Finding a shoe that fits correctly is a common challenge, especially for individuals with wider feet. Shoe sizing depends on both length and width, which is often overlooked. Understanding manufacturer width designations is important for comfort and foot health. This article clarifies the meaning of the 4E designation within the broader shoe width scale.
What the 4E Designation Means
The 4E designation is part of a standardized system used primarily in US shoe sizing to indicate width for feet requiring more room than a standard fit. The letter ‘E’ denotes widths wider than the common medium size (‘D’ for men, ‘B’ for women). The number preceding the ‘E’ signifies the degree of extra width. While 2E is considered wide, 4E is generally classified as “Extra Wide” or sometimes “XX-Wide” for men’s shoes.
Each additional ‘E’ represents an incremental increase in width, usually adding about 3/16 to 1/4 inch of space across the ball of the foot. This extra space accommodates a broader forefoot and a deeper toe box, helping prevent painful conditions like bunions or calluses. For women’s sizing, 2E or wider is often considered extra wide, making 4E options less common but still available for those needing a significantly wider fit.
The Standard Shoe Width Scale
The standard shoe width scale uses a progression of letters, starting with narrow sizes and moving toward the widest options. The scale begins with narrow widths, often denoted by ‘A’s (e.g., 2A or AA), progresses through the medium width (‘B’ for women, ‘D’ for men), and then moves into the wider ‘E’ designations. The progression continues beyond 4E, with sizes like 6E, 9E, and even 14E available from specialized manufacturers. Therefore, 4E is not the absolute widest size available.
The difference between each width increment is approximately 1/8th of an inch, though this varies depending on the shoe size and manufacturer. For example, a men’s size 10 in 4E width will be wider than a size 8 in 4E width, as the width is proportional to the length. The actual physical width of a 4E shoe can vary between brands, as there is no single, universally enforced measurement standard across all footwear companies.
Measuring for the Right Wide Fit
Determining the correct size requires accurately measuring the foot’s width at its widest point, typically across the ball of the foot. While a professional Brannock device provides the most accurate measurement, a simple ruler or tape measure can be used by tracing the foot while standing and measuring the distance across the widest part. Measure both feet, as one is often slightly larger than the other, and the shoe size should always be based on the larger foot.
Wearing shoes that are too narrow can lead to discomfort and long-term foot issues, including the shoe bulging over the sole, compressed feet, or the development of bunions and corns. For the most accurate fit, feet should be measured later in the day, as natural swelling can increase the foot’s size. A properly fitted wide shoe should allow the toes to wiggle comfortably without the sides of the foot pressing against the upper material.