How do I determine my shoe width?

For a comfortable fit, it's not just the right shoe size that matters. The shoe width should also fit your foot. It describes how much space a shoe offers in the ball of the foot area. With a tape measure and a few simple steps, you can determine your shoe width yourself and then compare the measured value with our chart.

Why should I measure both feet?

Feet are rarely perfectly identical. In addition to foot length, the width of the left and right foot can also differ. Therefore, if possible, you should measure both feet.

For choosing the shoe width, you should then refer to the larger measured value. After all, the shoe should offer enough space even for the slightly wider foot.

Shoe size also plays an important role in the fit. You can find out how to determine this under [Determining the right shoe size]. Further information on the meaning of different widths can be found under [Shoe widths at Sioux].

Measuring foot width correctly: step by step

To determine your shoe width as accurately as possible, you only need a flexible tape measure. Alternatively, you can use a string or a shoelace and then measure the determined length with a ruler.

1. Measure while standing.
   Stand barefoot on a firm, level surface. When standing, the foot is stressed in the same way as it is when walking.
   
   
2. Measure in the afternoon or evening if possible.
   Throughout the day, feet can swell slightly due to strain. A measurement taken later in the day therefore usually better reflects the foot width relevant for wearing shoes.
   
   
3. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet.
   Distribute your body weight as evenly as possible. If one foot is significantly more heavily loaded, this can affect the measurement result.
   
   
4. Measure at the widest part of the ball of the foot.
   Wrap the tape measure once around the ball of the foot. It should lie against the foot without constricting it. The measured circumference corresponds to your foot width.
   
   
5. Measure both feet.
   Repeat the process on the other foot and use the larger value for further determination.

The measurement is particularly easy if a second person places the tape measure and reads the value.

Which shoe width is right for me?

The measured foot width is always considered together with your shoe size. The same circumference values can therefore correspond to a different width depending on the shoe size.

Compare your measurement with the following chart:

Size	F	G	H (XL)	J (XXL)	K (XXXL)
	Slim	Regular	Comfort	Extra Wide	Super Extra Wide
35	21.2 cm	21.7 cm	22.2 cm	22.7 cm	23.2 cm
36	21.6 cm	22.1 cm	22.6 cm	23.1 cm	23.6 cm
37	22.0 cm	22.4 cm	23.0 cm	23.5 cm	24.0 cm
38	22.4 cm	22.9 cm	23.4 cm	23.9 cm	24.4 cm
39	22.8 cm	23.3 cm	23.8 cm	24.3 cm	24.8 cm
40	23.3 cm	23.7 cm	24.2 cm	24.7 cm	25.2 cm
41	23.6 cm	24.1 cm	24.6 cm	25.1 cm	25.6 cm
42	24.0 cm	24.5 cm	25.0 cm	25.5 cm	26.0 cm
43	24.4 cm	24.9 cm	25.4 cm	25.9 cm	26.4 cm
44	24.8 cm	25.3 cm	25.8 cm	26.3 cm	26.8 cm
45	25.2 cm	25.7 cm	26.2 cm	26.7 cm	27.2 cm
46	25.6 cm	26.1 cm	26.6 cm	27.1 cm	27.6 cm
47	26.0 cm	26.5 cm	27.0 cm	27.5 cm	28.0 cm
48	26.4 cm	26.9 cm	27.4 cm	27.9 cm	28.4 cm
49	26.8 cm	27.3 cm	27.8 cm	28.3 cm	28.8 cm
50	27.2 cm	27.7 cm	28.2 cm	28.7 cm	29.2 cm

If your measured value falls between two figures, initially refer to the next higher value. This way, you avoid the shoe being unnecessarily tight in the ball of the foot area.

An example

You wear shoe size 42 and measure a circumference of 24.8 cm on the wider foot. In the chart, this value lies between width G at 24.5 cm and width H at 25.0 cm. In this case, width H is recommended as a first guide.

The right width ensures a comfortable fit

A shoe should hold the foot securely without constricting it laterally. Especially for wider feet, a suitable comfort width can help prevent unnecessary pressure in the forefoot area.

The measured shoe width is a helpful guide. How a shoe actually fits also depends on the last shape, cut, material, and model. Leather, for example, can conform to the foot differently than a stiffer upper material.

If you want to learn more about the widths Sioux offers and how F, G, H, or J differ, you can find more information under [Shoe widths at Sioux].

Measuring shoe width: a good basis for the right fit

Those who measure their foot width can choose shoes more specifically according to the appropriate width. The crucial factors are the larger of the two feet, the measurement around the ball of the foot, and comparison with one's own shoe size.

The chart serves as a guide. Since fit and last can vary depending on the shoe model, personal wearing comfort also remains crucial. If uncertain, a professional measurement in a shoe store can also be helpful.