Q&A for How to Find Your Shoe Size

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  • Question
    What if my length and width give me different shoe sizes?
    Community Answer
    Then you may have a narrower or wider than average foot (size D width) and may need to special order online if you can't find a store near you that carries shoes to your specification.
  • Question
    I see a chart for mens' shoe width but not for womens'. Where is the one for women?
    Community Answer
    The article explains that a women's average width is a B and a women's narrow is an A or below, while the men's average is a D. Even though the chart they are using is titled "Men's Shoe Width...", it is actually the same chart for men and for women -- the article just didn't make that clear.
  • Question
    Is it okay if my thumb touches in front or shall I go for the next size up?
    Community Answer
    Yes its okay. After some days they become loose. If its uncomfortable or paining, then only choose the next size.
  • Question
    How can I determine my exact shoe size when buying shoes from the internet?
    Community Answer
    Most websites that sell shoes will have a sizing chart that you can refer to. If the website does not have a sizing chart, then you can order a size that is similar to the size you are currently wearing. If the shoe arrives and it does not fit, see if you can return it; most online shops have a flexible return policy.
  • Question
    Why don't the women's shoes go up to a size 11, and wider?
    Community Answer
    The reason is because it's so uncommon that it just doesn't make sense to a shoe store to keep that size in stock. Most of the time, they need to be specially ordered online from a manufacturer directly or from an online shoe store that carries your size.
  • Question
    When I take a ruler and measure my foot it's a 9 1/2 but my shoe size is 7 to 7.5. What is causing such a big difference in shoe sizing?
    Community Answer
    It could be the differences in different shoe manufacturers' standards. Also, a shoe with a wide rounded toe will allow your foot to slide deeper into the shoe because of the full rounded toe. A pad for the ball of the foot can be placed under the insole to prevent your foot from sliding deep into the shoe--a shoe salesman did this for me once when fitting me for a pair of shoes.
  • Question
    Does playing tennis require a larger size?
    Community Answer
    No, many play tennis with the exact same trainers they wear every day, so you'll be fine.
  • Question
    Should I purchase a trainer a half a size larger than my normal size?
    Blondtraillite
    Top Answerer
    It depends on the purpose for which you will be wearing the shoes. The average sports-player needs less of a different size than supports (stiffer versus softer structures in differing areas) for their particular sport, to avoid injury. Those who are especially active or train for long periods (such as marathon runners), to a degree by which the shoe must accommodate swelling, do need to purchase larger shoes. However, if you are that serious about sport, you should be professionally fitted by shops that sell shoes for your sport, e.g. a hiking store for outdoorsmen or a sports store. They not only have better advice than the general guideline but a size replacement policy.
  • Question
    Why does my foot slide forward in my shoe?
    Community Answer
    Your shoe is likely too big. Try to get a foam or gel heel insert. It goes on the inside of your shoe, right on the heel part.
  • Question
    Will it affect my shoe size if my second toe is longer than my big toe?
    Community Answer
    Most shoes do not have this problem but if your second toe touches the front of your shoe and the others don't, your best bet is probably to just get the shoe in the next size.
  • Question
    Should I calculate the length of my foot in inches or centimeters?
    Community Answer
    The charts here measure in both inches and millimeters. You could measure in either inches or measure in centimeters and multiply the centimeter length times ten to get the millimeter length.
  • Question
    Is there a formula for shoe sizing that takes height into account?
    Fivestars13
    Community Answer
    No, unfortunately, there's no reliable relationship between height and shoe size.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to have some space between the tip of the big toe and the shoe?
    Community Answer
    Yes - 1/2 inch or 12 mm to allow for natural motion. If there is no room, what initially might feel like a snug fit can ultimately feel quite painful, as there is no room for impact as you rock forwards. The foot always travels somewhere into the shoe. If there is nowhere to go, it's like striking the ground with the front of the foot.
  • Question
    Is a D width a wide or extra wide shoe?
