What Does E Mean in Shoe Size? Your Complete Guide to Wide Width Shoes
Has it ever occurred to you what the enigmatic "E" letter stands for while buying shoes? I've been there as well, waiting in shoe stores feeling perplexed regarding shoe width sizes. Today, I'd like to share everything I know regarding E width shoes and assist you in finding the ideal fit for your feet.
What Is E in Men's and Women's Shoe Sizes?
The "E" in shoe sizes means the shoe is a wide width measurement. When I first learned this, it completely revolutionized my shoe shopping life. E width shoes are made for individuals whose feet are wider than the typical medium width.
For men, the normal width is "D," so E width is when your feet require additional space. For women, the normal width is "B," so E width is a lot wider than usual.
Consider shoe widths as follows: they begin with the narrower widths (A,AA) and move up to the wider ones (D, E, EE, EEE). The E width falls at the center of the wide range, ideal for those who require more room but not the maximum available.
What Does E Mean in Boot Size?
Boot size uses the same width system as the normal shoe. When you read "E" on a boot tag, it serves the same purpose - wide width. But boots tend to feel dissimilar from regular shoes due to their design and materials.
I've found that E width boots provide you with additional space across the widest area of your foot. This is particularly crucial in hiking boots or work boots where you may be wearing thicker socks. The extra width stops your feet from getting cramped during extended periods of wear.
What Does EE Width Mean?
EE width (sometimes abbreviated as 2E) is even broader than E width. If E width shoes remain tight, you may have to upgrade to EE width for more comfort.
EE and E are not the same width. EE width is approximately 1/4 inch wider around the ball of your foot than E width. Although this is a small amount, it can make a big difference in how your shoes fit during the day.
EE width is very popular in men's shoes, particularly dress shoes and sports shoes. This width is found in brands such as New Balance, Brooks, and Allen Edmonds.
What Are the Differences Between E and EE Widths?
Following is what I've understood of the main differences:
E Width Features:
- Wider than normal medium width
- Ideal for mild to moderate foot width problems
- Most shoe types are available in it
- Ideal for everyday use
EE Width Features:
- Much wider than E width
- Ideal for individuals with exceptionally broad feet
- Extra space in the toe box and arch
- Perfect for individuals who experienced discomfort in E width
The decision between E and EE usually comes down to how your current shoes fit. If your regular width shoes are causing bulging on the sides or pressure points, start with E width first. If E width is still too tight, EE width may be your solution.
How to Measure Your Foot Width at Home
It's simpler to measure your foot width than you'd imagine. I always suggest doing it at home first to avoid time and frustration when shoe shopping.
What You'll Need:
- A piece of paper
- A pen or pencil
- A ruler or measuring tape
Step-by-Step Process:
- Set the paper on a hard floor up against the wall
- Stand on the paper with your heel on the wall. Wear the kind of socks that you wear with shoes
- Draw around your foot, pen held straight up and down. Repeat for both feet as they may be a different size
- Take the widest part of your foot tracing - typically across the ball of your foot
- Compare that measurement to standard width charts to see if you require E width or another size
Pro tip: Take your feet's measurements in the afternoon or evening when they're swollen a little from normal daily activity. This provides you with a more accurate fitting measurement for comfortable shoe purchases.
Gender Differences in E Width Measurements
Men's and women's E width shoes have varying actual sizes, although they share the same lettering system. This left me perplexed when I began assisting family members in finding wide width shoes.
Men's E Width:
- Usually measures between 4.2 to 4.7 inches across the foot ball
- Generally found in athletic and dress shoes
- Frequently exists in wider shoe sizes
Women's E Width:
- Typically 3.8 to 4.2 inches wide at the foot ball
- Less prevalent than men's E width choices
- More offered in comfort and athletic shoe lines
Women seeking E width shoes may have more available in comfort brands such as Clarks, Naturalizer, and Easy Spirit. Men have more selection across most of the major shoe companies in our men's collection.
Common Foot Conditions That Benefit from E Width
Some foot issues make E width shoes a requirement and not merely a choice. Learning what they are can assist in helping you decide if wider shoes could provide your comfort level with an improvement.
Key Conditions:
Bunions and Hammertoes: Both of these issues widen your feet and require additional space in order to avoid pain and continued growth of the issue.
Swelling Problems: If your feet are swollen in the day because of medical issues or pregnancy, E width shoes offer the additional room you require to stay comfortable.
Natural Foot Shape: Some individuals simply have broader feet based on their genetics. E width shoes fit naturally shaped feet without being squeezed into tight spaces.
Diabetic Care: Individuals with diabetes typically require wide shoes to avoid pressure points and good circulation.
Signs That You Require E Width Shoes
Identifying when you require wider shoes can save you from foot issues and enhance your comfort during the day. The following are the signs that I always instruct people to look out for:
- Your current shoes cause red marks or indentations on your feet after a couple of hours of wear
- The sides of your shoes bulge outward when you have them on
- You experience pressure or pinching along the widest area of your foot
- Your toes feel cramped or overlap when wearing standard width shoes
- You develop blisters or calluses on the sides of your feet
- Your feet feel tired or achy after wearing shoes for normal periods
If you experience any of these issues, trying E width shoes could solve your comfort problems immediately.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect E Width Shoes
Shopping for E width shoes is not quite the same as purchasing regular width shoes. Here are my top tips for success:
Essential Shopping Tips:
Always Shop Later in the Day: Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so visiting a store in the afternoon or evening means you'll receive the correct fit for when your feet are at their largest.
