When you buy shoes in a stationary store, you can try them on and make sure they don’t pinch when you walk. The Internet doesn’t give you this option, but there are others that will allow you to choose the perfect pair.
Important information before measuring: always do it standing up, with your foot on the floor. Make a note of all the measurements you take, but be sure to take them again regularly, especially if you start changing your diet, doing physical activity, or taking medication.
Also pay attention to the material the shoes are made of. Some stretch slightly during use and fit your foot naturally. When comparing the results with those of the tables, remember to check whether the size given is European, American or English. If necessary, you can use any of the online converters.
Not many people realize it, but foot size also depends on… the time of day. So measure them in the evening because that’s when they are the largest (they may even appear slightly swollen). Always measure both feet because it often happens that they are different sizes (usually the left one is smaller, but it’s better to check it yourself)
To do this, stand on a piece of paper (it is important that it does not move, so you can for example tape it to the floor) and carefully outline the shape of your foot. Then measure with a ruler or a tailor’s tape measure the distance between the extreme points, i.e. diagonally from the big toe to the right side of the heel
Later, use the larger measurement to increase it by an extra half centimeter to avoid chafing. If you’re buying winter or trekking shoes and will be wearing thicker socks, add another 5-7 mm. Do the same with sports shoes – feet swell not only in the evenings, but also due to heat and prolonged exercise
On the other hand, stilettos can be slightly tighter. Regardless of whether you always buy shoes in the same store or from the same manufacturer, always compare the parameters carefully, because they may differ, for example, in the length of inserts or cut. You should also know that the length of your foot and the insole of the shoe will not be the same
We measure it around two places: the instep (where the foot is highest) and at the hallux bone (at the big toe, where the foot is widest). Again, pay attention to the time of day. If you’re buying winter shoes, trekking shoes to which you’ll be wearing thicker socks, or shoes designed for a particular physical activity (during which the foot will swell slightly), add another 5-7 mm.
Shoe gauge is defined by letters E, F, G, H. The first two letters refer to narrow feet, and the next two letters refer to wide feet. The most common are F (standard) and G (wide). The larger the shoe, the greater the steepness. The type of shoe is also important – the uppers of boots will be slightly more snug. Compare the measurements you get with those on the chart on the website
Take this measurement while wearing slightly tight pants and standing up so that all your weight is on your feet. Measure your calf circumference with a tailor’s tape measure in several places. First measure at 30 cm from the ground, then at the widest part of your calf (note the height of your calf from the floor) and at 40 cm from the ground. This is where the top of the boot will be.
Repeat these steps for the other calf and, as with the foot, consider the larger one. Remember that the tape should remain tightly on the calf at all times. Do not tense your muscles while measuring.
Main photo: Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels.com
