H means extra-wide when it comes to shoe width, but it can also mean half sizes in some cases. Keep reading to find out what H means in shoe size.
It is not always to find the right shoe size, typically for those who buy shoes for the first time. The problem here is that shoes from different shoe brands around the world might come in various sizes for you to choose from. What’s more, it is even harder if you have narrow or wide feet. Knowing the shoe length only is not enough. You need to consider the shoe width to ensure the shoe correctly fits your feet, typically if you are buying training or running shoes.
Chances are you come across different letters, such as H, B, D, A, E, etc. when looking at the shoe sizes conversion chart. So, what do these letters mean? In this short article, I will explain the meaning of the letter H in shoe size together with other common letters. So, what does H mean in shoe size? Let’s find out!
So What Does H Mean In Shoe Size?
H As A Width in Shoe Size
In fact, the letter H means two different things in shoe size. The first meaning is the shoe width. In this case, an H width indicates the widest width for men’s shoes. It is also known as extra-wide fitting.
Besides, H can be considered the “normal” or “standard” for your shoe sizing. It can refer to the width of either your shoes or your foot. When a pair of shoes are labeled with the H letter, it ensures that the shoe is comfortably and well fitted. It also delivers a saggy effect even when you have worn the shoes for quite a long time.
Is the Letter H the Normal Size?
You can consider shoes with an H letter a standard size, but it is not exactly that true. This size fitting is typically used for people with wider feet. Usually, the sizes will vary in the range of medium to large size sections. At the same time, the shoes’ base tends to be a little bit extra-wide than the normal shoes.
Therefore, shoes with H sizes are commonly found at high-end shoe shops or custom-made shoe stores. But if you are buying shoes for women, you can choose a pair with the same width as H but with the different coded letter E.
How is the Letter H Exactly Measured?
As mentioned above, when the H size denotes the width of the shoes, it is usually designed to fit the foot with 4 11/16 inches wide (measured according to the widest part of the foot). However, H-width shoes are only common in men’s shoes. But you can find the letter E width is used for the same measurements as the letter H size in women’s shoes.
H As A Half Size
On the contrary, the H letter can also be considered half-sizes sometimes. It is probably that H stands for half. That is to say, if your feet are between-sized, such as between size 8 and size 9, then you can buy shoes with 9H size. This means 9.5, which allows for a more comfortable fit.
This size will ensure better performance of the shoes and allow you to experience a better fit. It not only prevents the shoe from rubbing against your toes or heel but also makes walking, jogging, or running much simpler and satisfying.
Generally, the half-size H shoes are more available in Europe and UK shoe stores. However, some US shops can also offer this size. You need to make sure that if the H refers to the width of the shoes or half size to ensure a perfect fit.
If you are wondering how much bigger half size up or down is in shoes, check out this guide on what is half size up or down in shoes. It’s important to know the difference as it can affect your comfort level and the overall fit of your shoes.
What About Other Shoe Widths?
So now you understand what H means in shoe size. But what about other letters that represent shoe widths, such as A, B, E, D, etc.?
These might make it a bit confusing for beginners, but it is not that complex. As a general rule of thumb, you can find the 9 main shoe widths used in the US shoe sizes, including AAA/3A, AA/2A, A, B, C, D, E, EE/2E, and EEE/3E.
Besides, you are all aware that the shoe width varies from person to person. However, there is a medium/standard width for women and men, which is B and D, respectively.
Below are the common shoe size letter charts for women, men, and children that you might want to look at when buying shoes online.
Women’s Shoe Size Letter Chart
| Letter | Width | Abbreviation |
| AAAA or 4A | Extra Narrow (or Super Slim) | ES, SS |
| AA or 2A | Narrow | N |
| B | Average or Medium | A or M |
| D | Wide | W |
| EE or 2E | Extra Wide | EW, XW, or WW |
Shoe width is just as essential as shoe length when it comes to choosing the right shoe size. This section explains the meaning of the letters E, EE, D, and DD found on the shoes that you purchase. Learn about the differences in width of these shoe sizes by reading our shoe width letters meaning article.
Men’s Shoe Size Letter Chart
| Letter | Width | Abbreviation |
| B | Narrow | N |
| D | Average or Medium | A or M |
| EE or 2E | Wide | W |
| EEEE or 4E | Extra Wide | EW, XW, or WW |
Children’s Shoe Size Letter Chart
| Letter | Width | Abbreviation |
| M | Average or Medium | M |
| W | Wide | W |
| XW | Extra Wide | XW, WW, OR EW |
Understanding shoe sizes can be challenging, especially for children’s shoes. If you see the letter “K” in your child’s shoe size, don’t be confused. This letter simply means that the shoe is a kid’s size, and it ranges from 5K to 13K, depending on the age and foot size of your child. Check out this article for more information on what the “K” means in shoe sizing and how to convert children’s shoe sizes.
