Experts estimate that less than 37% of people wear shoes that are the correct length and width.
The fact is that our feet change over time. As we age, our tendons relax and our feet tend to get wider. And our feet are always just a little more swollen at the end of the day than they are in the morning — even for young people.
How can you ensure you get well-fitting shoes and maintain the health of your feet? Rather than guessing your shoe size (or sticking with the same size you’ve always worn), it’s vital to get a proper foot measurement.
Read on to learn more!
How Do I Know If My Shoes Fit Correctly?
Most people focus only on the length of their shoes, without giving much thought to the width. Width fitting, though, is equally as important as shoes that are the proper length.
Here are some signs your shoes are the correct fit:
- Your heels sit squarely in the shoe’s heel cup
- The bottoms and edges of your feet align with the footbeds
- Your toes aren’t bumping up against the front of the toe box
- Your feet don’t overhang the sidewalls in sandals
- Your toes, heels, and sides of your feet don’t feel constricted or pinched
If you need more clues, take a close look at your feet right now. Are there any blisters, corns, calluses, bruises, or skin irritation around your toenails? These are all signs of ill-fitting shoes.
Foot Measuring Made Easy
It’s best to visit a shoe shop for a proper foot measurement, but it’s also possible to DIY at home. Just follow these three easy steps.
- Trace Foot
Start by placing a sheet of paper on the ground. Tape two sheets together if your foot is longer than a single page. If you’re measuring for sneakers or boots, be sure to wear socks too.
Step on the paper with your full weight. Have someone trace the entire outline of your foot, holding the pen upright at a 90-degree angle.
- Measure the Length
Using a measuring tape on the traced page, measure the distance from the back of your heel to the end of your longest toe. For the most accurate results, you may want to trace your foot several different times and compare.
- Measure the Width
Finally, you need to determine if you have wide feet, narrow feet, or somewhere in between. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your foot, including your bunion joint. Make sure you’re standing with full weight on the foot for the most accurate measurement.
Once you have all the information you need, consult a shoe size chart to find your perfect size.
Get the Right Foot Measurement Today
Don’t leave the long-term health of your feet to chance. It’s worth the time to get a proper foot measurement by a professional (or, at the very least, DIY at home).
Use the tips listed above along with a shoe sizing guide to find the perfect shoes for your feet!
Now that you know more about foot measuring, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more interesting reads.
