How to measure your feet? A step-by-step guide

Why is shoe size important?

Finding shoes that fit well can be a challenge. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, corns and calluses, and long term foot problems. That’s why knowing your accurate foot size is so important. 

What about width and depth?

Some foot conditions, such as oedema (swollen feet), bunions and hammer toes, can widen or deepen your feet. This means that more space (usually extra width and depth) is needed inside your shoe to accommodate your feet. This extra space will prevent pain from pressure or rubbing.

Therefore, never forget to measure the width of your feet, as you would be surprised how many of us fall within the ‘wider fit’ shoe category without realising it. There are also specialist footwear brands which offer shoes with a much wider selection of widths and depths, and range from EE (extra wide) to 8E (extremely wide and extremely deep). These will accommodate a wider range of foot types with more significant foot deformities. 

How can foot measurements be used when buying new shoes? 

You can compare your foot measurements to the shoe size charts of your chosen shoe brand. This means you can confidently see which size category you fit within, ensuring a perfect fit every time! 

Here’s a simple guide on how to measure your feet using a tape measure:

1. Gather Your supplies:

• A flexible tape measure: Ensure it’s long enough to measure your feet.
• A pen and paper: To record your measurements.

2. Prepare your feet:

• Wear thin socks or go barefoot: Avoid wearing thick socks, as they can affect the measurement.
• Stand upright: Where possible, ensure you’re standing tall and evenly balanced on both feet. 

3. Measure the length:

• Find the longest point: Place the heel of your foot against a wall.
• Extend the tape measure: Place the tip of the tape measure against the wall, aligning it with the back of your heel. 
• Measure to the longest toe: Extend the tape measure along the length of your foot to the longest toe. Note: This may not always be your big toe! 
• Record the measurement: Note down the length of your foot in inches or centimetres.
• Repeat for the other foot: Measure the length of your other foot as well.

4. Measure the width:

• Find the widest part: Locate the widest part of your foot, usually across the ball of your foot.
• Wrap the tape measure: Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your foot.
• Record the measurement: Note down the width of your foot in inches or centimetres. 
• Repeat for the other foot: Measure the width of your other foot as well.

Tips for the perfect fit:

• Measure both feet: As mentioned earlier, your feet may not be exactly the same size. Measure both and use the larger measurement as your guide.
• Measure at the end of the day: Your feet may swell slightly throughout the day, so measuring at the end of the day can give you a more accurate reading.
• Consider factors like arch type: If you have high arches, flat feet, or other foot conditions, you may need to consider these factors when choosing shoes. In these cases, more supportive shoe styles, such as trainers, may be a better choice for you. 
• Consider factors like insoles: If you often wear insoles, make sure you go for deeper shoes with plenty of room in the toe-box. Or better yet, shoes with removable inlays. This will ensure there is plenty of room in the shoe for both your foot and any additional insoles.

Remember: These measurements provide a general guideline. Always try on shoes before purchasing them to ensure a proper fit. If you are purchasing shoes online, wear them around the house for a day or two before wearing them outside. This way you can decide if they are comfortable or not before you fully commit to them. 

By following these simple steps, you can accurately measure your feet and find shoes that provide comfort, support and provide you with the best fit.