How to Measure Your Foot to Find the Right Shoe Size

Wearing the right shoe size is more than just a matter of comfort—it’s essential for your foot health and overall well-being. A 2018 study found that up to two-thirds of people wear improperly fitting shoes, leading to foot pain, blisters, and even conditions like arthritis or foot ulcerations, especially in those with diabetes. Nike Here’s why choosing the correct size is critical:

• Prevents Foot Pain and Injuries: Ill-fitting shoes, whether too tight or too loose, can cause blisters, calluses, or joint stress, increasing injury risk.
• Supports Proper Alignment: Shoes that fit well support your arches and distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your ankles, knees, and hips.
• Enhances Performance: For athletes, properly sized shoes improve stability and efficiency, whether running or playing sports.
• Accommodates Foot Shape: Feet vary in width and shape; the right size ensures a comfortable fit, especially for wide or narrow feet.
• Promotes Long-Term Foot Health: Wearing the correct size can prevent chronic issues like bunions, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis.

To avoid these issues, start with an accurate foot measurement and use our shoe size comparison guide to find the perfect fit for brands like New Balance or Hoka.

Accurately measuring your foot is the first step to finding the right shoe size. Follow these comprehensive tips to measure your foot in centimeters or inches, based on expert advice: Nike RunRepeat

1. Measure in the Afternoon: Feet swell throughout the day, so measure in the late afternoon or evening for the most accurate size.
2. Use a Flat Surface: Place a piece of paper against a wall on a hard, flat surface to ensure stability.
3. Stand with Weight Distributed: Stand with your heel against the wall, weight evenly balanced, to capture your foot’s natural shape.
4. Trace Your Foot: Have someone trace your foot with a pencil held at a 90-degree angle, ensuring it stays in contact with your foot.
5. Measure Length: Mark the longest toe (not always the big toe) and measure the distance from the heel to this mark in cm or inches.
6. Measure Width: Mark the widest part of your foot (usually the forefoot) and measure the distance across for width sizing.
7. Measure Both Feet: Feet can differ in size; always use the larger foot’s measurements for the best fit.
8. Wear Appropriate Socks: Wear the socks you plan to use with the shoes, as sock thickness can affect fit.
9. Subtract for Accuracy: For tracing, subtract 3/16 inch (5 mm) from length and width to account for pencil thickness.
10. Double-Check Measurements: Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy, as small errors can lead to an incorrect size.

Use a ruler or measuring tape with both cm and inch markings for precision. For the most accurate results, consider using a Brannock device if available at a local store. 2BigFeet

Once you have your foot measurements, use a size conversion chart to find your US, UK, EU, or CM (Japanese) shoe size. Below is a generic conversion chart for women and men, based on standard measurements. Note that Japanese (CM/JP) sizes typically match the foot length in centimeters, but you should add 0.5–1 cm for toe clearance. RunningXpert

Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

To use this chart, match your foot length (in cm or inches) to the closest value in the CM or Inches column, then select the corresponding US, UK, or EU size. For Japanese (CM/JP) sizing, add 0.5–1 cm to your foot length to account for toe clearance, as these sizes reflect the shoe’s insole length. For example, a 25 cm foot would typically fit a CM/JP size 25.5–26. Always check brand-specific charts, as sizes can vary.

Unfortunately, a size 8 in one brand, like Adidas, may not fit the same as a size 8 in New Balance or Salomon. This is due to several factors that influence how shoes are designed and sized: RunRepeat

• Shoe Lasts: Each brand uses a unique shoe last (the mold shaping the shoe), which affects the internal length and width. For example, RunRepeat found that the internal length of a US size 9 can vary from 255 to 281 mm across brands.
• Materials: Materials like leather stretch over time, while synthetic materials may hold their shape, affecting fit. Soft leather shoes may feel looser than rigid ones.
• Design and Purpose: Running shoes (e.g., Hoka) often have more toe room for movement, while dress shoes may be snugger for a sleek look.
• Width Variations: Brands like New Balance offer multiple widths (e.g., B, D, 2E), while others use standard widths, impacting fit.
• Manufacturing Tolerances: Slight differences in production processes can lead to variations, even within the same brand.

Because of these differences, always consult brand-specific sizing guides. Our shoe size comparison guide and brand-specific guides for Asics, Dr. Martens, and more can help you find the right size.

Why is measuring my foot important for shoe sizing?
Measuring your foot ensures you choose a size that prevents discomfort, blisters, and long-term foot issues like bunions or arthritis, as up to two-thirds of people wear incorrectly sized shoes. Nike

How often should I measure my feet?
Measure your feet every few years or before buying new shoes, as foot size can change due to age, weight, or health conditions like pregnancy or arthritis. Vionic Shoes

What if I’m between sizes?
Size up, especially for athletic shoes, to accommodate foot swelling and ensure comfort. Check brand-specific guides, as some materials like leather may stretch. Roberta Style Lee

Why do shoe sizes differ across brands?
Brands use different shoe lasts, materials, and designs, causing variations. For example, a US size 9 can range from 255 to 281 mm in internal length. Use our comparison guide for accuracy.

How can I find the right size for a specific brand?
Use our FREE tools at www.righsize.com to get personalized size recommendations for brands like Adidas or Dr. Martens.