Getting the Right Size When You Buy Shoes Online

Clothing and shoe sizes should be simple and straightforward, but we all know that one brand’s size 6 can be closer to another brand’s size 7. With shoes, it can be even more complicated than with clothing because our feet aren’t all the same shape. Some are wider or narrower than average. Some have high arches, while others are flat. An ill-fitting pair of shoes is worse than a waste; they can really hurt your feet. So it is important to get properly fitting shoes. But how do you get a perfect fit when you buy shoes online?

The easiest situation for getting the right size shoe online is to buy a brand you are familiar with and already know what size you wear. But that doesn’t help when you spot a stunning pair in a new brand that would look great with some of your outfits! Happily, there is a good way to be sure you order the right size.

How to Measure Your Feet at Home

You’ll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil and a ruler. Stand with one bare foot completely on the paper, and carefully trace it in pencil. It’s best to ask someone else to do this so it is more accurate. Be sure you are standing with your weight on your foot. Our feet spread out when we stand on them, so this helps you get an accurate size.

Do this for both feet and check which is bigger. Normally, one foot is bigger and that’s the foot you want to fit to avoid blisters and discomfort.

Measure the length and width of your foot, then search online for the shoe brand’s sizing guide.

With an ideal fit, you can just barely fit a finger in at the heel of the shoes and you can wiggle your toes comfortably.

Other Things to Consider

Sometimes shoes that we love fit almost-but-not-quite perfectly and don’t come in half sizes. While there are real limits on how much you can adjust things, if you have narrow feet or high arches, you can try an insole to get a better fit. An insole can also make standing for long periods more comfortable. Thick socks can also help if a shoe is just a tiny bit big.

It is always best to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. They’ll cause pain and blisters, and tight shoes can aggravate problems such as hammer toe, bunions and bone spurs. Leather shoes might stretch a very small bit, but they should still be comfortable when you first wear them. Walking shoes and hiking boots should be large enough to accommodate the socks you’ll be wearing for a day out rambling, which should generally be nice thick socks.