HOW TO MEASURE YOUR FEET & PICK A SIZE?
Posted on April 15 2026
Introduction to Shoe Sizing
Shoe sizing is not universal. Different countries and regions around the world have developed their own measurement systems, which makes buying shoes internationally a challenge. This guide aims to demystify these differences and provide you with the knowledge to find the right fit, regardless of where you're shopping from or what sizing system is being used.
A properly fitting shoe is essential not just for comfort, but for your overall foot health. Too tight, and you risk blisters, corns, and even long-term foot problems. Too loose, and you lose proper support, risking trips, falls, and inefficient movement patterns.
Did you know? The average person's feet can change in size throughout adulthood due to factors like weight changes, pregnancy, aging, and even the time of day.
The History of Shoe Sizing Systems
Shoe sizing has a fascinating history that dates back centuries:
The Barleycorn Measure
The British and American sizing systems are based on the "barleycorn" - a medieval unit that's approximately 1/3 of an inch (8.46mm). King Edward II of England decreed in 1324 that three barleycorns would equal one inch, and that each shoe size would differ from the next by one barleycorn.
The Paris Point
Continental European sizing is based on the "Paris Point" (Point de Paris), developed in the 1800s. Each Paris Point equals 2/3 of a centimeter (6.67mm), and this is the basis for EU shoe sizing. The measurement starts at size 0, which is approximately 15cm (the size of a newborn's foot).
Modern Developments
In the 20th century, as international trade increased, attempts were made to standardize shoe sizing. The Mondopoint system, based on the metric system, was developed as an ISO standard (ISO 9407:2019) and is used primarily in athletic shoes, ski boots, and military footwear.
Asian countries like Japan and China have adopted sizing systems based directly on foot length in centimeters or millimeters, which many argue is the most logical approach to sizing.
How to Measure Your Feet Properly
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather your materials: You'll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil, a ruler or measuring tape, and the socks you plan to wear with your shoes.
- Time your measurement right: Measure in the evening when your feet are at their largest. Feet can swell throughout the day, especially if you've been standing a lot.
- Position your paper: Place the paper on a hard floor (not carpet). Tape it down if it slides.
- Trace your foot: Stand with your full weight on the paper. Keep your posture natural. Trace around your foot, keeping the pencil perpendicular to the floor.
- Measure the length and width: Measure the distance from the heel to the longest toe (which might not be your big toe). This is your foot length. For width, measure the widest part of your foot.
- Measure both feet: Repeat for the other foot. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other - always use the measurements from your larger foot.
Major Sizing Systems Explained
US Sizing System
The US system uses different scales for men's, women's, and children's shoes:
- Men's sizing starts at around size 4 and increases in 1/3 inch increments.
- Women's sizing is typically 1.5 to 2 sizes larger than men's (e.g., a women's 8.5 is equivalent to a men's 7).
The US system also uses half sizes, allowing for more precise fit increments.
UK Sizing System
Similar to the US system but typically one size smaller:
- A US men's 10 is approximately a UK 9
- A US women's 8 is approximately a UK 6
- UK children's sizes start at 0 and go up to about 13, then transition to adult sizes
The UK system also uses half sizes and is based on the barleycorn unit, like the US system.
European Sizing System (EU)
The EU system:
- Uses a continuous scale for men, women, and children
- Is based on the Paris Point (⅔ of a centimeter)
- Doesn't typically use half sizes (though some brands may)
- Adult sizes generally range from 35 (women's small) to 50 (men's large)
- Children's sizes range from around 16 (baby) to 34 (youth)
Asian Sizing Systems (JP/CN)
Japanese (JP) and Chinese (CN) sizing:
- Based directly on foot length in centimeters
- A size 25 means the shoe is designed for a 25cm foot length
- This system is logical but requires knowledge of your exact foot length
- Japanese sizes sometimes use E, EE, EEE, etc., to denote width
Mondopoint System
The international ISO standard:
- Measures both foot length and width in millimeters
- Written as [length]×[width], e.g., "275×100" (27.5cm long, 10cm wide)
- Used primarily for ski boots, military footwear, and some athletic shoes
- Potentially the most accurate system but not widely adopted in everyday footwear
Understanding Shoe Width
While most conversations about shoe sizing focus on length, width is equally important for a comfortable fit. Different countries have different systems for indicating width:
US Width System
The US uses letters to denote width:
- AAA, AA, A - Narrow
- B - Slightly narrow (standard for women)
- C, D - Medium (D is standard for men)
- E, EE, EEE - Wide to extra wide
- EEEE+ - Extra extra wide
Other Width Systems
Other common width indicators:
- UK: Uses numerical system (1-9)
- EU: Often uses F, G, H, etc.
- Japan: Uses E, EE, EEE, etc.
- Other indicators: N (narrow), M (medium), W (wide)
Measuring Your Foot Width
To determine your foot width:
- Measure the widest part of your foot (usually the ball of the foot)
- Consult a width chart based on your foot length and measured width
- Remember that width designations vary between brands
Why do shoe sizes vary between brands?
Each brand develops their own "lasts" (foot models) based on their target customers and design aesthetics. Some brands design for narrower feet (e.g., many European brands), while others design for wider feet. Manufacturing variations and inconsistent adherence to sizing standards also contribute to differences. Here are some brand size charts for your reference:
1. ALTRA
2. PUMA
3. HOKA
4. NEW BALANCE
5. NORDA
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