What does D mean in shoe size?
For men’s shoes, D-width is considered a normal or standard shoe size. However, it is viewed as wide for females’ shoes (See: wide shoes size charts). So, what the measurement of the D width is. Generally, it is measured across the foot’s ball and is around 3 to 5 inches.
If you happen to see any shoes that are not designated with any width letter, the chances are high that the shoes come in a D width. But remember that this is only applied for men’s shoes as it is considered the medium or standard width for male’s shoes.
What does B mean in shoe size?
In contrast to the standard D width for men’s shoes, B-width shoes are usually seen as the standard or normal size for ladies. Nevertheless, it is extremely narrow for men’s shoes.
Usually, if a shoe is not labeled as thin or wide, it is likely that the shoe comes in a B width. Typically measured across the foot’s ball, B-width shoes are usually somewhere between 3.6 and 4.1 inches.
Sometimes, you will also see an M letter marked on shoes. The M width letter is often used instead of B, and both represent medium in women’s shoes. This depends on shoe brands or where you are going to purchase your shoes that you will find either B or M.
What does M mean in shoe size?
As stated previously, M sometimes is used in place of B when it comes to shoe width. It means normal or standard for ladies’ shoes. You can also happen to see B(m) written on shoes, which has the same meaning as B. On the other hand, D(m) is usually used as D and refers to the normal width in men’s shoes.
So, in this case, the letter M can help you differentiate between women’s and men’s normal/standard shoe width.
Can I wear a pair of H shoes if I have normal feet?
Even though an H shoe is considered normal size, it is typically designed for extra-wide feet. Therefore, if you have normal feet, you should wear shoes with B width (for women) or D width (for men).
In this case, H shoes might be too large for your normal feet. It creates an environment for your feet to move freely from side to side. As a result, there will not be enough stability to walk on different surfaces. Ankle rolling or injuries can be an extreme effect of this.
If you have questions about shoe size conversion charts, including H shoes, you can refer to shoe size conversion charts. These charts can help you understand the equivalent size of your H shoes in different regions.
Five Effective Ways to Correct Measurement for Your Feet
It is completely normal that no two feet have the same measurements. This makes it sometimes difficult to really understand the well-fitted shoe size. In other words, with the same length and width of the shoes, some people might find them perfectly fitted, while others can feel either slightly wider or narrower.
Therefore, it is something very subjective when it comes to the shoe fit. But don’t worry. The following simple guide will help you get your feet accurately measured so that you can know your exact shoe measurements.
- Be sure to try your shoes on at the end of the day. This might be because your feet tend to be a little bit wider because of swelling after walking, running, or all-day walking.
- Ideally, wear your shoes and stand on the carpet first before walking on a rough, uneven surface. By doing this, you can easily see how well they will fit without any marks of wear on the shoes.
- It is recommended to wear socks when trying on new shoes. So, next time buying new boots, don’t forget to wear the socks that you usually wear with your old shoes.
- Check the ease of slipping on if you are going to purchase pull-on boots. The new pair of shoes typically have a stiff sole, but they will become more flexible and soft over time.
- Your feet should feel slightly snug fit at the instep area but should never be too cramped or tight.
How to Measure the Shoe Width At Home?
So, now you know the different ways to get the most comfortably fitted shoes. Below is a pro tip for you to measure your feet at home.
- Firstly, stand on a flat floor with a piece of paper under your foot.
- Sketch the outline of your foot with a pen. Make sure the line is most close to your foot’s contour.
- Use a measuring tape to record the widest part of your foot.
If you want to measure the shoe width at home, you can follow our guide on how to measure shoe width and understand the meaning of each letter used for shoe width size measurement, such as E, EE, D, and DD. This can be helpful when looking for wide shoes size, as explained in our wide shoes size charts.
Conclusion
By far, the question “What does H mean in shoe size” has an answer. H refers to extra-wide fitting when it comes to shoe width. However, you can also come across shoes with an H letter labeled as a half size.
Next time you go shopping for a new pair of shoes, don’t forget to measure your foot’s length and width. Then, double-check with the shoe width charts above to ensure you choose the right fit.
