Standard or wide? How to choose a shoe width

What the letters mean

US shoe widths are written as letters. On the men’s scale that NOVA shoes use, D is standard and 2E (sometimes written EE) is wide.

Men’s and women’s scales use the same letters for different widths, so always compare widths on the same scale. Every NOVA shoe lists its width options on the product page.

Signs you may need a wide

These are fit signals, not medical advice. If you have ongoing foot pain, talk to a podiatrist or another qualified professional.

• The sides of the forefoot feel pressed even when the length is right.
• The upper bulges over the edge of the sole at the widest part of your foot.
• You often size up in length only to get more room across the ball of the foot.
• Laces sit close together or fully tightened eyelets still feel snug.

Check your width at home

Trace your foot while standing, then measure across the widest point, usually the ball of the foot. Our foot measuring guide walks through the steps.

Compare the number with a pair you already find comfortable. If that pair is a wide, start with a wide. If your comfortable pairs are standard and roomy, standard is a safe first choice.

Which NOVA shoes come in wide

The Stride Runner, Drift Knit and Glide Slip-On are each offered in Standard (D) and Wide (2E). The other shoes are standard width only.

Knit uppers stretch a little more than leather, so a knit shoe in standard may suit a slightly broader foot than a leather shoe in standard.