Hello, shoe enthusiasts! I have this question constantly at Ardur, and I completely get why it's confusing. When you're shopping for shoes and find a "C" followed by the size, it can be like trying to break a secret code.

Trust me, I've been there. I recall being in the shoe store, holding one I adored, but having no idea what that tiny little "C" symbol was all about. Was it bad? Good? Would it fit?

Today, I'm going to dissect everything about shoe size C width in plain English that finally makes sense.

What Does C Width Mean in Shoe Sizing?

Here's the catch - that "C" on shoe boxes and packages is a measurement of shoe width, not length. Consider it to be how loose or tight the shoe will fit around your foot at its widest point.

The system for shoe width employs letters to indicate varying widths. It's similar to having various sizes for the width of your foot, similar to having various sizes for how long your foot is.

For the majority of adults, C width refers to:

• For men: C width is narrow
• For women: C width is wide

I know, I know - it's the opposite! That's just how the shoe business created their system of sizing years ago.

Understanding C Width in Men's Shoes

When I assist male shoppers at our store, I always let them know that C width shoes are narrower than regular shoes.

Men's shoe sizes usually proceed this way:

• A or AA: Extremely thin (uncommon)
• B: Thin
• C: Medium-thin to medium-narrow
• D: Regular width (most prevalent)
• E or EE: Wide
• EEE: Wide extra

So if you're a man with narrow feet who consistently feels like your shoes feel too loose, C width may be just what you need. I've witnessed so many men who find C width shoes and then finally realize what a great fit is.

Check out our complete men's shoe collection to explore C width options that might be perfect for your narrow feet.

What C Width Means for Women's Shoes

For females, it's completely different. C width in female shoes refers to wide - wider than the typical B width most women's shoes are sold in.

Women's shoe widths are like this:

• AA or AAA: Extremely narrow
• A: Narrow
• B: Regular width (most common)
• C: Wide
• D: Extra wide
• E or EE: Extremely wide

If you're a lady who frequently finds herself thinking that her shoes fit too tight on the ball of her foot, C width shoes may be a life saver for you.

Browse our women's shoe collection to find comfortable C width options designed specifically for wider feet.

C Size in Children's Shoes: A Different Story

Here's where things really get fascinating. When you notice "C" in children's shoes, it generally doesn't refer to width whatsoever!

In children's shoe measurement, "C" actually just refers to "child." You might notice sizes such as:

• 8C (child size 8)
• 10C (child size 10)
• 12C (child size 12)

This differentiates between toddler sizes, child sizes, and youth sizes. It's the shoe industry's method of keeping things sorted.

Some companies mark children's shoes with C width to designate width, as for adults. But most kids' shoes you'll find have "C" meaning "child size."

What About C Width in Boot Sizing?

Boots have the same width guidelines as ordinary shoes. So:

• Men's C width boots = narrow width
• Women's C width boots = wide width

But this is what I always inform customers about boots - it may feel different since boots fit higher on your ankle and foot. A C width boot may feel different from a C width sneaker, even though technically they're the same width.

Work boots, hiking boots, and dress boots all share the same width system. At Ardur Shoes, we always suggest trying on boots in-store where you can, as the shaft height and style may influence how the width feels.

How to Measure Your Foot Width at Home

Would you like to know if you require C width shoes? The following is how I instruct customers on measuring their foot width at home:

What You'll Need:

• A piece of paper
• A pencil
• A ruler or measuring tape

Measuring Steps:

1. Place the paper on the ground against a wall
2. Step on the paper with heel against the wall
3. Mark the tip of your longest toe
4. Mark the two sides of your widest foot width
5. Measure from those two width marks

Width Measurements:

• 3.5 inches or narrower: You likely need narrow width (A or B for women, A or B for men)
• 3.6 to 4.0 inches: You probably require standard width (B for women, D for men)
• 4.1 to 4.5 inches: You may require wide width (C for women, E for men)
• More than 4.5 inches: You likely require extra wide width

Keep in mind that these are ballpark figures. Your best option is always to try on shoes or have yourself professionally measured.

Gender Differences in C Width Shoes

This is quite possibly the most misleading aspect of shoe widths, and I have to clarify it for customers on a daily basis.

Why Are Men's and Women's C Widths Different?

It simply depends upon average foot shapes. In general:

• Men's feet are on average wider
• Women's feet are on average narrower

So the shoe world developed various width scales. What would be "wide" for a woman (C width) would be "standard" for a man (D width).

I always advise everyone - don't mind the letter. Pay attention to how the shoe fits on your foot. That's what it's most important for.

