You need to know the width of the shoe if you want to buy new shoes. To determine the width of the shoe, you will need to measure the foot with a pen and paper. After measuring your feet, use the shoe size chart to determine the width of your shoes and choose the right shoe.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Measuring Feet
Step 1. Keep your feet on the paper while sitting
Sit up straight in the chair. Take a sheet of paper large enough so that the entire sole of your foot can fit on it. Footprints flat on the paper.
If you plan to wear socks with the shoes you purchased, wear them while measuring your feet
Step 2. Trace the sole of the foot
Use a pencil or pen to trace the outline of your foot. Keep the pencil or pen as close to your foot as possible to get the most accurate measurement possible.
It is best if you have someone else help you trace your feet while you are standing straight for the most accurate results. However, that doesn't mean you can't do it yourself
Step 3. Repeat with the other leg
When you've finished measuring one leg, repeat the process on the second leg. Right and left foot sizes are usually different so you will wear the largest foot size.
Step 4. Measure the width between the widest points of the feet
Identify the area on the foot with the greatest width. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure both feet.
Step 5. Subtract to find the width of the shoe
The first measurement will not be 100% accurate. Your tracing will still leave some space between the leg and the image so the size on the paper will be slightly larger than the foot size. To determine the most accurate foot width, subtract each of your measurements by 5 mm.
Part 2 of 3: Determining Shoe Size
Step 1. Measure the length of the foot
The width of the shoe is distinguished by the size of the shoe. To determine the width of the shoe, measure the distance between the longest sections of each foot. Then, subtract 5 millimeters
Step 2. Identify your shoe size
You can find a simple shoe size chart online. Match the foot length with the corresponding shoe size. However, be aware that there are different shoe size charts based on gender.
For example, a foot measuring 22 centimeters is a size 5 based on the US women's shoe size chart. In European countries, size 8.5 is 35 or 36
Step 3. Determine the width based on the associated size
Once you've identified your shoe size, look at the larger size of your foot. Know your shoe size based on that size.
For example, a woman with a size 5 shoe and about 10 cm wide will need extra wide shoes. In stores, these extra wide shoes are usually labeled "E"
Step 4. Use custom size charts whenever possible
Every measurement chart is different and some shoe companies can make sizes slightly smaller or larger than average. When buying shoes, see if the manufacturer has a custom size chart before assuming shoe sizes based on a standard chart. This helps increase the chances of the shoe size being incorrect, especially if you are buying online.
Part 3 of 3: Ensuring Accuracy
Step 1. Measure your feet at the end of the day
Foot size changes throughout the day. Feet tend to enlarge at night due to swelling. Measure your shoes at night to make sure they fit all day.
Step 2. Measure your feet while wearing socks
If you usually wear socks under your shoes, wear them when you're measuring your feet. For example, running or sports shoes are usually worn with socks so wear them before measuring your feet.
Some shoes, such as sandals and flats, are usually not worn with socks. In this case, it is important to wear socks while measuring shoes
Step 3. Try on shoes before buying
Shoe size and width can help you find a shoe that fits better. However, even if the size is right, there are other factors such as the shape of the foot that affect the fit of the shoe on the foot. Get in the habit of trying on shoes before buying.
If you buy shoes online, make sure they come from a company that provides a full refund option if the size doesn't fit
Step 4. Buy shoes that will fit your biggest foot
Use this foot measurement to determine the width of the shoe. Thus, the shoes will feel snug on both feet
