How to Buy Shoes That Fit

mens shoesIf you’ve ever taken home a new pair of shoes, worn them just a couple times and then thrown them in the closet forever because they don’t fit right — you’re not alone. In fact, a master fitter at Allen Edmunds shoe stores says that 95% of us don’t know our proper shoe size.

Unfortunately, trying on shoes seems awfully subjective (a lot like getting a new eyeglass prescription: “Which is better, A or B? OK… B or C?”). To make matters worse, 1) the size of our feet change with age (and even throughout the day), 2) the same size shoe can fit very differently between brands (and models within the same brand), and 3) even shoe sizing charts vary. The charts we’ve listed below are pretty standard but the charts at zappos, amazon (who actually owns zappos) and others all vary slightly.

variation between styles of shoes

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Shockingly, on the right is a photo of 2 different styles of Nike running shoes that I took at the mall this past weekend, both are size 14 2E. There must be nearly an inch difference in the lengths!

It’s no wonder that nearly half of the time we buy shoes, we’re not getting the correct fit.

A shoe that feels fine at first may not only fit poorly a day or two later — but a poorly fitting shoe can also result in long-lasting foot damage. A Washington DC podiatrist estimates that about half of the foot problems she treats are caused by incorrect fitting shoes.

Bottom line: Trust how the shoes feel on YOU.

Here are a few other tips for how to shop for shoes:

1. Shop later in the day, after you’ve been walking for a while so that your feet are naturally expanded.

2. Wear the appropriate type of socks. (Don’t shop for athletic shoes while wearing thin dress socks.)

3. Since your feet most likely differ slightly in size, buy the size of shoe that is correct for your larger foot.

4. Shoes should be about a half-inch longer than your longest toe and wide enough so that your toes can wiggle. don’t count on having shoes stretch or “break in.” they should feel comfortable when new.

5. Walk around the store for a while, or better yet, wear them around the house or office for a couple of days to make certain they continue to feel comfortable. just keep them clean so they can be exchanged or returned.

Determining your correct shoe size

About.com offers the following helpful video on How to Measure your Foot. Once you know the length and width of your feet, the charts below can help you determine your shoe size.

Determining WOMEN’S Shoe Size

USA & Canada
Shoe Size
Heel to Toe
Length
Shoe Widths
Narrow Average Wide X-Wide
5 8 11/16″ 2 13⁄16″ 3 3⁄16″ 3 9⁄16″ 3 15⁄16″
5.5 8 13/16″ 2 14⁄16″ 3 1⁄4″ 3 10⁄16″ 4″
6 9″ 2 15⁄16″ 3 3⁄16″ 3 11⁄16″ 4 1⁄16″
6.5 9 3/16″ 3″ 3 5⁄16″ 3 3⁄4″ 4 2⁄16″
7 9 5/16″ 3 1⁄16″ 3 7⁄16″ 3 13⁄16″ 4 3⁄16″
7.5 9 1/2″ 3 2⁄16″ 3 1⁄2″ 3 14⁄16″ 4 1⁄4″
8 9 11/16″ 3 3⁄16″ 3 9⁄16″ 3 15⁄16″ 4 5⁄16″
8.5 9 13/16″ 3 1⁄4″ 3 10⁄16″ 4″ 4 3⁄16″
9 10″ 3 5⁄16″ 3 11⁄16″ 4 1⁄16″ 4 7⁄16″
9.5 10 3/16″ 3 3⁄16″ 3 3⁄4″ 4 2⁄16″ 4.5
10 10 5/16″ 3 7⁄16″ 3 13⁄16″ 4 3⁄16″ 4 9⁄16″
10.5 10 1/2″ 3 1⁄2″ 3 14⁄16″ 4 1⁄4″ 4 10⁄16″
11 10 11/16″ 3 9⁄16″ 3 15⁄16″ 4 5⁄16″ 4 11⁄16″
11.5 10 13/16″ 3 10⁄16″ 4″ 4 3⁄16″ 4 3⁄4″
12 11″ 3 11⁄16″ 4 1⁄16″ 4 7⁄16″ 4 13⁄16″

Determining MEN’S Shoe Size

USA & Canada
Shoe Size
Heel to Toe
Length
Shoe Widths
Narrow Average Wide
6 9 5/16″ 3.3″ 3.5″ 3.7″
6.5 9 1/2″ 3.3″ 3.6″ 3.8″
7 9 11/16″ 3.4″ 3.6″ 3.8″
7.5 9 13/16″ 3.4″ 3.7″ 3.9″
8 10″ 3.5″ 3.8″ 3.9″
8.5 10 3/16″ 3.6″ 3.8″ 4.0″
9 10 5/16″ 3.6″ 3.9″ 4.1″
9.5 10 1/2″ 3.7″ 3.9″ 4.1″
10 10 11/16″ 3.8″ 4.0″ 4.2″
10.5 10 13/16″ 3.8″ 4.1″ 4.3″
11 11″ 3.9″ 4.1″ 4.3″
11.5 11 3/16″ 3.9″ 4.2″ 4.4″
12 11 5/16″ 4.0″ 4.3″ 4.4″
12.5 11 1/2″ 4.1″ 4.3″ 4.5″
13 11 11/16″ 4.1″ 4.4″ 4.6″
13.5 11 13/16″ 4.2″ 4.4″ 4.8″
14 12″ 4.2 4.5″ 4.9″
14.5 12 3/16″ 4.3 4.6″ 4.9″
15 12 5/16″ 4.3 4.6″ 5″

Determining CHILDREN’S Shoe Sizes

USA & Canada
Shoe Size
Heel to Toe
Length
6.5 5.38″
7 5.56″
7.5 5.75″
8 5.88″
8.5 6.06″
9 6.25″
9.5 6.38′
10 6.47″
10.5 6.67″
11 6.83″
11.5 6.98″
12 7.14″
12.5 7.30″
13 7.46″
13.5 7.625″
1 7.77″
1.5 7.93″
2 8.09″
2.5 8.25″
3 8.50″
3.5 8.625″
4 8.75″
4.5 9″
5 9.125″
5.5 9.25″
6 9.50″
6.5 9.625″
7 9.75″
  Toddlers Shoe Sizes
  Kids Shoe Sizes

sources:

http://www.zappos.com/c/shoe-size-conversion
http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/10-tips-for-finding-the-right-shoes