How to Measure and Choose the Right Shoes!

If we cannot try on a pair of shoes, finding the ideal footwear can be quite challenging. We aim to help by sharing the key considerations for selecting the perfect pair of shoes.

1. Foot Shape

Toe shapes are typically categorized into four main types:

• Greek Type: The second toe is longer than the big toe.
• Egyptian Type: The big toe is the longest, and the others gradually get shorter.
• Roman Type: The big toe and the other toes are almost the same length.
• Celtic Type: A relatively rare shape where the big toe is long, the second toe is shorter, the third toe may be longer again, and the others gradually decrease in length.

Manufacturers often specify which foot shapes their shoes are designed for—some are narrower, some are wider, depending on the brand.

It's not just the shape of your toes that matters, but the shape of your entire foot!

2. Width (Measured)

There are also different types of foot width, such as:

• Narrow fan-shaped: A narrow foot where the toes spread out in a fan-like shape.
• Narrow straight: A narrow foot where the toes align in a straight line.
• Wide straight: A wide foot where the toes align in a straight line without spreading out much.
• Wide fan-shaped: A wide foot where the toes spread out significantly, resembling a fan shape.

To measure foot width, draw a perpendicular line from the centerline of your foot (explained below under foot length measurement). This line will indicate the width of your foot, which is important to consider when buying shoes.

3. Instep Height

This is typically significant for boots, slip-on shoes, and ballerina flats. There are three types:

• Low instep: Less than 0.71
• Normal instep: Between 0.71 and 0.78
• High instep: Greater than 0.78

To calculate this, divide the instep height by the foot length. The result will determine which category your foot falls into.

4. Foot Length (Measured)

The width and length of our feet increase throughout the day due to weight-bearing activities. During walking, the foot shifts forward in the push-off phase, so it's crucial to ensure the shoe length is ideal.

Two ways to measure foot length:

1. Tracing Method:

   • Always trace your foot barefoot.
   • It's important to ask someone else to trace your foot to avoid inaccuracies caused by leaning forward.
   • Stand on a piece of paper, distribute your weight evenly, and have someone trace your foot with a pencil.
   • Draw a line from your heel to your longest toe to determine the length of your foot. Subtract 5mm to account for the thickness of the pencil.

2. Book Technique:

   • Stand on a flat surface with your heel against a straight wall.
   • Place the edge of a book at your longest toe.
   • Carefully step away and mark the edge of the book on the paper.
   • Measure the distance between the mark and the wall. Subtract 5mm for the pencil thickness.

How NOT to Measure

• Always measure barefoot, especially for children.
• Never rely on the shoe's insole to determine whether it will fit; the shoe is always larger than the insole.

How Much Longer Should the Shoe Be?

To allow the foot's muscles to function optimally during movement, shoes should have some "extra space" in length. Remember, the foot's length and width can change throughout the day due to weight-bearing activities. Trying on shoes is crucial, as the extra space depends on the shoe's design, instep height, foot volume, and other factors.

General guidelines for extra length:

• Closed lace-up shoes: Add 9-12mm.
• Slip-on shoes, ballerinas: Add 5mm to prevent the foot from slipping out.
• Sandals or open-toe shoes: Add 0-5mm, as the foot may slide forward without bumping into anything.

How Much Wider Should the Shoe Be?

For width, it's generally recommended to choose a shoe that's 2-5mm wider than your foot to allow the toes to spread comfortably.

Age Considerations

• Children:

  • For toddlers just starting to walk, the shoe should be a maximum of 8mm larger.
  • Up to 3 years old, measure monthly as feet grow quickly; up to 12mm extra is recommended.
  • After 3 years, follow adult guidelines.

• Elderly:

  • For older individuals, consider that their muscle systems are weaker, and their balance may be less stable. Connective tissues loosen with age, so a maximum of 8mm extra is recommended.