A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Measure Your Shoe Size at Home

It’s so easy to buy clothes and footwear online, and it can be so much more convenient than going into the physical store, but it can be tricky to know which shoes to buy. This is particularly true as your feet can gradually change size over time, even if you don’t notice it.

If you’re unsure about your shoe size, you risk ordering footwear that won’t fit, meaning that you have to deal with the hassle of returning it — if you’d like to know how to measure your shoe size easily and quickly from the comfort of your home, keep reading on for our simple step-by-step guide!

Before You Start

Ideally, you should measure your foot after you’ve been walking all day, as your foot size can increase slightly after walking. Likewise, you should only measure your bare feet if you’re intending on wearing your new shoes barefoot.

Measure both feet too. Often, people’s feet vary slightly in size, so it’s best to be safe. Go with the measurements of the larger foot to ensure that your new pair will definitely fit you.

1. Trace Your Foot

For this, you’ll need a piece of paper and either a pen or pencil. While wearing a sock you’ll be wearing with the shoe you intend to buy, stand on the piece of paper. Once you’ve done so, you’re ready to measure your shoe size.

Make sure your full weight is on the foot, and then either trace around your foot or get somebody else to do it. For accuracy, the pen or pencil should be at a 90-degree angle.

2. Measure the Length

Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the length of your foot from the very back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe — usually the big toe. Again, it might be easier for a friend to help you with this.

Then, simply write the measurement down.

3. Measure the Width

Measure the width of your foot by wrapping a measuring tape around the widest part of your foot. Make sure your full weight is on the foot, and then write this measurement down too.

4. Use Length and Width Charts

Once you’ve got the measurements down, you can check size charts to work out your shoe size and ideal width. From here, you’ll have a clear idea of what shoes you should buy.

5. Order Your New Shoes

Of course, this is the final step. Get online and order the shoes you’ve had your eye on! There are plenty to choose from — if you’re looking for that lace-up boot of your dreams, check it out here.

It’s worth bearing in mind that if your foot length is in between sizes, you should choose the next size up, whereas if your foot width is in between sizes, you should go for the width that’s closest to you.