Is M the same as D in shoes?

For men, yes. M = medium = D. For women, M = medium = B. The N/M/W/XW system simplifies the gendered B/D ambiguity by using the same letters for all genders.

Roughly. W (wide) for men is typically equivalent to E (one width up from D). Some brands use W to mean 2E (two up from D). Always check the specific brand's chart in mm to confirm.

Which brands use N/M/W/XW?

Brooks, New Balance, Saucony often use both letter and word systems. Comfort brands (SAS, Drew, Propet) prefer N/M/W/XW. Most fashion shoes use letter system (B for women, D for men) only.

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Sizing decoded May 26, 2026 3 min read

What Do N, M, W, XW Mean in Shoes?

Q: What do N, M, W, XW mean in shoes?

N = narrow. M = medium (default). W = wide. XW = extra wide. It's an alternative to the letter system (B, D, EE, 4E). Same widths, different notation. Many comfort and athletic brands use both notations.

Q: Is XW the same as 4E?

Usually. XW (extra wide) is typically 2E or 4E in the letter system. Brand-specific. Some brands offer XXW (extra-extra wide) which equals 4E or 6E.

Same as the letter system (B/D/EE/4E), just with words. N narrow, M medium, W wide, XW extra wide. Here's how to convert.

The Conversion Table

Word notation	Men's letter	Women's letter	mm at men's 9
XN (extra narrow)	AA / 2A	AA	88mm
N (narrow)	B	A	94mm
M (medium)	D	B	100mm
W (wide)	E or 2E	D	103-106mm
XW (extra wide)	2E or 4E	E or 2E	106-113mm
XXW (extra-extra wide)	4E or 6E	4E	113-119mm

Brand-specific. Some brands map W = E; others map W = 2E. Always check brand chart in mm.

When You'll See N/M/W/XW

Athletic / running brands: Brooks, New Balance, Saucony often use both notations. Easier for cross-gender shoes.

Comfort brands: SAS, Drew, Propet, Apex use N/M/W/XW exclusively. Simpler for older customers.

Orthopedic shoes: Almost universally N/M/W/XW system.

Fashion shoes: Rarely use this system. Stick with B (women) / D (men).

Children's shoes: Some use N/M/W; most use letter system.

FAQs

What do N, M, W, XW mean?

Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide.

Is M the same as D?

For men yes. For women, M = B.

Is W the same as 2E?

Often. Some brands W = E. Check specific chart.

Is XW the same as 4E?

Usually. Brand-specific.

Brands that use N/M/W/XW?

Brooks, New Balance, SAS, Drew, comfort brands.

Find Your Width Letter

For more on shoe widths see D width; B width; EE/2E/4E; measure your foot.

Selling shoes on Shopify? Show width clearly.

Tailor Size Guide adds width-letter matching across both notation systems.

Install the Shopify app Read the docs