How to Measure Your Foot and Find Your Right Shoe Size

When it comes to measuring your foot size, you can not measure the length and width of your foot and call it a day. The chances are that you will end up with wrong measurements and an ill-fitted pair of shoes.

Feet are three-dimensional and should be measured as such. For this, you need to measure your feet’ length, arch length, and width. Only this will help you choose shoes of the right sizes.

I wrote this guide to help you get the necessary sizing data about your feet all by yourself. Then I will talk about converting those numbers into your true shoe size.

Here is a quick overview of how to measure your foot size the right way:

1. Wear your regular socks or stockings before taking foot measurements.
2. Measure the heel-to-toe length of your right foot.
3. Measure the heel-to-toe length of your left foot.
4. Take the larger of the two numbers for your true heel-to-toe length.
5. Measure the heel-to-ball arch length of your right foot (with a Brannock device).
6. Measure the heel-to-ball arch length of your left foot (with a Brannock device). 
7. Take the larger of the two numbers for your true heel-to-ball arch length.
8. Compare between your true heel-to-toe length and true heel-to-ball arch length.
9. Take the larger of the two numbers for your true foot length.
10. Measure end-to-end across the ball of your right foot for width.
11. Measure end-to-end across the ball of your left foot for width.
12. Take the larger of the two numbers for your true foot width.
13. Use your true foot length and true foot width to find your true shoe size. (The charts included later in this article will help you do that).

Above was a bird’s eye view of how to measure your foot size and find your true shoe size. Continue reading below to know each step in detail.

Let’s Measure the Length, Arch Length, and Width of Your Feet

The fun stuff starts here! We will measure the length, arch length, and width of your feet. But, it would help if you made a few preparations before jumping into the process.

Here are the preparations you will need to make to measure your foot size:

• Measure in centimeters only for better accuracy.
• Measure your feet with your socks or stockings on.
• Measure your feet in the late afternoon because your feet swell up a little and get bigger as the day advances.

With the preparations out of the way, your next step is to keep a few things handy. These items are necessary to measure your foot size.

Here are the supplies you need to collect to measure your foot size:

• A pen or pencil. 
• A few sheets of A4 size copier paper.
• A ruler or measuring tape.
• A roll of duct tape.
• A Brannock device.

With all preparations done and all things handy, let’s measure your foot size.

Measure the Heel-To-Toe Length of Your Feet (Foot Length)

The distance from your heel to toe is the first number we will measure. For this measurement, take your largest toe into account. This number will become your total foot length:

Here’s how to measure the heel-to-toe length of your feet the right way:

1. Place a piece of paper on the floor.
2. Tape the corners of the paper so that it stays in its place.
3. Stand straight on the floor with your right foot on the paper.
4. Put a mark on the paper in front of your largest toe and behind your heel.
5. Repeat the process on a new sheet for your left foot as well.
6. Measure the distance between the two marks on both sheets.
7. Use the larger of the two numbers as the total length of your foot.

Measure the Heel-To-Ball Length of Your Feet (Arch Length)

The heel-to-ball arch length is the most important sizing data about your feet. You have to get this right. Period.

Shoes are made to flex at the ball area. If your ball of the foot and shoe’s flexing point do not line up, you will never feel comfortable in your shoes.

In the previous step, you measured the total length of your feet. In this step, you will measure the heel-to-ball arch length of your feet. Then you will use the larger of the two lengths to determine your shoe size.

To measure your heel-to-ball arch length, you will need a Brannock device. You may buy the device online or visit a shoe store nearby.

Here’s how to measure the heel-to-ball arch length of your feet the right way:

1. On your Brannock device, slide the arch length indicator backward.
2. Place your right foot on the device with your heel fitted into the heel cup.
3. Slide the arch length indicator upward until it lines up with your bunion joint.
4. Look at the number next to the pointer to know your heel-to-ball arch length.
5. Repeat the process for the left foot as well.
6. Use the larger of the two numbers as your true heel-to-ball arch length.
7. Compare your total foot length and heel-to-ball arch length.
8. Use larger of the two numbers as your true foot length.

Measure the Across-The-Ball Width of Your Feet (Foot Width)

The distance from one end to another across the ball of your feet is the last number we will measure. Take the widest part of your feet at the bunion joint into account. This number will become your total foot width. This number will also determine if you have narrow feet, standard feet, or wide feet.

Here’s how to measure the width of your feet the right way:

1. Place a piece of paper on the floor.
2. Tape the corners of the paper so that it stays in its place.
3. Stand straight on the floor with your right foot on the paper.
4. Put a mark on the paper at both ends of the ball of your feet.
5. Repeat the process on a new sheet for your left foot as well.
6. Measure the distance between the two marks on both sheets.
7. Use the larger of the two numbers as the true width of your foot.

Let’s Convert Your Foot Measurements into Your True Shoe Size

It is time to convert your foot measurements into your true shoe size. Run the numbers through the charts given below and find your shoe size.

For foot length, if you are in-between sizes, always choose the length that you are closest to. For foot width, if you are in-between sizes, always choose the width that you are closest to.

Men’s Shoe Size Chart

The chart below refers to the shoe sizes for men based on their true foot length in centimeters. The chart also tells you if you have narrow feet, standard feet, or wide feet. Take a look:

Women’s Shoe Size Chart

The chart below refers to the shoe sizes for women based on their true foot length in centimeters. The chart also tells you if you have narrow feet, standard feet, or wide feet. Take a look:

Important: The sizes may differ slightly from brand to brand. So, always consult with the shoe size chart issued by the brand of your choice before purchasing.

What’s Next

Measure your feet by this guide, and you will find boots and shoes that will wrap around your feet like a second skin. My list of the best work boots is a good place to start your search for a new pair from. Also, do not forget to check our homepage for more boots care guides.

P.S. Always measure your feet afresh whenever you buy a new pair of shoes. The foot size changes all the time due to the factors like age, weight, pregnancy, etc. So, your current measurement is unlikely to be true the next time you are to buy new shoes.