How To · Fashion · Footwear
How to choose the right shoe size and width
A shoe that fits isn't just about the number—width matters just as much, and most people get it wrong. Here's how to measure yourself like a professional fitter would.
5 min read · IrisYour shoe size isn't fixed. It changes with age, pregnancy, weight shifts, and even the time of day—your feet swell slightly by evening. More importantly, size varies wildly between brands, regions, and shoe categories. A size 8 in one label might be a 7.5 or 8.5 in another. Width, the often-ignored second half of the equation, determines whether a shoe actually hugs your foot or slides around like a slipper.
The goal here isn't to memorize a single number and call it done. It's to understand your foot's actual dimensions so you can shop confidently across brands and styles without returning half your order. You'll need a ruler, a piece of paper, and ten minutes. That's it.
Width determines whether a shoe hugs your foot or slides around like a slipper.
What you'll need.
- 01Ruler or measuring tape
- 02Paper
- 03Socks or tights you normally wear
- 04Brannock device (optional but ideal)
- 05Brand size and width charts
- 06Notes app or document for future reference
Step one · 2 minutes
Measure your foot length at the end of the day
Feet swell as you move throughout the day, so measure them in the evening when they're at their largest. Place a piece of paper on a hard floor and stand on it with your full weight distributed evenly. Using a ruler or measuring tape, mark where your heel ends and where your longest toe ends. Measure the distance in inches or centimeters. Do both feet—most people have one foot slightly larger than the other, and you should size to the bigger foot.
Wear the socks or tights you typically wear with shoes when you measure. Thick wool socks add real bulk.
Step two · 2 minutes
Convert your measurement to a shoe size
Use a shoe size conversion chart specific to your region (US, UK, EU, or AU all differ). Most brands provide these on their websites. If your foot measures 9.5 inches, that's roughly a US women's size 8. If it's 9.75 inches, you're closer to an 8.5. Don't round down to squeeze into a smaller size—that leads to blisters, bunions, and genuine foot pain over time. When in doubt between two sizes, go up.
Bookmark your brand's size chart. Luxury brands often run small; athletic brands run large. There's no universal standard.
Step three · 2 minutes
Measure your foot width at the widest point
The widest part of your foot is usually across the ball of your foot, just behind your toes. While standing with your weight distributed evenly, measure the distance across your foot at this point. Write down this number. Width is measured in inches or centimeters, not in letter grades—those (A, B, C, D, E) are brand-specific and inconsistent across labels.
If you have a Brannock device at home (the metal measuring tool used in shoe stores), use it—it measures both length and width simultaneously and removes human error.
Step four · 2 minutes
Determine your width category using brand standards
Most brands use their own width scale. A width of 3.5 inches might be a 'narrow' in one brand and 'medium' in another. Check the brand's size guide before you buy. Many brands offer width options labeled as N (narrow), M (medium), W (wide), or WW (extra wide). Some use numerical scales. The key: always check the specific brand's chart, not a universal one. A shoe that fits perfectly in one label's medium width might pinch in another's.
If a brand doesn't offer width options, it's telling you something—their fit is probably one-size-fits-most, which works for some feet and not others. Read reviews from people with similar foot widths.
Step five · 1 minute
Test fit shoes in person when possible
Online shopping is convenient, but nothing beats trying shoes on. Visit a store that carries the brand you want and try on your measured size in your measured width. Walk around for at least two minutes. Your heel should not slip, your toes should have a thumb's width of space from the end of the shoe, and the shoe should feel snug (not tight) across the ball of your foot. If it pinches anywhere after two minutes of walking, it won't feel better after breaking in.
Bring the socks or tights you plan to wear with the shoes. The difference between bare feet and thick socks is real.
Step six · 1 minute
Document your size across brands you love
Once you find a shoe that fits perfectly, write down the brand, style, size, and width. Keep this list in your phone or a notes app. Over time, you'll notice patterns—maybe you're a size 8 in Brand A but always size up to 8.5 in Brand B. These notes become your personal fitting guide and save you from endless returns.
Include the shoe's style number if possible. The same brand's different styles can fit differently based on their construction.
How to know your measurements are right
The real test is comfort over time. A correctly fitted shoe should feel snug but not restrictive on day one, with no pressure points that worsen with wear. Your heel shouldn't slip, and you should have room to wiggle your toes without them hitting the end of the shoe.
Questions at the mirror.
My feet are two different sizes. Which one do I measure?
Size to the larger foot. Wear insoles or thicker socks on the smaller side if needed. Shoes that are too small cause real damage; shoes that are slightly loose are manageable.
I measured myself and got a size I've never worn before. Am I doing it wrong?
Probably not. Many people wear the wrong size because they've never measured properly. Sizes also shift over time due to age, weight changes, and pregnancy. Trust your measurement, not your old shoe box.
What if a brand doesn't list width options?
Read customer reviews specifically mentioning fit and width. Search for 'runs narrow' or 'runs wide' in the reviews. Some brands have consistent fits; others don't. You may need to size up or down based on what reviewers say.
Do I need to remeasure my feet regularly?
Once every few years is reasonable, or if you notice your shoes suddenly feel different. Major life changes—pregnancy, significant weight shifts, aging—can change your size. But for most people, measuring once and documenting your sizes across brands is enough.