Bring Your Own Socks: Wear or bring the socks you wear with the shoes you're purchasing. Thick athletic socks need more space than thin dress socks.
Check the Toe Box Shape: E width shoes should have additional space over the ball of your foot, but ensure the toe box shape suits your foot shape as well. Some manufacturers make their toe boxes more pointed or rounded.
Walk Around Before Buying: Don't just stand in E width shoes - walk around the store to make sure they feel comfortable in motion. Your feet should feel secure but not tight.
Consider Breaking-in Time: Even E width shoes might need some breaking-in time, especially leather shoes. Make sure they feel comfortable from day one, as width typically doesn't stretch much.
How E Width Shoes Improve Foot Health
Wearing properly fitted E width shoes when you require them can do a world of good for your overall foot health and day-to-day comfort.
Health Benefits:
Improved Circulation: Shoes that are wide enough permit normal blood flow to your feet, alleviating numbness and tingling resulting from overly tight footwear.
Less Pressure Points: E width shoes transfer your body weight more evenly across your feet, eliminating agonizing pressure areas and minimizing risk of forming corns and calluses.
Better Balance: When your feet have sufficient space to spread out naturally, your balance is better because your feet are able to work as they should.
Prevention of Deformities: Wearing shoes of proper width will prevent bunions, hammertoes, and other issues of the foot from forming or worsening.
Quality Brands That Produce Good E Width Shoes
Not every brand of shoe has an E width, but there are plenty of good manufacturers that do. Here are the brands I suggest most frequently:
Athletic Shoes:
New Balance has the most width options of any brand, with a majority of their running and walking shoes in E width. Brooks and ASICS also have numerous E width athletic shoes for runners and fitness users.
Dress Shoes:
Allen Edmonds produces stunning E width men's dress shoes, and Clarks produces comfortable E width for both men and women. Florsheim also carries an excellent range of E width dress and casual shoes.
Comfort Brands:
SAS (San Antonio Shoemakers) is a comfort house that produces numerous E width models. Drew Shoes concentrates on therapeutic shoes with wide width.
Work Boots:
All of these brands manufacture work boots in E width for individuals who require additional space throughout the day.
Browse our complete selection of quality shoes in our full collection.
Caring for Your E Width Shoes
Proper care of your E width shoes ensures longer life, shape, and comfort.
Maintenance Tips:
Use Proper Shoe Trees: Cedar shoe trees allow your E width shoes to retain their shape when you're not wearing them. Ensure you purchase shoe trees that are the same width as your shoe.
Rotate Your Shoes: Don't wear the same pair of E width shoes daily. Allow them to air out and recover their natural shape between uses.
Clean and Condition Regularly: Clean and condition your E width shoes regularly based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. This ensures there is no cracking and the materials remain flexible.
Store Properly: Store your E width shoes in a dry, cool area with no direct sunlight to avoid materials from breaking down too early.
Common Mistakes When Buying E Width Shoes
I've noticed numerous people making a number of common errors when they shop for E width shoes. Steer clear of these and you'll save time and money:
Mistakes to Avoid:
Thinking All E Widths Are Created Equal: Brands fit differently even in the same width. Try on E width shoes by new brands before purchase.
Only Thinking of Width: Don't forget length, arch support, and heel fit. E width shoes must fit well in all measurements, not width alone.
Purchasing Too Big: Some individuals purchase shoes one or more sizes larger in hopes of receiving extra width, but this causes other fitting issues. Adhere to your right length and select the proper width instead.
Disregarding Seasonal Variations: Feet may alter size based on weather, weight fluctuations, or illness. Review your needs for width from time to time.
The Future of Wide Width Shoe Availability
The industry is long overdue in accepting that individuals require wider options. More companies are creating more E width lines, and with online shopping, shoes are more accessible.
Technology is also improving width fitting. Some companies now offer 3D foot scanning to help determine your exact width needs. This trend toward better fitting will likely continue growing.
Custom shoe services are becoming more accessible too, allowing people with hard-to-fit feet to get exactly what they need in E width or other special measurements.
Find Your Perfect E Width Shoes at ArdurShoes.com
Ready to feel the comfort of well-fitted E width shoes? At ArdurShoes.com, we realize that getting the right width is as important as getting the right length.
Our well-sorted selection features E width styles from industry leading brands in athletic, casual, dress, and work shoe styles. If you need your first pair of E width shoes or add to your collection of comfortable shoes, we're here for you.
Why Buy E Width Shoes from ArdurShoes.com:
- Professional fitting advice and size suggestions
- Extensive range of E width shoes from reputable brands
- Comprehensive product descriptions and precise size info
- Easy returns if the fit isn't just right
- Competitive prices on quality wide width shoes
Don't let uncomfortable shoes keep you from feeling great about yourself. Shop our E width shoe selection today and see what proper fit feels like.
Explore our collections:
