The Pavers blog is your one-stop shop for the info you need to find a perfect pair of shoes. And by perfect we mean comfortable, stylish, and most important of all, a good fit.
In days gone by you’d head to a shop on the high street for new shoes and an attendant would measure your feet for you. But now, with the majority of shopping done online and few (if any) of us owning shoe measuring devices, you may be asking - how do I make sure my new shoes are a good fit?
Thankfully, our foot measuring guide is here to help. We’ll cover everything you need to get a well-fitting pair of shoes, including:
- Understanding different shoe sizing systems
- Methods for measuring feet
- Tips for accurate shoe sizing
You can also browse our cosy and classic shoes, and our premium comfort features, over at The Comfort Hub. And of course, you can pop into your nearest Pavers store if you’d rather do it the traditional way!
Understanding Shoe Sizing
If you look at a label inside a shoe, or on the side of a shoe box, you’ll see a few numbers - this is the first opportunity for confusion. Attempting to find out what these mean can lead to further confusion thanks to the archaic terminology involved in the formal definitions of shoe sizes (lasts, barleycorns, hands, etc), so here’s a jargon-free look at what each number means:
- UK sizing: this system is based on the length of the mold used to create the shoe, and each full size represents an increase of one third of an inch. UK sizes differ for men and women’s shoes.
- US sizing: the US system is similar to the UK system, except that their zero size is slightly bigger.
- EU sizing: the EU uses a centimetre value instead of inches, and each full size represents an increase of around two thirds of a centimetre. EU sizes are unisex.
- Size in inches: refers to the size of a foot that can fit comfortably into this shoe, in inches.
- Size in cm: as above, but in centimetres.
Methods for Measuring Feet
With definitions out of the way, let’s move onto the practical stuff. Here are a handful of ways to measure the size of your feet, from the comfort of your home.
Using a Brannock Device
Earlier we mentioned the shoe measuring device that shoe shop attendants use. Its proper name is the Brannock device, named after its inventor Charles Brannock.
The sliders on a Brannock device allow you to measure the length and width of your foot, giving you all the measurements you need for a well-fitting shoe.
Here’s how to use a Brannock device:
- Place your foot on the device, with your heel firmly against the back
- Adjust the length slider so that it rests on the tip of your longest toe - this will give you the shoe size measurement
- Adjust the width bar to measure your food width - taken together with the shoe size, this will give you an accurate and comprehensive foot measurement
DIY Measurement
If you don’t have a Brannock device, you can make a makeshift measuring tool with household items. This cheap and quick alternative is a great way to get your size in a pinch.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Lay down a piece of paper on the floor, making sure it’s bigger than your foot
2. Stand on the paper with your weight distributed evenly (this ensures the optimal foot shape for measurement)
3. Trace the outline of your foot
4. Measure the length from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe
5. Measure the width at the widest part of the foot
With this method we recommend repeating the measurement for both feet, as sometimes sizes can vary between the two.
Online Shoe Size Calculators
With the method above you’ll be left with inch or centimetre measurements. If you prefer a size in the UK/US/EU system, you can use an online calculator to convert the values.
You can also use conversion tables to switch between different sizing systems.
Printable Foot Measurement Tools
Some websites offer foot measurement tools to download and print. These are similar to the DIY method, except that all you need to do is print the tool, stand on it, and take your measurement. They’re a good option for tech savvy people who want to save time.
There’s An App for That!
Tech savvy readers can also use an app to measure their shoe size, tapping into the miracles of modern technology. Just install a shoe size app from the app store on your phone and follow the instructions. It’ll ask you to take photos of your feet from various angles, then the internal algorithm will calculate your size for you.
Tips for Accurate Shoe Sizing
There are a few factors that determine how accurate your shoe size measurement will be. While it’s often the case that a slight mismeasurement won’t lead to any significant issues with your shoe, it’s best to be as accurate as possible to minimise the risk of discomfort or other avoidable problems.
Here are a few ways to get an accurate measurement:
- Measure at the end of the day: our feet swell slightly through the day, so measuring in the evening will help you choose a shoe that accommodates your feet at their biggest!
- Wear the socks you’ll wear with the shoes: socks can have a surprisingly big impact on how well your feet fit into shoes. If you’ll likely be wearing socks with your shoes, take foot measurements while wearing the same socks. This will ensure your shoes are comfortable exactly the way you'll be wearing them
- Measure both feet: many people will take shoes that are the same size, but it’s always worth measuring both feet. If there’s a discrepancy between their sizing, knowing this in advance will help you choose a better fitting pair.
- Double check the size chart: UK shoe sizing isn’t formally standardised, meaning there may be some differences between different brands. Just because you’re a size 7 with one brand, don’t assume you’ll be a 7 with another brand! Measuring each time is a sure fire way to avoid disappointment.
Come In Store for Further Help and Advice
Taking the time to find shoes that are the right size pays dividends: not only are they more comfortable to wear, but they stand you in better stead to have healthy feet for years to come (and improved posture, lower risk of joint pain, to name just a few other benefits!).
We hope this foot measuring guide has been helpful in building your understanding of the different sizing systems, how to convert between them and, most importantly, how to get accurate measurements of your feet.
If you’re looking to buy a new pair of well-fitting shoes, why not consider at our range of wide fit shoes for men and women today. Our comprehensive range has shoes of all sizes to make sure you get a comfortable fit! You can also read our wide fit shoes guide if you need more info, or get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.