How to measure shoe size

Posted on 17 April, 2024 by Laci

This is the most simple and quickest method to find out your foot dimensions at home with just a few props.

How to measure shoe size at home

Reebok white platform sneakers

Tips:

  1. Levi's® Tijuana Black Espadrille Shoes
  2. Be barefoot or put on socks that you plan to wear with the new shoes
  3. Stand on a hard surface

logo-plaque thong-strap sandals Bianco

Tips:

  1. Levi's® Tijuana Black Espadrille Shoes
  2. stand straight with your weight equally distributed on both legs
  3. trace both feet because it’s normal for one to be longer than the other

Th Hardware Logo Cupsole Sneaker FW0FW06523

Tips:

  1. measure the distance between two most prominent points (from back of the heel to the end of the longest toe)
  2. Furla 85mm block-heel leather ankle boots
  3. use measurements of the longer foot

Find out your shoe size

To get the most accurate size, input your longer foot’s measurements and the brand you plan to purchase from. Our conversion tool contains the data zapatillas de running Skechers voladoras pie normal talla 37:

Disclaimer: There is no 100% guarantee of shoe size conversion. Our tool is based on the official size charts from brands. However, size may vary depending on the shoe type, model, materials, and your unique foot shape.

Consider foot width

If the shoe length is right but you often get frustrated with the fit of shoes in your regular size (needing extra space or a more snug fit), chances are you need an alternative width.

Shoe width is even more complicated than size (length) because brands don’t provide reference charts for this parameter. You can only get a general idea of a shoe’s width based on the letter indications “B,” “D,” “2E,” etc.:

 

Width Women’s Men’s
4A (AAAA) Extra Narrow -
2A (AA) Narrow Extra Narrow
B Medium Narrow
D Wide Medium
2E (EE) Extra Wide Wide
4E (EEEE) XX-Wide Extra Wide
6E (EEEEEE) - XX-Wide

 

Because there is no universal standard, it’s nearly impossible to determine the right width without trying the shoe on. But the rule of thumb is that there is approximately an ⅛ inch (3.18 mm) difference between widths.

The good news is that companies like Skechers, New Balance, Saucony, and Brooks often release their models in multiple width options.

How to know if the fit is right

Running shoes, gym trainers, sneakers, Reebok white platform sneakers:

  • Heel: locked in and not slipping out when you bend the foot, walk, or run
  • logo-plaque thong-strap sandals Bianco
  • Toebox: there is a thumb’s width space between your longest toe and the shoe’s front and the toes have enough room to splay sideways without pressure

Trigreca low-top chunky sneakers Bianco track spikes, cycling shoes, and climbing footwear will have different fit standards as they require a snug, second-skin-like fit.

 

Sneakers J Kathe G.

Don’t rely on a break-in period to change the fit significantly.

Some issues like heel slipping, discomfort due to high arches, or a tendency to foot swelling can be helped with a customized lacing technique.

Measure your feet every year

And right before looking for new shoes.

Life is dynamic and so are our bodies and feet. A multitude of factors can impact your foot dimensions over time:

  • significantly increased or decreased physical activity
  • Trekker Boots SKECHERS Woodrock 51705 BBK Black 
  • gaining weight
  • pregnancy

It can be hard to acknowledge that you need to get a full size bigger but a well-fitting shoe is key to your comfort and health.

Insole length does not determine shoe size

We have measured the insole length of 20+ running shoes in our lab, all in men’s US size 9.

The range goes from 271 to 287 mm (16 mm discrepancy!). We observed that the insole can be longer or shorter depending on the shoe’s toebox shape.

So, if you don’t have a chance to measure your feet, it is safer to reference the CM/CHN/JP/Mondo measurement listed on the shoe that fits you well.

Author
Laci
Laci
Laci is a contemporary dancer turned shoe aficionado. She is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to athletic shoes, size conversions and details people nitpick about footwear. She keeps the CerbeShops content gears turning 24/7. And she walks 20miles/week.