Most shoe width charts stop at 2E. That leaves out a large population of men — including those with diabetic foot conditions, edema, post-surgical swelling, or simply naturally wide feet — who need 3E, 4E, 5E, or 6E widths and can’t find reliable sizing information anywhere.

This chart covers every men’s shoe width from narrow B through therapeutic 6E, for US sizes 6 through 16. All measurements are the ball-of-foot width — the widest point across the front of the foot — in both inches and centimeters.

Men’s Shoe Width Chart — All Widths

Measurements are in inches at the ball of foot. Each width increment is approximately ⅛ inch (3mm).

★ D width is the standard/medium width for men. If a shoe has no width marking on the box or tongue label, it is D width.

Men’s Shoe Width Chart — Centimeters

Same chart in centimeters for international reference or metric measurement.

Men’s Shoe Width Codes Explained

Men’s shoe widths use a letter system that runs from A (very narrow) through 6E (therapeutic extra wide). The confusing part is that manufacturers don’t always use the same letters — a “2E” and an “EE” are the same width, and “D,” “M,” and “R” all mean medium. Here is every code you’ll encounter:

Understanding 4E, 5E, and 6E Widths

Widths above 3E exist primarily for men with medical foot conditions that cause significant foot widening. If you or someone you care for needs these widths, here is what you need to know.

Who needs 4E shoes?

Men with naturally very wide feet, significant bunions, hammertoes, or those who have experienced foot spreading over time often find that 4E is their comfortable everyday width. New Balance and OrthoFeet are the most widely available brands offering 4E in a range of styles beyond just orthopedic options.

Who needs 5E or 6E shoes?

These widths are primarily for men managing diabetic foot complications, chronic edema (swelling), lymphedema, post-surgical recovery, or conditions like Charcot foot. The extra width eliminates pressure points that can lead to serious complications in diabetic patients. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic footwear for qualifying diabetic patients — talk to your podiatrist or physician about eligibility.

Brands that carry 4E and above

How to Measure Your Foot Width at Home

You only need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape. The whole process takes about three minutes.

Signs Your Shoes Are the Wrong Width

Many men have worn the wrong shoe width for years without realizing it. The body adapts — but at a cost. Here are the signs to look for:

Signs your shoes are too narrow:

The leather or mesh bulges or stretches visibly over the outside of your foot. You develop calluses on the outer edge of your little toe or pinky toe. Your toenails bruise or blacken after walking or running. You get blisters consistently in the same spots. Bunions develop or worsen over time. Your feet feel cramped or squeezed within an hour of putting shoes on.

Signs your shoes are too wide:

Your foot slides forward inside the shoe, causing your toes to jam against the front. You get blisters on your heel from slipping. The shoe feels sloppy and unstable. You have to overtighten laces to get a secure fit, which creates pressure on the top of the foot.

Signs you need a wider width, not a longer size:

This is the most common mistake men make. If your shoes fit in length but feel tight across the ball of the foot or across the toes, the solution is a wider width — not a half size up. Sizing up in length to accommodate width results in a shoe that’s too long, causing toe jam on sharp stops and heel slipping on every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

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