Knowing shoe sizes can make a world of difference when it comes to comfort and fit, and the letter 'D' is the same. This designation has a meaning in men's and women's footwear that can direct you to choose right options.

Whether you're selecting casual or performance footwear, brands like Vessi take these factors into account to ensure that their shoes provide an optimal fit for a variety of foot sizes. So what does D mean in shoe size?

"D" in men’s shoes implies that this is standard or medium width, and what most men require. Whereas for women, a "D" indicates a slightly wider width than average.

This will help you pick the right collection of options to fit your feet perfectly.

What Does D Mean In Shoe Size?

D Size For Men’s Shoes

The letter “D” on a pair of  men’s footwear, indicates a medium width. This is meant to be the standard width for most men’s shoes. Let’s say you see a shoe labeled sized as ‘10D’, which means your shoe is 10 in length and of medium width. So if your feet aren't narrow or wide, chances are that shoes labeled “D” will fit you best.

D Size For Women’s Shoes

For women, a “D” width means the shoes will fit wider feet. Wider feet should look for shoes labeled with ‘D’ to ensure a better fit. Women’s shoes are generally marked as “B” which equates to “D” in men’s sizing. The needs of parents to familiarise themselves with these letters to choose the right shoe size.

What Are the Differences Between A, B, C, D, E, and EE Widths?

A Width: The Narrowest Option

The narrowest available shoes have an ‘A’ label on them. Even though they are not stocked in many stores, you can easily search for them online. If standard sizes feel too roomy, these shoes are suitable because they are designed for people with very slender feet.

B and C Widths

There are certain widths in men’s footwear labeled as 'B' and 'C' that are narrow. The “B” width is for women, which is the standard fit, and “C” gives a slight bigger room than B. For women, "B" is deemed a standard width and is often selected.

D Width: The Gold Standard for Men

The “D” width is typically medium fit in men’s shoes when you come across it. It is the most common size and is commonly considered the standard width. The ‘D’ width, however, provides a wider fit in women’s shoes than the standard, and provides more room for comfort.

E and EE Widths

The “E” and “EE” widths have a wider fit for the bigger people. The “E” width is wider than the medium width, providing additional comfort space. One of the widest widths, the “EE” is the perfect choice for those who rarely have a shoe fit them correctly, often settling for the widest size. These widths provide more comfy fit for larger feet or for people who like extra room.

How Can You Accurately Measure Your Foot Width at Home?

First, Gather the Items You Will Need

Before you begin measuring your foot width, make sure you have the following items ready:

• A piece of paper bigger than your foot
• A pen or pencil
• A ruler or measuring tape
• Tape to secure the paper in place

Select a flat surface location for measurement. For this task, a space in your kitchen or living room is often adequate.

Take Steps To Measure Your Foot

1. Position the Paper: Place the sheet of paper on a flat, sturdy surface. Use tape to hold it steady if it tends to slide around.

2. Stand for an Accurate Measurement: Your feet may spread a little while standing, so adopt a relaxed posture. If you typically wear socks, consider putting them on during this process.

3. Trace Your Foot: Stand on the paper and carefully trace around your foot using the pen or pencil. A pencil is preferred for easy corrections if needed.

4. Measure the Dimensions: With the ruler or measuring tape, measure the length of your foot from your longest toe to your heel. Note this measurement. Next, find the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball, and measure that as well. Write down both numbers.

5. Repeat for the Other Foot: Follow the same process for your other foot. Having measurements for both feet is useful, as they may not be the same size.

6. Consult a Shoe Size Chart: With your foot measurements noted, you can check your shoe size against a standard chart.

For Women:

For Men:

It’s also worth noting that different brands and styles may have different size standard so don’t automatically take it from brand to brand. Before buying, it’s a good idea to try on shoes to see if they fit comfortably.

Additional Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Choose the Right Time: Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening, as swelling can occur throughout the day, providing a more accurate measurement.

• Account for Regular Footwear: If you typically wear thicker socks or special insoles, include them during your measurement for a more precise fit.

• Use the Larger Foot Measurement: If one foot is larger than the other, base your size on the bigger measurement to ensure comfort.

