It's Sunday morning and you suddenly get the urge to buy new shoes. Shopping online offers incredible convenience, but there's one challenge: getting the perfect fit without trying them on first.
Research shows that up to 72% of people wear shoes that don't fit properly, which can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot problems. The good news? Finding your perfect size is simple when you know how to measure correctly.
Whether you're buying custom sneakers or everyday shoes, accurate measurements ensure comfort and confidence. Here's your complete guide to measuring your feet at home.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your feet at the end of the day when they're largest
- Trace both feet and use measurements from the larger one
- Measure both length and width for the best fit
- Check size charts carefully as sizing varies between brands and countries
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Choose the right shoe width for your foot type
When to Measure Your Feet
Timing matters more than you might think. Your feet naturally swell throughout the day, reaching their largest size by evening. The best practice would be to measure your feet at the end of the day for the most accurate results. This ensures your shoes will be comfortable even when your feet are at their fullest.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple tools:
- Pencil or pen
- Ruler or tape measure
- Tape
- Two pieces of paper (as long as each foot fits)
- The socks you plan to wear with your shoes
Instructions How to Determine Shoe Size
Follow these seven simple steps to get accurate measurements every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Make sure you have enough clean, flat floor space to work comfortably. Then, tape a piece of paper to a hard floor, next to the wall, securing all corners and edges.
Choose a hard surface to prevent the paper from slipping while you trace. You’ll make accurate measurements if the paper is properly fastened.
Step 2: Position Your Foot Correctly
Place your foot flat on the paper with your heel slightly touching the wall behind you. Keep your leg with a slight bend and ensure that your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
You can stand, sit in a chair, or crouch down, whatever feels most comfortable while keeping your foot flat. You can also wear the same socks you’ll wear with your new shoes.
Step 3: Trace Your Foot Outline
With your pencil pointed straight down (perpendicular to the floor), carefully trace the complete outline of your foot. Keep the pencil as close to your foot as possible and move slowly for better accuracy. Do the same process for both feet. Do take note that it is completely normal for one foot to be slightly larger than the other.
To get better results, have someone help you. But if you're doing this alone, take your time and be extra careful.
Step 4: Measure Foot Length
Know your foot length by measuring the distance from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. Your longest toe is not always the big toe, so make sure you take a look and measure with the correct toe.
Shoe brands can also vary in their internal shoe lengths, so always measure in inches and millimeters.
Step 5: Measure Foot Width
Measure the width of your foot at its widest point, usually at the ball of your foot or the area where your big toe is connected. You can place a ruler or tape measure beneath the widest part of your foot. You can also measure the distance between the left and right edges of your traced outline.
Getting the right foot width is important for comfort. If you're between widths, consider going for the wider one for comfort. Different shoe styles also come in different widths.
Step 6: Find Your Size Using a Shoe Size Chart
Take your length and width measurements and match them to a shoe size guide. If you're measuring from your traced lines, subtract 3/16 of an inch (about 5mm) from each measurement. This accounts for the small gap between the pencil line and your actual foot.
There are variations between the U.S., UK, European, Asian shoe sizing systems. Always check which system the brand uses before ordering. For shoes with insole sizing, remember these refer to internal shoe length, not foot length. Your shoe's internal length should be at least 5mm larger than your foot for comfortable toe space. For example, if your foot measures 263mm, look for a 268mm or the next size closest to it.
For Shoe Zero, here’s our size guide for the Classic Zero.
Step 7: Choose the Right Shoe Width
Selecting the proper shoe width is vital for foot health and comfort. Here's how to find your perfect match:
For Narrow Feet:
- Look for shoes labeled "Narrow" or "Slim"
- These provide a snug, secure fit
- Prevents your foot from sliding around
For Medium-Width Feet:
- Most shoes are designed for average width so they are easier to find
- Check for adequate arch support and cushioning
- Try before you buy when possible
For Wide Feet:
- Search for shoes labeled "Wide" or "W"
- These offer extra room in the toe box and midfoot
- Reduces pressure points and discomfort
- Look for stretchy materials or adjustable features
For Extra-Wide Feet:
- Look for shoes labeled "Extra Wide," "2E," or "4E"
- They are essential for preventing pinching and pain
- Many athletic brands offer these options
How to Know if Your Shoes Fit Correctly
Once you receive your new shoes, here's how to verify they fit properly:
Toe Box Test
- Have a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe
- Your toes should be able to wiggle and splay naturally
- There should be no pinching or pressure on your big toe or pinky toe
Heel Test
- Your heel should be locked in place
- There should be no slipping when you walk or bend your foot
- The back of the shoe should cup your heel comfortably
Midfoot Test
- The shoe should feel snug but not tight
- There should be no pinching across the ball of your foot
- You shouldn't feel pressure points
Taking a Walk
- Take a short walk around
- Pay attention to any rubbing or discomfort
- The shoe should feel comfortable immediately
Now that you know your exact measurements, you can create custom shoes at Shoe Zero with complete confidence. Design fully customizable sneakers, boots, sandals, or any style you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Measure My Shoe Size?
Measure your feet at least once a year. Your foot size can change due to weight fluctuations, age, pregnancy, physical activity levels, and foot conditions like bunions or arthritis.
Can I Use an Online Shoe Size Calculator?
Online calculators can be helpful starting points, but they vary in accuracy. For the most precise measurements, manually measure your feet using the steps outlined above.
If you do use a calculator, verify the results by comparing them to the brand's specific size chart.
What If My Feet Are Different Sizes?
Having feet with different sizes is completely normal. Almost everyone has slightly different-sized feet. Always choose the size that fits your larger foot comfortably.
For the smaller foot, you can use insoles, padding, or thicker socks to fine-tune the fit.
What Should I Do If I Fall Between Two Sizes?
When your measurements land between two sizes on the chart, choose the larger size. A slightly roomier shoe is more comfortable than one that's too tight.
You can always adjust the fit using thicker socks, cushioned insoles, heel grips, and use of lacing techniques for a more customized fit.
Should I Measure Both Feet Even If I Think They're the Same Size?
Absolutely! It's extremely rare for both feet to be exactly the same size. Most people have a size difference of at least a half size, and some people's feet differ by a full size or more.
Always measure both feet and use the measurements from the larger foot when selecting your shoe size.
Do I Need to Measure My Feet If I Already Know My Size?
Yes, for several important reasons:
- Your foot size changes over time
- Different brands fit differently
- Custom shoes require accurate measurements
- Online shopping without trying on requires precision
- Foot width matters as much as length
Even if you've been wearing the same size for years, it's worth verifying your measurements to ensure optimal comfort and foot health.
