Fit 201 - Size Charts

The Size Chart below will help you relate the different size markings used by the manufacturers. Also, since the manufacturers make it so confusing, we have a special page full of size conversion charts by brand.

big TIP: Pay close attention to the information here, because we have found that many web sites are providing erroneous information about sizes!

PS BigFeetStore.com carries ALL the sizes in this chart - and then some!!

2A/Slim (S)- Available lightly in basic styles.  The term “Slim” mainly used in Sperry Top-Siders. 

B/Narrow (N)- These are available more so in basics and are spread lightly in fashion styles.  Most styles begin at length 9 or 10 while most can end at 13.  It is very uncommon to find a narrow width before length 9 and after length 13.

D/Medium (M)- This width is available in all styles.  Department stores are notorious for carrying these widths only (known as the House of David’s).  Your basic run of length begins at 8 and ends at 13.

2E/Wide (W)-This width is generally available in Classics and some Fashion styles.  Lengths begin usually at 9 and can end at 11.  Wider widths are generally more available than the narrow widths.

3E/Extra Wide (XW)- This width is generally available in Classic styles.  It is pretty uncommon to find this width past length 11 ½. 

4E/Extra Extra Wide (XXW)- This width is available in very few styles.  It is pretty uncommon to find this width past length 12.  Some manufacturers also use a 5E width. Keep in mind the rule, 1/4 inch of added girth for every width.

Not all manufacturers provide such guidance, however, and unfortunately there are no set standards for N, M, or W sizing codes, so you’ll need to investigate what the width differences really are in particular brand.  Remember our selling tip from above!

big TIP: When jumping from a N to M this is a 2 width jump which is quite a bit.

Commonly, linear measurements (sole and insole) do not change for numerous widths, but girth measurements do change.  Sometimes soles are manufactured in only one width, but the soles are then fitted to shoes marked N, M or W.  When this happens, the manufactures usually use a smaller girth measurement (less material) in “narrow” shoes and a larger girth measurement (more material) for a “wide” shoe.

Approximately 50% of men and women claim to fit into only about 8 different size and width combinations, thus, this is where most retailers focus their inventory.

big TIP: The most common mistake people make today is to buy their shoes wider to fit, rather than longer. Most people assume that their shoe size (length) never changes since they get out of high school. The only thing that seems to change is the size of our waistline, but since people equate shoe size to height, and your height has not changed, then why should your shoe size? But that is incorrect information. (Actually wishful thinking.) The majority of people wearing wide widths today actually do not need a WIDE at all! They should just step up in length. Remember, as you step up in length, you are also stepping up in girth of the shoe. Check your measurement. We'll bet you are not wearing the right size. (We have an 85% chance!) 

Sizing Systems: American v. European

The most common system of sizing in the US is the American System in which we have 3 full sizes for every inch and, therefore, 1/3 inch difference between full sizes.  It also means a 1/6 inch difference between half sizes.  This fact is true of all shoes - men's women's and children's. (It's nice to have at least one consistent thing!)

The other sizing system you will encounter most frequently is the French or European system.  The French system’s increments are 2/3 centimeter to each size.  This equals about 4 sizes to an inch.  With the smaller increments to each size, the need for half sizes is virtually eliminated, which simplifies the process of fitting.  Often, with shoes sized according to the French system, there is limited width selection, and most often only one width is available.  In addition, the sizes do not have genders.  The size is based on the length of the foot, which is another step in simplifying the fitting process and reducing the inventory drastically.

There is, however, a trade-off for the simplification.  A "precise" fit is much harder to accomplish.  The French or European system of sizing has a special place with comfort shoes and sandals.

We would be lost trying to fit shoes with size numbers and letters in the shoes and on measuring devices, but that’s all they are---numbers to be used as “guides.”  With no industry or government standards, the shoe size marking only really pertains to the particular last or shoe style you are working with at a particular moment. But that’s important because now you understand what’s happening to proportions as you choose length and width. 

big TIP: When fitting a European sized shoe- remember you will rarely have widths usually and no half sizes. So you will be limited. 

For a complete list of size conversion charts, go to our Size Conversion Charts Page.

Want some more? Go on to Fit 301 - Tips for Best Fit