Bowling Shoes for Wide Feet: How to Find the Right Fit
How shoe widths such as D, 2E and 4E are labelled, how to measure your foot width, and what to look for when choosing bowling shoes for wide feet.
Tina Mendo
If you have wide feet, the right length alone does not make a bowling shoe fit. A shoe that is too narrow presses on the forefoot and little toe, and over a long session that affects both comfort and concentration. This guide explains how shoe widths are labelled, how to measure your foot width and what to look for when choosing bowling shoes for wide feet.
How shoe widths are labelled
In the US system, width is given as a letter after the size. The standard width is D for men and B for women. Wider widths are marked with more Es: for men, 2E (also written EE) counts as wide and 4E as extra wide. For women, D is already a wide width. Each step corresponds to roughly 5 mm more width at the ball of the foot.
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | D | B |
| Wide | 2E / EE | D |
| Extra wide | 4E | 2E |
Bowling retailers often simply label their shoes "wide width" or "W". Check the product details to see which width is meant.
How to measure your foot width
- Stand on a sheet of paper with your full weight on the foot, ideally in the socks you bowl in.
- Trace the outline of your foot with a pencil held upright.
- Measure the widest point, usually across the ball of the foot.
- Measure both feet. If they differ, choose the size for the larger foot.
For converting between US, EU and UK sizes, see our bowling shoe size guide.
Signs your bowling shoes are too narrow
- The upper bulges visibly at the sides of the forefoot.
- Your little toe or the outer forefoot is red or numb after bowling.
- Blisters form on the ball of the foot or on the little toe.
- Your foot only feels comfortable once you take the shoes off.
If you notice these signs, try a wider width or a different model.
Brands with wide-width bowling shoes
Several bowling shoe brands offer some of their models in wide width, including Dexter, Brunswick, KR Strikeforce, Hammer, 3G and Linds. The choice ranges from athletic shoes with the same sole on both feet to performance shoes with interchangeable soles. Which models and sizes are available in wide width varies by brand and retailer.
Insoles and orthotics
If you wear your own insoles or orthotics, choose a shoe with a removable insole so the insert can replace it. Take the insert with you when trying on shoes, because it changes how much room your foot has.
Leather uppers and BOWLIO
A leather upper gives with wear: the more often you wear the shoes, the softer the leather becomes and the more comfortable they feel.
BOWLIO bowling shoes have a genuine leather upper, a full-length leather sole with a slide sole under both shoes and a removable insole. They run true to size, and the sizes are listed in EU, US and JP, including women's sizes.
Checklist for wide feet
- Measure the width at the ball of the foot, not just the length.
- Measure both feet and fit the larger one.
- Check which width a label such as "wide" or "W" refers to.
- Choose a removable insole if you use orthotics.
- Try shoes on in the socks you bowl in.
Further reading: Bowling shoe buying guide · Breaking in bowling shoes