The most accurate way to measure your shoe size at home is by tracing the outline of your foot on a piece of paper and then measuring its length and width. This simple, reliable method gives you the precise info needed to find a perfect fit using brand-specific size charts, taking the guesswork out of shopping online from Nike shoes and other iconic brands like adidas, On, and Saucony.

 

How to Measure Foot Size Step by Step

 

Follow these steps to get a precise measurement of your foot length.

 

1. Gather Your Tools: You will need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or tape measure.
2. Prepare Your Space: Place the piece of paper on a hard, flat surface, like a hardwood floor, with one short edge flush against a wall.
3. Position Your Foot: Step onto the paper with your heel pressed firmly against the wall. Make sure you are standing straight with your weight evenly distributed.
4. Trace Your Foot: Holding the pen or pencil upright and perpendicular to the paper, carefully trace the complete outline of your foot.
5. Mark the Length: Make a clear mark at the very tip of your longest toe.
6. Measure: Step off the paper and use your ruler to measure the distance from the edge of the paper (where your heel was) to the mark you made at your longest toe. This measurement is your foot length.
7. Repeat for Both Feet: Your feet can be slightly different sizes. Repeat the process for your other foot and use the larger of the two measurements when choosing your shoe size.

Pro Tips:

 

1. Measure in the Evening: Your feet naturally swell throughout the day. Measuring them in the late afternoon or evening will give you the most accurate reading for a comfortable fit.
2. Wear Socks: Measure your feet while wearing the type of socks you would typically wear with the shoes you intend to buy.
3. Don't Look Down: When tracing, try to stand up straight and have someone else trace for you if possible, as looking down can shift your weight and affect the measurement.

How to Measure Foot Width

 

Using the same tracing from the length measurement, you can easily find your foot width.

 

1. Identify the Widest Points: Look at your foot tracing and identify the two widest points on either side of the ball of your foot (the area just below your toes).
2. Mark the Width: Draw a straight line connecting these two points across your tracing.
3. Measure the Line: Use your ruler to measure the length of this line. This is your foot width.
4. Use the Chart: Compare your width measurement to a shoe width chart to determine if you need a narrow, standard, or wide fit.

In the UK, shoe width is indicated by letters. For men, a "D" is considered a standard or medium width, while for women, a "B" is standard.

 

Men's UK Shoe Width Chart

 

Width	Letter Code	Foot Width (cm)
Narrow	C	< 9.0 cm
Standard	D	9.0 - 10.0 cm
Wide	E	10.0 - 11.0 cm
Extra Wide	EE	> 11.0 cm

Women's UK Shoe Width Chart

 

Width	Letter Code	Foot Width (cm)
Narrow	A	< 8.0 cm
Standard	B	8.0 - 9.0 cm
Wide	D	9.0 - 10.0 cm
Extra Wide	EE	> 10.0 cm

 

Finding the Right Shoe Size

 

Once you have your measurements, you can use our official size guides to find your perfect fit.

It's important to remember that different shoes can fit differently even if they are the same size.

A sleek running shoe is built on a different "last" (the foot-shaped model a shoe is built around) than a chunky basketball trainer, which can affect the overall volume and feel. Always refer to a brand's specific size chart. For a general look at size charts, check out our size guide and kids’ size chart.

 

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Signs You've Found the Right Fit

 

1. Heel is Secure: Your heel should be comfortably locked into the back of the shoe with minimal to no slipping as you walk.
2. Thumb's Width of Space: There should be about a thumb's width (around ½ inch or 1.25cm) of space between your longest toe and the front end of the shoe.
3. Comfortable Width: The sides of your foot should feel snug but not squeezed. Your foot should not be spilling over the edges of the insole.
4. Toe Wiggle Room: You should have enough space in the toe box to wiggle your toes freely.

How to Tell If Your Shoes Are the Wrong Size

 

1. Pain or Pinching: Any sharp pain or consistent pinching is a clear sign the shoe is too tight.
2. Numbness: If your toes go numb or tingle, the shoe is likely too narrow, restricting circulation.
3. Heel Slippage: If your heel constantly slips out of the back of the shoe as you walk, it's too big.
4. Blisters and Red Spots: These are tell-tale signs of friction caused by an improper fit.

How to Measure Shoe Size FAQs

 

How is UK shoe size measured?

 

UK shoe sizes are based on a system called ‘barleycorns’, where one size increment is equal to one barleycorn (1/3 of an inch). The system starts from a baseline size and increases from there, which is why there isn't a direct, simple formula to convert from a CM measurement.

 

Can I measure my shoe size with my phone

 

There are apps that use your phone's camera to measure your foot size. While they can provide a good estimate, they can also be inconsistent. For the most reliable and accurate result, the manual method of tracing your foot on paper is still the gold standard.

 

How to convert foot size to shoe size?

 

The best way to convert your foot size to a shoe size is to use the official size chart of the brand you are buying from. Simply take your foot measurement in centimeters or inches and find the corresponding size on their chart.

 

How to check foot size without a ruler?

 

If you don't have a ruler, you can use a standard object with a known length. A piece of A4 paper is 29.7cm long. You can also use a credit card (8.56cm wide) or an app on your phone that has a digital ruler function.

 

How to know shoe size without measuring?

 

The quickest way is to check the size label inside a pair of shoes you already own that fits you perfectly. This is an excellent starting point, but remember that sizing can vary between brands, so it's always best to measure if you can.

And that’s a wrap. Whether it’s men shoes, women’s trainers or kids’ sneakers, we’ve got you covered. A perfect fit prevents pain, enhances performance, and ensures the shoes you love will last. Consider this your essential skill for building a better wardrobe from the ground up.