As a footwear expert with extensive knowledge in the industry, I am delighted to provide you with a comprehensive answer to your question.

When you see the letter "M" next to a shoe size, it typically denotes the medium width of the shoe. Shoe widths are an important aspect of fitting and comfort, and they are measured independently from the length of the shoe. The width of a shoe can significantly affect how well it fits and feels on your foot.

Shoe sizes are generally categorized into different width categories to accommodate the varying shapes of human feet. The most common width categories are as follows:

- Narrow (N): This width is less common and is designed for feet that are slimmer than average.
- Medium (M): This is the standard width for most shoes and is suitable for average-width feet.
- Wide (W or D): These letters indicate that the shoe is designed for feet that are wider than average. The terms "W" for "wide" and "D" for "double" are often used interchangeably in the industry.
- Extra Wide (WW or EE): These designations are for shoes that are made for feet that are significantly wider than the average width. "WW" stands for "wide wide," and "EE" is short for "extra extra."

It's important to note that the width designation does not affect the length of the shoe. A size 8M shoe and a size 8W shoe will have the same length but different widths. The width is crucial for ensuring that the shoe does not feel too tight or uncomfortable across the ball of the foot or the sides of the foot.

When selecting shoes, it's essential to consider both the length and the width to find the perfect fit. Many people are not aware of their foot width and may unknowingly wear shoes that are too narrow, leading to discomfort and potential health issues such as corns, calluses, and bunions. On the other hand, wearing shoes that are too wide can cause the foot to slide around inside the shoe, which can also lead to discomfort and blisters.

To determine your foot width, you can measure your feet at the widest part, usually across the ball of the foot, and compare it to a shoe width chart provided by the manufacturer or retailer. Some stores also offer professional fitting services to help you find the right shoe size and width.

In conclusion, the letter "M" next to a shoe size signifies a medium width, which is suitable for average-width feet. Understanding shoe widths and choosing the right one can greatly enhance comfort and prevent potential foot health issues.

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Our company carries wide and extra wide calf boots in many foot widths as well. These letters refer ONLY to the width of your feet, NOT the size of your calf. The letter --M-- refers to a medium width foot, the letters --W-- or --D-- refer to a wide width foot and the letters --WW-- or --EE-- refer to an extra wide width foot.read more >>