How to Determine Your Shoe Size for a Flawless Fit Every Time

We all think we know our shoe size, right? If we were to ask you what it is, you’d likely respond without hesitation (or toss out a foot-related joke). However, research suggests that many of us are mistaken about our actual shoe size. According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, a staggering 88% of women wear shoes that are too small, while 70% of men frequently sport the wrong size. Surprised? This might explain why our feet often feel uncomfortable. You may be wondering how this is even possible—so let’s delve into how to find the right sneakers that won’t cramp your toes.

The tendency to wear incorrect shoe sizes often stems from the fact that sizes vary from brand to brand. We usually opt for what seems closest to comfortable—even if that means being off by half a size or more. As Truvy from Steel Magnolias famously said, “In a good shoe, I wear a size six, but a seven feels so good, I buy a size eight.” How true is that?

Another reason we might be in the wrong size is that measuring your feet can feel daunting. But don’t fret; we are here to guide you through the process.

How to Measure Shoe Size?

As a child, you may have had your feet measured at a store using a Brannock Device. Many upscale shoe retailers still use this tool to ensure the perfect fit, especially if you’re investing in a high-quality pair of shoes.

Before the Brannock Device was patented in 1928, people relied on wooden blocks to measure their shoe sizes. Charles Brannock, whose father was in the shoe industry, sought to improve upon this method. He crafted a device from an Erector set that features adjustable knobs for heel and width measurements. In the American sizing system, a men’s size one measures 7-2/3 inches, with each subsequent size adding an additional 1/3 inch. Widths are measured linearly in increments of 3/16 of an inch, with several width options available (AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, and EEE). The introduction of the Brannock Device significantly increased measurement accuracy by up to 97%.

While it may seem complex, using a Brannock Device is quite straightforward, and you may find out for yourself during your next visit to a quality shoe store.

How Can I Measure My Shoe Size at Home?

You can definitely purchase a Brannock Device for at-home measurements, but it’s not necessary. All you need are:

Two sheets of paper
A pen or pencil
Some tape
A ruler
Ideally, another person to help (though it can also be a solo task)

Start by wearing the socks you’ll typically use with the shoes you’re considering. For example, if you plan to wear tights with heels, don those. If you’re shopping for winter boots, put on your thickest socks. It’s best to measure your feet later in the day when they are at their widest due to natural swelling from daily activity.

Once you have everything ready, follow these steps:

Tape one piece of paper to the floor and the other to the wall to ensure stability.
Stand on the paper with your heel against the wall.
Have someone trace your foot’s outline, keeping the pencil upright for accuracy.
Measure the length and width in both centimeters and inches.
Repeat the process for both feet, as they can often differ in size.

Alternatively, you can measure the length and width directly with a ruler or tape measure without outlining your foot, though this may be less precise.

To find your shoe size based on your measurements, refer to a conversion chart. If you’re curious, check out this other blog post for more insights.

Is There a Shoe Size Calculator?

Whether you use a Brannock Device or the at-home method, you’ll need to interpret your measurements into standard shoe sizes. Shoe size charts are readily available, allowing you to convert your measurements for men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes, as well as European sizing for online shopping.

For a quick reference, consider these charts:

Note: When purchasing children’s shoes, it’s wise to go up half a size, as their feet grow rapidly.

How Do You Know If a Shoe Fits?

To ensure a perfect fit, you should have about one finger’s width of space between the end of the shoe and your longest toe. The shoe shouldn’t press against your toes to prevent blisters or discomfort. Additionally, there should be enough space at the back of the shoe to fit a finger comfortably.

What Happens if You Wear the Wrong Size Shoes?

Wearing improperly sized shoes can lead to various foot problems, including calluses, corns, hammertoes, bunions, and blisters. It can also make walking or running uncomfortable and increase the risk of falls.

How to Stretch Shoes That Are Too Small?

If you find yourself stuck with a pair of shoes that are too small, there are a few techniques to stretch them:

Hair Dryer Method: Wear thick socks and put on the shoes. Use a hair dryer to heat the tight areas, ensuring you don’t linger too long in one spot.
Freezing Method: Fill a sandwich bag with water and place it in your shoes. When the water freezes, it will expand and stretch the shoe. Let it thaw before removing the bag, and repeat until you reach the desired fit.

This article first appeared on Aug. 5, 2021. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, you can refer to the CDC.

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Summary:

Understanding how to measure your shoe size accurately is crucial for finding the perfect fit. Many people unknowingly wear the wrong size, leading to discomfort and foot problems. Using a Brannock Device or a simple at-home method with paper and a pencil can help you get your accurate measurements. Always consider the socks you’ll wear and measure later in the day for the best results. Remember to consult size charts for conversion, and ensure a proper fit to avoid potential foot issues.