How to Measure Your Shoe Size at Home (With Size Chart)
Shoes that fit well feel great. Shoes that do not fit can cause blisters, sore toes, and pain. Many people buy shoes online, so it is important to know your exact size. The good news is that you can measure your foot at home with only paper, a pen, and a ruler.
Why Your Shoe Size Can Be Wrong
Many people have worn the same size for years. But feet change. They get wider with age, weight, and pregnancy. Also, different brands use different sizes. So the number on your old shoes may not be right for a new pair. It is worth measuring again.
What You Need
- A sheet of paper, bigger than your foot
- A pen or pencil
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A wall or a flat surface
- The socks you plan to wear with the shoes
Step by Step: Measure Your Foot Length
- Place the paper on a hard floor with one edge against a wall.
- Wear your socks and stand on the paper. Put your heel against the wall.
- Keep your weight on both feet and stand straight.
- Ask a friend to mark the tip of your longest toe. This may be your big toe or second toe.
- Step off the paper.
- Measure the distance from the wall edge to the mark, in centimeters.
- Repeat for the other foot. Use the bigger number.
Step by Step: Measure Your Foot Width
Trace around your foot on the paper. Find the widest part, usually across the ball of the foot. Measure the distance between the two sides. If your shoes often feel tight even when the length is right, your feet may be wide. Look for shoes labeled "wide fit".
Shoe Size Chart
| Foot length (cm) | EU size | UK size | US women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.1 | 35 | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| 22.8 | 36 | 3.5 | 5.5 |
| 23.5 | 37 | 4 | 6 |
| 24.1 | 38 | 5 | 7 |
| 24.8 | 39 | 6 | 8 |
| 25.4 | 40 | 6.5 | 8.5 |
| 26.0 | 41 | 7.5 | 9.5 |
This chart is a guide. Brands can differ, so always check the seller's size chart. For men, a rough rule is that the US men's size is about one more than the UK size.
Add Room for Your Toes
Your shoe should be about 1 centimeter longer than your foot. This gives your toes space to move. If you are buying sports shoes, add a little more, since feet swell when you run or walk a lot.
The Best Time to Measure
Measure your feet in the evening. Feet swell during the day, so they are biggest at night. A shoe that fits in the evening will be comfortable all day.
Tips for Different Types of Shoes
- Sandals and heels: Choose your normal size. Your toes should not hang over the edge.
- Sports shoes: Pick a half size bigger for extra room.
- Boots: Allow space for thick socks.
- Pointed shoes: You may need a half size bigger, since the toe box is narrow.
- Kids' shoes: Leave 1.5 centimeters of growing space, and check every three months.
Signs That Your Shoes Do Not Fit
- Your toes touch the front of the shoe
- Your heel slips up and down
- You get red marks or blisters
- Your feet feel numb or tingly
- The shoe bends in the wrong place
Buying Shoes Online Safely
- Write down your foot length and width.
- Find the size chart of the brand.
- Read reviews about whether the shoes run small or large.
- Check the return policy before you pay.
- Try shoes on indoors first, so you can return them if needed.
Match Your Shoes With Your Outfit
When you find the right size, pick shoes that suit your clothes. Gold or beige sandals look good with warm colors. Silver or white shoes go well with cool tones. Read about the best colors for your skin tone for more ideas. Planning a new dress to go with them? Try our fabric calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is one foot bigger than the other?
This is normal. Most people have one foot slightly larger. Buy shoes that fit the bigger foot.
Can I use a ring size method for feet?
No. Feet need a length and a width, not a circle. If you want to learn about rings, read how to find your ring size at home.
How often should I measure my feet?
Measure once a year, or after pregnancy, weight change, or an injury.
What if I am between two sizes?
Choose the larger size and add a soft insole if it feels loose.
How to Take Care of Your Feet and Shoes
Good fit also depends on good care. Wash your feet daily and dry them well, especially between the toes. Wear clean socks every day, and pick cotton socks in hot weather. Let your shoes rest for a day between wears so they can dry and keep their shape. Clean the insides with a soft cloth now and then. If your shoes smell, place them in a dry, airy spot with a little baking soda inside overnight.
Shoe Sizes for Kids and Teens
Children's feet grow quickly, sometimes a full size in just a few months. Measure their feet every three months. Do not buy shoes that are too big hoping they will last, since loose shoes can cause falls and blisters. Press gently at the front of the shoe to check for thumb-width space. Choose soft, flexible soles that let the foot bend naturally.
Final Words
Measuring your shoe size takes only five minutes. Use paper and a ruler, measure in the evening, and check the brand chart. Leave a little room for your toes. With the right size, every step will feel better.