Wide Sneaker Widths: E, 2E, and 4E Explained for Buyers

What the letter E means on a sneaker width label

Sneaker widths follow a letter-based grading system that comes from shoe manufacturing. In men's sizing, D is the standard or medium width, while in women's sizing, B is medium. Each letter step adds roughly a quarter of an inch across the ball of the foot, though the exact measurement varies by brand and last shape.

The E family sits above medium. In men's shoes, E corresponds to a wide fit, 2E (often written EE) is extra wide, and 4E (or EEEE) is the widest option most brands offer. In women's shoes, the scale shifts one letter: wide is often labeled D or W, and 2E is the extra wide tier. This difference matters when a shoe is labeled unisex, because the width label refers to the grading scale the brand used for that specific model.

New Balance: the widest range of width options

New Balance is one of the few sneaker brands that offers width options across most of its lineup. In men's models, the brand commonly provides D (standard), 2E (wide), and 4E (extra wide). Some heritage models, like the 990 series, also come in 6E for feet that need even more room, and in B (narrow) for those who need a snugger fit.

In women's models, New Balance uses B as the standard width, then D and 2E as the wide and extra wide options. Because New Balance grades width consistently across its running and lifestyle lines, a 2E in one model should fit similarly to a 2E in another, but the upper material and toe box shape still affect how the width feels. A mesh upper stretches more than leather, so the same 2E label can feel different between models. For extra room, look at New Balance models labeled with an E width in the size selection. The best New Balance sneakers guide highlights models that come in wide width options.

Brooks: from narrow to extra wide in running shoes

Brooks grades its running shoes in 1D (narrow), 2D (medium), 3D (wide), and 4D (extra wide) for women, and 2D (medium), 3D (wide), and 4D (extra wide) for men. That means a Brooks wide is one full width step above medium, and extra wide is two steps above. Brooks does not use the 2E or 4E lettering on most of its models, which can confuse buyers who are used to New Balance's scale.

The important detail is that Brooks and New Balance do not necessarily share the same last shape. A Brooks 3D (wide) may fit differently from a New Balance 2E (wide) in the same length, because the toe box volume and heel width are not identical. Brooks tends to run a touch narrow through the midfoot compared to New Balance, so if you are between widths, the wider option is often the safer pick. The best Brooks sneakers guide includes models that offer wide and extra wide width settings.

• Women's Brooks widths: 1D narrow, 2D medium, 3D wide, 4D extra wide.
• Men's Brooks widths: 2D medium, 3D wide, 4D extra wide.
• Brooks does not use the E lettering; look for D progression instead.

Skechers: W and XW instead of E lettering

Skechers does not use the E grading system at all. Instead, most Skechers styles are offered in medium (M) and wide (W), with a smaller number of styles in extra wide (XW). The W label on Skechers corresponds roughly to a 2E in the New Balance scale, and XW is comparable to a 4E, though the actual fit differs because Skechers lasts are generally broader through the toe box even in medium width.

For walkers and casual wearers, this can be good news. A Skechers medium may already feel roomier than a New Balance medium, and a Skechers wide may be enough for someone who needs a 2E from a running brand. The tradeoff is precision: Skechers offers only two or three width steps, so those who need a very specific fit, like a D in women's or a 4E in men's, may not find an exact match. The best Skechers sneakers guide notes which models come in wide and extra wide options.

Comparing width labels across brands

Because each brand grades widths differently, the same foot may need a different label depending on the manufacturer. The table below gives a rough comparison of how the labels relate, but always confirm with the brand's own size chart before ordering.

If you are between two widths, consider the activity. For running, where the foot swells during long efforts, the wider option gives you safety margin. For everyday wear or dressier sneakers, a snugger fit through the heel with room in the toe box is often more comfortable. You can learn more about how to measure your foot in the foot measurement guide.

How to choose the right width for your foot

Start by tracing your foot on a piece of paper and measuring the widest part across the ball of your foot, as well as the length from heel to longest toe. Compare those numbers to each brand's size chart, not to a generic chart, because the length to width ratio differs between makers. The wide fit sneaker guide and the extra wide options guide both rank models by the actual room they offer across the forefoot.

If your foot sits right at the boundary between medium and wide, order the wide version if the model runs narrow, or the medium if the model runs generous. For feet with bunions, hammertoes, or other conditions that need extra room in the toe box, moving up a full width step is often more effective than going up half a size in length. A half size up adds length but not proportional width, and it can cause heel slip. More detail on that tradeoff appears in the foot width measurement guide and the shoe width vs size chart guide.

For people who need the widest possible fit, New Balance offers 4E and even 6E in select heritage models. If you are shopping Brooks, look for the 4D width in models like the Ghost or Glycerin. For Skechers, the XW label is the widest tier. If you still need more room, consider brands that specialize in orthotic-friendly footwear; the best Orthofeet sneakers guide covers options that go beyond typical width grading.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is the difference between E and 2E in sneakers?

E is one width step wider than medium (D in men's), and 2E is two steps wider than medium. In practice, 2E adds noticeable room across the ball of the foot compared to E.

Is 2E the same as wide?

Yes, in men's sizing, 2E is the label New Balance uses for wide fits. In Brooks sizing, 3D is the wide label for both men and women.

Does Skechers use E widths?

No. Skechers uses M, W, and XW labels. Their W is roughly comparable to a 2E in the New Balance scale, though the fit differs by model.

Should I size up in length instead of choosing a wider width?

Going up half a size adds length but not proportional width, and it can cause heel slippage. If you need more room across the ball of the foot, the wider width option is usually the better choice.

Are women's widths different from men's widths?

Yes. In women's sizing, B is medium and D or W is wide. In men's, D is medium and 2E is wide. A women's 2E is much wider than a women's D, but it is not the same as a men's 2E.