The abbreviation “EW” in the context of shoe sizing designates an Extra Wide width. This width is designed to accommodate feet that are significantly broader than average. As an example, a shoe labeled as “10 EW” would be a size 10 shoe manufactured with the extra wide width specification.
Correct shoe width is essential for foot comfort and health. Footwear that is too narrow can cause blisters, bunions, and other foot problems. The availability of Extra Wide widths allows individuals with broader feet to find shoes that provide a comfortable and supportive fit. Historically, shoe sizing focused primarily on length, with limited attention to width variations. The increased recognition of the importance of width has led to broader adoption of width designations like EW.