically mention width fit
• Size charts with width measurements

We ensure all of our width options are labeled clearly and include in-depth sizing guides for each style at Ardur Shoes.

Tips on Choosing the Right B Width Shoes

Having assisted thousands of shoppers to find their ideal fit, here are my best tips for selecting B width shoes:

Before you purchase:

• Measure both feet (one is likely to be slightly larger)
• Shop in the afternoon when feet tend to be swollen naturally
• Think about the socks you will wear with the shoes
• Check the reviews from others with similar foot shapes

Don't:

• Assuming all brands of shoes fit the same
• Buying tight-fitting shoes in hopes that they stretch
• Not considering your foot shape (high arches, flat feet, etc.)
• Styling over the proper fit

Indications B width is for you:

• No pinching of sides of feet
• Your foot doesn't overflow the shoe edges
• No space between your foot and shoe sides
• 30 minutes of comfortable wear

When B width may not fit:

• Your feet feel pinched on the sides
• You get calluses on the sides of your feet
• Shoes leave red blisters after being worn
• You find yourself needing to size up in length for width

Understanding Width Variations Between Brands

Not every B width shoe fits precisely alike. Various shoe companies have varying opinions regarding what B width is. This is referred to as "last variation" in the world of shoes.

Some companies run narrow on their B width, and others run wide. Therefore, it is critical to read customer reviews and learn about return policies when purchasing width-specific footwear.

At Ardur, we try on shoes of every brand we carry and give straightforward feedback regarding how each model fits relative to standard B width measurements.

Popular Misconceptions Regarding B Width Shoes

Let me dispel some popular myths I hear from consumers:

Myth 1: "B width shoes are more difficult to locate"

Reality: B width is actually the most prevalent width produced for women's footwear.

Myth 2: "All shoes stretch to fit your width"

Truth: Leather will stretch a bit, but you should never purchase shoes that are too narrow with the expectation they'll stretch enough.

Myth 3: "Width doesn't matter if the length fits"

Truth: Incorrect width will lead to blisters, calluses, foot pain, and other issues.

Myth 4: "Athletic shoes don't require specific widths"

Reality: Athletic shoes require appropriate width fit just like dress shoes, particularly for running or walking.

Signs You Need a Different Width

Sometimes B width isn't the ideal one, even if it's the norm. Here are signs you may need a different width:

You may need narrow (A width):

• B width shoes feel loose on the sides
• Your foot slides around inside the shoe
• You have to tie laces extremely tight for safety
• You develop blisters due to foot motion within the shoe

You may require wide (D width):

• B width shoes are too tight around your feet
• You sense pressure on the outside of your feet
• Your feet extend beyond the sides of the shoe sole
• You consistently have to size up in length for comfort

The Health Impact of Proper Width Fitting

Wearing the incorrect width shoe impacts more than comfort. Inadequate width fit can result in:

• Narrow shoe bunions
• Hammertoes due to tight toe boxes
• Plantar fasciitis from inadequate foot support
• Back pain due to changed walking habits
• Calluses and corns due to pressure points

Correct B width fitting accommodates your foot's natural form and enhances good foot mechanics.

How Materials Influence B Width Fit

Various materials react in different ways in B width shoes:

Leather shoes:

• Stretch slightly with wear
• Conform to your foot shape over time
• May feel snug initially but loosen up

Synthetic materials:

• Usually don't stretch much
• Maintain their shape longer
• Need to fit properly from day one

Canvas and fabric:

• Can stretch significantly
• May become loose over time
• Good for slightly wider B width feet

Athletic mesh:

• Stretches in specific directions
• Provides flexibility while maintaining support
• Good for active wear in B width

Seasonal Considerations for B Width Shoes

Your feet vary throughout the year, which influences how B width shoes fit:

Summer considerations:

• Feet swell more in warm weather
• B width may feel tighter
• Opt for breathable materials
• Opt for half-size up for sandals

Winter considerations:

• Feet may be less swollen
• Thick socks influence fit
• B width boots may require adjustment
• Indoor heating inflates foot

Pregnancy and B width:

• Foot width may grow during pregnancy
• May need to temporarily switch from B to D width
• Swelling influences fit throughout the day
• Consider adjustable styles

Professional Fitting vs. Self-Fitting

Professional fitting is great, as measuring at home does, but it has benefits:

Professional fitting advantages

• Expert eye for fit problems
• Understanding of brand differences
• Ability to identify foot issues
• Recommendations tailored to needs

When to use professional fitting

• Foot pain or issues
• Extreme foot shape changes
• Special needs (diabetes, arthritis, etc.)
• First time purchasing width-specific shoes

At Ardur, our staff is professionally trained in fitting techniques and can assist you in determining whether B width is the best option for you.

Taking Care of Your B Width Shoes

Proper maintenance allows B width shoes to retain their fit and wear well longer:

Daily maintenance

• Use shoe trees to keep shape
• Allow shoes to dry out between use
• Switch between several pairs
• Clean as needed based on material

Tips for storage

• Store in cool, dry locations
• Use cedar shoe trees for leather
• Avoid stacking or crushing
• Store away from direct heat

When to replace

• Sole wear impacts foot alignment
• Upper material shape support is lost
• Comfort is considerably reduced
• Visible damage to structure

Future of B Width Shoe Technology

The shoe industry keeps evolving width fitting:

Existing innovations

• 3D foot scanning technology
• Adjustable width to one's preference
• Improved online fitting tools
• Advanced materials that conform to foot shape

What's next

• Smart shoes that automatically adjust width
• Improved predictive algorithms for sizing
• More environmentally friendly width-specific production
• Advances in virtual try-on technology

Ready to Discover Your Ideal B Width Shoes?

Since you now know what B signifies in shoe size, you can now go ahead and find shoes that really suit you. B width is the norm for women and narrow for men, but ultimately, the greatest concern is how the shoes feel on your feet.

At Ardur, we're dedicated to assisting you in finding the ideal fit. Shop through our large selection of B width shoes in our complete collection, ranging from relaxed-fit sneakers to sophisticated dress shoes. Each pair is carefully handpicked for quality and correct sizing.

Whether you're shopping from our women's collection for standard B width or our men's collection for narrow B width, we have the perfect fit waiting for you.

Shop our B width selection today and appreciate how proper width fitting can make a difference for your comfort and foot health.