What Does D Mean In Shoe Size?

D Size For Men’s Shoes

For men's footwear, a "D" designation means a medium width. This is the standard width for men. For example, a size like 10D indicates the shoe has a length of 10 and a medium width. For feet that aren't unusually narrow or wide, you will probably be quite happy with 'D' width and want to stay with it.

D Size For Women’s Shoes

A “D” size in the context of women’s shoes is referring to a wide width. For women with wider feet, this is useful information since it is easier to look for shoes ‘D’ marked so it will fit better. Women’s shoes typically have the standard width labeled as “B” while men’s shoes tend to have the standard width labeled as “D.” These width indicators of shoes will familiarize you with the width to put on your shoes.

What Are the Differences Between A, B, C, D, E, and EE Widths?

A Width: The Narrowest Option

The 'A' width designation refers to the narrowest option for footwear available. These are shoes designed specifically for those who have very slim feet. You can even find 'A' width options online, though they are not typically sold in stores. 'A' width may be the right choice if standard shoe widths feel too loose.

B and C Widths

When it comes to men's shoes, "B" and "C" mean narrow widths. The fit is tighter (i.e. narrower) between the "B" and "C." For example, women's shoes, while "B" is the standard width, "C" is only slightly narrower than this. Knowing these differences aids in selecting the appropriate fit according to the wearers intended use.

D Width: The Gold Standard for Men

The most frequent encountered width in men's footwear is 'D' width. It is medium width, also known as standard. Many shoe styles are labeled with "D." 'D' offers a wider fit than standard width in women's shoes for further comfort and room.

E and EE Widths

Shoes with the "E" and "EE" marking are designed specifically for persons who need more generous space around their feet. The medium category has an "E" width that is not too much but not too little, while "EE" is one of the largest widths overall as it has a very roomy feeling. If a regular size is unusual, you may find "E" or "EE" options helpful for the comfort of wearing.

How Can You Accurately Measure Your Foot Width at Home?

First, Gather the Necessary Items

Before you begin measuring, make sure you have the following items ready:

• A large piece of paper
• A pen or pencil
• A ruler or measuring tape
• Tape to secure the paper in place

Measure on a flat surface, like a kitchen or living room floor, just for accuracy.

Take Steps To Measure Your Foot

1. Position the Paper: Lay the paper on your flat surface. Use tape to hold down the material if it tends to slide.

2. Stand for the Measurement: Place your weight on the paper evenly. It is important to measure while standing to allow your feet to expand slightly. For a more precise measurement, wear the socks that you usually wear with your footwear.

3. Trace Your Foot: Stand with your foot comfortably and trace your foot carefully using your pencil or pen while doing so. The advantage of using a pencil is that it is easy to correct mistakes.

4. Measure Length and Width: Look at which part of your toe to your heel would measure the longest distance, then use your ruler or measuring tape to get the length measurement. Document this number. Then, determine which is the widest part of your foot around the ball and note that measurement.

5. Repeat for the Other Foot: Repeat for your other foot. This is important because many people have small differences between their feet.

6. Consult a Size Chart: After obtaining your foot measurements, refer to a shoe size chart for guidance to find your appropriate size.

Women’s Shoe Size Chart

Men’s Shoe Size Chart

Do keep in mind that shoe sizes do differ from brand to brand so it’s best to try the shoes before you buy.

Additional Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Measure in the Afternoon: Your feet may swell as the day progresses, making afternoon or evening measurements more reliable.

• Account for Normal Footwear: If you typically wear thick socks or custom insoles, consider including these in your measurement process.

• Use the Larger Measurement: If there is a size discrepancy between your two feet, it’s advisable to base your shoe size on the larger foot.

With your foot measurements in hand, you're better prepared for shoe shopping and can make informed choices. Different brands may fit differently, so always try shoes to confirm their comfort and fit.

Footwear Width Explained

In summary:

• For men, "D" indicates a standard, medium width.
• For women, "D" indicates a slightly wider fit than the average.

With this information, you can easily shop for sneakers, dress shoes, and even waterproof footwear from brands like Vessi.