Wide forefoot — tight at the ball

If standard width pinches at the ball of your foot but feels long in the toe box, you likely need a wide width grade (2E or 4E), not the next size up. Length and width are independent axes on the Brannock scale.

Do I need wide shoes or a bigger size?

Measure foot width at the widest point in millimetres. If your width letter is 2E or above on a Brannock device, buy wide width at your measured length — sizing up adds ~4.2 mm of length per half size, which rarely fixes lateral pressure.

Which brands offer wide widths?

New Balance, Brooks, ASICS, and Skechers publish the most consistent wide grades. See our wide feet guide and wide-fit hub.