Finding Shoes that Actually Fit: How to Measure your Feet

Most people don’t pay much attention to the size of their shoes after their feet stop growing. But according to a recent study, only about a third of people wear the correct shoe size. Why is this? Surprisingly enough, it is just as important to determine the width of your feet as it is the length. In fact, wide feet are much more common than you think, which often leads to people wearing the wrong size. If you are asking yourself whether you need wide shoes, we’ll go over some tips on how to find out.

If you’re looking to get a new pair of shoes but aren’t sure which size or style is best for your feet, you’re not alone. Many people have difficulty finding shoes that fit right and feel comfortable. If your feet have always felt cramped no matter what shoes you wear, it could just be that you need wider-fitting shoes. With the right shoe width, you can avoid foot pain and enjoy shoes that actually feel comfortable to walk in!

If you think you might have wide feet, the best way to determine your correct size is to measure your feet. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Measure at Night

When measuring your feet, the time of day is critical. You are probably aware that when you weigh yourself at night, it's common to be a few pounds heavier than in the morning. Similarly, your feet expand throughout the day and can be slightly larger in evening hours. For this reason, we recommend waiting until nighttime to measure your feet.

2. Trace Your Feet

Grab a pen and a piece of paper to trace your feet. You may also consider wearing socks before measuring, if you usually wear socks with your shoes. Stand on the paper and use the pen to trace around the perimeter of your feet, being sure to point the pen straight down, rather than angling it inwards or outwards. To get the correct width, measure across the broadest part of your foot. Next, measure the length from your longest toe down to the end of your heel. You should also measure both feet as one may be slightly larger than the other.

For an alternative method, we recommend using Adelante's remote sizing guide below to measure foot length, width, and calf width.

3. Review Your Measurements

Once you know your measurements, you can properly determine your need for wide or narrow shoes. If you're still unsure, contact our customer service team or schedule a virtual appointment with our sizing concierges to guarantee a perfect fit!

Shoe width is typically described with a letter or group of letters, such as “A” for narrow or “EEE” for super wide. Keep in mind that the need for wide shoes is just as much about the length of your feet as it is the width. For example, if your foot is 3.5 inches wide and you wear a size 7.5, this is considered standard (B) width. However, if your foot is 3.5 inches wide and you wear a size 5, you’ll need a wide (D) shoe.

Once you’ve measured your feet and determined if you need wide shoes, the next step is to find the perfect pair. At Adelante, we believe comfortable shoes can make a world of difference with your health and happiness. If you have been wearing standard sized footwear for a long time and want something more accommodating, then a wider shoe may be just what you need. All of our styles are made-to-order for any length and width, so you’ll always have plenty of comfortable styles to choose from.

If you ever have trouble finding the right pair of boots, Adelante is proud to offer a variety of sizing options you won't find anywhere else. With sizes from 4 to 17, widths from A to EEEEE, and 14 calf width options, you are guaranteed to find the perfect fit. To find yours, browse our extensive collection of custom leather shoes today!