naming schemes for different widths of shoes and lasts
British Fittings
1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
On page 232 of Measuring and Obtaining Data from the Foot, F.Y. Golding claims that the numerical system of fittings came from the practice of producing narrow lasts by size-stick length, then building up by adding one or more leather bubbles on top, perhaps similar to what’s called shovers.
American System
- A, B, C, D, E, F
- extended:
- AA, AAA, AAAA, etc.
- EE, EEE, EEEE, etc.
Rubber Shoes
In rubber shoes the sizes run the same as in leather footwear, but with a different set of marks indicating widths. The complete list of width marks is: S-slim; N-narrow; M-medium; F-full; FF-extra full; W-wide, WW-extra wide. Many stores stock them only in N, M and F.
— The Shoe and Leather Lexicon, Fourth Edition, 1918