Boot Width Calculator
Measure Your Foot
Find your boot width by measuring the widest part of your foot (across the ball).
This width is based on standard U.S. women's sizing. Remember:
- • Width varies by brand and style
- • Boots often fit differently than sneakers
- • Always check return policies
Ever bought a pair of boots that fit perfectly around your ankle but felt like they were squeezing your toes? Or maybe the heel slipped, and the instep felt tight? You’re not alone. Many women walk away from shoe stores frustrated because the size label - say, a size 7 - didn’t tell the whole story. That’s where the letter B comes in.
What Does B Mean in Boots?
In women’s boots, the letter B stands for medium width. It’s the standard width most women’s footwear is designed for. Think of it like the default setting - similar to how a medium T-shirt fits the average person. If you’ve never had trouble with shoes feeling too tight or too loose across the ball of your foot, you’re likely a B width.
But here’s the catch: not all feet are the same. Some are narrow. Some are wide. And shoe manufacturers don’t just make one size. They make sizes and widths. The width is the second number you see on the label, like 7 B or 8 D. The number is the length. The letter is the width.
Women’s boot widths typically range from AAA (extra narrow) to EEE (extra wide). B is right in the middle. It’s the most common, which is why most stores only stock B width boots by default. But if you’ve ever felt like your boots are pinching your toes or gaping at the heel, your foot might need a different width - and B might not be it.
Why Width Matters More Than You Think
Size isn’t just about length. It’s about volume. Your foot isn’t a straight line - it’s a 3D shape with a ball, arch, and heel. If the width doesn’t match, even a perfect length can feel wrong.
Take a real example: Sarah, 34, from Melbourne, wears a size 7.5 in sneakers but always has to return boots labeled 7.5 because they pinch. She finally got fitted at a specialty store and learned she’s a 7.5 B - but her foot is actually a 7.5 C. The extra 1/8 inch across the ball of her foot made all the difference. Her new boots didn’t just fit - they felt like they were made for her.
Boots are especially tricky because they’re often stiffer than sneakers. They don’t stretch as easily. A narrow foot in a wide boot will slide around, causing blisters. A wide foot in a narrow boot will swell, ache, and sometimes cause long-term discomfort or even nerve damage.
How to Know If You Need More Than a B Width
Here’s how to tell if your foot needs something other than B:
- You get red marks or indentations across the top of your foot after wearing boots for an hour.
- Your toes feel squished, even when you’re standing still.
- You’ve had to size up just to get width - now your heel slips.
- You’ve been told by a podiatrist you have a wide forefoot or high arch.
- You’ve tried multiple brands and they all feel the same way.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re probably not a B width. You might be an A (narrow) or a C (wide). And that’s totally normal. One in three women wear something other than B width - but most don’t know it.
Width Letters Explained: B, C, D, and More
Here’s what the letters mean, based on standard U.S. women’s sizing:
| Width Letter | Width Description | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | Extra Narrow | Very thin feet, often with high arches |
| AA | Narrow | Slender feet, common in petite frames |
| A | Narrow | Still narrow, but more common than AA |
| B | Medium | Standard fit - most women’s boots are this |
| C | Wide | Fuller forefoot, common after pregnancy or weight gain |
| D | Extra Wide | Often labeled as “wide” by brands |
| EEE | Extra Extra Wide | For feet with significant width or swelling |
Notice that D width is labeled as “extra wide” for women - but for men, D is actually medium. That’s why it’s so confusing. Always check the label for the gender-specific sizing.
Where to Find Boots in Widths Beyond B
Most big retailers only carry B width boots. But you don’t have to settle. Here’s where to look:
- Specialty shoe stores - Brands like Naturalizer, Ecco, and Clarks offer multiple widths and often have in-store fitting services.
- Online retailers with width filters - Zappos, Shoebacca, and Amazon (search for “women’s boots width C”) let you filter by width.
- Podiatrist-recommended brands - Brands like New Balance, Brooks, and Orthofeet make boots designed for comfort and varied widths.
- Custom boot makers - If you’ve tried everything and still struggle, some artisans in Australia and the U.S. make boots to your exact foot measurements.
Pro tip: When ordering online, always check the return policy. Widths are hard to guess. Buy from places that let you return without restocking fees.
How to Measure Your Boot Width at Home
You don’t need a fancy machine to find your width. Here’s how:
- Put on a sock you’d wear with boots.
- Stand on a piece of paper with your full weight.
- Trace around your foot with a pencil held straight up and down.
- Measure the widest part of the tracing - usually across the ball of the foot.
- Compare your measurement to a standard width chart.
For example: if your foot measures 4.1 inches across the ball, you’re likely a B width. If it’s 4.3 inches or more, you’re probably a C. A 3.8-inch measurement? You might be an A.
Don’t rely on your sneaker size. Boots are cut differently. Always measure for boots specifically.
What Happens If You Ignore Width?
Wearing boots that don’t fit your width isn’t just uncomfortable - it can lead to real problems:
- Calluses and corns from constant rubbing
- Bunions aggravated by pressure
- Plantar fasciitis from poor arch support due to ill-fitting width
- Toe deformities from cramped space
- Balance issues from slipping heels or sliding feet
One 2024 study from the Australian Podiatry Association found that 68% of women who reported chronic foot pain had been wearing the wrong boot width for over two years. The fix? Not a new pair of insoles. Not surgery. Just switching to the right width.
Final Tip: Don’t Trust the Box
Just because a boot says “size 7 B” doesn’t mean it’s the same as another brand’s 7 B. Sizing varies wildly. A B width in Stuart Weitzman might be narrower than a B in Sam Edelman.
Always try boots on in person if you can. If you’re buying online, read reviews from people who mention width. Look for phrases like “ran narrow” or “true to width.”
Your feet carry you every day. They deserve boots that fit - not just in length, but in width too. B might be common, but it’s not universal. Knowing what B means is just the first step. The next step? Finding your real fit.
Is B width the same as medium?
Yes, in women’s footwear, B width is considered medium. It’s the standard width most boots are made for. But don’t assume it’s right for you - many women need wider or narrower options.
Can I stretch a B width boot to fit a wider foot?
You can stretch boots a little - maybe 1/4 inch - using shoe stretchers or professional services. But you can’t turn a B into a C. If your foot is truly wide, buying a wider width is safer and more comfortable long-term.
Do all boot brands use the same width system?
Most U.S. brands do, but European and Australian brands sometimes use different scales. Always check the brand’s specific sizing guide. If in doubt, measure your foot and compare it to their chart.
Why don’t more stores carry wide boots?
It’s cheaper and simpler to make one size. B width boots sell the most, so retailers stock them. But demand for wider sizes is growing - especially as awareness increases. Look for brands that specialize in comfort and inclusivity.
If I wear a size 8 in sneakers, will I wear a size 8 in boots?
Not always. Boots often run smaller than sneakers because of stiffer materials and different last shapes. Always try them on. And don’t forget to check the width - a size 8 B might still be too narrow if your foot is wide.