How to Measure Your Shoe Width at Home (In Under 5 Minutes)
A paper-and-ruler method that matches what a Brannock device would tell you, plus a conversion chart.
By Azaz Khan · July 2, 2026
Quick answer
Trace your foot on paper against a wall with the pen held vertical, then measure across the widest part, usually the ball of the foot. For US men's sizes 9 to 11, under 92mm is narrow (B), 92 to 98mm is standard (D), 99 to 105mm is wide (2E) and over 105mm is extra wide (4E).
Key takeaways
- Measure in the evening, because feet swell by up to half a size over the course of a day.
- Trace on a hard floor rather than carpet, which distorts the outline.
- Have someone else trace your foot; bending forward to trace it yourself shifts your weight and changes the shape.
- Width letters are not standardised between brands, so check each brand's own chart.
- Go up in width rather than length: sizing up in length moves the flex point past the ball of the foot.
Last reviewed
Most foot pain blamed on cushioning is actually a width problem. If your shoe is too narrow, no amount of foam will fix it, and if it’s too wide your foot slides and blisters. Here’s how to get a real number in about five minutes.
What you need
- A sheet of paper larger than your foot
- A pen held perfectly upright
- A ruler with millimetre markings
The method
- Put the paper on a hard floor against a wall. Carpet will distort the outline.
- Stand on it with your heel touching the wall, weight evenly on both feet.
- Have someone else trace around your foot with the pen held vertical. Tracing your own foot while bending forward shifts your weight and changes the shape.
- Measure the widest part of the outline — usually across the ball of the foot, just behind the toes.
- Repeat for the other foot.
Converting to a width letter
Width letters depend on both the measurement and your length, which is why a single chart can mislead. As a rough guide for US men’s size 9–11:
| Measurement across ball | Approx. width |
|---|---|
| Under 92 mm | B (narrow) |
| 92 – 98 mm | D (standard) |
| 99 – 105 mm | 2E (wide) |
| Over 105 mm | 4E (extra wide) |
The mistake almost everyone makes
Going up a full length size to get more room. This gets you width, but it also moves the shoe’s flex point past the ball of your foot — which is what causes the arch ache people then blame on the insole. Go up in width, not length.
Frequently asked questions
Is shoe width the same across brands?
No. A 2E in New Balance is not the same volume as a 2E in Nike. Width letters describe the ratio to that brand's own standard last, so the letter does not transfer between manufacturers. Always check the individual brand's size chart.
Should I measure my feet in the morning or evening?
Evening. Feet swell over the course of a day by up to half a size, and the evening measurement reflects the dimension your shoe has to accommodate during a full day or shift.
What if my two feet measure differently?
This is normal; most people have a size difference between feet. Fit to the larger foot and use an insole or a lacing adjustment on the smaller side.
Should I size up if my shoes feel too narrow?
No. Going up a length size to gain width moves the shoe's flex point past the ball of your foot, which commonly causes arch ache. Look for a wider fitting in your existing length instead.