Fit 101

Get Your Feet Measured

Absolutely, the MOST important element of selecting a new shoe and the most ignored by your so-called shoe salespeople. Most businesses today are following the "stack 'em high and let 'em fly" mentality of retail. Simply put, they let you sell the shoes to yourself  by either stacking the shoes on racks with no service or having a sales person bring them out of the back room and plopping them on the floor in front of you to try on for yourself.

Big Feet Store is dedicated to the lost art of fitting, as you know. Unfortunately, we may not have a store near you yet, so here are some tips on measuring for proper fit to keep in mind when you go into your local store. (But, of course, once you have been measured - COME BACK HERE AND BUY!) All kidding aside, our core value of Education states that we are more concerned with the health of your feet tomorrow, than the sale today.

The first rule - Measure Both feet

big TIP: “By measuring, you know your foot size. The shoe size will depend on which shoe you select.”

 Why? Because of course, you are measuring your feet, not your shoes. If you do not already know it, shoes can vary greatly in size, width, and shape, even if they are marked as the same “size”. There are no absolute standards for shoe sizes, so it is really impossible to know what size you are without trying on a shoe and evaluating the fit. If you look in your closet, you probably have three different sizes of pants, but they all fit the same. (Naturally, the lowest size is the one we quote whenever asked!) But you need a place to start—and that is with foot size.  

Most foot measurement devices give you 2 or 3 measurements--toe length, width, and possibly arch or ball length- -but that is it. They do not take into any consideration any circumferential measurements or the almost unlimited assortment of shapes and varieties of feet that exists.

 As you will see with the variables involved with every foot you measure and with the limited capabilities we presently have, shoe fitting is much more of an art than a science. That is why foot evaluation is equally important to foot measurement, Properly fitting depends more on skill and knowledge and less on hard, set rules and measurements.  

For starters, measure both feet. In many stores only the right foot is measured, perhaps because shoes are typically packed with right shoes on top. But studies done by both the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society and the Pedorthic Footwear Association, with large numbers of subjects, have shown that the vast majority of people do not have the same “kind” of feet. 

 What do these studies mean? Simply put, most people’s feet, left to right, are different sizes. The difference usually is not as big as two or three shoe sizes; instead the difference between the left and the right foot is usually minor. That “minor” difference can affect the shoe size, width or style you should select. And it probably explains a lot about the problems you have had in the past! You will be doing a disservice to yourself if you don’t have both feet measured. 

Measure your feet the way you plan to wear the shoes. For example, if you plan to wear "boat shoes"  without socks, it stands to reason you should measure without socks. The same is true if you are wearing running shoes and heavy sports socks when you come into the store, but you want to buy dress shoes. It stands to reason you wouldn’t obtain a meaningful measurement with heavy athletic socks when you will be wearing thinner hosiery with the dress shoes. Use common sense and, of course, always consider what hosiery (Socks) you plan to wear with your new shoes.

big TIP: If you are pregnant, you should know that the feet of pregnant women can swell one whole size.  During pregnancy, it is important to forgo the fashionable pumps and make sure you're as comfortable as possible.  When you're pregnant, buy a few pair of functional and versatile shoes that fit your "temporary" feet and can be worn with several outfits.  You'll be happier in a pair of properly fitted shoes and even the fashion police will forgive you for not making use of the other 1,000 pair of shoes in your closet. 

big TIP: For those over 65, you should now that your feet have been through a lot - 65+ years of walking, running, standing and being squished into improperly fitted shoes!  (As if you didn't already know that!) If you're over 65, make sure to follow all the steps here to find a properly sized shoe to fit your feet.  Also, look for shoes that are sturdy and have rubber soles to allow for the most stability in every situation.  Safety is a number one priority. 

Now you are just getting your feet wet! You need to move on to  Fit 101 - Part 2