How to Measure Your Shoe Size at Home

The best way to ensure that the shoes you order are going to fit properly, especially if you have wide feet or bunions, is to measure your feet first.

If you wear dress shoes that are too big, you are at risk of experiencing balance issues and serious foot problems. Big shoes can cause constant rubbing and friction on your feet, leading to blisters, and can interfere with your natural stride. You may even hurt your feet or irritate the skin if your shoes do not fit right.

Thankfully, you can measure your shoe size at home with a tape measure without the need to see a podiatrist or visit a local shoe store.

Check out these steps to measure your foot size at home:

Before you start, here are the things you need:

• One or two sheets of paper
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Socks you intend to use for the shoe

Trace Your Foot

The first step is to trace your foot to size your shoes. Get a piece of paper and place it on the ground. If you have a large foot, use two sheets of paper taped together. Tape the paper on the ground so it doesn't move when you trace your foot. Next, put on the sock you plan to wear with the shoe. At this point, you can now trace your foot. Put your full weight on, as if you are standing normally. It's best if you can have someone who can trace it for you. Either way, slowly trace around your foot with your pen or pencil at a 90-degree angle. You may want to trace your foot a few times to ensure an accurate shoe size measurement.

Mark the Length and Width of Your Foot

Using a measuring tape, measure the length of your foot. Do this by marking the end of the longest toe and the edge of the heel then measure the distance using the tape. 

Measure Foot For Shoe Size 

Next, measure foot width. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your foot. Then, place your foot on the ground, as if you were standing normally.

Locate Your Shoe

After taking the right shoe size measurements with tape at home, you're now ready to find your perfect fit. This step is the easiest. It's as simple as looking at a chart. Take note that most shoe manufacturers use shoe sizing charts represented in “inches”. Additionally, the shoe measurement chart for women is different from that for men.

How Your Shoes Should Fit

Getting the correct measurements is important to get the perfect sizing for shoes. However, it's also important to try on a shoe to see how it feels as the actual fit can vary depending on the type of shoe you are purchasing.

Sneakers and Walking Shoes

For walking shoes or casual sneakers, consider finding a shoe with a wide-toe box. There should be enough room for your toes to move or wiggle. A narrow toe box can restrict the muscles in your foot, which can make walking uncomfortable. 

Running Shoes

For running shoes, aim for a snug fit throughout your foot with enough room for your toes. To see if you get the right fit, press down the toebox with your thumb. There should be about half to a full thumb's width of space. Your running shoes may need to be half a size larger than your regular dress shoe.

Boots

Boots, especially high-calf boots, tend to sit high on the leg. That said, you want to make sure that the opening at the calf is large enough for your leg to slip in comfortably. If the heel slams down when you walk, it could mean that your boots are too large. If shopping for winter boots, it may be helpful to choose a shoe with a slightly wider fit. That's because winter shoes are worn with thicker socks. When wearing casual boots, your heels should not come out of the boot or rub against the back of it.

Sandals

Walking sandals should fully support your feet. If your toes are hanging over the front of the shoe, it means your sandals are too small. Same thing with the edge of your soles. Meanwhile, high-heel sandals should provide sufficient room in the front and back of your foot. High-heel sandals should fit snugly and hold your foot firmly. If your foot is sliding down or up, consider buying a pair of sandals with straps on the back.

More Tips to Get the Right Sizing for Shoes

• Fit your shoes to the larger foot. Most people have one foot that's larger than the other. It's best to measure both your feet to get the right fit for shoes.
• Measure your foot later in the afternoon, when your feet are the largest. As you go about the course of your day, your feet will swell and grow to half a size later in the day.
• Don't rely on the shoe size alone. Sizing for shoes may be slightly different between brands. It's best to try on the shoe before you make a purchase.
• The shoe should be deep enough to fit your toes. If you have wider feet, opt for shoes that have deep, square-to square boxes.
• When fitting a pair of new shoes, walk around in them to see if they are comfortable. There shouldn't be any rubbing, chafing, or discomfort.

Wrapping It Up

Knowing how to measure shoe size is the key to finding a pair of nice-fitting and comfortable shoes. Trace and measure your foot for shoe size several times to get close-to-accurate sizing. It’s best to try on the shoes first to ensure a perfect fit.

Mariam Simmons

Mariam Simmons is a fashion enthusiast and Content Manager at Alpine Swiss. She loves traveling to the world’s top stylish destinations and gets inspired to create helpful fashion and lifestyle guides. With over a decade of writing experience, her main goal in creating content is to ensure readers learn something useful and provide value instead of noise.