Stop wearing shoes that don’t fit!
You might not even realize you’re wearing the wrong size shoes, but if they feel tight, loose or downright uncomfortable, you probably are.
If you’ve ever spent any time shopping for shoes, you know the size displayed is just a guideline. Shoe sizes can be inconsistent based on the brand, style and your foot.
Most people assume they know their size and never bother to check it, ignoring the fact that feet can change. Choosing the right size shoe can help you avoid the discomfort of a bad fit and save you from spending money on shoes your feet dread wearing.
Watch this video to learn how to accurately measure your shoe size.
How to measure shoe size
The biggest mistake people make when shoe shopping is not accurately measuring their feet.
A simple foot measurer at home will give you both length and width. Yes, the same contraption you saw in shoe stores growing up can be purchased online. There are different options, for instance, some for men’s feet and others for anyone. Just make sure you’re purchasing the one that fits your needs.
Stand up when taking the measurement, since your feet expand when they’re bearing weight. Adjust the sliders accordingly so they're gently resting at the sides of your feet. If they're too tight, your shoes will also be too tight.
You can use a tape measure if you don’t have a foot measurer. Pull out some of the tape and place the end against the wall, extending it straight out from the base. Put your heel against the wall with your foot alongside the tape and see where your toes land.
Be sure to measure both feet. Your left and right foot may not be the same size, but go with the larger of the two measurements.
Some quick sizing rules that will improve the fit without any measuring:
- Size up half a size for sneakers so your toes have room.
- Sandals should have a snug fit, so stay true to size or size down.
- Boots and leather shoes will stretch, so do not oversize them.
- Size up for winter shoes you plan to wear with thick socks.
- Don’t ignore width options like narrow, standard or wide because that changes everything.
Your shoe size is not permanent. It can vary with age, weight and arch changes, so re-measure at least once a year, especially if you are buying shoes for growing kids.
Shop top-rated related products:
- Essential wool dryer balls: 6-Pack Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls
- Pet-friendly product: FurZapper Pet Hair Remover for Laundry, 2-Pack
- Skip the mess: 2-Pack Laundry Detergent Drip Cup Holder
- For added freshness: Downy Unstopables In Wash Scent Booster Beads
- On-the-go must-have: Tide Pen Stain Remover for Clothes
- Laundry hack: Metal Magnetic Lint Bin for Laundry Room
- For your intimates: 3-Piece Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicates
- Detergent for sensitive skin: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Buying shoes online
Sizing isn’t standard across brands, and sometimes even styles. So always cross-check your measurements with the shoe brand’s size chart. The number you get from your at-home sizing should correlate with the numbers on their chart.
Always check the reviews to see if the shoes run small or large before adding them to your cart.
If you already own shoes from that brand, measure the inside of the shoes you have and compare that measurement with the brand's size chart when choosing a new pair.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Your guide for buying shoes that fit
