Ever struggled to find shoes that fit comfortably, even when you thought you knew your size? You're not alone! While shoe size numbers might seem straightforward, the letter combinations often accompanying them, like "EE", can feel like a secret code. These letters represent shoe width, a crucial factor for ensuring a proper and comfortable fit, preventing blisters, bunions, and other foot problems. Ignoring shoe width can lead to years of discomfort, so understanding what these letters mean is essential for happy and healthy feet.
Choosing the right shoe width, indicated by these letter codes, ensures your foot has enough room inside the shoe, preventing squeezing and pressure points. From narrow (2A or AA) to extra-wide (4E or 6E), the width measurement is just as important as the length. Investing the time to understand these measurements can save you money and pain in the long run, as you'll be more likely to purchase shoes that truly fit and last.
What do all those shoe width letters really mean?
What does "EE" signify regarding shoe width?
In shoe sizing, "EE" signifies a wider than average shoe width, typically for men's shoes. It indicates that the shoe is designed to accommodate feet that are broader than what is considered a standard or "D" width.
While a standard width is usually designated as "D" for men and "B" for women, "EE" represents one of several wider options available. Moving up the alphabet from "D," each increment (EE, EEE, EEEE, etc.) typically signifies an increasingly wider fit. The exact measurement difference between each width designation varies slightly by manufacturer and shoe style, but generally, each step adds approximately ¼ to ½ inch of width to the shoe at its widest point. It's important to note that "EE" width is primarily used for men's sizing. Women's shoes usually use different width designations, such as "2E" or "Wide" to represent a similar extra width. Shoe width isn't standardized perfectly, so trying on shoes or consulting a specific brand's sizing chart is always recommended to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit, especially if you know you require a wider width. A shoe that is too narrow can cause discomfort, blisters, and even foot problems over time, while a shoe with adequate width allows for natural foot movement and prevents pressure points.How much wider is EE compared to other shoe widths?
EE, often referred to as "wide," indicates that a shoe is wider than a standard or medium width (usually denoted as "D" for men and "B" for women). The exact difference in width varies slightly by manufacturer and shoe size, but generally, EE is about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) wider than a medium width (D/B) for men's shoes and about 1/2 inch wider than an "A" width for women's shoes. Each width increment usually increases by the same amount.
The width difference between shoe sizes isn't a fixed measurement across all shoe sizes. A 1/4 inch difference might be noticeable on a smaller shoe size, while it's still proportionally relevant on a larger size. It's essential to note that "EE" is just one designation in a spectrum of widths. Shoes can come in narrower widths like 2A or B and wider widths like EEE or EEEE (also written as 3E or 4E), with each increment adding approximately 1/4 inch. Therefore, an EEE shoe would be roughly 1/2 inch wider than a standard D width for men. When choosing a shoe width, consider the shape and volume of your foot. If you consistently find that standard-width shoes feel too tight across the ball of your foot or cause pressure points, opting for a wider width like EE can provide a more comfortable and accommodating fit. It's always best to try on shoes in person whenever possible, or carefully consult the manufacturer's sizing chart, as width specifications can vary slightly between brands and shoe styles.Does EE width vary between men's and women's shoes?
Yes, the "EE" width designation does vary between men's and women's shoes. An EE width in men's shoes is typically wider than an EE width in women's shoes. This is because men's feet are generally larger and wider than women's feet, even for individuals with the same numerical shoe size.
The shoe width measurement, indicated by letters like EE, D, M, B, or 2A, represents the width of the shoe at its widest point. Because shoe sizes are based on both foot length and width, a woman's size 8 EE will be designed for a foot that is shorter and narrower than a man's size 8 EE. Therefore, if a woman typically wears an EE width, she would likely need to go down a width size (perhaps to E or even D) if purchasing men's shoes to achieve a similar fit. Conversely, a man might need to go up a width size when buying women's shoes.
It's crucial to remember that sizing can also vary slightly between different shoe brands and even between different styles within the same brand. Therefore, it's always best to try on shoes whenever possible to ensure a proper and comfortable fit. If trying on isn't possible, consulting the brand's specific sizing chart, paying close attention to both length and width measurements, is highly recommended.
What should I do if my size is between E and EE?
If your shoe size falls between E and EE, the best course of action is to try shoes in both widths to determine which provides the most comfortable and secure fit. Widths can vary slightly between brands and styles, so relying solely on the label may not always be accurate. Prioritize comfort and avoid shoes that feel too tight or too loose.
