How to Measure Shoe Size & Width Accurately | In-Depth Guide

Finding the perfect shoe fit starts with an accurate measurement. Shopping online can be a gamble, but if you know your precise foot length, you can use size charts and converters with much greater confidence. Follow these simple steps to measure your feet correctly at home.

What You'll Need

A piece of paper larger than your foot
A pen or pencil
A ruler or measuring tape

Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

Prepare Your Station

Place the piece of paper on a hard, flat surface, like a hardwood or tile floor. Make sure one edge of the paper is flush against a wall. It's best to measure your feet in the afternoon or evening, as they tend to swell slightly throughout the day.

Step 1: Preparing the measurement station - placing paper on a flat surface against a wall for accurate foot measurement

Trace Your Foot

Stand on the paper with your heel firmly against the wall. If you're measuring a child's foot, it's easiest if they stand. Have someone else trace the outline of your foot with the pen held perpendicularly to the paper. If you're alone, it's easiest to do this while sitting. Trace both feet, as they are often slightly different sizes.

Step 2: Tracing your foot outline on paper with heel against the wall for accurate shoe size measurement

Measure the Length

Using your ruler, measure the distance from the edge of the paper (where your heel was) to the longest point of your tracing. This is your foot length. Record the measurement in both centimeters (cm) and inches for versatility.

Step 3: Measuring foot length from heel to longest toe using a ruler for accurate shoe size determination

Measure the Width

Without moving your foot, mark the widest part of your forefoot on the tracing (usually near the ball of your foot). Then, use the ruler to measure the straight-line distance between these two marks. This is your foot width. This measurement is crucial for avoiding shoes that are too tight.

Step 4: Measuring foot width at the widest point of the forefoot using a ruler to determine proper shoe width

Use the Larger Measurement

Most people have one foot that is slightly larger or wider than the other. Use the length and width measurements from your larger foot when consulting size charts or using a size converter. This ensures the best possible fit.

Step 5: Comparing foot measurements to shoe size charts to find the perfect fit for your feet

Recommended Measuring Tool

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time of day is best to measure feet?

It's best to measure your feet in the afternoon or evening. Your feet naturally swell throughout the day and will be at their largest, ensuring you don't buy shoes that are too tight.

Should I wear socks when measuring my feet?

Yes, you should wear the type of socks you would typically wear with the shoes you intend to buy. This gives you a more accurate measurement for a real-world fit.

How is foot width measured (e.g., A, B, D, E)?

Foot width is denoted by letters. For men, 'D' is standard width, while 'B' is narrow and 'E' or 'EE' is wide. For women, 'B' is standard, 'A' is narrow, and 'D' is wide. You can compare your width measurement in inches or cm against a brand's specific width chart to find your letter.

Now, Find Your Perfect Size

You have your exact foot length. Use our shoe size converter to instantly find your corresponding size in US, UK, EU, and other international systems.

Go to Shoe Size Converter