How to Measure Your Feet

Have you ever measure your feet properly? One of your friends could be calling you from the shoe store, they have just seen a nice pair of shoes that could be a good fit for you but they don’t really know if getting it without confirming your foot size would be a good idea. “What is your foot size?” they ask. In a bid to avoid the embarrassment of being clueless about your feet length, you give the wrong answer and are stuck with a pair of shoes that don’t actually fit. How frustrating that is! I have been there too. Finding a shoe that fits could be difficult but measuring your feet is a good way to start. In this interesting article, I would be giving you an insight on how to properly measure your feet.

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How to measure feet

Knowing your feet measurement ensures you make the right choice in getting footwear that not only fit but are comfortable. Follow the step by step guide below, to measure your feet.

Step one: Trace foot

Place a piece of paper on the ground. In order to get the most accurate measurement, make sure you have your full weight on the foot. You or someone else should trace around your foot. Ensure the pen or pencil is at angle 90 degree.

Note: Before tracing your foot, put on the exact socks you intend to wear with the shoes.

Step two: Measure length

Measure the outline from the back/central part of the heel to the end of the longest toe, using a measuring tape. To ensure more accurate results, repeat this step a few more times.

Step three: Measure width

Use a measuring tape, wrap it around the widest part of your foot at your bunion joint. In order to get the most accurate measurement, ensure you have your full weight on the ground.

Step four: Find your shoe size on a shoe sizing chart

Men and women have different shoes sizes and this varies from one country to another. Use your length and width size to find your shoe size on a shoe sizing chart. You need to note:

For foot length, if you are in between sizes, always move up to the next size. For foot width, choose the width that you are closest to.
Also, use the foot measurements of your larger foot when comparing against a shoe sizing chart as your feet may be different sizes.
To determine more accurate measurement, measure your feet at the end of the day, when they are at their largest.

In order to avoid regrettably purchasing footwear using the wrong foot measurement, it is advised you find out your correct foot measurement following the steps above which can be easily done in the comfort of your home.

You might want to ask why it is actually important to measure one’s foot, this is one. Constantly wearing shoes that don’t fit, could predispose one to a range of health issues which include;

foot pain and deformities such as hammer toe, corns and calluses
Ingrown toe nails
Blisters
Bruising.

In addition to the health issues mentioned above, wearing shoes that don’t fit would likely cause discomfort hence, making you walk differently and exerting extra pressure on your knees and ankle. This could result in complications that would eventually affect your joints later in life.

Also, knowing your exact foot size improves your confidence to purchase footwear online and increases your chances of getting a pair of shoe that fits. [MUST READ: How to Identify The Foot Shape]

Shoe sizing chart

Having measured your shoe size, you can compare your measurements against a shoe sizing chart for optimal shoe sizing.The shoe sizing chart below would serve as a guide to identify your foot length in centimeters:

[MUST READ: How to Choose Heels for Wide Feet]

How to measure feet FAQs

How often should you measure your feet ?

It is recommended you measure your feet every 6 to12 months as your feet size could be changing as you grow therefore, it is important you get an updated measurement of this part of your body too.

How do I measure my foot size in cm ?

The easiest way to measure your foot size in cm is to place your foot on a hard flat surface with your heel on a straight edge. Place a ruler beside your foot touching the straight edge your heel is also touching, then take the length in centimeters ( cm from the tip of your longest toe to your heel)

Why is it important to measure both feet?

Studies reveal that it is easier to verify your accurate feet measurement if you stand on both feet while measuring. Doing so helps determine a correct measurement because feet are at their largest size when standing. Generally, one foot is larger than the other therefore, it is better to measure both feet.

Do feet change when you gain weight?

Most people gain weight as they get older and those extra pounds press down on the ligaments and tendons that support your foot. As a result, your foot can widen or lengthen. Weight gain can also change the mechanics of how you walk thereby, exerting more pressure and shape-changing forces on your feet.

Can your feet grow in your 30s?

Everyone is different so, there isn’t a specific age for when your feet should stop growing. As you get older, your feet might get bigger as a result of weight gain, loose ligaments, or physical changes like bunions

Conclusion

Knowing your foot size is important but what is more exciting is knowing how to measure your feet. Having gone through the article, you should by now be able to comfortably measure your feet using the tips aforementioned. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section, you could also share other tips you use to measure your feet. We would love to read from you.

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