To better understand the complete width system, you might also want to read about what A means in shoe size and what B means in shoe size.

Best Places to Buy C Width Shoes

It can be a challenge to find C width shoes at times, but here are the stores I advise you to go to:

Specialty Shoe Shops

(such as Ardur Shoes!) We stock a large range of C width shoes for men and women. And you can try them on and get advice from experienced staff.

Online Shops with Good Return Policies

Websites such as Amazon, Zappos, and manufacturer websites tend to stock C width shoes. Just ensure you are able to return them if they do not fit.

Brand Websites

Several brands of shoes offer C width shoes for sale directly on their websites. New Balance, Brooks, and Clarks are particularly good for widths.

Department Stores

Nordstrom and Macy's commonly have extended width shoes available, including C width.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect C Width Shoes

Having spent years assisting customers in finding their ideal fit, here are my best tips:

Shop Later in the Day

Your feet expand during the day, so afternoon shopping provides a closer fit.

Measure Both Feet

Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always fit for your larger foot.

Think About Your Foot Shape

C width may be ideal for your foot length but not your foot shape. Some individuals require narrow heels with roomy toe boxes.

Consider Your Activity

Running shoes may fit differently than dress shoes, even the same width.

Don't Think Your Width Never Changes

Your foot width can change with age, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

Check Reviews

When buying online, check reviews from individuals with similar foot shapes and width requirements.

Common Myths About C Width Shoes

Let me debunk a few myths I hear consistently:

Myth: "C Width Shoes Are More Difficult to Locate"

Not true! Lots of brands produce C width shoes. You just have to know where to look!

Myth: "C Width Shoes Appear Different"

Nope! On the outside, you typically can't tell the difference between shoes of different widths.

Myth: "I Can Just Size Up Rather Than Getting a Wider Shoe"

This won't do. Increasing the length when you require more width simply results in a shoe that is too long.

Myth: "All Brands Fit the Same in C Width"

Each brand is slightly different. A C width from one company may feel different in another.

Signs You May Need C Width Shoes

Not certain about C width being the way to go? Here are some indicators to watch for:

For Women Who May Need C Width:

• Your shoes constrict over the ball of your foot
• You develop blisters on the sides of your feet
• Your feet hurt when you've been in shoes for an extended period of time
• You always sense that you have to "break in" new shoes

For Men Who May Need C Width:

• Your feet slide around in regular width shoes
• Your heels slip out when walking
• You have narrow feet that swim in standard shoes
• You need to tie your laces very tight to feel safe

How C Width Compares to Other Widths

Knowing how C width compares to the larger picture can assist you in making more informed shoe decisions:

Narrower Than C:

• AA (very narrow)
• A (narrow)
• B (narrow for men, average for women)

Wider Than C:

• D (standard for men, wide for women)
• E (wide for men, extra wide for women)
• EE (extra wide)

This scale assists you in knowing whether C width is suitable for you or if you must go narrower or broader.

Special Considerations for C Width Shoes

Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes or running shoes in C width can be the difference between comfort and performance. Most runners are not aware that their foot pain is caused by width problems.

Dress Shoes

Dress shoes in C width may be more difficult to find, but they are worth the search if you require them. Proper dress shoe width avoids blisters and discomfort with all-day wear.

Casual Shoes

Sneakers and C width casual shoes are becoming increasingly popular as companies acknowledge the need for the right fit.

The Future of Shoe Width Options

The shoe market is improving at providing more width choices, such as C width. More companies are realizing that fit isn't only about length - width counts too!

At Ardur, we are constantly in partnership with brands to introduce more width choices to our customers. I look forward to seeing this trend carry forward.

Final Thoughts on C Width Shoes

Learning what C stands for in shoe size need not be confusing. Either you are shopping for yourself or for your children, understanding width choices can make all the difference in selecting comfortable, fitting shoes.

Remember:

• C width refers to narrow in men, wide in women
• In children's sizes, C will stand for "child" size
• Proper width is as crucial as proper length
• Each brand fits slightly differently
• If unsure, have yourself professionally measured

The best indicator is how the shoes fit on your feet. Regardless of the letter, if the shoe feels great and supports your foot well, you've won.

Ready to discover your ideal match? 

Stop by Ardur today! Our trained staff can assist you in determining your specific width and identifying C width shoes that feel wonderful. From our broad array of brands and sizes, we will assist you in uncovering what correct shoe fit actually feels like.

Buy C width shoes today and discover the difference proper width makes for your feet!