Footwear Size & Width Guide
Confluence Running Sizing Guide
Width codes, translated for real shoppers.
Running-shoe width letters are useful—but only if you know what they mean for the sizing system you are shopping.
Men's and women's footwear width codes
| Width code | Men's sizing | Women's sizing |
|---|---|---|
| B | Narrow (B) | Regular (B) |
| D | Regular (D) | Wide (D) |
| 2E | Wide (2E) | Extra Wide (2E) |
| 4E | Extra Wide (4E) | Extra Extra Wide (4E) |
Why does D mean two different things?
Traditional footwear width lettering is tied to the sizing system being used. A D is generally the standard or regular width on a men's shoe, while a D is generally a wide width on a women's shoe. Displaying only “D” therefore asks the shopper to know the convention already.
Our preferred customer-facing format
Men: Regular (D)
Women: Wide (D)
The descriptive term does the explaining. The traditional code remains visible for customers who know their technical width and for consistency with shoe boxes and manufacturer specifications.
Width code is not the same as overall shoe shape
A shoe labeled “Regular” can still feel roomier or more tapered than another brand's regular-width shoe. Width describes a technical size option; overall fit also depends on heel shape, midfoot volume, forefoot geometry, toe-box depth, upper construction and platform shape.
This matters with naturally shaped or more anatomical shoes. A model can be technically regular width while still giving the forefoot substantially more room than another regular-width model.
How to check your running-shoe fit
- Try shoes with the type of socks you normally use for the activity.
- Fit both feet and prioritize the larger or more demanding foot.
- Your toes should have room to move without being crowded or pressed into the front or sides.
- Your heel should feel secure without excessive slipping.
- The midfoot should feel comfortably held rather than pinched or numb.
- Consider normal foot swelling during longer runs and warmer conditions.
- Walk or run in the shoe when possible; standing fit alone does not tell the whole story.
What about unisex footwear?
Unisex products may be built on a men's size scale, a women's scale or a brand-specific system. Do not assume a width letter carries the same relative meaning as the women's or men's shoe you normally wear. Identify the manufacturer's base sizing first, then use our Unisex Sizing Guide.
Not sure whether you need Regular or Wide?
Sizing is only part of the answer. A useful footwear fit accounts for the shape and volume of your foot—not just its length and width code.
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