Shoe Sizing...

What is my shoe size?

No foot has a fixed or single size, but rather has several sizes and shapes. The foot is one size and shape at rest, another when you are bearing weight or standing upright, still another when walking or running (due to gravity and momentum), and again a different size under various conditions (heat, humidity, cold, normal swelling, etc.).

So, paradoxically, the question “what size is my shoe size?” probably has no answer. It shows that shoe size is actually a kind of compromise.

Does this mean we throw up our hands in defeat? Not at all, we should still try to find the most accurate fit and this means you should not become fixated on what your size “number” is. The size and shape of the foot will also change as a woman ages, loses or gains weight, exercises, becomes pregnant or enters menopause.

What’ else can affect size?

• Style affects size. For example, a lace-up school shoe in a given size and width will usually measure and fit differently than a court shoe on the same size and width.
• Heel height affects size. Shoes on high versus low heels will fit differently on the same size.
• Materials can affect size. Two shoes of identical style and size, but one with an upper of leather and the other a non-leather upper, will often fit differently.
• Patterns affect size. The “cut” of different patterns will sometimes resolve into a different fit on shoes marked the same size.
• Lasts affect size. Lasts are the solid shape a shoe is manufactured around dictating the size, heel height and toe shape. Lasts are designed on countless different shapes, each with its own volume or inner space allowance, which in turn affects the dimensions and the fit.
• Constructions affect size. The process by which a shoe is made can sometimes influence size and hence fit.
• Shoe manufacturers influence size. Some overseas manufaturers impose thier own size “standards” on lasts, and these will often differ from those of local manufacturers which are more suited to the South African population.

These among other reasons, are why different shoes of identical sizes and widths usually do not measure or fit the same. We encourage you to try a number or a half number up or down.

Hints:

• Try on new shoes towards the end of the day when feet are most swollen.
• Fit the shoes to the longest foot and the longest toe on that foot.
• Allow 1cm ahead of the longest toe for closed shoe styles.
• Allow a pinch grip of “leather looseness” across the top of the vamp of the shoes.
• Check that the ball of your foot is sitting at the ball flex bend of the shoe, not ahead of it or behind it.
• Match the shape of the shoe to the shape of your feet!

Froggie shoes provide a large range of different styles and constructions.

Call the SA Podiatry Association 0861 100 249 to locate your nearest podiatrist.

Foot Facts brought to you by Froggie 031 450 0207, in the interest of better footcare.