How to Measure Your Shoe Size at Home

Getting an accurate foot measurement is the foundation of finding your perfect shoe size, especially when shopping across different international sizing systems. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

What You'll Need

• A blank sheet of paper (larger than your foot)
• A pen or pencil
• A ruler or measuring tape (in centimeters)
• A hard, flat surface to stand on

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Surface

Place the sheet of paper on a hard floor (not carpet). Tape it down if necessary to prevent it from moving. Stand on the paper wearing the type of socks you'll most commonly wear with your shoes.

Step 2: Trace Your Foot

Stand with your full weight on both feet. Have someone trace around your foot with a pen held vertically, keeping the pen perpendicular to the paper and close to your foot. If you're doing it alone, trace one foot at a time.

Step 3: Measure the Length

Using your ruler, measure the distance from the back of your heel (the bottommost point) to the tip of your longest toe. This is your foot length. Write it down in centimeters.

Step 4: Measure the Width (Optional)

Measure the widest part of your foot tracing, typically across the ball of the foot. This helps determine if you need narrow, standard, or wide shoes.

Step 5: Measure Both Feet

Repeat for both feet. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always use the larger measurement when selecting your shoe size.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Measure in the evening — feet naturally swell throughout the day and are largest in the late afternoon/evening
• Wear your typical socks — the thickness of your socks affects the fit
• Stand, don't sit — your foot spreads under your body weight
• Add 0.5cm — for comfort, especially for closed-toe shoes
• Measure regularly — foot size can change over time due to age, weight changes, or pregnancy

Understanding Size Systems

Different countries use different sizing systems, which is why the same foot can be a US 9, EU 42, UK 8, or JP 27. Here's a quick overview:

• US/Canada — Uses an incremental system starting from a child's size 0. Men's and women's sizes are different scales.
• UK — Similar to the US system but offset by about 0.5-1 size.
• EU (European) — Based on the Paris point system, which measures in 2/3 cm increments. Unisex numbering.
• JP (Japan) — Simply uses foot length in centimeters. The most straightforward system.
• KR (Korea) — Uses foot length in millimeters (e.g., 270mm).

Converting Your Measurement

Once you have your foot length in centimeters, use our shoe size converter to find your size in any international system. Simply select your source system, enter your size or measurement, and get instant conversions.

When Sizes Fall Between Two Numbers

If your measurement falls between two sizes, we recommend sizing up for comfort. This is especially important for athletic shoes and boots, where your foot needs room to move. For dress shoes and heels, you might prefer the snugger fit of the smaller size.