On the surface, finding your correct shoe size may seem like a simple task. All you need to do is measure the length of your foot, run the number through a chart provided by the brand of your choice, and pick a pair for yourself.
However, there are many nuances involved in the process. If you are not wary of them, you will always end up with an ill-fitted pair of shoes. Here is a sneak peek of the nuances involved:
- What unit system to use to measure your foot?
- How to measure the actual length of your foot?
- How to convert the number into shoe sizes of different regions?
- How often should you measure your foot?
- What time of the day should you measure your foot?
Do not fret. Measuring your foot is not a complicated process despite the nuances involved. Just go by this guide, and you will be fine.
Here Is How to Measure Your Foot for the Right Shoe Size
We will start finding your shoe size by measuring the ACTUAL LENGTH of your foot. For this to achieve, you will need a few supplies handy first. Here are the things you will need:
- A pen or pencil.
- A few sheets of A4 size copier paper.
- A ruler or measuring tape.
- A roll of duct tape.
Measure the Actual Length of Your Foot
Before you begin, always remember to measure your foot in centimeters only instead of inches. This will result in greater accuracy and help you get a more snug fit. Here is how to measure it right:
- Place two copier sheets on the floor.
- Fix them to the floor using duct tape.
- Place your right foot on one of the sheets.
- Put two marks on the paper- one right behind the heel and another right at the end of your largest toe.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for your left foot.
- Get off the sheets and measure the distance between the two marks on both sheets.
- The larger of the two measurements will be your ACTUAL FOOT LENGTH.
Convert the Actual Length of Your Foot Into Right Shoe Sizes
You have the most important data about your foot- the actual length. Now is the time to convert it into shoe sizes of different regions worldwide. Consult the chart below to find your right shoe size:
| Actual Length (cm) | US/CA Size | UK Size | EU Size |
| 24.4 | 7 | 6 | 40 |
| 24.8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 40-41 |
| 25.2 | 8 | 7 | 41 |
| 25.7 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 41-42 |
| 26 | 9 | 8 | 42 |
| 26.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 42-43 |
| 26.8 | 10 | 9 | 43 |
| 27.3 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 43-44 |
| 27.8 | 11 | 10 | 44 |
| 28.3 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 44-45 |
| 28.6 | 12 | 11 | 45 |
| 29.2 | 12.5 | 11.5 | 45-46 |
| 29.4 | 13 | 12 | 46 |
Tip: Once you have found your right shoe size, you can use your shoe number to find your right socks size.
3 Golden Rules to Measure Your Foot
As you saw, it is not complicated at all to measure your foot and find your shoe size. But, the devil is in the details. Here are the three things to care about when measuring your foot. They can make or break your efforts:
Measure Your Foot Every Time You Buy New Shoes
You must measure your foot anew every time you buy new shoes. You can not rely on your last measurement or your old shoes to buy new ones.
Foot length changes throughout the lifetime of a person. Gravity, age, gait, lax ligaments are a few factors that cause this change in the foot shape. (source)
Moreover, it is a quick job to measure your foot length. Thus, it rules out any reason to skip this important step.
Measure Your Foot During the Late Afternoon
Do not measure your foot first thing in the morning. Late afternoon is the most appropriate time of the day to measure your foot length.
The reason is that your feet get bigger with heat when the sun is up in the sky. So, your morning measurement becomes invalid as the day advances. (source)
Measure Your Foot With Your Regular Socks On
Always measure your foot length with your regular socks or stockings on.
We do not want to leave any stone unturned to get a pair of shoes that wrap around your feet like a second skin. So, measure your foot length with your socks on.
Final Words
I am certain that if you go by the guide and follow all the steps to the tee, you will get yourself a super snug pair of shoes.
It takes only under fifteen minutes to perform the activity, and the supplies needed are also not very costly. So, I see no reason to skip this step. After all, quality shoes are not cheap.
The right shoe size comes with a ripple effect as well. It will enhance your comfort, stability, and performance at work too.
Hope the guide was useful. Thank you!