Finding the right shoes implies knowing your foot size

There are different ways to quickly and effectively measure your foot size. Here are two easy methods:

Printing a foot measurement device

Click on the button below to print our foot measurement device on a standard sheet of paper, to measure your feet.

• 1. Print the foot measurement device and place it on the floor, on a flat and even surface.
• 2. Stand up and put your foot on the sheet of paper. Beware to place your heel on the designated spot, at the back of the paper.
• 3. Read your size using the graduation on the sheet of paper.

As one foot is usually longer than the other, measure both feet and keep the biggest size in mind. For example, if your foot is located between sizes 38 or 39, round it up. Your size is then 39.

Using the metric system

You can also use a simple sheet of paper to measure your shoe size:

• 1. Place a blank sheet of paper on the floor, on a flat and even surface, and place your foot on top of it.
• 2. Draw the shape of your foot on the sheet of paper.
• 3. Repeat with your other foot.
• 4. Mesure your foot’s length with a ruler. Keep the biggest length in mind.

Then convert your foot’s length according to this simple rule: your foot’s length is equal to two thirds of your foot’s size. For example, if your foot is 26 cm long, then apply this formula: 26 / 0.67 = 39. Your shoe size is 39, according to the French sizing system.

Choose your shoes according to your foot shape

Once you know your size, here comes the best part: choosing the right pair of shoes. This step is very important, as you have to keep your foot shape in mind so that you can find the perfect fit.

This means that a man with wide feet should avoid thin-shaped derbies, or that a woman with thin feet should choose some lace-up boots to keep her ankles tight and secure.

A new pair of shoes should not feel too tight or too rigid when worn. Do not assume that your new shoes will loosen up after you wear them.

For most adults, the perfect pair of shoes (neither too small nor too large) should at least have a « gap » of 5 to 12 millimetres at the front of the shoes. It also depends wether you are used to wearing tight shoes or loose shoes.

The brand’s influence on the sizing system

Every brand does not use the same sizing system. It varies from the French one, to the US, the UK or the Italian system, as they all use conversions from one size to another. This means that size 41 from one brand could be equal to size 43 from another brand.

Some brands like Paul Green, Gabor or Timberland use half-size of some of their pairs, to make sure they fit effectively.

High heels

Be careful when choosing the height of your heels! Doctors do not recommend wearing high (more than 6 cm tall) or flat (less than 1 cm tall) heels on a daily basis. They slowly damage your feet, your knees and your back. Intermediate or small heels are better. The arch of your feet should be close to their natural shape.

However, if you’re a high heel addict, here are a few tips:

• Choose wedges or platforms heels that decrease the arch of your feet.
• The wider the heel, the better, because the mass of your body is spread on a larger area.
• Be reasonable and anticipate: take a pair of ballerinas in your purse, just in case…