Knowing the width of a shoe is important if you need to buy a new pair. To determine this you will need to measure your foot with a paper and a pen. Once you have measured your foot, you can use a size chart as a reference to find out how wide your shoes should be.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Measure the Foot
Step 1. While seated, place your foot on a sheet of paper
Sit with your back straight in a chair. Get a sheet of paper large enough to fit your foot. Place it on the sheet of paper.
If you are going to wear socks with the shoes you are going to buy, wear them as you proceed with the measurement
Step 2. Trace the outline of the foot
With your pencil or pen, trace the outline of your foot. Keep them as close to the foot as possible. This will help you take an accurate measurement.
The measurement will be even more accurate if you ask someone to trace the outline of your foot while you are sitting straight, but you can also do it yourself
Step 3. Repeat with the other foot
Once you have finished measuring the first one, repeat the same process with the other foot. The feet usually differ slightly from each other; the choice of shoes will therefore be based on the size of the larger one.
Step 4. Take the measurement between the two most distant points in the width of your foot
Identify the two points farthest from each other in width. Get a tape measure or ruler to measure both widths.
Step 5. Subtract something to find the width of your shoe
The first measurements will not be perfectly accurate. The pencil will probably have created a little more space, thus making your measurement slightly wider than the actual one. To determine the width of the sole of your foot more precisely, subtract 5 millimeters from the measurement.
Part 2 of 3: Determine Shoe Size
Step 1. Measure your foot length
The width of the shoe varies according to the size. To determine the width of the shoe, measure the length of each foot. Then subtract 5 millimeters.
Step 2. Find your shoe size
With a simple internet search you can find a size reference chart. Please match your foot length with the corresponding size. Keep in mind, however, that there are different tables depending on whether the shoes are for men or women.
For example, a foot that measures approximately 8.5 inches fits a size 5 based on women's sizes in the United States. In European countries, the same measure corresponds to a 35 or 36
Step 3. Find out your foot width based on that measurement
The size chart should indicate the width based on the shoe size. Once you've located it, take a look again at the width measurement of the sole of your largest foot. Determine your shoe size based on that measurement.
For example, a woman who fits a size 5 shoe with a 10.6cm wide foot would need a shoe with a wider sole. In stores, wider soles in footwear are labeled "E"
Step 4. Use a specific table whenever you can
Each size chart is different and some shoe brands may offer slightly smaller or larger than average footwear. When buying shoes, see if the manufacturer uses a specific table before choosing the size based on a generic table. This will help you increase the chances that the shoes will fit well, especially if you are shopping online.
Part 3 of 3: Make Sure You Take Accurate Measurements
Step 1. Measure your feet at the end of the day
The size of the feet varies throughout the day. Feet tend to be larger in the evening due to swelling. Measure your feet at night to make sure your shoes fit well throughout the day.
Step 2. Measure your feet when wearing the socks you will use with your shoes
If you usually use socks with your shoes, put them on before taking the measurement. For example, running shoes or sneakers are usually worn with socks, so put them on before taking the measurement.
Some shoes, such as sandals or flats, are generally not used with socks, so you don't need to wear them to measure
Step 3. Try on your shoes before you buy them
Shoe size and sole width can help you find shoes that fit well. However, even if the measurements are correct, things like the shape of your foot can affect the fit of a shoe. It is always best to try them on before purchasing.
If you buy shoes online, be sure to place your order with a company that allows you to return and get a refund if they don't fit
Step 4. Buy only shoes that fit your larger foot well
One foot is usually slightly larger than the other. Use that foot's measurements to determine the width of the sole. This way the shoes will be comfortable for both feet.
