Can someone explain width shoe sizes to me (USA)?
jimbo asked:
I need a larger width work boot, but I have forgotten what the various width sizes represent. I tried to buy from Fingerhut, but when I asked about width options he didn't know what I was talking about. Is this guy dumber than me or what? I checked out the Rocky (boot) website and found that he boot I was looking for comes in medium and wide. I called back the same guy, gave him the options and he still didn't know what I was talking about!! My queston is... What does A,B, C, D, EE, etc represent?
I need a larger width work boot, but I have forgotten what the various width sizes represent. I tried to buy from Fingerhut, but when I asked about width options he didn't know what I was talking about. Is this guy dumber than me or what? I checked out the Rocky (boot) website and found that he boot I was looking for comes in medium and wide. I called back the same guy, gave him the options and he still didn't know what I was talking about!! My queston is... What does A,B, C, D, EE, etc represent?
July 20th, 2009 at 2:56 am
A = the most narrow
D = is often considered average for a man’s boot
E, EE, EEE, EEEE, M (and on) represent the most wide
Unfortunately the modern retail world is full of employees who are not trained to assist, and who often don’t independently pursue details of their industry. The short answer is yes, the guy’s ignorant of the very information that would help make the sale. Normally, I’d say that was a optimum reason to have that company forego receiving any money (from me) but, one does not have to depend on disinterested stores or lackadaisical clerks to obtain the information one seeks. Although there are variations, there is a rhyme and reason to shoe sizing.
Back (in the stone age) when a company provided sales personnel to help the customer (rather than just scarf our bucks) a Brannock Device would have been readily available. The Brannock website explains how one measures one’s feet for US sizes and has fitting tips:
If you can recognize the tool, the next time you see one (or ask for one) when perusing the mall, you can pop in and accurately measure your feet. [Fun history: “the Brannock device” ]
Meanwhile:
Payless “Fit Finder” actually has a PDF document you can print out that is based on the Brannock device, which you can use to get an idea (scroll down page to their Measurement Tips & Tools: look for the “Shoe Sizer”)
Alternative way to measure your feet with inch to size tables:
“How to Find Out exactly what your Shoe Size is”
Advice on fitting boots (includes descriptions on how to measure one’s foot, the differences between US sizing system and UK sizing system, and why one might order a different size depending on the use of the foot gear)
Other shoe selling websites may do size comparisons between brands, like this from the Tennis Warehouse:
Healthbolt: “Buy Shoes that Fit Every Time” (discussion on shoe fit)
Hall of Fame: inventor, Charles Brannock
Just for fun: Ian Fieggen’s shoe lacing website: