German WMS Shoe Size & Width System
The gold standard for children's footwear in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Learn how to calculate W (Wide), M (Medium), and S (Narrow) widths using 3D millimeter measurements.
Instant WMS Width Calculator
Input foot length and ball circumference in millimeters (weight-bearing)
We will calculate the EU shoe size and WMS width category.
What is the German WMS System?
Developed in 1974 by the Deutsches Schuhinstitut (German Shoe Institute - DSI) in Offenbach, the Weiten-Maß-System (WMS) was engineered to prevent widespread pediatric foot damage. Orthopedic studies revealed that over 60% of kindergarten children wore improperly sized footwear—often the right length, but far too narrow or wide.
Under WMS standards, children's shoes are engineered in 3 distinct anatomical volumes:
For Slender, Low-Volume Feet
Prevents heel slippage and prevents toes from clawing forward to hold on to loose footwear.
Standard Anatomical Proportion
Fits approximately 68% of children with standard heel width and instep height.
Chubby Feet & High Insteps
Provides extra ball circumference and vertical clearance so straps close without restricting circulation.
Official WMS Sizing & Width Table (mm)
Reference table based on German Shoe Institute (DSI) millimeter guidelines for barefoot length and corresponding ball circumference:
| EU Size | Foot Length (mm) | Narrow S (max mm) | Medium M (range mm) | Wide W (min mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU 18 | 110 mm | ≤ 118 mm | 119 – 126 mm | ≥ 127 mm |
| EU 20 | 123 mm | ≤ 126 mm | 127 – 134 mm | ≥ 135 mm |
| EU 22 | 137 mm | ≤ 133 mm | 134 – 142 mm | ≥ 143 mm |
| EU 24 | 150 mm | ≤ 141 mm | 142 – 150 mm | ≥ 151 mm |
| EU 26 | 163 mm | ≤ 148 mm | 149 – 158 mm | ≥ 159 mm |
| EU 28 | 177 mm | ≤ 156 mm | 157 – 166 mm | ≥ 167 mm |
| EU 30 | 190 mm | ≤ 164 mm | 165 – 174 mm | ≥ 175 mm |
| EU 32 | 203 mm | ≤ 171 mm | 172 – 182 mm | ≥ 183 mm |
| EU 34 | 217 mm | ≤ 179 mm | 180 – 190 mm | ≥ 191 mm |
| EU 36 | 230 mm | ≤ 187 mm | 188 – 198 mm | ≥ 199 mm |
How European Brands Label WMS Shoes
Brands certified under WMS license often print secondary Roman numerals or letter combinations on shoeboxes and tongue labels:
- Superfit (Austria): Uses codes such as M IV (standard medium), W V (wide), or W VI (extra wide volume for plump toddler insteps).
- Ricosta & Pepino: Labeled with distinct colored badges (Green for Weit, Blue for Mittel, Yellow for Schmal).
- Elefanten (Deichmann): Uses the red elephant logo with clearly printed W, M, or S icons directly on the inner sole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small questions. Clear answers.
Helpful fit allowances, measuring wisdom, and sizing advice for parents.
What does the German WMS shoe system mean for children?
WMS stands for 'Weiten-Maß-System' (Width Measurement System), a recognized pediatric footwear standard developed by the German Shoe Institute (DSI). Unlike simple length sizing, WMS accounts for three-dimensional foot volume by measuring ball circumference and classifying shoes into Narrow (S - Schmal), Medium (M - Mittel), and Wide (W - Weit).
How do I measure foot ball circumference for WMS width?
Have your child stand upright with full body weight evenly distributed. Wrap a flexible tailor's tape measure around the widest part of the foot across the joints of the big toe and pinky toe. Record the circumference in exact millimeters.
How much growth space (Zuwachsraum) is required in WMS shoes?
WMS certification mandates an internal clearance of 12 mm to 17 mm (approx. 0.5 to 0.7 inches) beyond the longest toe. This includes 6 mm of roll-off space ('Abrollraum') for dynamic foot elongation while walking, plus 6 mm to 11 mm of growth allowance ('Zuwachsraum').
Which children's brands build shoes according to WMS standards?
Leading European manufacturers certified by WMS include Superfit (Austria, labeled M IV for medium or W VI for wide), Ricosta & Pepino (Germany), Elefanten (Deichmann), Däumling, and Lurchi.
Why is shoe length alone insufficient for developing kids' feet?
Roughly 32% of children deviate significantly from average foot volume—having either slender or exceptionally plump feet. A shoe with correct length but incorrect width forces toes to squeeze inward (causing hallux valgus) or allows the heel to slip unstably, leading to clawing toe deformities.