How to Measure Shoe Size: Step-by-Step Guide & Size Chart

Learning how to measure shoe size correctly will help you find the right footwear during online shopping, even when measuring your feet yourself. Wrong size may cause toes pain, heel slip, blisters, shoe bites and other discomforts. Whatever your goals may be – to measure your shoe size, check your feet size for shoes or to measure feet for shoes before buying shoes online – the right way to do it will help you find the right size.

The best thing about it is that you don’t need any special tools for that. With the help of a sheet of paper, a pencil and a ruler or measuring tape you will be able to measure your feet and compare the measurements to the shoe size chart India to define your actual size. This guide explains how to measure foot length and width, how to convert shoe size, how to find the right footwear size before ordering shoes online.

Quick Answer

To understand how to measure shoe size correctly at home, follow these simple steps:

1. Place the paper on the floor against the wall.
2. Step on the paper using your heels against the wall.
3. Make a mark at the end of your longest toe.
4. Measure the length between your heel and the mark of your longest toe.
5. Repeat the procedure for both feet.
6. Apply the higher number to establish your shoe size from a chart on sizing shoes.

For better precision, you can take the measurement in the evenings because your feet might swell up during the day.

What Items Do You Need for Measuring Foot Size?

You will need the following items:

• Blank piece of paper
• Pen or pencil
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Floor
• Wall
• Sock if you always wear socks along with shoes

The carpet or uneven floor should be avoided during the measurement process as it may cause an error in the measurement result.

Some Important Points Before Measuring Your Foot Size

Here are some important points that you need to remember before you start measuring:

• Measure your foot size at night time
• Stand in front of a firm surface.
• Make sure that you are wearing the same kind of sock as you will wear in your shoes.
• You must stand erect while measuring.
• Both feet must be measured.
• Use the measurement of longer feet.
• Never measure when sitting down.

These small steps help you get a more accurate shoe size.

How to Measure Shoe Size in 5 Easy Steps

Here are the 5 steps that you can follow to measure your shoe size at home in an easy way.

Step 1: Stick Paper to the Wall

Stick white paper on the floor and ensure that one edge of the paper touches the wall while the paper does not move while doing the measurement.

Now stand on the paper in such a way that your heels touch the wall, and your feet are straight and well-balanced.

Do not sit while taking measurements as standing provides you with an accurate measurement because your feet naturally spread out when standing.

Step 2: Identifying Your Longest Toe

Identify the point where your longest toe ends.

While some people have their longest toe as the big toe, others may have their longest toe as the second toe.

It is better to invite someone else to do that in order to get a more precise measurement.

While marking your longest toe, keep your pencil straight, otherwise your measurement will be wrong.

Step 3: Measure Foot Length

To understand how to measure shoe size accurately, measure the distance from your heel to your longest toe using a ruler or measuring tape.

Note the measure in centimeters or millimeters and cross-reference it to a shoe size chart.

Example:

If the length of your foot is 25.5 cm, you can find your shoe size by referring to a shoe size chart.

Step 4: Measure Both Feet

Take measurements of your left foot and right foot separately.

It is absolutely normal that one of them can be a bit longer than another one. In case of purchasing shoes, use the measurement of the longer foot.

This will help you avoid tight shoes and discomfort.

Step 5: Comparison with a Shoe Size Chart

After learning how to measure shoe size, compare your foot length with the footwear brand’s size chart.

Identify the size chart used by the footwear brand (India/UK, US, or EU). Use the chart of the particular brand to determine your shoe size.

Do not depend only on your old shoe size. A sneaker, sandal, slipper, running shoe, and casual shoe may fit differently even if the size number is the same.

Always check the size chart before buying footwear online.

For additional guidance on foot measurements and size conversions, you can refer to the Adidas Shoe Measurement Guide.

The Reasons Why You Need to Know Your Foot Length

Knowing how to measure shoe size is important because sizing is not standard across all brands. In one brand, size 8 will be comfortable, but in another brand, size 8 will either be too loose or too tight.

Shoes are different because each brand has its own shape of shoes, sole design, roominess of the toe box, and upper material.

If you know your foot length, then you can:

• Pick the appropriate size online
• Minimize returns
• Prevent any toe pressure
• Avoid heel slipping
• Improve walking comfort
• Find the appropriate size for sandals, slippers, sneakers, and sports shoes

The length of your foot is the primary factor that helps to determine your appropriate shoe size. Apart from the right size, you should also have a comfortable sole. You can learn about Types of Shoe Soles here.

