New Balance Wide Feet Guide: 2E vs 4E Width Explained
Is the length right but the sides are pinching? Learn how to decode shoe width markings and find the best brands for people with wider feet.
Most of us shop for shoes based on length alone. However, the human foot is a three-dimensional object, and 'width' is just as critical as 'length.' If you find that shoes often feel tight on the sides or your pinky toe feels crushed even when there's room in the front, you likely have 'wide feet.' This is where width sizing comes into play.
1. Understanding the Width Alphabet
Specialist brands like New Balance and Asics offer multiple width options for many of their models. Here is how to read them:
- B (Narrow): Standard for women, narrow for men.
- D (Standard): The most common width found in retail stores world-wide. Standard for men.
- 2E (Wide): A wider platform designed for broad feet. Highly recommended for those who feel lateral pressure in standard brands.
- 4E (Extra Wide): The widest standard production size, ideal for those with significant forefoot volume.
2. DIY Width Measurement at Home
You don't need a professional Brannock device to check your width. Take a piece of paper, stand on it, and trace the widest part of your foot (across the ball of the foot). Measure this distance and compare it to your foot length. If the width is more than 40% of the length, you are officially in the 'Wide' category and should stop buying standard D-width shoes immediately.
3. Best Brands for Wide Feet
New Balance is the undisputed champion of width sizing, offering almost every model in multiple widths. Asics and Brooks also excel here, especially in their performance running lines. Avoid fashion-forward brands like Converse or Gucci, which are notorious for their narrow, 'knife-like' silhouettes.
Conclusion: Prioritize Comfort Over Style
Wearing shoes that are too narrow can lead to permanent deformities like bunions or hammer toes. By switching to the correct width, you not only improve your comfort but also extend the life of your shoes, as the upper material won't be under constant, excessive stress. Treat your feet right by giving them the space they deserve.