When trying on shoes, pay attention to how your foot feels in the widest part of the shoe, usually around the ball of your foot. If the E width feels snug but not constricting, and the EE width feels too roomy or allows your foot to slide around, an E width may be preferable. Conversely, if the E width feels noticeably tight or causes pressure points, the EE width is likely the better choice. Consider the thickness of socks you typically wear when trying on shoes; thicker socks may necessitate a wider width.
Keep in mind that shoe sizes and widths can vary considerably between manufacturers. What feels like an E width in one brand might be closer to an EE in another. Therefore, it's always advisable to try on shoes in person whenever possible. If you are purchasing shoes online, carefully review the brand's sizing chart and customer reviews for any notes about width. If possible, order both E and EE widths and return the pair that doesn't fit as well. Consider visiting a shoe store where a professional can measure your feet and offer personalized recommendations.
Is EE the widest shoe width available?
No, EE is not always the widest shoe width available. While EE (or sometimes 2E) is considered a wide width for men's shoes and a very wide width for women's shoes, some brands offer even wider sizes like EEE (3E), EEEE (4E), or even wider. The availability of these extra-wide sizes varies depending on the manufacturer and the specific shoe style.
For men, EE is a common wide width, but many brands cater to those needing more room with EEE or EEEE widths, particularly in athletic shoes or shoes designed for comfort and medical needs. In women's shoes, EE is already considered quite wide, so you might find fewer options available beyond that. When searching for the right fit, it's important to remember that sizing can vary between brands, so always consult the specific brand's size chart when possible. It's important to note that the letter designations for width (like EE) represent a measurement related to the circumference of the foot at its widest point. The difference in inches or centimeters between each width designation (e.g., D to EE, or EE to EEE) is typically small, often around ¼ to ½ inch. Therefore, if you're unsure about your width, it's best to have your feet measured by a professional using a Brannock device, which can provide accurate length and width measurements.How do I measure my feet to determine if I need EE width?
To determine if you need EE width shoes, measure the length and width of your feet using a ruler, measuring tape, or a Brannock device, typically found at shoe stores. Compare your measurements to a shoe size chart that includes width sizing; if your width measurement corresponds to the EE designation for your length size, you likely require EE width shoes.
EE in shoe size indicates a wider shoe width than standard or narrow options. Shoe widths are typically indicated by letters; women's shoes usually start with 4A (AAAA, or super slim), progressing to 2A (AA, slim), B (narrow), M (medium or standard), D (wide), 2E (EE, extra wide), and 4E (EEEE, extra extra wide). Men's widths typically start at A (narrow), then B (medium narrow), D (medium or standard), 2E (EE, wide), 4E (EEEE, extra wide), and sometimes even wider. The "E" designations represent increasingly wider fits, accommodating feet that are broader across the ball of the foot. When measuring, stand with your full weight on a piece of paper and trace the outline of each foot. Measure the length from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. Then, measure the width at the widest part of your foot. It's essential to measure both feet, as one foot may be slightly larger than the other. Always use the measurements of the larger foot when selecting your shoe size. Shoe size charts vary between brands, so always consult the specific chart for the brand you intend to purchase. If you are between sizes, it's generally recommended to choose the larger size to ensure a comfortable fit, particularly if you suspect you need the EE width.What brands typically offer shoes in EE width?
Many brands cater to those needing a wider fit, but some are particularly known for consistently offering shoes in EE width. These include New Balance, known for athletic and walking shoes; Skechers, offering comfort-focused options; and brands like SAS (San Antonio Shoemakers) and Propet, specializing in comfort and therapeutic footwear. Additionally, brands like Clarks, Rockport, and Dunham often have a selection available in EE widths, especially in their more classic and comfort-oriented styles.
Expanding on this, the availability of EE widths can vary significantly between brands and even within different shoe styles from the same brand. It's often easier to find EE widths in men's shoes than in women's, and in casual or athletic footwear compared to dress shoes or high heels. For women, brands like Easy Spirit and Naturalizer sometimes carry wider widths, although finding EE specifically may require searching online retailers. When shopping for EE width shoes, it's helpful to check the brand's official website or use online retailers that allow you to filter by width. Don't hesitate to read customer reviews, as they often provide insights into the accuracy of the sizing and width. Also, remember that 'wide' can sometimes mean different things to different manufacturers, so comparing measurements when available can be helpful.Hopefully, that clears up the mystery of the "EE" width! Finding the right shoe fit can be a game-changer for comfort, so we're glad you stopped by to learn more. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful shoe-related tips and tricks!