How to Measure Shoe Size

Measuring Your Shoe Size at Home

You want your shoes to look good, but it’s also important for them to feel good, too. That’s why it’s crucial to get your shoe size right. If you get it wrong, you might experience blisters, pinching, rubbing, and other painful conditions associated with ill-fitting shoes. If you’re wondering how to measure shoe size at home, we’ve got the lowdown on how to get an accurate measurement with items you have around the house.

Tools You’ll Need

While visiting a shoe store for a professional fitting is the best way to measure your feet, there may be times when this isn’t possible. You may be short of time, want to order shoes online, or feel uncomfortable about having your feet measured in public.

Let’s look at the tools needed to measure your shoe size at home and why you need them.

Ruler or measuring tape: You need a ruler or measuring tape to measure your foot’s length and width. These tools can help you precisely measure your foot in inches or centimeters, ensuring you choose the correct shoe size.
Pen/Pencil and paper: With a writing utensil and paper, trace your foot and record your measurements. Two pieces of plain A4 paper are perfect for measuring both feet.
Hard, flat surface: While this may not be a tool in the typical sense of the word, a hard, flat surface is essential for accurately tracing your foot. Soft surfaces, such as carpets, can lead to incorrect measurements and ill-fitting shoes.
Socks: If you’re shopping for shoes you plan to wear with socks, such as sneakers or boots, it’s important to wear socks when measuring.

Method 1: The Paper Method

The paper method is tried and tested, and it’s one of the easiest ways to measure your shoe size at home. It’s accurate and works for adults’ and children’s feet, ensuring the whole family steps out in comfortable shoes. By following the steps below, you can determine the correct length and width of your feet so you can shop confidently for shoes in-store or online.

Step 1: Step on the Paper and Trace Your Foot

Begin by placing the paper on a hard, flat surface. It’s essential to measure your feet on a surface that won’t move or bend and allows you to trace easily around your foot’s outline. Trace your feet following these steps:

Stand with your full weight on the paper so your foot spreads to its natural size.
Use a pen or pencil to trace the outline of your foot. For accurate results, ensure the pen never leaves the paper and touches it at all times. Once you’ve finished, you should have an outline of your foot.
Repeat for the other foot. It’s essential to trace both feet, as it’s common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Use the measurements for your larger foot to find the most comfortable shoe size.

Step 2: Measure From Your Heel to Your Longest Toe

Once you have tracings of both feet, you need to get your first measurement. This step is the most important, as shoe sizes are primarily based on the length of the foot. Use a measuring tape or a 12-inch ruler to measure the distance from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. For many people, the longest toe isn’t necessarily the big toe.

Step 3: Measure the Widest Part of Your Foot

Next, measure the width of the ball of your foot, i.e. the widest part of your foot. Use the measuring tape or ruler to measure this area and record the measurement. Width is also an essential part of the foot-measuring process, especially if you have wide feet. This measurement ensures the shoe provides enough room across your foot for optimal comfort.

Method 2: The Wall Method

The wall method is another effortless way to measure your foot size at home. It provides an alternative way of obtaining an accurate measurement so you know what shoe size to shop for.

Step 1: Place the Measuring Tape or Ruler on the Floor Against the Wall

Start by placing the measuring tape or ruler on the floor with one end touching the wall. Keep it secure and straight, ensuring it doesn’t move during the measuring process. If you’re using a measuring tape, you may need somebody to help you hold the other end.

Step 2: Place Your Foot Next to It With Your Heel Touching the Wall

Stand with your heel firmly against the wall and your foot flat on the floor. Ensure you distribute your weight evenly, as this helps spread your foot to its natural size.

Step 3: Measure From Your Heel to Your Longest Toe

For an accurate measurement, note the position of your longest toe to your heel.

Step 4: Measure Across the Widest Point

Next, measure the width of your foot. Use the measuring tape or ruler to measure across the widest part of your foot — usually the ball of the foot. An accurate width measurement is essential for overall comfort.

Shoe Sizes and Measurements

Understanding shoe sizes and how they correspond to foot measurements is vital for finding your perfect fit. Whether you’re sizing for children’s shoes, women’s footwear, or a pair of men’s boots, this guide should help you understand shoe sizes and ensure precise measurements.

How to Measure Shoe Size With Greater Accuracy

Now that you know the tools and measuring process for obtaining your shoe size, let’s look at some tips for ensuring the most accurate sizing.

Measure later in the day: Feet tend to swell during the day, especially when it’s hot. Measuring your feet in the afternoon or evening can help you get a more accurate size.
Wear socks: If you plan to wear socks with your shoes, measure your feet while wearing socks to account for the extra bulk.
Measure the larger foot: It’s common for one foot to be larger, so measure the larger foot to determine your shoe size.
Stand up if possible: When measuring your feet, stand up straight with your full weight. If you can’t stand while taking your measurement, ask someone to take your measurement for you while you’re seated or in a comfortable position.
Arch type: If you have flat feet or high arches, you may need to consider this when choosing shoes. Shoes with arch support in the right places can significantly improve comfort and fit.

Finding the right fit for your shoe size doesn’t have to be a guessing game or a hassle. Shoe Carnival’s measurement chart can help you understand sizing better.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to the following commonly asked questions can help you measure your feet with confidence.

What if My Feet Are Different Sizes?

You may already know your feet are different sizes, or it may come as a complete surprise when you measure them properly. However, if you often experience blisters and discomfort with only one foot when wearing new shoes, there’s a good chance one foot is larger. If the size difference is significant, you can solve the problem with an insole or insert for the smaller foot.

Does Measuring Shoe Size Differ for Children?

Measuring shoe size for kids can be done the same way as for adults but with a few additional considerations. The first is that children’s feet grow quickly. Before you know it, they’re onto the next size. It can also be tricky to get your child to stand still while measuring. Both width and length need to be taken into consideration when sizing your child’s feet. Consider leaving a little room for growth or choosing wider styles that provide extra comfort. You may find this printable shoe size chart for kids handy!

Finding the Perfect Fit Is Easier With Shoe Carnival

At Shoe Carnival, we know getting the right shoe size is essential for comfort and good foot health. Our wide selection of styles makes finding the perfect fit easier than ever. Our True Fit guide lets you compare the fit of the brands you already wear with the brands and styles you’re considering. Whether you want new school shoes or sandals for an upcoming vacation, we help you put your best foot forward with optimum comfort.

Say goodbye to ill-fitting shoes. Shop our range of shoes online, or visit your nearest Shoe Carnival store for a professional measurement.