How to Measure Your Foot for the Perfect Shoe Size
Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, bunions, and long-term foot pain. Taking two quick measurements ensures you buy the right size every time.
Measuring Foot Length and Width
Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor, stand on it, and trace around your foot. Mark the heel and the tip of your longest toe for length; mark the widest points across the ball of your foot for width. Measure these distances with a ruler. Always measure both feet โ most people have one slightly larger โ and fit to the larger foot.
Understanding Shoe Size Systems
The KR (Korean) size equals foot length in millimeters. US sizes differ between women and men โ women's sizes run about 1.5 higher than men's for the same foot. EU sizes use Paris points (foot length รท 6.67). UK sizes are similar to US but 0.5 lower for women. JP sizes are expressed in centimeters.
Width Fitting Guide
Width codes (B, D, E, 2E, 4E) indicate how wide the shoe is across the ball. If you have wide feet, always look for the width code rather than just going up a size โ longer shoes won't solve width problems and will cause heel slippage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes โ each brand uses its own last (mold) to build shoes, so widths vary even at the same labeled size. Nike tends to run narrow; New Balance tends to run wide. When ordering online, always check brand-specific size guides.
Measure in the evening when your feet are at their largest due to daily swelling. Standing (not sitting) during measurement also gives a more accurate reading since body weight spreads the foot.
If your foot length lands between sizes, choose the larger size and use an insole to fine-tune the fit. Going smaller can cause compression pain; going larger is easier to adjust.