Finding Your Right Shoe Size Online

What could be easier or more fun than shopping for shoes online? Who doesn’t love browsing all your favorite brands and checking out the latest styles from the comfy confines of the couch. Click and it’s in your cart and on its way. There can be a few challenges, like how to know your shoe size online. Finding the right shoe size when you can’t try things on right away isn't as hard as you might think. With a few tips and tricks and a better understanding about how shoe sizes work you can order shoes online with confidence.

Size Charts

Size charts are there to help you. Use the handy charts available and also check out the brand and shoe descriptions carefully. They will often tell you if a shoe tends to run larger or smaller than average. Brand reviews are another place to research sizes because you can read what other buyers’ experiences have been. If it’s a brand you know and already have in your closet, you can be fairly sure that the line overall will tend to run similarly.  Here at Shoe Sensation, we often let you know right in the product description if a particular style tends to run larger or smaller.

Shoe Sizes by Style

Style makes a difference. Our experience has taught us that sandals are different from snow boots are different from high heels. While it might seem obvious, it can be tempting to just say “I’m a size 8” and automatically order that size. Consider the style, for instance, pointy ankle boots often require a bit more toe room unless the manufacturer has already allowed for that. On the other hand, we’ve found sandals with their open toes to be a bit more forgiving.

Think about whether you will usually wear socks with the shoes and how thick. The hiking boots category is another area where you want to think about how you use them. If they’re just for sporing around town or strolling park pathways in everyday socks, you can size them as you would your shoes. If you are hitting hardcore trails and scrambling down rocky mountainsides, make sure they are roomy enough for hiking socks and some wiggle room for your toes without being so loose that they slide with every downhill step.

Running shoes and other athletic shoes should be fit for your use. Do you log a lot of miles? Make sure your running shoes have the support, width, and cushioning to fit comfortably or to hold inserts if you want them. Lacing up for a race? Go for something lightweight that fits like a glove.

When you see any pair of shoes you’d like to order, stop a moment and think about how, where, and when they’ll fit into your life and the type of fit important to those activities.

What’s the Difference Between U.S., UK, & European Shoe Sizes

Good question. Ever tried doing something with metric measurements when you’re not familiar with them? Or baking with a recipe you don’t quite understand? In the end, it’s not that difficult, but a little conversion is in order. Check size charts for guidance.

European brands size their adult shoes in a range from 35-49. Check to see the U.S. size equivalents.

UK sizes vary from 2-12 and vary differently for men and women.
A good formula for UK men’s shoe sizes is to subtract 1 full size from your typical U.S. men’s size to find the UK size. So a U.S. men’s 10 would be UK 9.

For women’s sizes subtract 2 sizes from the U.S. size, for instance, a U.S. women’s size 8 would be a UK size 6.

Know Your Foot Size

It’s a good idea to know your actual foot measurement and whether your feet are considered wide or narrow. If you’ve had your foot measured recently in a shoe store, you likely know this already. It is a good idea to do it again from time to time since it can change. Many factors can influence your size such as weight loss or gain or whether you are still growing – even becoming a mom. Many women have said that their shoe size increased after pregnancy. If you are shopping in-store, use the opportunity to check your size and write it down for later.

Measure Your Shoe Size at Home

Here’s an easy way to take our own measurements. It starts with a pen or marker and a piece of paper on a flat, stable surface.

• Put on light socks, typical to what you generally wear (just as you would in the shoe store)
• Place one foot on the paper
  
• Draw an outline around your foot
  
• Mark the longest and widest part of the foot on the drawing
  
• Now do the same thing with your other foot
  
• Measure the longest and widest part of each drawing and write down the measurements
  
• Compare your measurements to size charts to find your shoe size
  
  Note: be sure to write down the measurements for both feet and note which is which. It’s typical to have one foot slightly larger than the other, although generally not significant enough to make much difference. Do be sure to order a size large enough to fit the larger foot.

More People Shopping Online

According to a new study from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, nearly three-quarters (71%) of shoppers plan to buy their shoes online this year, compared to 29% who intend to either shop in stores or take advantage of curbside pickup.

Go For It - Returns Are a Thing

The good news is that even if you make a mistake, it’s not forever. If you are unsure that the size will work for you, do wear socks or booties when you try them on, and if they don’t fit, wrap them carefully right back up and return them. If there's a retail location nearby, take advantage of free in-store pickup or returns and curbside service. Shoe Sensation offers the option to shop online and pick up at your local store.

Our motto, if you find something you love, double down. Or as the saying goes, if the shoe fits – buy an extra pair.