Our Guide To Women's Shoe Size & Width Measurements
We’re talking all things shoes – how to measure your feet, demystifying width measurements and all the essential info you need to measure from home!
I'm Jo, a member of the buying team here at Simply Be, and I'd like to help you better understand women's shoe size and width measurements to find your perfect fit.
Understanding Shoe Measurements
Understanding shoe size and shoe width measurements is crucial for finding the perfect fit. The width of a shoe refers to the space inside the shoe from one side to the other, across the widest part of the foot. Don’t forget that shoe width is different to shoe size. Our shoe width is represented by a letter, D (standard), E (wide), EEE (extra wide) and EEEEE (ultra-wide). Ensuring your shoes fit correctly is essential to making sure your feet are supported and above all, comfortable.
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How to Measure Your Own Shoe Size At Home
Measuring your foot length accurately is the first step in finding the right shoe size. Make sure you’re stood up right on a hard flat surface with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Get a friend to help if it makes it easier!
Step 1. Measuring the length of your foot for your shoe size.
- Place a piece of paper on the floor and ensure one edge is up against the wall.
- Stand upright with both heels up against the wall.
- Get someone to carefully draw around the toe area of your foot with a pen or pencil, then repeat for both feet (the measurements might differ).
- Using a tape or long ruler, measure the length from the back of the heel to the front toe mark for both feet, ensuring you measure the longest point, this is usually around the big toe point.
- Compare the measurement to the foot lengths shown in our shoe size chart below, using the longer of the two measurements to work out your ideal foot length/size.
Step 2. Measuring the width of your foot for your width fitting
- Again, stand up straight with your feet slightly apart.
- Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of the foot, for most people this will be the joint area behind the toes.
- Make sure the measuring tape is not too loose or pulled too tight around the foot. Then check your measurements in millimetres for both feet and compare these to the measurements shown in our shoe width fitting guide.
- Always choose the wider of the two measurements to work out your ideal width fitting.
Remember to measure your feet in the afternoon or evening when they are at their largest due to swelling. It's also worth considering the type of socks or tights you plan to wear, as this can affect the fit.
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Importance of Finding the Right Shoe Width
Finding the right shoe width is crucial for both comfort and good foot health. Wearing shoes that are too wide can cause instability and lack of support, increasing the risk of injuries.
By finding the perfect shoe width, you can make sure that your feet are properly supported and comfortable all day long. We recommend you measure your foot width regularly. Pregnancy, the time of day or your line of work can all have an impact on the measurements.
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Tips for Finding Shoes that Fit Perfectly
Finding shoes that fit perfectly is no mean feat, but with these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the right pair for you:
- Measure your feet regularly: Like we mentioned earlier, foot size and width can change over time. It’s important to measure your feet regularly to ensure accurate sizing.
- Consider your foot shape: Different people have different foot shapes, such as high arches, flat feet, or wide toes. Look for shoes that accommodate your specific shape to ensure a perfect fit.
- Try shoes on in the afternoon: Feet tend to swell throughout the day!
- Don't settle for too tight or too loose: Shoes that are too tight can cause pain and blisters, while shoes that are too loose can lead to instability. Always check for a secure fit!
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to measuring shoe size for women, there are a few common mistakes that you should try to avoid:
- Guessing your size: It's essential to measure your feet instead of guessing your shoe size based on previous pairs of shoes. Foot size can change over time, so it's important to get an accurate measurement.
- Neglecting width: Many women focus solely on foot length and don’t consider the importance of shoe width. Choosing the correct width is crucial!
- Ignoring comfort: Always prioritize comfort when choosing shoes. Even if the shoe size is technically correct, if the shoes feel uncomfortable, they may not be the right fit for you.
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FAQ’s
What’s the best time of day to measure your shoe size?
Feet tend to swell throughout the day, so it’s recommended to measure your feet in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest.
Should I wear socks or tights when measuring my shoe size?
It all depends on what the shoe style is. It’s more beneficial to fit the shoes with how you intend to wear the style. If you would wear the style with tights, then try them on with tights.
What are your tips for breaking in shoes?
If the shoe size and fit is right, then you wouldn’t need to break them in. They should be comfortable from the outset.
What to do if you are between shoe sizes?
We recommend sizing up. You can always purchase an insole to help bulk it up.
How to tell if shoes are too big?
If the shoe fits, then the heel should snuggly fit the heel with no slipping, if it does, then your shoes are too big.
How to tell if shoes are too small?
Your toes feel squashed, the heel rubs or it is too tight across the foot
How should shoes actually fit?
You should have a little bit of space at the end of your toes, so you can wiggle your toes. The foot sits back nicely into the heel of the shoe with no heel slippage when walking. And the shoe feels comfortable across the top of the foot, with no tightness or squashing.
I hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of women's shoe sizing and widths, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit. Don’t forget to check out our amazing range of standard and Wide Fitting Footwear and find your perfect pair.
Jo Mullen. Footwear Buyer | Simply Be