    Community Answer
    According to the article, "E and up are wide and extra-wide." Because manufacturer sizing charts can very and some company's shoes may run slightly smaller or larger than average. See if the manufacturer has a specific sizing chart to determine which width matches your foot.
  • Question
    Does this size count for soccer cleats?
    Fivestars13
    Community Answer
    Yes, soccer cleats follow the same sizing, unless they are in European sizes. In that case, just look up a US size converter. Also, soccer cleats are often produced in a C width (whereas most men's shoes are D width). This is because soccer cleats should fit quite snugly.
  • Question
    What is medium width for women?
    Fivestars13
    Community Answer
    B width. Widths range from AAA (narrowest) to 2A, A, B, C, D, E, 2E, 3E and 4E. 'medium' or average for women is B. For men, it's D.
  • Question
    What is size 8 in metric?
    Blondtraillite
    Top Answerer
    There is no difference for "metric" (e.g. Canada) versus "imperial" (USA). The difference is in markets, and this article shows American sizes. There are conversions for differing markets, but you have to know the name of the market. For example, Google reports that an American size 8 shoe is a European size 42.
  • Question
    What is a boy's size 9.5 sneaker equivalent to in a men's size?
    Community Answer
    Men's and boy's shoes use the same sizing. Look at a shoe size chart which shows corresponding foot sizes in inches for more information.
  • Question
    Where is the table for women's shoe width?
    Community Answer
    The article explains that a women's average width is a B and a women's narrow is an A or below, while the men's average is a D. Even though the chart they are using is titled "Men's Shoe Width," it is actually the same chart for men and for women; the article just didn't make that clear.
  • Question
    I wear a size 10 in women's sneakers. What size should I buy in women's sandals?
    Findmeashoe
    Community Answer
    Typically, you need one size up in sneakers to accommodate the toe box. Depending on the brand you can go half or a full size down. Ask the sales assistant to measure the sandal and your feet for an accurate fit.
  • Question
    Is your shoe size primarily determined by the width of your foot when standing?
    Community Answer
    No, shoe size is primarily determined by length from heel to tip of the toe.
  • Question
    How do I find out my shoe size if I'm ordering online? How do I convert them to different sizes based on countries?
    Community Answer
    Most online shoe retailers will have a sizing conversion chart, though if the one you're ordering from doesn't, you can find one via Google.
  • Question
    My foot is about 9.5 inches long, but I wear anything from a 9 to a 10.5 in US men's sizes (depending on brand) comfortably. Why?
    Blondtraillite
    Top Answerer
    While length, with some variation in width, is the major determinant, other factors affect size including height (dorsum height) and the truncated height length. Some shoes are more accommodating of arch, and some have a shorter arch which requires a larger size. As well, not all manufacturers have the same quality control and can vary from industry standard or even from pair to pair. Always try on shoes before purchase to ensure a proper fit.
  • Question
    If I wear a 9 1/2 shoe and a 10 sneaker because my second toe is longer than my big toe, what size boot should I order?
    Findmeashoe
    Community Answer
    This depends on the brand of the shoe and brand of the boot. Simplest way would be to measure the foot bed of the sneaker, then check the equivalent cm for the boot. Functionally, they should be the same measurement.
  • Question
    My foot size is 26:2 cm. What is my shoe size?
    Findmeashoe
    Community Answer
    That depends on the shoe brand, but here is the standard as per size scale: Men's size: US 9 EU 42 | Women's : US: 10.5 |EU 42.
  • Question
    I measured my foot. The length was 10 inches and the width was 4 inches. How do I calculate my shoe size?
    Community Answer
    If you go by the chats, 10 inches is approximately a 9 women's or 7.5 men's and 4 inches is a D-E width.
  • Question
    I currently wear a size 9.5 shoe. The toe is fine, but regarding the width, it hurts my pinky toe on the side. Should I go to a size 10 or to a wide 9.5?
    Community Answer
    You are better to get the wide show where you can because the width does not always scale with the shoe size.
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