Fit 101 - Part 2

The Brannock Device

There is more than one tool for measuring your foot, but the most common and in our opinion the best, is the Brannock Device. Now we must warn you, you are in the PhD section of the web site, so go slow. There is probably more info here than you ever wanted to know, but hey, its cool! In fact, you will know how to measure better than the person at the store after this. They will thank you and your feet will thank you.

The Brannock measuring device is best because it gives three measurements—toe length, width, and arch length—basically all at one time and relatively easy. (The Brannock device also comes in men’s, women’s and children’s graduations,) 

Pop Quiz!

 Do you want to measure your feet standing (weight-bearing) or sitting (not-the-weight-bearing)?

 And the answer is....

So you can obtain as much information as possible, the answer to the question should be both. Measure standing and sitting. Particularly with the Brannock device, you can potentially see many meaningful differences in the two types of measurements.

While seated, measure both feet making sure your legs are at a 90-degree angle to the Brannock.  Measure heal-to-toe, heal to ball, and width.

Then repeat this process, but this time standing. MAKE SURE YOUR FEET ARE EVEN!

 When standing, the foot can take on a completely different shape, size, and width. It can elongate and pick up additional toe length as well as ball length.  The forefoot can spread out, increasing width.  The midfoot with pronation can get much wider.  Toe deformities can relax or become more prominent.  All of these variables can and must be observed and noted to assist in the shoe fitting process. 

 You will notice that there will always be two sets of numbers to read. The size marking graduations that are to be used are the ones that you can read if your are facing the person being measured.  The markings that look right you (to the person being measured) are wrong for the foot being measured.

Now that you know how to use a Brannock, there are 3 key parts to measuring  your foot properly. They are:

1. Heel to Toe Length
2. Ball and Arch Length
3. Measuring the Width

Click here to continue the lesson.