Why Is Shoe Size Different Among Brands

Many people wonder why it happens that one shoe size might be comfortable in one brand and very tight or loose in other brands. For instance, a Size 8 from one brand can have the perfect fit, whereas a Size 8 from another brand can be uncomfortable.

This is due to the fact that each footwear brand uses a unique type of shoe last, toe box shape, sole construction, and upper material. Some brands create shoes with a snug fit, whereas some brands produce shoes with additional space for comfort.

Thus, it is recommended to measure your foot length in centimeters and to consult the size chart of the chosen brand instead of just using the size of your previous shoe.

Indian Shoe Size Chart

Once you understand how to measure shoe size, use the Indian shoe size chart below to find your approximate size based on foot length. Sizes can differ depending on the brand and footwear design.

Men’s Shoe Size Chart India

Women’s Shoe Size Chart India

How to Measure Kids’ Shoe Size 

Knowing how to measure shoe size for kids is important because children’s feet grow quickly and their shoe size can change over time.  If children wear small shoes, it will lead to discomfort, whereas oversized shoes will influence balance and gait.

In order to measure the size of your child’s foot, you need to put paper against the wall and ask your kid to stand on it with heel against the wall. You need to mark the tip of the longest toe and measure the distance from the heel to toe mark with the help of a ruler or measuring tape. The process should be repeated with both feet, and for choosing a size of shoes, you need to use the greater length measured.

In order to obtain the correct measurement, it is recommended to measure the feet of your child in the standing position since feet tend to spread while carrying the whole body weight. Also, it would be wise to allow extra space of 0.5 cm to 1 cm in the shoes.

Finally, when the measurement is done, you need to compare it to the chart provided below.

Kids Shoe Size Chart India

For kids, measure feet more often because their foot size changes quickly.

India Shoe Size vs UK Shoe Size vs US Shoe Size vs EU Shoe Size

Once you know how to measure shoe size, remember that Indian shoe sizes generally follow the UK sizing system. On the other hand, US and EU sizes have different size scales.

It is why you should always consider the following when purchasing a pair of shoes:

• Foot length in cm
• India/UK size
• US size
• EU size
• Size chart of the brand

This is particularly crucial when purchasing shoes that are shipped from outside of your country or even from online marketplaces.

India Shoe Size Chart in CM

Below is the table of reference that would help in identifying your Indian shoe size based on foot length in centimeters.

How to Properly Measure Your Foot Width

When foot length is considered important, foot width is equally important.

Sometimes, there is a proper fit in the length aspect but not in the width aspect. Most times, you will need extra width in the feet or toes.

Proper way of measuring shoe width at home:

1. Position yourself on a piece of paper.
2. Draw the widest part of your feet.
3. This is usually the ball area of the foot.
4. Measure the width from side to side.
5. Repeat the steps for both of your feet.

If you have broad feet, select shoes with sufficient space in the toe region, a soft upper or flexible material.

More info can be found in our guide on Footwear for Wide Feet Women.

What Does a Narrow, Medium, and Wide Foot Mean?

The width of feet differs among people.

• Narrow feet: The shoes would be loose-fitted on the sides.
• Medium feet: Normal fit will be the best option.
• Wide feet: The shoes could be tight-fitting around toes or the sides.

If you have wide feet, don’t choose shoes that are too narrow. Try to find footwear that has enough space for your toes and flexible upper.

How Much Additional Space Should Be in Shoes?

Your toes shouldn’t touch the end of the shoe.

A comfortable pair of shoes should have approximately 0.5 to 1 cm of additional space in front of the largest toe.

When it comes to walking shoes, running shoes, and sport shoes, some extra space for toes is recommended because while you move, your feet go forward. If you can’t distinguish between walking and running shoes, visit the article on Best Shoes for Walking and Running.

Slippers and sandals should be comfortable and not have your toes showing.

Checking for the Right Fit of Your Shoe Size

After learning how to measure shoe size, check these areas when trying on your shoes:

Fitting of the Heel

The heel of the shoe should be held steadily without any movement backwards or forwards while walking.

Fitting of the Midfoot

The midsection of the shoe must fit snugly and mustn’t squeeze painfully.

Fitting of the Toe Box

There must be sufficient room for your toes to wiggle a little.

Comfort When Walking

Take a few steps. If there is friction or pain from tightness and pressure from the front or sides, the shoe might be wrong.

A properly fitted shoe must provide comfort immediately you put them on. Don’t rely on the break-in period.

