You can use our simple Width Fitting Conversion Chart to find your equivalent UK shoe width, which is used by all UK wide-fitting shoe websites.

What are the different shoe width measuring systems?

It would be much easier if the world used a single system to measure the width of footwear, but sadly, this is not the case. The UK, Europe, and North America use different measurement systems.

There isn't a direct conversion between the different systems, so our Width Fitting Conversion Chart suggests the closest UK width fitting. 

The UK shoe width system also has variable width fittings.

To make things slightly more confusing, the UK system also has additional fittings called variable fits (Usually distinguished by a V in online stores), which are not used in the European system.

We like the addition of variable fittings in the UK system! It offers customers additional information on the shoe and lets customers know that a particular style can accommodate a range of foot shapes as the depth of the shoe can be adjusted. This might be due to features such as Velcro straps that can be loosened to create more room in the shoe, insoles that are designed to be removed, or stretch materials in the uppers of the shoe.

The UK shoe width system also offers wider and deeper fittings than the European system.

The European shoe width system stops at an M (we have never seen wider from an EU footwear brand), which is equivalent to a UK 4E width.

However, the UK goes wider and deeper and offers a 6E and 8E width for very swollen feet.

So, if you are based in the EU and find the EU M width fitting too narrow, then UK shoe companies can help! Look for their 6E, 6V or 8E width fittings.

Check out our examples below to see how different conversions can work.

Simple Example of Converting A European Width Fitting to the UK Width Fitting System

If you know your European width fitting is a H fitting, what width fitting do you look for in the UK?

The closest UK width fitting to a European H width would be a UK E Width fitting.
A H or E fitting isn't particularly wide, but it offers a little more room than standard-width shoes you would find in most high-street shops.

This fit would be suitable for those who have naturally wider feet and tend to find standard high-street shoes a little tight around the ball of the foot.

 
A More Complicated Example Of Converting A European Width Fitting to the UK Width Fitting System.

If you know your European width fitting is a K fitting, what width fitting do you look for in the UK?
The closest UK width fitting to a European K width would be a UK 2E width fitting (sometimes this width fitting is shown as EE instead of 2E, but they are the same; they are just different ways of writing it).
UK shoes with a 2V width fitting would also suit someone with a K European width fitting. A shoe with a 2V fitting would suit someone with an EE (2E) width foot but also offers extra depth if needed.
So, if someone is a K fitting due to naturally wider feet or minor bunions, then a 2E or 2V would work well. However, if someone has Oedema or swelling that can vary during the day, then we recommend focusing their search on 2V width fittings, as these shoes can be adjusted to ensure all-day comfort, even if the foot shape changes at different times of the day.

 
Converting an EU M shoe width fitting to the equivalent UK shoe width.

The widest EU shoe width is an M fitting, which is equivalent to a UK 4E width.

Theoretically, an M EU width could work with a 2V fitting, but we don't typically recommend this for most styles as the shoe will be working at its maximum facility. It's better to go for a 4E UK shoe width.

Width Fitting Conversion Chart - EU to UK (Including Variable UK Fittings)

Here is a conversion chart to convert your European width fitting to a UK width fitting. We have also added the UK variable fit where applicable (look out for this width if you have Oedema or have occasion to need extra depth in your footwear)

European Width Fitting	Equivalent UK Width Fitting	Additional UK Variable Width
G	D	-
H	E	-
K	EE or 2E	2V
M	4E	Possibly 2V but we would suggest sticking with 4E

 
Need Additional Advice?

We appreciate that converting your shoe width can be tricky, so please feel free to call or email, and we will be happy to assist you.

You can speak to one of our experienced advisors on 0208 819 7756 or via our email, sales@wideshoes.co.uk

We have over 30 years of experience helping and advising customers who need wider footwear, so let us help!