Understanding Shoe Width Fittings: What D, E, F, G and H Mean
The letter in your size result is the width fitting. Learn what each letter means and why width matters as much as length.
In a result like 7 F, the number is the shoe size and the letter is the width fitting. Width matters as much as length for growing feet.
What the letters mean
Width fittings run from narrow to wide in alphabetical order:
| Letter | Fit |
|---|---|
| D | Narrow |
| E | Narrow to standard |
| F | Standard |
| G | Wide |
| H | Extra wide |
Brands make some styles in a few widths only. You may find a shoe you love in F and G and nothing else.
Why width matters
A shoe with the right length but too little width squeezes the toes and rubs the sides. A shoe that’s too wide lets the foot slide forward, and the toes hit the front with each step. Either problem puts children off their shoes.
Signs the width is wrong
- Red marks along the sides of the foot after you take the shoes off
- The upper bulges over the sole
- The heel slips out though the length looks right
- Laces or straps sit at their tightest, or barely close
When a style doesn’t come in your width
Pick a style with adjustable fastenings, such as hook-and-loop straps, for more room to adjust. A fitter can tell you which way to go for a child between widths.
Use the size calculator to find your child’s width, then check the fit in store.
