Finding Your Perfect Fit

Finding the right shoe is about more than choosing a size. Every foot is unique, and factors like width, shape, shoe construction, and personal comfort all play a role in achieving the best fit.

Getting Started Measurement Understanding Shoe Fit Common Questions Sizing Assistance Why Hitchcock?
Good to Know:
Many first-time Hitchcock customers end up with a different size than they originally expected, and that is perfectly normal. Our goal is to help you find the combination of length and width that feels best.

Getting Started

New to Hitchcock?

Many first-time customers discover that the size they have worn for years is not necessarily the size that fits them best.

Different manufacturers use different lasts and sizing standards, so your size in the Hitchcock brand may vary from what you wear in another brand. The first pair is about finding your best fit. Once we know what works for you, future ordering is usually much easier. 

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Start with a Professional Measurement

Our recommendation:
Visit a reputable shoe store and have your feet measured using a Brannock Device. A professional measurement provides the most reliable starting point because it measures both the length and width of your feet.
1

Get Measured

Visit a reputable shoe store and ask to have both feet measured using a Brannock Device.

2

Gather Information

Know your current size, width, brand, style, and where your current shoes feel tight or loose.

3

Let Us Help

Our Customer Service team can use that information to recommend the best starting point.

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Understanding Shoe Fit

What Is a Shoe Last?

A shoe last is the form over which a shoe is built. It determines the shoe's overall shape, depth, width, and fit.

Because few manufacturers produce shoes wider than EE, Hitchcock developed specialized lasts that allow us to offer footwear in widths up to 8E while maintaining proper shape and comfort.

Why Width Also Changes Length

One of the biggest misconceptions about shoe sizing is that increasing the width only makes the shoe wider. In reality, shoe sizes are proportionally graded.

Moving to a wider width may also slightly increase the overall length of the shoe. Likewise, increasing the length of a shoe also provides additional room through the forefoot.

Finding your best fit may take a little trial and error.
Even with a professional measurement and experienced guidance, every person's feet are unique. Sometimes the best fit is confirmed only after trying on the shoes.

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Common Questions About Fit

"I just need a wider shoe."
Not always. Because shoe sizes are proportionally graded, changing width may also affect the length that fits best.
"I've always worn the same size."
Finding the perfect fit starts with accurate measurements. Sizing can vary between manufacturers and even between different styles within the same brand. Since the size and shape of your feet can also change over time, we recommend having your feet professionally measured if you haven't done so recently. This can help you choose the size that's right for you.
"A foot tracing tells me everything."
A foot tracing provides limited information. A professional Brannock measurement is a better starting point.
"Can Customer Service tell me exactly what size to order?"
We will always do our best to help. Our recommendations are based on the information you provide and our experience with wide footwear, but they should be considered a starting point rather than a guarantee.
"Why might my first order require an exchange?"
Every person's feet are unique. Even with a professional measurement, the best fit can sometimes only be confirmed by trying the shoes on. Once your Hitchcock fit is established, future orders are usually much easier.

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Personalized Sizing Assistance

Before Contacting Customer Service

To help us recommend the best starting point, please have the following information available whenever possible:

  • Your Brannock Device measurement
  • Your current shoe size and width
  • The brand and style you currently wear
  • Where your current shoes feel tight or loose
  • Whether you wear orthotics or inserts

A Note About Sizing

While our Customer Service team has many years of experience assisting customers with wide footwear, we are not licensed shoe fitters. Our recommendations are based on the information provided and should be considered a starting point rather than a guarantee of fit.

Proper shoe fitting depends on many factors, including accurate measurements, foot shape, shoe construction, orthotics, socks, and personal comfort preferences. Because of these variables, we cannot guarantee sizing recommendations, and Hitchcock Shoe is not responsible for return shipping costs or other expenses resulting from inaccurate measurements, sizing recommendations, or personal fit preferences.

Please refer to our Returns & Exchanges page for complete policy information.

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Why Customers Trust Hitchcock

Wide footwear is not just part of what we do. It is what we have done since 1951.
Helping customers find comfortable, properly fitting shoes has always been at the heart of Hitchcock. Whether you are ordering your first pair or your fiftieth, we are here to help guide you every step of the way.

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Need Help?

Our Customer Service team is happy to assist you Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm EST

Email:
hitchcock@wideshoes.com

Phone:
888-599-9433

We typically respond to emails within one business day.