How to Accurately Measure Your Foot for the Perfect Fit

Buying shoes online can be tricky, but getting an accurate measurement at home is easy. An incorrect shoe size can lead to discomfort and foot problems. Follow these simple steps to measure your foot length correctly:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.
2. Trace Your Foot: Place the paper on a hard, flat surface. Stand with one foot on the paper, keeping your weight evenly distributed. Trace the outline of your foot as closely as possible. It's easiest if you have someone help you.
3. Measure the Length: Use your ruler to measure the distance from the very back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
4. Repeat for the Other Foot: Most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Measure both feet and use the measurement of the larger foot for the calculator.
5. Measure in the Evening: For the most accurate result, measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest.

Understanding International Shoe Sizing

Shoe sizes are not standardized globally, which can be confusing. Here’s a quick overview of the major systems:

• US & Canada: Based on the length of a "last" (a shoemaker's model of a foot), measured in inches. The system uses a formula based on the Brannock Device. Women's sizes are typically 1.5 sizes larger than men's for the same foot length (e.g., a Men's 8.5 is roughly a Women's 10).
• UK: Similar to the US system but with different starting points. A UK size is typically 0.5 to 1 size smaller than the equivalent US men's size.
• Europe (EU): Uses the "Paris Point" system, where one point equals 2/3 of a centimeter. This system does not typically differentiate between men, women, or children in its formula, making it more uniform.
• Japan (JP/Mondopoint): The simplest system. It is based on the length of the foot in centimeters.

Quick Conversion Chart (Adult Sizes)

While our calculator provides the most accurate conversion, here is a general reference chart. Now that you have found the right shoes, consider complementing them with a healthy lifestyle. Check out our Fitness & Health calculators to get started.