How To Measure Foot Width

The right shoe width, along with proper length, is essential for comfort and satisfaction. Ill-fitting shoes, whether too tight or too loose, often lead to discomfort, returns, and negative reviews. As a seller, providing accurate sizing information helps prevent these issues and enhances your customers’ shopping experience.

Accurate foot measurements benefit both buyers and sellers. When customers can confidently find their size, they’re more likely to keep their purchase, and if you’re selling shoes on Shopify, you’ll see fewer returns. So, let’s break down how you can accurately measure foot width.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Measure Foot Width

To get the most accurate foot width measurement, you’ll want to follow these steps carefully. A proper foot width measurement is essential for choosing the right shoe size, especially if you’re shopping online. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Gather the Necessary Tools
   You’ll need a measuring tape or ruler, a piece of paper, and a pencil or pen. If you typically wear socks with shoes, measure with socks on for the most accurate result.
2. Place Your Foot on the Paper
   Place the paper on a flat surface and stand on it, ensuring your foot is flat and your weight is evenly distributed. Stand up straight so that your foot presses against the ground naturally.
3. Trace the Outline of Your Foot
   Using the pencil or pen, trace around your entire foot, keeping the pen perpendicular to the surface. Trace as close to your foot as possible, especially around the widest part.
4. Measure the Widest Part of Your Foot
   Once the foot outline is traced, measure the width at the widest part of your foot using a measuring tape or ruler. This area is typically just below the toes and across the ball of the foot.
5. Compare Your Measurement to a Shoe Size Chart
   Once you have your foot width measurement, compare it to a standard shoe width chart. This will help you determine your exact shoe width category, whether that’s Narrow, Medium (Standard), Wide, or Extra Wide.
6. Repeat the Process for the Other Foot
   Remember, not everyone has two feet that are exactly the same size! It’s important to measure both feet. If one foot is slightly larger than the other, it’s typically best to go with the larger measurement to ensure comfort.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure you’re getting an accurate foot width measurement, which will help you find shoes that fit properly.

How To Measure Shoe Width

Measuring shoe width is slightly different from measuring foot width. Foot width refers to the actual size of your foot, while shoe width refers to the width of the shoe itself. To get an accurate measurement, follow these simple steps:

1. Use a Soft Measuring Tape: Lay the shoe flat on its sole, so that the shoe is standing in its natural position. Place the soft measuring tape across the widest part of the shoe’s insole, typically near the ball of the foot.
2. Measure the Width: Measure the distance between the inside edges of the shoe at the widest point. This is where the foot will rest in the shoe, and it determines whether the shoe provides enough space for comfort.
3. Compare With Your Foot Width: Once you have the shoe’s width measurement, compare it to your own foot width. This will help you determine if the shoe’s width is suitable for your foot size.

By measuring the inside of the shoe, you can determine the correct size to list, ensuring that your customers receive a shoe that fits properly and comfortably. 

What Shoe Width Sizes Mean

Shoe width is typically indicated by letters like B, D, E, EE, EEE, or EEE+. Here’s what those sizes generally correspond to in terms of foot width at the ball of the foot:

• B (Narrow): This generally corresponds to a foot width of about 2.5 to 3 inches (6.35 to 7.62 cm) at the ball of the foot.
• D (Medium or Standard): D-size shoes are the most common width, typically for average-sized feet. It usually corresponds to a foot width of about 3 to 3.5 inches (7.62 to 8.89 cm) at the ball of the foot.
• EE or E (Wide): This width is for feet that are slightly wider, generally corresponding to a foot width of about 3.5 to 4 inches (8.89 to 10.16 cm) at the ball of the foot.
• EEE or EEE+ (Extra Wide): This is for very wide feet, corresponding to a foot width of about 4 inches (10.16 cm) or more at the ball of the foot.

Be aware that the numerical measurements above are a general guide. Shoe width changes based on regular shoe sizes as well. 

How To Create a Shoe Width Chart With Foot Measurements

Buying shoes online has come with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to finding the perfect fit the first time. Inconsistent sizing charts, varying measurements between brands, and a lack of physical try-ons have made online shoe shopping trickier than it should be. By creating a custom shoe size chart, you eliminate the guesswork, ensuring a perfect fit for your customers every time.

With Kiwi Sizing, you can integrate customized sizing charts directly into your online store. These charts are designed to be clear, accurate, and easy to use, allowing your customers to confidently select the best shoe size based on their foot width. Knowing how to measure your foot width yourself will help provide these charts with accurate information. 

Kiwi Sizing’s Shopify apps offer innovative and easy ways to ensure your shoes fit perfectly every time. Explore our sizing charts for Shopify stores today and improve your customer satisfaction!