How Does a Shoe Type Influence Size?

It may seem that the feeling of the shoe size will vary with different kinds of footwear. Running, walking, sandals, slippers, sneakers, and formal shoes are made according to various patterns. For instance, running shoes provide some extra space for toes since they tend to swell while working out. The formals are likely to be narrower at the toes, whereas sandals and slippers are more comfortable.

Even if one wears different types of shoes in the same size, there is still an issue of their comfort and fit. This is why measuring feet and consulting the size chart in every particular case is strongly advised when purchasing footwear online.

Measuring Shoe Size with Tape Measure

You can also learn how to measure shoe size using a measuring tape.

This method involves the following steps:

• Stand up against the wall.
• Ensure that your heel always touches the wall.
• Take the measurements using the tape measure for the distance between the heel and the toe tips.
• Make sure that the tape is kept straight during the measurement process..
• Note down the length in centimeters.
• Repeat for each foot.

The paper method is always preferred, but you may use the tape measure method as well.

Common Mistakes in Measuring Shoe Size

Here are some common mistakes:

• Measuring just one foot
• Measurement when sitting
• Measuring in carpeted floor
• Ignoring foot width
• Using old shoes size for new shoes
• Not matching with the brand chart of sizes
• Buying smaller size shoes assuming that they will get bigger
• Measuring only in the morning

All these small errors cause wrong size selection.

How Often Should You Check the Size of Your Feet?

Your feet can change in size through the years. You should remeasure your feet:

• Before making an online purchase
• If your old shoes become tight
• If you have put on weight or lost some
• After pregnancy
• If your activity level has changed
• If your feet ache
• Before purchasing sports shoes
• When shopping for kids’ footwear

Measuring your feet once a year is a good practice.

How to Pick Shoe Size when Buying Footwear Online

Once you know how to measure shoe size, use this checklist before purchasing footwear online:

• Measure the length of your foot in cm.
• Take measurements of both feet.
• Take measurements of the longer foot.
• Consult the size chart of the brand.
• Read fit information of the product.
• Find out whether the shoe runs small/large.
• Select a wider option if your feet are wide.
• Do not depend solely on your old shoe size.

This will minimize mistakes in your size order and reduce returns.

After you find the right size, take proper care of your footwear since it increases the durability of footwear. Here is our instruction on How to Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine.

Fit Tips for Picaaso Footwear

At Picaaso footwear, it is essential to take into consideration comfort and functionality while designing footwear. In choosing whether you will get slippers, sandals, slides, sneakers, or any other footwear, selecting the correct size will ensure that you get more grip, comfort, and usability.

Choosing the right shoe will provide stability, comfort, and walkability of shoes.

Conclusion

Learning how to measure shoe size at home is easy with a sheet of paper, a pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.

Measure the feet, use the larger foot measurement, check for foot width, and compare your measurements against a shoe size chart.

This little trick may save you from getting tight shoes, heel slippage, toe pain, and problems with online returns.

Correctly sized shoes should be comfortable, stable, and walkable from the very beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Measure Shoe Size Correctly?

To determine the right size of your shoes is quite simple. All you need to do is to put a sheet of paper on the floor near the wall and then to put your foot on it so that the heel touches the wall. Next, make a mark at the tip of your big toe and then measure the distance from the wall to that mark with the help of a ruler.

What is 7 Size in India?

Most footwear brands have such shoe size in India, as in the UK, and it usually fits a foot length of about 25.1 — 25.7 cm. Still, sizes can differ depending on the brand and the footwear model.

Which Size Will Fit 23 cm Foot Length?

As a rule, 23 cm is likely to:

India/UK Size: 4

US Women’s Size: 6

EU Size: 37

Please bear in mind, however, that the sizes of various shoe brands may differ slightly from one another.

What Is the Meaning of Foot Size 24 cm?

A foot size of 24 cm is indicative that your foot length is 24 centimeters from your heel to the longest toe of your foot. Your shoe size will depend on the brand and the style of the shoes. Ensure you use the appropriate men’s/women’s size chart when choosing the correct size.

How Do I Get My Shoe Size without a Ruler?

You can measure your feet with the help of a tape measure, scale, or even objects whose sizes are known to you. But for more accurate measurements, it is advisable to use a ruler or measuring tape.

How Much Space Should Be Left Between Toe and Toe Box of Shoes?

Space should be left between the longest toe and the toe box of shoes of 0.5 cm to 1 cm.