The only truly accurate way to determine if a shoe is the proper width for your foot is to try it on.

Many shoe designers use their best judgment when deciding how wide to make a wide shoe; indeed, many people do not know that there is a standard width chart for shoes.

Shoe widths are sometimes marked on shoes, and they involve a number and a letter. For narrow widths, the more letters, the slimmer the shoe; for example, AA or 2A is narrower than A. For wide widths, the more letters, the wider the shoe; that is, EEEE or 4E is wider than EEE or 3E. Men’s shoes and women’s shoes generally fall into two ‘letter’ categories.

In general, the standard width for shoes for men are "D", and "B" in shoes for women. If the majority of shoes you buy fit fine, then these are the widths you should select – you have an average width foot. If the shoes you own tend to be wide or feel spacious in width, then you should consider selecting a narrower width. If the shoes you own tend to be narrow or feel snug in width, then you should consider selecting a wider fitting.

If you feel that your foot is pinched or keeps shifting from side to side in the shoe then you have a problem with shoe width. This is especially important when buying running shoes or sports shoes. When you’re in the shoe store, see if you can find a width chart and ask for help in fitting your correct width.